Australia is pretty much the unexpected. It is a place where the world’s oldest cultures share this land with some of the world’s cutest (and deadliest) animals, pristine beaches, stylish cities and the world’s largest coral reef. Unsurprisingly, it is also one of the happiest countries / continents in the world. Fair Dinkum (genuine)!
From beautiful beaches to breathtaking deserts to astounding mountains to unique wildlife, Australia really does have it all. So many bucket list experiences down under, from surfing Byron Bay, exploring the Great Barrier Reef, or gawking at Uluru……all of which we did last visit here in 2019. This time we wanted to explore new territory and interact with more kangaroos and koalas of course:) Birding in the Gold Coast is simply spectacular!
Australia is the most sparsely populated continent In the world with approximately 24 million residents. There are twice the amount of kangaroo, and 3 times the amount of sheep! To help curb the kangaroo population, eating kangaroo meat has become commonplace.
Australia was originally a British penal colony. In the late 1700s, British colonizers arrived in New South Wales, bringing with them delinquents meant to live in Australia as punishment. Even the country’s first police force was made up of the most well-behaved convicts.
Food & Beverage
Blessed with an array of climates, from the warm tropical north to the cooler southern regions, there’s very little Australia can’t grow or produce. And given its multicultural population, most cuisines show up on menus in one way or another.
Most of the food in Australia is unfettered by tradition. It seems they have expertly combined native bush foods, seafood and endemic proteins such as crocodile, kangaroo and emu, with the flavours and spices of their Asian neighbors. It is truly a cuisine that speaks to their history, geography and diverse population.
Vegemite is a thick, salty, savory paste that has a cult following in Australia and beyond. It can be used as both a condiment and a seasoning for many dishes. It’s made from the byproduct of beer brewing. The yeast is from barley and wheat with some vegetable flavoring, like onion, carrot, and celery, and seasonings added into the mix. Malt extract and B vitamins are also integral to the recipe and help give Vegemite its unique flavor and health benefit.
Most people spread it on toast. Now, one is supposed to spread it on very thinly because it is so salty. Even though vegemite embodies Australia, and even though I spread it on a little too thick, I just can’t love this weird condiment. I’ve tried, and I actually would prefer to starve to death than eat it! LOL
Fun fact: Vegemite is actually banned in prisons in the state of Victoria to prevent inmates from brewing alcohol. Officials claim the dark brown paste, made from leftover brewers’ yeast, can be used to make alcohol using the paste’s high yeast content.
Fairy Bread is sliced white bread spread with butter and covered with multi-colored round “hundreds and thousands,” which is the Australian term for sprinkles. It is then typically cut into triangles. It dates all the way back to the 1920s in Australia, where the recipe was first mentioned in The Hobart Mercury newspaper. The article describes children consuming fairy bread at a party. Since that time fairy bread has been particular to children’s birthday parties in both Australia and New Zealand:)
Gummy Shark or “Flake” are endemic to Australian waters. The majority are caught in fisheries managed by the Commonwealth and WA governments. Gummy sharks are commonly used as the fish in “fish & chips” in Australia. These sharks reach reproductive maturity at 4-5 years of age, with males maturing at a smaller size than females. As such, they are considered to be a sustainable populations of fish.
Camel has a taste and texture similar to mild beef.
Comparable to common proteins, camel meat is much lower in intramuscular fat, lower cholesterol, and high in iron content, offering a nutritional edge over beef and lamb. It is sourced from Central Australia (the desert part).
Emu is part of the red meat family with an intense, deep color and flavor. Often compared to beef or game, these meats are very rich in flavor and boast low-fat levels and high nutritional values. Personally, emulsified is my favorite of all the game meat I’ve tried while visiting Australia.
Crocodile is not bad. Australia has two crocodile species, fresh and saltwater. In the past, both were hunted mainly for their skin. Over the years, the advancement in gastronomy and cooking has meant that crocodile meat has become more popular for foodies.
Crocodile meat has quite a unique taste, and it is definitely worth trying at least once! Crocodile meat is mild in flavor, with its firm and tender texture of succulent white meat. The meat flakes apart with ease and crocodile may have a slight fishy taste depending on where it is caught. It is sometimes likened to calamari which I can stand behind as an accurate description.
Kangaroo is an abundant meat in Australia. For most of the 20th Century, kangaroo meat was banned from being sold for human consumption in at least 3 Australian states. However, after its legalization in South Australia in 1980, it is now a popular meat. It has become a supermarket and household staple.
Kangaroo meat is uniquely lean with a rich and robust flavor, comparable to game. You can tell this just by petting a kangaroo. They are all muscle! Foodies love it for its bold and earthy flavors whilst still being low in fat yet high in iron and zinc. It has a stronger flavor than beef or lamb and is similar in lean-ness to chicken or rabbit. I would describe it as a cross between venison and buffalo meat. It is my least favorite bush meat. Perhaps because I can’t get past how cute kangaroos actually are.
