AUSTRALIA | 17 DAY JOURNEY
Tour Summary
As North America sinks into the short, cold, and dark days of winter, we decided to stretch our arms wide in a warm Australia. We all are celebrating 21 years of traveling together around the world. We spent nearly two weeks living along the East Coast of Australia, exploring the street-art-filled city of Melbourne, marveling at the Great Barrier Reef, soaking up the vibrant culture and stunning beaches of Sydney, and enjoying the endless sunshine and lively atmosphere of Brisbane.
MelBOURNE
Melbourne, the second-largest city in Australia, is often regarded as the nation’s cultural capital—though Sydney-siders might dispute this! The city boasts an array of attractions, including world-class museums, galleries, theaters, expansive green spaces, and the picturesque Yarra River flowing through its urban heart. Over the years, Melbourne has embraced waves of new arrivals, with Italian, Greek, Chinese, and Vietnamese communities enriching the city’s cultural and culinary diversity. Of course, Melbourne is also renowned for its love of sports, hosting iconic international events like the Australian Open and Formula 1 Grand Prix each year.
Regularly ranked as the world’s most livable city, Melbourne’s vibrant energy exceeded our expectations. We began our trip with a visit to the Shrine of Remembrance—a meaningful way to honor the sacrifices of countless men, women, and even animals who served in wars. Next, we explored the stunning Royal Botanic Gardens, a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city. The gardens’ remarkable variety of plants and exceptional landscaping left a lasting impression. For a breathtaking view of the city, we visited the Melbourne Skydeck, the highest viewing platform in the Southern Hemisphere. Taking the elevator to the 88th floor, we were rewarded with panoramic views of Melbourne, including the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, the largest stadium in the Southern Hemisphere. Standing 300 meters high, the experience truly elevated our perspective of the city.
After lunch, we embarked on a two-hour journey to Cowes area, traveling through scenic countryside and rural roads. After spending some time in the Cowes area, we made our way to Phillip Island. It was a cold and windy night, so we layered up and arrived early to secure a front-row seat on the viewing benches. Phillip Island is famous for its unique little penguins, known for their incredible behavior, such as spending extended periods sleeping at sea. The highlight of our visit was the magical Penguin Parade, where thousands of these adorable creatures waddled ashore at sunset, returning to their sand dune burrows after a day of fishing. Sitting on the cold bench for an hour to watch the 30-minute parade was truly worth it. As the penguins suddenly appeared from the ocean, the sight was even more awe-inspiring than we had imagined. Seeing so many of them up close made for an unforgettable experience.
On our second day, we explored the iconic Great Ocean Road. The Memorial Arch, built in honor of the 3,000 returned soldiers who worked on constructing the road after World War I, stands as a poignant tribute to their efforts. This 150-mile-long road, winding along the southeastern coast of Victoria, is a testament to the remarkable labor these soldiers undertook, carving out this scenic marvel by hand. The Memorial Arch is both an impressive structure and a symbolic gateway to this breathtaking coastal drive. The Great Ocean Road is one of the most picturesque routes to travel. Along the way, we stopped at Apollo Bay and enjoyed a delicious lunch amidst stunning coastal views.
The highlight of our journey was the Twelve Apostles, which offered spectacular views and an experience we’ll treasure forever. These towering limestone stacks are awe-inspiring, surrounded by dramatic turquoise waters and rugged cliffs. Walking along the pathways to the various viewing platforms allowed us to take in the stunning scenery from multiple angles. The sight of waves crashing against the golden cliffs was absolutely unforgettable. Though named the Twelve Apostles, only eight of the original nine stacks remain, as one collapsed in 2005, making this natural wonder an ever-changing landmark. We also hiked for 20 minutes to Gibson Steps, another extraordinary experience! Descending to the sandy beach, we were able to view one of the Apostles up close—a surreal and humbling moment. From the beach, the perspective of the towering cliffs and the vast ocean was breathtaking, offering countless opportunities for incredible photos. It was the perfect way to immerse ourselves in the raw beauty of the Great Ocean Road.
