Saving the Best for Last

The Australia that I have seen has been amazing.  The city of Sydney, the Barrier Reef, the Rainforest and the bush--what a combination.  But honestly I have been waiting for my time on Kangaroo Island and it hasn't disappointed.  Beautiful Southern Ocean Lodge is built into a cliff and open with ceiling to floor glass towards the Southern Ocean.  The expanse of ocean is endless and the sound of the waves breaking on shore a peaceful background to all that can be seen and done.

The first introduction to this destination is a treat called Kangaroos & Kanapes where we were taken to the original homestead in the area and allowed to walk with the Kangaroos.  They have such an odd shape one has to wonder how they can travel so fast for such great distances.  Kangaroo Island is considered Australia's Galapagos.  Not surprising when you learn that there are over 750,000 animals on the island and only 4500 people.

We have had the chance to cuddle a koala but not to find one in the wild.  Today that changed as we were able to watch koalas shimmy up and down branches as they enjoyed the Eucalyptus leaves that they have adapted themselves to eat.  I can only say they are slow and oh so cute!

Next we were able to watch an Echidna scurry along using its amazing backward facing feet to till the soil.  Only in Australia do these animals exist.

In addition to the animals, the wild Southern Ocean weather and surf have combined to create an amazing landscape.  Admirals Arch provides a view of the crashing surf and the New Zealand sea lions with a perspective that lets you know this is an untamed land.

After that there are the Remarkable Rocks.  These granite formations are amazing and have existed for hundreds of thousands of years.  Nothing like these exists outside of Kangaroo Island.   

 

To end the day we were able to visit an endangered colony of Australian sea lions.  At this time of year there are pups in addition to the adults and the visit provides a view into the relationship of all of the ages.  Young ones wondering what we are; slightly older ones fighting and elders preening!

 

The Blue Mountains and Kangaroos

One of the many reasons to love Australia is the variety of experiences.  Today I find myself at Wolgan Valley exclaiming at the amazing scenery of the Blue Mountains.  Here you find Australian cattle history, amazing vistas and wildlife.  Wolgan Valley is nested between awe inspiring peaks that provide beautiful vistas as you can explore the scenery and the wildlife.

 

As you can see the accommodations are nestled in a valley with so much land to explore. One of the best ways to explore is on horseback.

Once you start to explore, the wildlife makes itself present and around every turn you see one of the many animals unique to Australia.

Would you believe this grouping is called a Mob?  And here are two up close.

Wolgan even has some very unique examples of the typical Australian animals since they have several albinos.  What an amazing thing to see in the wild!

 

What's lovely about the creatures is that they are as curious about us as we are about them and they love to pose for pictures.

 

 

 

Daintree Rainforest

Australia is the land of contrasts.  Today we were able to tour the world's oldest rainforest--the Daintree.  The rainforest promises beautiful foliage as well as an opportunity to learn about the creation of the earth and the special creatures that live within it.  First we took a cruise on the Daintree River looking of Scarface the oldest of the crocodiles but no luck.  We did find Lumpy but he wasn't going to give us his best shot.  Here's what we saw:

After the cruise we had a chance to see where the rainforest meets the ocean.  It is a great place to take a stroll and admire the beauty of the foliage:

The beach is also the perfect place to learn about the typical Australian games and fun.  First, we got to try our hand at Frisbee and then we learned how in this the magical place stones bounce.

This was all before we actually began our walk in the rainforest.  Spiders were the watch word.  The first is one that is so flat against the tree that you wouldn't know if was there unless you were told by a great guide.  She is sitting on her egg sack.  Then there were the incredible webs of the golden tree spider.

There were also plants to learn about such as the leaves that will grab you and inflect punishment.  You have to wonder how the aboriginals were able to survive as they ate seeds and nuts and avoided the dangerous of the rainforest.

The next highlight was being able to feed and pet the Wallabies.  In Australia there are so many animals that you do want to hug...

Finally just to make sure that today ended on the same high food note, we stopped at the local ice cream factory.  They grow all their own tropical fruits and make the most wonderful ice cream.

 

A Little More Beautiful Water

Today we will move to the Daintree Rainforest but before we go there is a chance for some additional exploration over some of the most beautiful water in the world.  Today our mode of transport is a helicopter to fly over several of the Whitsunday Islands.

 

From the vantage of the helicopter we can see the many islands and boats used to explore.  There are secluded beaches where you can spend a couple of hours.  There are also beautiful coves where boats can anchor to snorkel and enjoy a picnic.  Truly this is a great area for rest, relaxation and your choice of water sports.    

 

And we wouldn't want to forget the food--Macaroni and cheese chorizo balls, light battered fish and chorizo as well as the freshest salad and sirloin tacos.  It's not your ordinary lunch! 

 

 

 

 

Hamilton Island and Beyond

 

Qualia and Hamilton Island are fantastic.  This location makes the bustle of a big city seem only a dream as everyone drives around in their golf carts to enjoy the island activities.  My favorite is the Koala Hug 

 

But also great about Hamilton Island is that there is a main Street with an excellent variety of restaurants and shops. 