McOz burger is a McDonalds favorite in Australia. They offer a chicken or beef version. It is a 100% Aussie beef topped with juicy beetroot, fresh lettuce, tomato, onions, Macca’s cheese, mustard, ketchup, and the signature McChicken sauce. It was worth a try!
Pavlova sounds fancy, but it’s essentially just a large meringue, topped with cream and fruit. It was named after the Russian Ballerina, Anna Pavlova and it was created for her while she was on tour in Australia and New Zealand. It’s since become a national dessert in both countries. I first tried this intriguing dessert almost 15 years ago while traveling around New Zealand. Pavlovas are simply divine!
Tim Tam is a brand of chocolate biscuit introduced by the Australian biscuit company Arnott’s in 1964. It’s basically 2 malted biscuits separated by a light hard chocolate cream filling and coated in a thin layer of textured chocolate. Tim Tams went on to the market in 1964. They were named by Ross Arnott after he attended the 1958 Kentucky Derby and decided that the name of the winning horse, Tim Tam, was perfect for his then “new line” of biscuits.
Lamington cakes are synonymous with Australia. Here, they are considered a must have. They are essentially very moist cake squares dipped in velvety chocolate or vanilla icing and covered in coconut. An utterly delicious and a yummy light snack:) Also, I got to use the word moist! LOL!
ANZAC biscuits have long been associated with the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) established in World War I. It is believed that these biscuits were made and sent by wives and women’s groups to soldiers abroad mainly because the ingredients do not spoil easily. These biscuits are a sweet treat made by rolling oats, flour, sugar, baking soda, butter, syrup snd boiling water. Simple and pretty filling!
Bundaberg Ginger Beer is craft brewed from a traditional family recipe that’s been handed down from generation to generation station. I love this stuff. It is made from Australian grown ginger, and it takes up to 3 days to brew every batch, ensuring maximum flavor in every bottle. You can hold a bottle up to the light and see the ginger flakes which is pretty nifty too 🙂
Brisbane
Brisbane is known as the sunniest capital in the country, with over 300 sunny days each year Brisbane’s history goes back a long way, well before British colonisation. The area is called Meanjin by the Turrbal people. Meanjin means ‘place shaped like a spike’. This is a reference to the ‘spike’ of land where the Brisbane central business district (CBD) is now located.
Brisbane is very user friendly. It has a ton of green spaces and trails (walking, running and biking) that run along the river. The paths are clean, safe, and not very crowded. We enjoyed getting up at sunrise, taking advantage of the cooler weather, and enjoying the numerous trails the city has to offer.
Like many other Australian capitals, Brisbane has a clearly defined grid of streets that form its CBD. But there’s a secret hidden in the design: many of its streets got their names from British royalty. Those running diagonally from northeast to southwest are named after female royals including Adelaide, Charlotte, Margaret and Elizabeth. Those running in a perpendicular direction are named after male royals, such as Albert, Edward, and George.
In 2021, Brisbane was chosen to host the Summer Olympics and Paralympics in 2032. It will be the third time the Olympics and Paralympics have been hosted in Australia, after Sydney in 2000 and Melbourne in 1956. A great choice if you ask me! Brisbane is a hop, skip and a jump from the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast which gives explorers some options when choosing things to do and places to go!
Flying-foxes are the largest flying mammals in the world. They are nocturnal and they are native to Australia. They are important to the environment as they support biodiversity and play an integral role in the reproduction, regeneration and dispersal of plants across the landscape. In Brisbane, there are thousands of them.
When at a roost or feeding, flying-foxes will “squawk” loudly. The sound is akin to a cross between screeches and cackles. This type of communication allows them to establish their personal roost sites or feeding territories, ward off rivals, stay in touch with their offspring, and warn others of possible threats.
Things to do in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast
Cruising the Brisbane River as it snakes through the city and stop along the way is a fantastic way to take in the sights. The waterway is so iconic that Brisbane is nicknamed the River City. While cruising upstream, we were able to pass under the numerous bridges and learn about their history and construction. In a warm day, the breeze was so nice as we cruised upstream passing in front of some of the most expensive houses in the region.
The Australia Zoo is home of “The Crocodile Hunter”, Steve Irwin. Nestled on more than 110 acres and with more than 1200 amazing animals, it’s the most interactive conservation destination on the planet! This gem is located on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
You can cuddle a koala, feed their uber friendly kangaroos or even walk a wombat! There’s African animals on their own savannah, and even a red panda. It wasn’t too hard to a spot ring-tailed lemurs, giant Aldabra tortoises, and colorful parrots. The premises are well maintained and very easy to get around however, the property is large. There was lots of walking involved!