CAIRNS
Cairns immediately brings one thing to mind—the Great Barrier Reef. However, we began our adventure by visiting the enchanting Kuranda Village, which left us absolutely amazed. Our journey started with the Kuranda Scenic Railway, an iconic rail trip that takes you back in time. The onboard commentary ensured we didn’t miss any highlights, such as tunnels, bridges, and photo opportunities. As the train climbed out of the city and into the lush landscapes, the views became breathtaking. This old-fashioned train ride, with its bridges and hand-carved tunnels built over a century ago by North Queensland pioneers, was a nostalgic experience. Along the way, quaint stations overlooking valleys and the stunning Din Din (Barron Gorge) waterfalls added to the magic. It truly felt like stepping into the 1980s.
Next, we visited Kuranda Koala Gardens, located in the heart of the village. Here, we had the chance to see Australia’s unique wildlife up close, including adorable koalas eating, sleeping, and simply being charming. Feeding kangaroos was another delightful experience. Birdworld Kuranda was a highlight for the entire group, as we interacted with colorful birds, fed them, and even had them perch on us—a fun and memorable experience!
Our adventure continued with the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, a 1.5-hour immersive journey through the ancient rainforest. The cableway included two stops, Red Peak and Barron Falls, where we could explore the forest floor and take in its wonders. One fascinating fact we learned was that the Daintree Rainforest is the oldest in the world, dating back 180 million years. Among its ancient treasures is the southern cassowary, a striking blue, black, and red bird that resembles a dinosaur. These fascinating creatures, which can grow up to 1.8 meters tall, are thought to have evolved around 60 million years ago and share traits with dinosaurs, such as their three-taloned feet and unique respiratory systems. Sadly, only an estimated 4,400 cassowaries remain in the wild. The second stop at Barron Falls was particularly awe-inspiring. The viewing platform offered spectacular vistas of the river, the cascading waterfall, and the dramatic gorge—a perfect ending to our rainforest experience.
We did a 2-day/1-night liveaboard trip with Divers Den, and it was an incredible experience from start to finish. We visited two stunning sites—Norman Reef and Saxon Reef—on a perfect day with beautiful conditions. The itinerary was packed with activity, offering a total of six dives or five snorkeling sessions over two days. During our dives, we encountered an amazing variety of marine life, including sharks, turtles, countless fish, clams, clownfish (Nemo), and a healthy mix of soft and hard corals that looked pristine. We even spotted numerous baby fish, which was a promising sign of the reef’s regeneration. For the certified divers who were diving for the first time, as well as the intro-dives were fantastic, and provided an unforgettable first experience with the Divers Den team. As the sun set, we eagerly finished dinner and prepared for the exclusive “Sharks in the Dark” experience. Certified divers had the incredible opportunity to dive in open water at night, witnessing sharks up close along with vibrant fish species and colorful corals illuminated by torchlight as they moved through their hideaways. For those of us not diving, snorkeling from a metal platform was just as thrilling, offering a unique vantage point to observe the sharks in their nocturnal habitat.
After diving, we couldn’t fly for 24 hours, so we decided to visit Fitzroy Island, located just 45 minutes from Cairns. The island boasts exceptionally beautiful views and serene surroundings. Close to the shore, we noticed a fair amount of sea life, and the calm blue waters made it ideal for snorkeling. However, the water wasn’t very clear, limiting visibility further out. One challenge we faced was not bringing sandals, which made walking difficult since the beaches are not sandy but covered in dead coral that can hurt your feet. Despite this, we enjoyed the Glass Bottom Boat tour, which took us closer to the reef. There, we saw an abundance of coral and marine life, making it a worthwhile experience.
SYDNEY
After landing at Sydney Airport, I couldn’t help but feel Sydney was such a fantastic choice! The city’s blend of iconic landmarks, vibrant culture, and beautiful beaches is truly unparalleled. It’s hard to pick a favorite part—was it the Opera House, Bondi Beach, or perhaps the unforgettable New Year’s fireworks? Honestly, it’s impossible to choose just one.
