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First off, let me begin by apologizing for not writing this sooner. I have been traveling in so many directions (literally) I truly lost track of time.
Where to begin with Australia. The country is amazing. Beautiful, awe inspiring and adventurous.
After a short flight to Los Angeles, and then a LONG flight (roughly 17hrs nonstop) I arrived in Sydney at 6:30am on Wednesday morning. I left LA on Monday night.First order of business was to explore the city. It was early and not many things had opened just yet. I explored Darling Harbor and the views around there, the Aquarium, shops and eventually the surrounding area.
I found quaint shops and and pleasant people all throughout my journey.
I immediately scheduled a trip by bus out to the blue mountains of Australia. The trip included a stop to a wildlife park, sky tram tours of the mountains and then the return trip to Sydney. The wildlife park was fantastic. I had never imagined I would hand feed Wallabies and Kangaroos, much less touch a Koala and explore the unique animal life the continent had to offer. It truly was a pleasure to visit with these creatures.
The blue mountains, were majestic, serene and vast. They get their name due
to the chemical reaction in the air with the eucalyptus oil from the leaves mixing with other molecules in the air to create their incredible blue aura. The sky tram took me over large gorges and provided incredible vistas. The forest was almost rainforest in nature and provided a gorgeous canopy covering my head. Wild birds flew over head and you could feel nature calling. The area was previously known for its mining operations and you can still see some of the remnants of that industry in areas of the mountains. Riding the world’s steepest railroad, I traveled quickly to the forest floor to explore and take in more of these majestic mountains. Truly a beautiful place.
I do enjoy their warning signs...very straightforward.
The return trip took me on a tour through the Sydney Olympic park and allowed me to see the venues for the Sydney Olympics. The best part was that evening as the sun was beginning to fade I traveled by boat back into Sydney Harbor and could witness the skyline coming alive with various colors of lights and sights from the water. The Sydney Harbor bridge was beautifully lit and the Opera House held firm in it’s foundation along the waterfront.
The next morning, I treated myself to the adventure of whale watching. It was a morning excursion that required a long ride out in the open waters surrounding Australia. Mind you, I kept my eye to see if there were any of those famous great whites tagging along the boat....never did spot any.
It was great to be on the open water and look back to see the cliffs along the edges of the continent. At times we had a dolphin escort along the front of the boat and according to sea lore, that is a sign of good luck. After a long ride, we spotted our first pod of whales and were able to witness these incredibly powerful and agile creatures pass by. They occasionally “breached” (jumping out of the water), but mostly I witnessed their tails splashing above the water. It was a great time to be on the water and watch the mysteries of the ocean swim by, but at times I admit, it was a bit boring. Not exactly something you can control, or request their presence...so there was A LOT of down time.
After 3 or so hours on the water it was time to head back. When I arrived back in Sydney Harbor, I decided my time on the water wasn’t over. I wanted to take the high speed jet boats around the harbor. These boats do fast 360’s and jumps and hard turns through the open water to excite and scare the tourists. I was up for the challenge.
The boat moved very quickly and thank goodness for the ponchos provided, otherwise I would have appeared to have gone overboard multiple times.
There was one instance, where we took a very high jump and landed so hard, that cushions from the boat flew out...the captain turned around to make sure we were alright, but I could tell he also scared himself.
I continued to explore the city and the various neighborhoods. The area is incredibly diverse. From the business district to the hippie district to the new age arts and everything in between. I decided to walk a few miles and explore some of these neighborhoods as well as the open markets they occasionally have. Everything from handmade soaps, clothing, art, bags, food, paintings were represented in the markets. It was fun to wander amongst the stalls and explore what new found treasures were waiting to go home with me.
The next day I climbed to the top of the Sydney Harbor Bridge. Some of you might be shaking your head saying, “ Heck, no!” but it wasn’t as bad as it sounds. You go through a safety review and are always attached to the bridge via a cable system. You also get to wear a nifty dead sexy blue jumpsuit, and cannot bring any items with you. Of course they take your picture on top of the bridge, and those can be purchased later.
The views from atop the bridge are unmatched. It is exhilarating to be climbing high above the water and sounds of the city. Reaching the pinnacle at the top of the bridge you start to truly realize how infinitely small we are in the grand scheme of things. The climb isn’t terribly intense and your climb leader is happy to share the bridges history and facts as you climb.
After exploring much of Sydney and the various neighborhoods, I decided it was time to head 3 hours north of Sydney to Cairns, Australia (pronounced “Can”).
This is the best area to explore the outdoor adventures of Australia and is the ideal location to set off to explore the Great Barrier Reef.
After my three hour flight north, I arrived in Cairns, and was immediately taken to my hotel in the Palm Cove area. I arrived at a quaint beach side hotel and was given a beautiful room with a fantastic balcony with sliding doors that opened onto my balcony overlooking the beach and the ocean. No better way to sleep at night than to have an ocean breeze and the sounds of crashing waves orchestrating my dreams.