There is also a Wildlife Warriors Show in the world-famous Crocoseum, with all the slithering, swooping, jaw-snapping action of epic saltwater crocodiles, birds and snakes! Murray was Steve Irwin’s pride and joy, and today he is still a big part of his legacy as he comes out for a fantastic show in the afternoons.
Plus, you can even visit the pet hospital with is one of the biggest in the country!
Tamborine National Park, is located in South East Queensland, Australia. Situated within the Gold Coast Hinterland and part of the Scenic Rim Regional Council. There are several lush rain forest walks to choose from ranging in difficulty.
There are a network of easily accessible nature trails throughout the park including a canopy skywalk which was impressive (and high up!) as you walk past flooded gums, peaceful waterfalls, and tranquil rock pools. This rainforest lets you take in the fresh mountain air while admiring the spectacular views from numerous lookouts points along the way.
Curtis Falls was another nice way to spend a morning or afternoon. This enchanting walk begins in wet eucalypt forest beneath towering flooded gums. Notice a drop in temperature as the wet eucalypt forest merges into lush rainforest. Beautiful crows nest and staghorn ferns can be seen in the canopy above. The rock pool and surrounding basalt rock face provide important glow-worm and platypus habitat. We didn’t see any platypuses, I wish we had!
Tamborine Glow Worm Cave is a rad way to spend an hour. Glow worms require a permanently moist (there’s that word again) habitat for their survival and are therefore dependent on rainforests and wet caves for their continued survival. Sadly, rainforest habitats in Australia are shrinking due to climate change and human impacts.
Glow worms have a molecule called luciferin, when it is combined with oxygen, it creates oxyluciferin. A chemical reaction with the light-emitting enzyme luciferase produces their illuminations. These illuminations attract insects that fly into the silk they create to trap the insects.
Tamborine Mountain Glow Worm Cave is also a glow worm sanctuary that was built to allow visitors to see glow worms during the daytime, without damaging delicate wild habitats and colonies. This place is a sustainable, eco-friendly experience. This protected glow worm cave at Mount Tamborine provides the ideal conditions for glow worms within a controlled environment, removing the impacts of decreasing rainforests.
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is the world’s first and largest koala sanctuary. This sanctuary is dedicated to improving knowledge of this iconic marsupial, and continues to support research investigating koala behaviour, disease and infection, anatomy, physiology, captive management, nutrition, reproduction and development.
It is home to over 100 koalas and 75 species of other Australian native animals. Lone Pine is a perfect place to get up close and personal with Australia’s furry, feathery, and scaly friends in a natural, intimate setting. We chose to partake in a “Koala moment” session where we got to meet a koala and their carer.
Koalas are a strange animal. They eat eucalyptus constantly. They get their water from the eucalyptus they ingest. What makes them strange is that the eucalyptus is actually toxic to them. They require a special type of enzyme in order to be able to tolerate it. Koalas aren’t born with this enzyme. Instead, they get it from their mothers after they are done breastfeeding. The mama marsupial will cover her tummy and chest in her own fecal matter and the baby will lick it off of her in order to get that special enzyme. Pretty gross and fascinating at the same time.
They even have a resident platypus named “Barak” who just had his 26th birthday. The Platypus is such a unique animal, that when it was first discovered it caused much confusion and doubt amongst European scientists. Platypuses (and echidnas) are monotremes, which are different from other mammals because they lay eggs. Their body and broad flat tail are covered with dense waterproof fur for insulation, and they propel themselves through the water with short, webbed limbs. Platypuses spend 10-12 hours a day foraging underwater with their duck shaped bills, finding and sifting prey from the bottom of streams. Male Platypuses have a venomous spike on one of their feet which is super odd.
There is a daily schedule of shows, presentations, photo opportunities and free-range kangaroo feeding. They even have a new 360-degree crocodile viewing dome, where you can come face to face with Australia’s largest apex predator, the saltwater crocodile!
Tasmania
Tasmania is an island state 250 kms off the coast of Australia is famous for its Tasmanian devils. However, this slice of heaven on earth also has the world’s most breathable air. The strong westerly winds that carry clean air from across the Southern Ocean to Tasmania. Cape Grim Peninsula in the north-west of the state is considered to have the “cleanest air on the planet”.
Seriously, taking a deep breath of the cool, crisp air and exploring the island’s many beautiful places, from the numerous National Parks to Cradle Mountain is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself.
Hobart
Hobart is one of the only major cities where you can experience the southern lights year-round. Year round!!!!! Its proximity to the south magnetic pole gives this location an unobstructed view for the spectacular atmospheric phenomenon aurora australis 🙂 we caught a glimpse of them and we were elated!
Things to do in and around Hobart
MONA or the Museum of Old and New Art is Described by its owner David Walsh as a “subversive adult Disneyland”. It will pull you out of your comfort zone for sure. MONA is Australia’s largest private museum and one of the most controversial private collections of modern art in the world.