We were picked up by our tour bus and driven to Circular Quay and The Rocks, where the iconic Sydney Opera House is located. This area also provides spectacular views of the Harbour Bridge. The Opera House, with its awe-inspiring architecture, stands as a true symbol of Sydney and a masterpiece of human creativity. The history behind the Opera House is just as fascinating as the structure itself. In 1956, an international design competition drew 233 submissions, and Danish architect Jørn Utzon emerged as the winner, receiving £5,000 for his visionary design. While the project was originally estimated to cost $7 million and take four years to complete, it ultimately required 14 years and $102 million. The Opera House is to Sydney what the Colosseum is to Rome, the Statue of Liberty is to New York, Big Ben is to London, and the Eiffel Tower is to Paris. It truly ranks among the greatest architectural achievements in history. Sydney Harbour, one of the world’s most beautiful natural waterways, is alive with ferries, yachts, and tall ships gliding across its sparkling blue waters. Seeing the Sydney Harbour Bridge in real life was a deeply emotional experience. I’m so glad we chose to celebrate New Year’s in Sydney. Our day started with an unforgettable tandem skydiving adventure—a spectacular way to bid farewell to 2024. The dive was an exhilarating experience, offering breathtaking views of the coastline, the Blue Mountains, and the iconic Sydney city skyline. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime moment that set the tone for an incredible day ahead!. While I expected the usual chaos and crowds, the way everything was organized completely exceeded my expectations. Sydney pulled off the event seamlessly, with volunteer ambassadors stationed everywhere, offering guidance and answering questions. The undeniable highlight of the evening was the two stunning firework displays. The “Family Fireworks” at 9 PM and the grand midnight show lit up the night sky, with bursts of color coming from barges on both sides of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and other landmarks, creating an unforgettable spectacle. Having seen this iconic landmark in countless New Year’s broadcasts, watching the breathtaking fireworks live over the bridge was a once-in-a-lifetime experience I’ll cherish forever.
Brisbane
The Gold Coast’s crown jewel is its stunning beaches, with the world-famous Surfers Paradise leading the way. This iconic stretch of golden sand is perfect for surfing, swimming, or simply soaking up the sun. The lively atmosphere, buzzing with cafes, shops, and nightlife, makes it a must-visit destination for beach lovers. Kangaroo Point is a must-visit spot, offering stunning riverside views and a serene atmosphere for a leisurely walk or a picturesque sunset. At night, it transforms into one of the best vantage points to admire Brisbane’s dazzling skyline—a truly spectacular sight. We thoroughly enjoyed the newly opened Kangaroo Point Bridge, which is spacious and designed for pedestrians, dog walkers, and cyclists with its dedicated 2-way bike path. The bridge offers beautiful views towards the northern part of Brisbane City, as well as stunning perspectives of the Kangaroo Point Cliffs and the river. At night, the view is even more mesmerizing, with the city lights reflecting beautifully off the river.
Australia Zoo, founded by Bob and Lyn Irwin on June 3, 1970, began as Beerwah Reptile and Fauna Park. Their son, Steve Irwin, played a key role in caring for crocodiles and other animals. Renamed Australia Zoo by Steve and Terri in 1992, it grew through funds from filming and merchandise, which were invested in conservation and exhibits. After Steve’s tragic passing, Terri continued his legacy, with the zoo earning numerous awards, including the Australian Tourism Awards (2003–2004) and the RACQ People’s Choice Award (2019). Today, visitors can enjoy diverse wildlife, crocodile feedings, and interactive animal encounters. Steve Irwin’s vision was, “If we can teach people about wildlife, they will be touched, because humans want to save things they love.” At Australia Zoo, we saw an incredible variety of animals, including tigers, elephants, white rhinos, cheetahs, giraffes, meerkats, and so many more. We visited the Sunshine Coast, the final stop on our Australia trip, and were captivated by its pristine beaches. The main beach, running parallel to the lively restaurant street, created such a relaxing atmosphere that we were tempted to stay longer.
Useful Notes:
- Summer (Jan-April)
- Autumn (April-June)
- Winter (July-October)
- Spring (November-December)