Christmas in Australia, by Declan

I had lots of fun in Australia.  First we stayed in Sydney.  We went on a ferry to a secret island where we played on a playground.   We also hiked to an old fort that protected the harbor in old-fashioned times.  Santa found us in our hotel room, and we had lots of toys in our stockings.  

Then we went up into the Blue Mountains and went to Nina and Lloyd's house.  I liked eating lemon bread and playing at their house with "tiny Louie".  I also liked going on a hike that took us into the clouds!    One day we went to Mudgee and I dove off the small board at the pool, and then some older boys told me how to dive off the high dive, and I did.  It was about 20 feet high and it felt awesome!!!

Next we found a camping spot and made marshmallows!  It rained a lot and we almost got flooded, but our tent was strong and holded up.  My Dad and I went on a hike to a cave, while my mom and brothers were on the old Zigzag Railway train.  When we were camping at another site in Dharug National Park, we made a big campfire and roasted more marshmallows.  My Dad got bitten by Jack Jumper ants, and my brother Aran got a leech on his toe.  When we poured salt on it, it curled up and walked away, and Aran started laughing!

At the end of our trip, I played cricket with my friends on the coast and we went to a beach with gigantic waves.  My mum and I had a good swim.   On the plane home I played "Invasion," which is a game where you have to protect the earth from aliens.  

I had a good time in Australia, and I want to go back soon! 

G'day mates - Declan