Here, unique and provocative art was funded by an eccentric millionaire (Yes, really). It features a poop machine, the chocolate-coated entrails of a suicide bomber, and a vagina wall, which has become one of the biggest tourist destinations in Australia.
Mount Wellington is an astounding wonder, and few places in this world can hold a candle to the grandiose backdrop of Kunanyi or Mount Wellington which hangs out at 1300 metres above this gorgeous city. That’s almost 200 metres taller than Table Mountain in Cape Town. For Hobartians, “the mountain” is part of daily life: a place to walk, or ride mountain bikes.
Glow Worm Grotto …..Seeing the glow worms is easy in Tasmania. Once it gets dark, there are easy walking paths towards Russell Falls. There is a small glow worm grotto with some damp rock which overhangs on fallen trees.
After your eyes have adjusted to the dark, the luminous larvae of the mosquito-like insects become more visible, and can resemble a field of stars in the night sky.
The Cascade Brewery is Australia’s oldest brewery. It was established in 1824 and an iconic Tasmanian brand. It produces a range of beers and alcoholic ciders using Tasmanian barley and hops for its mainstream beers and combines it with fresh mountain water to create beer that has been celebrated for well over a century. The surrounding gardens can be explored as well and are a beautiful place to take a stroll.
Mount Field National Park is a gem of a place to go hiking. Besides the numerous hiking trails, there are waterfalls and lots of wildlife like wallabies and the Tasmanian Devil. We came for the trails and waterfalls and we ended up seeing a Tassie Devil up close which was really neat 🙂
Platypus Walk is a beautiful river path that runs along the Kermandie River adjacent to Heritage Park in Geeveston. Starting from the Visitor Centre the walk crosses Heritage Park down to the waters edge. From here you can head in either direction along the riverbank where there will be a timber viewing platform overlooking a calm section of the river.
From this vantage point, you can try to see that many platypus that call this place home. They are most active at dusk and dawn, all you have to do is look for the bubbles 🙂 We found several, and they were magnificent to observe in the wild. Tasmania has a large number of them and they are of the larger species to boot.
Port Arthur Historic site is one of 11 Australian Convict Sites, noted by UNESCO as ‘the best surviving examples of large-scale convict transportation and the colonial expansion of European powers. Built in the 1830s from a small timber station in south-eastern Tasmania. The stunning landscapes and vistas are a stark contrast to its dark history.
It used to called the “inescapable prison” as the surrounding waters are reputed to be shark-infested, escape attempts were rare. The prison’s population dwindled and by the 1870s, and remaining inmates were too old, ill or mentally unstable to be used as a labour force.
Given this, the prison closed its doors in 1877. On April 28–29, 1996, a shooting spree left 35 people dead and 18 wounded. Martin Bryant, was later sentenced to 35 life terms. It was the country’s most tragic mass murder and it led to stricter gun controls, notably a near ban on all fully automatic or semiautomatic firearms.
Tasmania National Park (Remarkable Cave) is one way to experience the power and might of the Southern Ocean. This place is truly a geological oddity just down the road from Port Arthur. It’s aptly named , it really is remarkable! This sea cave is actually more of a tunnel. In fact, it’s really 2 tunnels through the sea cliffs that join together.
The Tasmanian Devil Unzoo is an innovative concept that was created in 2005 when the idea of moving zoos away from their traditional design as a series of enclosures displaying animals for human entertainment was challenged.
Instead of animals being in enclosures for the benefit of humans, this Unzoo invites humans into natural habitats in which cages or barriers are removed or concealed. This encourages the animals to interact with the environment. This way, the animals have more freedom and dignity. For us humans, the whole goal is to experience a more personal and memorable encounters with the wildlife and nature.
Tasmanian devils deliver the strongest chomp for size of any mammal in the world! They can literally open their jaws up to 80 degrees and bite down with enough brute force to crush bone. Putting them in cages would prove to be futile really.
Ile des Phoques or Island of Seals, is a marine sanctuary renowned for its vibrant underwater ecosystems. In fact, it has been acclaimed as one of the world’s best cold water diving locales. By taking a boat tour, we were able to observe the painted and fossil cliffs. All of which are stunning geological formations, and limestone caves left us marveling.
The natural beauty of this unique landscape also has cliff top stalactites on full display. The cruise around the island hails many opportunities to catch a glimpse of Australian fur seals, dolphins, and albatross.
The seals are very playful and like to show off around the boat. The colony was pretty chill and let us close to them sunbathing on the rocks. There were quite a few babies which was fun to see.
Hadley’s Orient Hotel High Tea & Murder Mystery was a tremendously unique and cool way to spend an afternoon. We booked a 2 hour time slot to be able to really take our time and truly indulge in the sweet delicacies this glorious hotel had to offer. There was a wonderful selection of fine loose leaf teas and coffee, and freshly baked Hadley’s signature scones, delicate finger sandwiches and sweet treats reminiscent of the Victorian-era.
