Australia Adventures
Three weeks in Australia felt like flipping through different worlds: café mornings in the city, hours of straight road, the Red Centre’s quiet weight, the sticky heat up north - and then, finally, slowing down by the reef.
Three weeks in Australia felt like flipping through different worlds: café mornings in the city, hours of straight road, the Red Centre’s quiet weight, the sticky heat up north - and then, finally, slowing down by the reef.
Our adventure began in Melbourne, a city that immediately won us over with its laid-back, chilled soul - a refreshing change from the frantic pace of European capitals. We spent our days wandering the riverbanks and soaking in the vibrant cafe culture.
On our final day in Victoria, we took to the road. The Great Ocean Road is a masterpiece of nature, where the rugged coastline meets the Southern Ocean. Watching surfers tackle the swell near the 12 Apostles was a highlight, but the local residents stole the show: we found ourselves surrounded by colorful parrots and even spotted a sleepy koala tucked in the trees.
Trading the city for the desert, we flew into Alice Springs. It served as our gateway to the Outback, but the town held its own magic. We visited Brolga’s Kangaroo Sanctuary and met the man himself - a truly dedicated (and wonderfully eccentric) soul who has committed his life to rescuing orphaned joeys.
The scale of the Outback is hard to grasp until you drive it: 200km straight, one right turn, and another 200km straight, occasionally overtaking massive road trains. The midday heat was relentless, but standing before Uluru and Kata Tjuta at sunrise and sunset felt spiritual. There is a "stillness" and an ancient atmosphere there that exists nowhere else on Earth.
We headed north to the Top End, where the heat and humidity of Darwin hit us like a wall. While the days were for slow movements and shade, the evenings were transformative. Watching the sun dip below the horizon from the beach was a moment of pure, tropical serenity.
We spent two days immersed in the wild landscapes of Kakadu, surrounded by everything from saltwater crocodiles to exotic birdlife. The rock art at Ubirr felt like a portal to another planet, but the true highlight was venturing into Arnhem Land. Led by a native guide, we gained a profound glimpse into the enduring culture and history of the Aboriginal people.
Returning to the coast, we landed in Brisbane - another effortlessly cool city with a fantastic food scene. We made a stop at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary; though it felt more like a traditional zoo, getting up close with the local wildlife is always a treat.
A day trip to the Gold Coast revealed a striking contrast: pristine, expansive white beaches bordered by a glittering wall of skyscrapers. It’s a unique landscape where urban luxury sits right on the edge of the surf.
Sydney was the undeniable crown jewel of our trip. Between the iconic silhouette of the Opera House and the majestic Harbour Bridge, the city exudes a vibrant, laid-back energy. Whether we were taking the ferry to Manly for a view from the water or trekking the stunning Bondi coastal walk, every corner was a postcard. (And yes, we found the best banana bread on the planet here!)
Leaving the city behind, we headed for the Blue Mountains - which truly do live up to their name with a distinct blue haze. While the crowds were a bit thick, the detour to the Jenolan Caves was a spectacular underground adventure that was well worth the trip.
To wrap up our whirlwind three weeks, we escaped to Hamilton Island. Though the winds weren't quite right for snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef, the island’s natural beauty provided the perfect backdrop for reflection. It was a peaceful, sun-soaked end to the trip of a lifetime.