But really people come to Hamilton to visit the Reef and the beautiful Whitehaven Beach voted Number 9 in the world.  I thought it might also be fun to include a picture of the sea plane that took us to the Reef as well as up close shots of the Reef, some of which show the coral as it extends above the water.  I have never seen so many different species and colors of large coral as here on the Barrier Reef.

 

 

Come Explore Australia.  It surprises and captures the imagination at every turn!

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Time to Leave Sydney but New Adventures

This morning the sun came out as an amazing two days in Sydney comes to an end.  Even in the gloom of the end of a rainy couple of weeks Sydney was amazing but this morning, the sun came out to show the true beauty.  Here are some wonderful pictures as the sun comes up!

What I still can't believe was that I was at the top of this bridge where you see the flag!  Magnificent doesn't begin to say it!

  The above shows one happy person and an amazing view!

From Sydney to Qualia on Hamilton Island.  Australia is so many things and the longer I am here the more I understand why you need to come not once but many times.  This afternoon we arrived at Qualia which is located to explore the Barrier Reef.  First as I have discovered it is all about the food!
This so far is especially true about the most amazing fresh seafood.  We even had bug ( also known as local lobster) and if nothing else this is a reason to come to Australia!

Once we had eaten more than anyone should we went to our accommodations before the afternoon sunset cruise.  Certainly the accommodations are another reason to travel here--a private plunge pool, a huge bathroom including a beautiful tub with a view and space for all the spreading out and relaxing you might want to do!
Below is a view of pebble beach and Qualia from the water.  What a lovely destination!

 

Sydney the last day and the Adventure continues

It has been cloudy in Sydney since we arrived but the beauty of the city makes it seem as though this didn't matter.  And then this morning the sun came out.  We had a glimpse of the city with its best face forward.  Here is what I saw as the sun rose!

And to think that yesterday I was at the top of the bridge.  It was amazing and the views better than could have been dreamed.  Here's a picture of a very happy visitor to Australia who wants to shoot to all to come too!

 
 

What a view.  Don't you all want to feel this sense of excitement and accomplishment of a goal achieved?  








And now we are at Qualia and a chance to explore the Barrier Reef.  What I have learned about this part of Australia is that it is not as straight forward as it sounds.  That being said, we are here and waiting to explore.  Again, the food takes first place with "Bugs" or as I can tell Lobster...

 

And tomorrow there will be the reef.  I am excited to share.

 

AN AMZING ICONIC DAY IN SYDNEY

Everyone must do it.  Do what you say.  The Bridge climb.  You traverse ladders, scaffolding and walk ways where you can see the ground but in the end you are at the top of the Harbour Bridge with beautiful breezes and miles of visibility.  It is awe inspiring.  No cameras are allowed but I am still hoping for a picture.  In the meantime.  Take a look to experience this amazing adventure
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiQV2PtusSo

From here we decided to explore the city like a local and ventured off into one of the many neighborhoods of Sydney complete with beautiful Victorian flats, cafes and shops featuring local craftsmen with products in every medium.  Whatever your taste there is something to explore.
Here is a look at the lovely houses and one of the lovely shops

As you can see from these pictures not all of Sydney is what we see in the travel magazines but that is what makes it so charming as there is so much to explore and excellent food comes at every stop!

 

To complete the truly perfect Sydney day we attended the ballet at the opera house and then saw the Today show being broadcast from the waterfront.  Tomorrow off tot Hamilton Island and an adventure on the reef. 

 

MAY 3 AND IT'S SYDNEY

How did this happen?  Yesterday it was Friday and now it is Sunday night.  Where did Saturday go?  The mysteries of time zones.  But if it is a bit like waking up in Alice in Wonderland it is all worthwhile.  Today we did am amazing tour of Sydney.  Who knew that many parts of it look the Bourbon Street in our own New Orleans?  Others are just amazing.

I am staying at the Park Hyatt which is quite incredible for it's views of the harbor and the opera house.  The Rocks are of Sydney has colorful markets, stores and restaurants so the Park Hyatt has a wonderful location here.  Just for fun the pictures of the Opera House I would like to share today are not the typical shot.  Instead we had a tour of the Opera House to learn how its amazing design was salvaged from an architect's proposal that had already been scrapped to how the sails were crafted after it had been thought an impossible dream.  Here is the Opera House close up.

And to put it in perspective:

Now on to the rest of the city which is all about water and beautiful green areas as well as trendy boutiques and fabulous restaurants.  As one of our group said, "Now I have to move here!"

If the Opera House is famous so is the Harbour Bridge.  Here is a look at it from Observatory Point showing all the hustle and bustle of the bay beneath.

From here is was time for lunch.  Fresh seafood abounds as does excellent lamb and meat.  If you are into food, shopping, culture, history or just plain beach fun you can't beat Sydney!









Here's proof of the above