What made this experience particularly unique, is that we participated in a murder mystery scenario while enjoying our high tea.
Maria Island National Park is a special place where long sandy beaches, turquoise water, mountaintop vistas, and abundant wildlife. Spectacular cliffs wrap around the eastern side of Maria Island. As a result, it provides a perfect vantage point for watching birds dive and swoop into the ocean.
On the western side of the island, the Painted Cliffs are one of Maria Island’s more memorable spectacles. They showcase the power of nature that has weaved its way through its contours. The combination of wind and waves has eroded the sandstone to reveal a striking facade.
Darlington Convict Settlement is a World Heritage-listed convict site. It actually pre-dates Port Arthur. Its history dates back to 1824 but was quickly closed in 1832 when escapes were the norm. displays unique convict history dating back to 1824. Eventually, the entire area and its buildings succumbed to nature.
Today, it has become a sanctuary to Tasmanian native wildlife. Still, it remains a fascinating reminder of the complicated convict history that has bad such an incredible influence on this island. They are at least 1000 wombats that live here. They make burrows in the ground that they plug with their bums to prevent anything from getting in. Wombats also have square poop because they are territorial and their poop has to not roll downhill. So quirky!
I had several wombats come right up to me, eat some grass and walk off. I felt like a wombat whisperer! I was pretty excited that I got to see so many in the wild, and even more elated when I stood really still that they felt safe enough to approach me.
We hiked around the island and came across several Tiger snakes. When doing outdoor activities in Australia, one has to be super careful because there are very poisonous and deadly snakes and spiders…everywhere! Tiger Snakes are one of the most venomous snakes in the world. Their fangs are usually 3.5 – 5 mm in length. They can move very easily through water as well.
Melbourne
When gold was discovered in Victoria around the 1850s, the capital of Melbourne was essentially transformed from a small port town into the richest city in the world! Melbourne was once the region’s gold rush superstar and that history is still visible in Melbourne’s elegant Victorian architecture. Today, Melbourne is one of the world’s most livable cities, and it has become famous for its coffee culture and prolific street art scene.
Things to do in Melbourne
Hosier Lane is Melbourne’s most-celebrated laneway for street art. The colorful wall canvases draw copious crowds daily to observe and celebrate the graffiti. The changing subject matter covers political topics, cultural conversations, all sprinkled with humor.
Other renowned artists to have graced the lane with their ephemeral works include ABOVE (USA), Shepard Fairey (USA), Invader (France), and D*FACE (GB), as well as local talents such as Ha Ha, Prism and Rone.
Many famous Australian and international artists’ works have been showcased in Hosier Lane. The area was first made famous in the global street art scene in the 1990s. The most well-known a Banksy stencil piece, “the Parachuting Rat” was mistakenly painted over by city council workers in 2010.
The Great Ocean Road tightly hugs the seaside cliffs that wind along the Southern Ocean. The breathtaking vistas along this iconic road are lined with craggy cliffs, and soaring bluffs. With its epic surf, empty beaches and striking wildlife, there is so much for the eyes to feast on while visiting this iconic Australian site.
The Great Ocean Drive is the world’s most scenic coastal touring routes. It spans 243 kms along state of Victoria’s south-west coastline. The stretch between Lorne and Apollo Bay is considered by many to be the most picturesque section of the Great Ocean Road. The highway is carved into sheer cliffs that drop away into the ocean, offering commanding views of the waves from Bass Strait and the Southern Ocean swelling and crashing onto the rocks and beaches below.
The 12 Apostles are soaring pillars that have been chiselled out of limestone over 10 to 20 million years. They are the highlight of the Great Ocean Road. Erosion caused by the stormy and unpredictable Southern Ocean and blasting winds gradually wore away the softer limestone to form caves in the cliffs.
The caves eventually became arches, and when these collapsed, rock stacks of up to 45-metres high were left isolated from the shore, resulting in the iconic 12 Apostles. Whether you are viewing them at sunrise and sunset, they will offer a different perspective by way of a brilliant sandy yellow colour under a full sun or a dark and foreboding in shadow.
The Bathing Boxes of Melbourne located on Brighton Beach are the most recognised of Melbourne’s beaches, and it is the rainbow huts that make it so memorable. Not only is it the most popular seaside segment of the city, but it is also the wealthiest, where a bathing box will cost you a jaw-dropping 200,000 AUD. For those that are lucky enough to own one of these boxes, they are a prized possession that is usually passed down through the family.
The boxes themselves aren’t a new phenomenon. In fact, they were built more than 100 years ago in answer to Victorian notions of morality when it came to seaside bathing. The brightly painted huts were set up so ladies could change into their swimwear in privacy, and they still retain their charm and classic architectural features to this very day. Made out of timber, weatherboards, and with corrugated iron roofs, they are a pretty edition to the sea views
These unique rainbow-coloured bathing boxes provide a majestic backdrop to Melbournes beaches. The bathing boxes have no electricity or running water but remain an iconic symbol of the summer 🙂 and are a status symbol around these parts!