The next morning, I set off for white water rafting the Tully River. This adventure took me two hours from my hotel to set off on rafting a river with Grade 4 rapids. My boat was made up of mostly Australian natives from various parts. Australians are an incredibly friendly and helpful people and I grew to appreciate them quickly. As we navigated the rapids we were also afforded the beautiful landscapes we were floating through. Waterfalls, birds and beaches along the way. Lunch was provided half way down and was a welcome rest. We continued on and started to really get into some good rapids. Areas where the raft would flip and we all got launched out, and bounced up and down and off of rocks etc...At times I felt like a pinball being bounced this way and that. This all day adventure ended as I was then taken back to my hotel that evening.
The next morning I had scheduled my Great Barrier Reef adventure. I arrived and boarded my vessel for the approximately 2 hour ride to our intended reef destination.
Arriving at the reef was incredibly. Watching the water crash over the areas of the reef and the colors of the water. As if the water was glowing at times, the view was breathtaking and can only be described as watching greens, blues and yellows flow together on an artists pallet. I decided to first explore the reef by submarine to view the area and then I would snorkel the reef. We docked our ship at a large landing pad along the reef that had bathrooms, lunch, underwater viewing stations and most importantly, sun decks. The submarine was informative in sharing information about the reef, types of fish and re-assuring me that there were no large sharks waiting for their next meal.
I then entered the water to snorkel and was amazed at the schools of fish and the types and colors of coral that make up the reef. I could have spent all day swimming amongst the reef and fish. It truly was remarkable.
After having finished my reef adventure it was time for the long boat ride back and then back to the hotel. I rested by watching the sunset from my balcony enjoying the ocean breeze and the sounds of day turning to night.
The next morning, I arose around 3:30am to wait for my shuttle to whisk me off to my next adventure. Hot air ballooning at sunrise. The drive was long and bumpy to the balloon departure site. Once I arrived the sky was lit with large hot air balloons filled with flames heating the air to cause these giants to rise towards the stars. The balloon I rode in was one of the largest balloons in the Southern Hemisphere. It could hold the equivalent of 450,000 basketballs within it.
I boarded my balloon and eagerly anticipated the trip. We slowly ascended into the skies and watched as night slowly turned to morning. Rays of sunlight breaking through a cloudy morning sky and sailing smoothly over the Australian coast. At times the balloon captain would lower the balloon, fire the gas and have us watch as the sound would cause wild Kangaroos to scatter across the ground. From above the ground, some of the Kangaroos were easily spotted and were rather large. It was then that I learned that Kangaroos can grow as large as 7ft tall. (Note to self, if I ever encounter a 7ft tall Kangaroo, either run like heck or assume the fetal position and sob)
The balloon sailed through the morning sky and eventually touched down in a farmers field and I assisted in the roll up of the balloon. It was then time for breakfast. They drove us to their own breakfast location, and provided a breakfast buffet to end the morning. I returned to my hotel and spent the rest of my day laying on the beach and enjoying the sun and sounds of the area.
Cairns is unique in that it is situated between beautiful ocean beaches on one side and magnificent rainforest covered mountains on the other. Truly a fantastic place.
The next day I boarded my flight back to Sydney, and arrived in time to enjoy the city again at night and prepare for my next adventure.
The next morning, I arrived at the Sydney Opera House at 6:30 am (murder). I had scheduled a back stage tour of the Opera House and was excited for this adventure. I had a lovely guide who has happy to share her knowledge about the structure as well as the stories of performances and people who had visited this beautiful venue.
Stepping onto the stage of the Opera House is something I suppose some people only ever dream of, and now I can say I have. I also stood upon the conductors stand and of course had to have my picture taken with a baton. There are various halls within the opera house each with their intended purpose. The main hall for operatic/ballet performances and then the smaller chorale halls for concerts and acting performances. The halls are incredible and to stand on stage is surreal. After having viewed the various rooms and back tunnels and mazes that make up the building, I had the unique opportunity to sit at a Steinway concert grand in the Opera house and play the piano. I played a song that I had made up a few years ago and was stunned by the resolute sound the piano echoed back. I suppose I should update to my resume to reflect, “Solo piano performance, Sydney Opera House, 2009”.
After my tour, I spent the remainder of my day exploring the various beaches around Sydney as the cold realization of returning home the next morning began to set in.
The beaches offer great people watching as well as a unique calming effect on the mind. It was great to sit and absorb the sun and watch as families frolicked, surfers surfed and dogs discovered new treasures on their walks. It was the perfect way to end my trip.
The next morning I boarded my flight for the 13 hr flight back to Los Angeles. My flight left at 9:30am Saturday morning and I arrived in Los Angeles at 6:30am Saturday morning. It was curious to take off in broad daylight and within a short time having entered pitch black night as we headed back towards North America. The flight went extremely fast and was pleasant as I enjoyed movies, naps and great conversation on my way home.
Australia is a continent everyone must explore. It offers so much to see and find. Many places I visit, I think of as one time visit places. Been there, done that. Australia is different. Behind every corner, beach, mountain or river, there is always something more. More to explore and more to absorb. I don’t think I could every really see and do everything. I guess the last question is, are you ready to take it in?
