Billed as one of the world’s most spectacular road trips, the Great Ocean Road runs from Torquay to Allansford along the southern coast of Australia in the state of Victoria. Despite its name and impressive coastal views, much of the drive is inland through temperate rainforest, offering wildlife spotting opportunities. Unlike many of the long stretches of …
Explore Melbourne Street Art and Graffiti Laneways
Melbourne street art is amongst the best in the world. An ever-changing, dynamic and colourful collection of Melbourne graffiti laneways, the street graffiti found here is, in fact, works of art. The street artists are talented professionals, some already famous, others on their way. It’s one of my favourite cities for a getaway, so much so …
Kangaroo, Koala, Platypus and Other Australian Animals
Our recent trip nearly circumnavigating Australia (Melbourne to Perth over the top) was our fifth visit to this diverse island nation. Living in New Zealand, it’s only a 3-hour flight from Auckland to Sydney. While I typically share photos of the dramatic landscape, seascapes, and architecture, today’s post is about the Australian animals that we …
Grampians to Melbourne: Kangaroos, Skinks, Waterfalls and More
Waterfalls and wildlife, our days in the Grampians region were filled with natural beauty. Inland from Victoria’s southern Australian coast, Grampian National Park is a perfect base for exploration. Best shared in photos: Read Next: Kangaroo, Koala, Platypus and Other Australian Animals Practical Information: The Grampians National Park is located in Victoria and is comprised …
J-Ward: Inside a Lunatic Asylum for the Criminally Insane
I could feel a chill run down my spine as I walked through the corridors of J-Ward, a former gaol (jail), later transformed to J- Ward lunatic asylum for the criminally insane. Nestled in the small town of Ararat in Victoria Australia, J-Ward closed in 1991, and many former employees and patients still live nearby. Our guide …
A Convent Turned Luxury Hotel: Explore Australia’s Great Ocean Road (Part 3)
Looking up at the words “Convent of St. Patrick” in the stained glass over the entry door, I had to wonder what I was doing here. In truth, my confusion began as we turned onto the drive and I looked up at the classic architecture while hubby announced, “this is where we are staying tonight.” …
Discovering Street Art in Perth, Australia
It is the enormity of the street art in Perth that turned my head. Massive works of art appear on seemingly random buildings, mostly in laneways and alleyways. Unlike Melbourne street art that filled up every inch of the laneways it covered, the street art in Perth seems to focus on one image at a …
Inside the Sydney Opera House: Our Tour of an Australian Icon
There is something magical about the Sydney Opera House on a sunny day with its sail tiles glistening against a blue sky. This was our third trip to Sydney Australia, and the first time we went inside the Opera House. It wasn’t to see a show, although we were quite tempted to see My Fair …
Cruising on the Swan River to Artistic Fremantle, Australia
Black swans dot the banks and give the Swan River her name according to the commentary on board the hour-long Captain Cook cruise from Perth to Fremantle in Western Australia (WA). It was a late spring day with a light breeze. The river sailing was smooth and the commentary identified key sights like the Royal …
A Cow Parade and Other Interesting Sites in Perth Australia
Perth was our port of disembarkation on our recent Royal Caribbean cruise, allowing us several days before we flew home. Our first time in Western Australia and of course we already want to return for a much more elaborate exploration of the region. We did have time for a city tour, a river cruise to Fremantle, a …
Photos of Kings Park and Botanic Gardens in Perth Australia
Western Australia (WA) is quite different from the cities in the east we travelled to on our loop over the top of Australia (Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Caines, and Darwin). WA is home to half of Australia’s plant species, and most are endemic to the region. Located in Kings Park, the Western Australia Botanic Gardens is a …
Things to Do in Geraldton Australia in One Day
Typically, the time of year to visit Geraldton Australia is when wildflowers are in bloom. However, we cruised outside of wildflower season and enjoyed a day discovering the hidden charms of this Western Australia town. With only a few major sites to visit, it was easy to tick off everything on our things to do …
Docking in Port Hedland Australia? What to do in this Mining Town
I’ll admit, I wasn’t exceedingly enthusiastic about visiting Port Hedland Australia. However, it was a port stop as we circumnavigated Australia with Royal Caribbean and, it turned out to be far more interesting than we predicted. The number one thing to do in this town is to tour the BHP Billiton and iron ore mining operation. …
What to Do in Darwin Australia on a Cruise Port Visit
As the Radiance of the Seas pulled into the port of Darwin, I really didn’t know what to expect from this tropical capital of the Northern Territories. The key things to do in Darwin Australia when you are just here for a day include a boat tour to see jumping crocodiles, a discovery of the …
Waterfalls Near Cairns Australia’s Cruise Port
The Radiance of the Sea dropped anchor in Yorkey’s Knob, just north of Cairns. There are so many opportunities here. The ship offered options of rainforest tours, trains, markets and of course, the Great Barrier Reef. We made the choice to spend the day with good friends who live here. Similar to our last port …