The Great Otway National Park is an interesting combination of rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, rock platforms, and windswept heathland. The northern section boasts tall forests, lush fern gullies, magnificent waterfalls, and tranquil lakes, encompassing over 1,000 square kilometres of nature lover’s paradise. This park is home to lots of majestic Redwood trees as well. The forest is also abundant in eucalyptus trees, so there are lots of wild koalas. We saw one! Venomous snakes are also plentiful on the area so we had to be super mindful and attentive while hiking.
Phillips Island AKA Penguin Island is home to Australia’s largest penguin colony. There are about 32,000 of them.
The day we went, 3191 penguins made the nightly procession up the beach. Phillip Island locals have been watching the parade since the 1920s but viewing wasn’t formalised until the construction of stands in 1955. Little penguins are the smallest of the species. They grow to about 33cm and weigh just 1kg.
This tiny island sanctuary is bustling with seals, migratory whales, koalas and a variety of brilliant birdlife. With coastal surf, sheltered bays and dramatic cliffs, Phillips Island is also home to chocolate factories, mazes, mini-golf, and coastal walks. We definetly came for the penguins because we are both obsessed but there’s so much more to this penguin paradise.
Moonlit Sanctuary is the place to explore the Australian bushland while feeding kangaroos and wallabies. You can also pet friendly koalas and enjoy encounters with colourful birds, reptiles, dingoes and many other animals including endangered species.
Kangaroos have a mind blowing talent of being able to suspend a pregnancy that’s already begun if the weather and environment are too harsh and the mother knows she won’t be able to get enough water or food. The pregnancy will restart and pick up where it left off once she is confident she can stay healthy throughout. And oddly enough, male kangaroos have their testicles located above their penises….because the higher up they are, the less they bounce when they are motoring along. Wild!!!!
There are more than 60 Australian species are waiting to meet you at Moonlit Sanctuary. This sanctuary is only 50 minutes from central Melbourne, making it an ideal place to learn more about the fascinating animals that call Australia home.
Adelaide
Adelaide is the first and only UNESCO City of Music in Australia. The city was given its status in December 2015 as it holds many arts and music festivals throughout the year. We came during the Fringe Festival which showcases many comedians, musicians and other artistic performances. We actually flew on the same plane from Melbourne into Adelaide with band members from “I killed the Prom Queen”, which was cool. And Adelaide has excellent transport links. You can literally reach any point in the city within 20 minutes. Hence why it’s called the 20 min city 🙂
Adelaide is also recognized as one of the wine capitals of the world. South Australia produces more than half of all the wine in the country. According to Great Wine Capitals, Adelaide is the gateway to 18 distinctive, world-renowned wine regions which are diverse in climate, topography, rainfall and terrain.
Things to do in Adelaide
Dolphin River Cruise….Yes, dolphins are a guarantee in these parts and the local dolphin pod within the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary is pretty famous. Inside the Sanctuary you will find a 10,000 year-old mangrove forest, as well as seagrass, saltmarsh, tidal flats and tidal creeks, which all provide habitat and food for the dolphins. The Sanctuary is a part of South Australia’s largest port, and has a number of Aboriginal and European cultural and historical places of interest.
The Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary is one of the gems of metropolitan Adelaide. Located only 20 minutes from Adelaide, this marine park is home to around 30 resident bottlenose dolphins, with another 400 transient dolphins that visit at various times. These wild dolphins come here to feed, play, socialise and nurse their calves.
Adelaide also has a rich maritime history and evidence of it can be found all along the coast at the region’s many ship graveyards. There are 19 ship graveyards on the coast of South Australia and the biggest concentration of sites is near Adelaide. They actually look quite creepy as they rest in muddy banks, tidal creeks. Nestled between the mangroves, many of the ships are permanently exposed or revealed at low tide.
Adelaide Botanic Gardens is in the heart of the city but another world away…..the striking beauty and diversity of plants from across Australia and around the world are on full display among the 50 hectares. These magnificently maintained gardens and stunning architecture are well worth the visit.
Mount Lofty Summit is located in the Adelaide Hills, 15km from Adelaide’s CBD. Rising over 710m above sea level, the summit provides a picturesque panoramic view over Adelaide’s city skyline, as far as Kangaroo Island and Yorke Peninsula on clear days. This is a popular place to watch the sunset, the summit is also place for walkers to rest after hiking on one of the many trails before descending the hill.
The fertility of the surrounding plains, easy access to the Murray lowlands to the east and southeast, and the presence of mineral deposits in the nearby hills all contributed to the city’s growth. As an early agricultural marketing centre, it handled wheat, wool, fruits, and of course wine.
