Thursday, July 21, 2011
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Julian Rocks Marine Reserve & Dive Site
Before visiting Byron Bay, my perception of the place was that my trip would be mainly party oriented with some beach time during the day. I arrived in the morning on a shuttle from Surfers Paradise and walked straight into a shop to ask about diving a place I had read was one of the top 10 dive sites in Australia, Julian Rocks. They quickly ushered me over to the Byron Bay Dive Centre and said a boat was leaving in a few minutes.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
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White Sand, Clear Water, Palm Trees. Typical Mana Island
Mana island is one of 333 fijian islands, just a 4 hour boat ride from Nadi from about $50 return. Mana island is a lovely little island you can easily walk round in about 3 hours providing you're steady on your feet as you do have to clamber over rocks round some of the edges. The accommodation on Mana varies from budget to exclusive with the island having its own airstrip its a popular destination for families and honeymooners as well as backpackers. The island seems to be split in to 3 sections, the section where you arrive on the boat is where all the backpacker accommodation is, some more expensive than others. I stayed at 'Serenas' which was $35 a night with 3 meals included; the dorm rooms were basic as was the one cold tap used as a shower. Although the family that ran it were lovely and very helpful i wouldn't recommend it, the food was questionable, often cold, and I personally don't enjoy doughnuts for breakfast. The situation was similar next door at Mana Lagoon, although they have a small games room and the only shop on the island.