Max, Izabella, Lauren and Chris were a few of the residents who went on the Wollongong trip

On Saturday 17th of April a group of IH residents set off by mini bus to explore the countryside, wineries, natural attractions and beaches of the Southern Highlands and the Illawarra. After a spot of wine tasting and general banter with the local oenologists (experts in the science of making wine!) we took in the beautiful natural surrounds of Fitzroy Falls. We then descended along the winding Macquarie Pass before visiting the spectacular Nan Tien or "Paradise of the South" temple at Berkeley, the largest Buddhist temple in the southern hemisphere.

A weary group eventually arrived at the YHA in Wollongong to set up camp for the night where some well earned afternoon rest was followed by dinner, drinks, pubbing and clubbing until the wee hours of the morning!

The sleep-in Sunday morning didn't last long as the group made a bee line for North Wollongong Beach for some breakfast followed by impromptu surfing lessons from our unofficial surf instructor Chris. Everyone certainly made the most of the warm weather and beautiful surf conditions as we relaxed on the beach throughout the day.

The highlight of Sunday's activities came at about 2pm when self confessed adrenalin junkie, Izabella leapt from a plane at 40,000ft in a tandem skydive. After a lengthy free fall, Izabella parachuted to the ground safely much to the delight of the cheering crowd!

A fun and relaxing weekend had by all. Thanks to Babak who did a marvellous job as photographer for the weekend.

Please stay tuned and look out for future IH weekend trips as I have big (possible snowy!) plans for second semester.