Hahndorf Town is just 25 minutes from Adelaide, and is Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement and still has a strong German flavour most evident in the smallgoods outlets, bakeries, pubs, restaurants and cafes that line the bustling main street.
Hahndorf Academy is a regional hub for the arts and heritage based in a charming 150-year-old building. It’s got 4 galleries, a migration museum, artist studios, and a retail gallery featuring the work of local artisans. We decided to have afternoon tea / coffee at the Hahndorf Inn 🙂
Beerenberg Farm is a family-owned farm that makes delicious homemade Australian jams, chutneys, gourmet relishes, and sauces! We experienced the joys of picking our own strawberries and exploring the farm shop. You can also enjoy fresh food and drink in the farm cafe, and take part in tastings, and cooking demonstrations!
Swimming with dolphins in the wild is an absolute gem in terms of activities to do in the area. The trip begins in the coastal town of Glenelg just after sunrise.
The dolphin pods hang out close to the shoreline, making easy to reach them. We travelled out with a team of marine biologists that help facilitate a safe and eco-ethical experience. The goal is to provide all swimmers an interaction with dolphins underwater without causing them any stress. It is literally the easiest snorkelling you will ever do, as your only requirement is to actually float, put your face down and enjoy the dolphin show going off below!
The numerous dolphins were playfully looping and spinning within inches of us! This type of interaction with these fascinating animals in their natural environment is truly a breathtaking and exhilarating experience. Dolphins are intelligent, and social creatures. This was one activity we really enjoyed because it was natural and unique. The dolphin pods we swam with were super playful. We had encounters with both the Indo Pacific Bottlenose dolphins and the Short beaked Common dolphins 🙂
Perth
Being located 2,104 km away from the next closest capital city, Adelaide, Perth is pretty isolated. However, Perth is referred to as the City of Light, and this nickname goes back to 1962 when astronaut, John Glenn, orbited the earth. When Glenn flew over Perth, everyone turned on their lights and thus making the city sparkle from up in space. Hence, the nickname, the City of Light!
Perth City is located in the ancient country of the Whadjuk Nyoongar people, who have been the traditional owners of the south west of Western Australia for at least 45,000 years! Perth is the longest city in the world. From one end to the other, it clocks in at 150 kms! Who knew?
Fun fact: remember the video rental store Blockbuster of the 90s nostalgia? Perth was home to the 2nd last remaining Blockbuster stores in the world. By the time Perth’s video and DVD rental store closed in 2019, other Blockbusters around the world had been closed for many years.
Things to do in and around Perth
Kings Park is both one of the world’s largest and most beautiful inner city parks and also a rich cultural heritage site. It is home to the spectacular Western Australian Botanic Garden, which has 3,000+ species of the State’s unique flora on display.
Botanic gardens are institutions holding documented collections of living plants for the purposes of scientific research conservation, display and education. The Western Australian Botanic Garden plays a vital role in the ex-situ conservation of Western Australian flora. Ex-situ is the term used to define the conservation of flora away from its natural habitat.
Western Australia is renowned for its rich and diverse flora, with the Western Australian Botanic Garden displaying some of the State’s most diverse and spectacular plant groups. From trees, shrubs, to annual wildflowers and everything in-between, scientists and horticulturists here are work hard to conserve them for future generations.
Western Australia is incredibly vast and diverse. It is the country’s largest state, and covers nearly 1/3 of the country. From stupendous rock formations and ancient Aboriginal sites to world-class wineries and unbelievably clear ocean waters, Western Australia is the land of endless exploration. And it is worth exploring….you can rent a car and just drive. What you will find is old mining and agricultural towns, lakes, desert, salt flats, native wildlife and spectacular forests.
Wave Rock is more than 2.7 billion years of wind and rainwater erosion have created a towering 110-metre-long break. The dazzling colours of the ancient granite provides the perfect photo backdrop. The epic grandeur of Wave Rock is mind-blowing. The area around Wave Rock inspires year-round, but come spring, purple dampiera, orange grevilleas, yellow cassia and other colourful wildflowers put on a spectacular display.
Mulka’s Cave comes from an Aboriginal legend associated with the cave. Mulka was the illegal son of woman who fell in love with a man with whom marriage was forbidden according to their law. It is believed that a result of breaking these rules, she bore a son with crossed eyes. Even though he grew to be an outstandingly strong man of colossal height, his crossed eyes prevented him from aiming a spear accurately and becoming a successful hunter. Legend has it that Mulka turned to catching and eating human children cause that seems like an appropriate response to not being able to hunt properly lol!and Mulka’s Cave, is where he lived.
Rottnest Island is home to the happiest animals on earth…. quokkas. Rottnest Island is full of pristine beaches, aquamarine bays, bike tracks and walking trails. Whadjuk Noongar people are the original Custodians of Rottnest, and the island holds a rich and complex history for Aboriginal people across the region.
