Day 15 - Thursday 14th July


Today we'd be flying back to Sydney via Brisbane. I set the alarm for 7am and we went downstairs to the hotel restaurant for breakfast at 8am. We needed to move tables several times to find a place that was out of the cold wind. It was another bright sunny day and so the final table was in the sun.

Back in our room, we were packed for a pickup by our driver at 10:15 to take us to the airport but he arrived early at 10am. Just as well we were ready.


At the airport, there were long queues for Jetstar etc but there was only one couple in front of us at Qantas business class checkin. We'd settled into the business class lounge by about 10:40 and at that time it wasn't crowded but by the time we left most seats were taken.

Although, the flight was due to leave at 12:15pm, it was a full flight and so it was more like 12:30 before we departed. We were in row 1 - which I thought be ideal - but not so because there was nowhere to store bags in front of us - it all had to go in the overhead locker. A  lesson learned for next time.


I had the window seat and so I was able to take photos of the scenery including coral reefs as we flew south over the sea. Initially we flew over the sea and then we flew inland. 

I was amazed by the fabulous views of the colours below - beautiful blue oceans, sandy beaches, greens and browns of the countryside, dark greens of the forests and the mountains, occasional rivers and roads. What a beautiful country.

There was wifi onboard. They served us a delicious lunch of chicken with a cab sav and coffee. I was full by the time we reached the business class lounge at Brisbane airport.


Our flight to Sydney boarded at 3:50pm and soon we were soaring above the clouds which unfortunately blocked much of the view this time. However, we got a good view of the Gold Coast in the distance.

Once again it was a very full flight.  I was still full and didn't have anything to eat or drink (apart from water), despite the good choices available.


By the time we reached Sydney it was dark and, although we flew over the city, it was hard to get good photos. Mind you, it was a great view for us passengers because of the bright full moon, the disappearing sunset, the illuminated orange clouds and the sparkling city lights below.

After collecting our luggage, the taxi queue was short and we were home soon after 6:30pm. Milo was very pleased to see us. Philip had cooked dinner for me. We were home after our adventure to the northern extremities of Qld.

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