Around 10,000 Quokkas live on Rottnest Island today. Overall the species are listed as vulnerable due to predation by feral animals (cats and foxes mostly), altered fire patterns and habitat loss.
Quokkas give birth just 27 days after mating to tiny, pink, hairless and blind joeys that find their way to its mother’s pouch. Joeys will stay there for 6 months. Like many other macropods, when threatened, Quokka mothers may throw their joeys from their pouches leaving them squealing on the ground. A chasing predator is attracted by this giving the mother time to get away. It sounds harsh but it’s better than both mother and baby ending up as prey. Pretty dark and morbid!
We found hundreds of them and they have A LOT of personality. They sleep with their heads planted into the ground almost like they are about to do a headstand. These animals are so stinkin’ cute! Oh my goodness 🙂 They love to interact with people and if you lie on the ground, there’s a pretty good chance they will come right up to you and get a selfie. If you are lucky, they may even smile and give you a bit of a kiss:) I was lucky, I got both 🙂
We did come across 2 dead quokkas. After a bit of research, I found out that late summer and early spring there is an increase of quokka deaths on Rottnest due to dehydration and starvation over the hot summer. We went towards the end of the summer (February) so that is probably why. It was quite disturbing to come across while hiking because we were disheartened at the thought that someone might have hurt these sweet creatures.
Lancelin Sand Dunes boasts Western Australia’s biggest Sand dunes. They are gigantic snow-white sand dunes stretches to the horizon. When atop of dune summits, you can take in panoramic views of the town, rolling farmland, beaches and islands as the sun sinks into the Indian Ocean. On any given day, you can see sand boarders, four-wheel drivers, bikers and dune buggy racing enthusiasts.
Pinnacles National Desert is located at the southern gateway to Australia’s Coral Coast, along the Indian Ocean Drive. The Pinnacles Desert of Nambung National Park is one of the major natural attractions in the region. The park is located roughly 200km, north of Perth, and covers an area of 17,487 hectares providing natural habitat for an extensive array of native animals and bird life.
The Pinnacles are amazing natural limestone structures, formed approximately 25,000 to 30,000 years ago after the sea receded and left deposits of sea shells. Over time, coastal winds removed the surrounding sand, leaving the pillars exposed to the elements. The Pinnacles range in height and dimension, some standing as high as 3.5m! What makes this desert breathtaking is its sunsets. They are impressive.
We decided to stay well past sunset to catch a glimpse of the stars in the southern hemisphere. We were lucky enough to see Venus, Jupiter and Mars as well as the Orion constellation and the Southern Cross. What an absolute treat that was!
Worth the visit or not: WORTH
Australia is truly a magnificent country with so many breathtaking gems sprinkled throughout. From deserted beaches to bustling cities, and a laidback lifestyle intertwined with art and culture. Australia has so much to offer.
In addition to knowing food, Australians most definitely know their coffee. Melbourne after all is Australia’s coffee capital. You haven’t lived until you try an authentic Aussie flat white…..and it if you order the iced coffee version, it typically comes with a scoop of vanilla ice! Melbourne also taught me that an “Americano” is called a “Long Black” down under.
Wildlife is intrinsically linked with Australian culture. There are emus and kangaroos on the 50-cent coins and coat of arms and kookaburras on the cricket bats. The Queensland Reds rugby team has a koala as its logo and Qantas planes sport kangaroos on their tail feathers. In fact, 80% of the wildlife found in Australia is found nowhere else on the planet!
I will state that the amount of native animals we saw on this trip was mind boggling. This is not the “norm” when coming to Australia. Some of it was luck (wild koalas, wombats, wild emus, echidnas, tassie devils). Some of it was expected given the location we travelled to (penguins, seals, bats, quokkas, kangaroos, birds, wallabies). And some of it involved some research, work and patience (glow worms, dolphins, platypus). There are no guarantees with wildlife. In 2019, we saw hundreds of Saltwater crocodiles in the Northern Territory in the wild. I’ve talked to many Aussies that have never seen a crocodile in the wild in NT or Queensland. We’ve also seen massive spiders and venomous snakes in the wild which is hit or miss on this continent.
In 2002, an Aussie named Nathan Hope coined the term “selfie”. He posted a pic online of his busted lip after a night out drinking. He captioned it with “I had a hole about 1cm long right through my bottom lip. And sorry about the focus, it was a selfie.” And voila, a new term was coined!
People travel to Australia from all over the world solely to experience its deserted beaches with white sand and clear blue waters. Personally, I’d say Western Australia has the best beaches in the country. Tasmania is also a contender. Now that I’ve seen most of Australia after my 7th visit to this glorious continent, I still find it difficult to pinpoint my favorite places. I guess it’s just easier to write that everywhere and anywhere is truly enchanting and spectacularly beautiful!
Happy Travels 🙂