I spent more time in Australia than any other country on this trip, so this is a LONG recap post. But here is everything I’ve written about my time in Oz — 76 posts in all their glory. If you missed some and watch to catch up, click away! Or if you are planning your own trip to this part of the world, hopefully having all these links at your fingertips will make planning easier.
Meet Melbourne: A Free Walking Tour
Welcome to Melbourne, a city of bridges, coffee, and culture! I begin my trip by joining a free walking tour of the city highlights and taking notes on where to return.
Secret Streets & Alleyways of Melbourne
Discover secret streets lined with coffee shops and alleys decorated with graffiti.
Federation Square & Australian Centre for the Moving Image
“You can take the girl out of Hollywood…” I spend an afternoon visiting ACMI’s costume exhibit featuring Dorothy’s ruby slippers and the caped crusader’s rubber suit.
Royal Botanic Gardens of Melbourne
If you’re looking for a free activity in Melbourne, the Royal Botanic Gardens provide lush views on a sunny day.
The Library, Luna Park, & St. Kilda
I spend the morning in St. Kilda and visit Luna Park, after which my favorite L.A. restaurant is named. In the afternoon I swing by the fancy State Library of Victoria.
A cozy restaurant, a fancy theater, and LOTS of food photos round out this week’s miscellaneous images from my time in Melbourne.
Bathing Boxes and Other Memorable Moments En Route To Phillip Island
These one-room “bathing boxes” have no electricity or running water, but they are worth several hundred thousand dollars each. Even Eric Bana owns one.
Koalas, Kangaroos, and Peacocks… Oh My
Time to see my first kangaroo and koala! I get up close and personal with some of these creatures at Maru Koala & Animal Park en route to Phillip Island.
Please Check Under Your Cars for Penguins: An Evening on Phillip Island
Phillip Island is home to a famous penguin viewing platform where we watch these creatures march from the sea to the hillside at dusk. Just make sure one of the little dudes isn’t hiding under your car.
Here are five of my best photos you haven’t seen yet… all from recent Australian travels.
Ease on Down the Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road is one of the prettiest coastal drives in the world, akin to Big Sur in California. Check out the views on Day 1 of my trip with Groovy Grape.
Great Ocean Road: Sunset at the Twelve Apostles
The Twelve Apostles are giant rock formations off the coast of the Great Ocean Road. We arrive in time to catch a glorious sunset.
Great Ocean Road: Twelve Apostles at Sunrise
And if last night’s awe-inspiring sunset wasn’t enough, our group returns to the Twelve Apostles for sunrise. These statuesque rocks sure know how to put on a show.
Final Stretch of the Great Ocean Road
It’s our last day on the Great Ocean Road and we’re treated to seaside vistas, steep cliffs, even more unique rock formations. Who knew sedimentary objects could be so captivating?
Hiking in Grampians National Park
Our hike in Grampians National Park is strenuous but well worth it for the views. And clouds don’t damper the 360-degree look-out from the summit.
Wine tasting is the perfect cure for a rainy day. We visit four wineries in the Barossa Valley region and consume glass after glass of the good stuff.
Seal Colony on Kangaroo Island
The first animals we see on Kangaroo Island aren’t ‘roos, but rather an active sea lion colony with sweeping views of the south coast.
When I first heard about our caving tour on Kangaroo Island, I was skeptical. How would it live up to New Zealand’s spectacular caves? But I was wrong — this cave is as impressive as they come.
Meet the ‘Roos of Kangaroo Island
Say hello to the little fellas after which Kangaroo Island is named. And can you spot the difference between a kangaroo and a wallaby?
There’s a natural formation called Remarkable Rocks on Kangaroo Island that blew me away. Check out these fascinating shapes, curves, and colors.
Whales… rainbows… seals… a lighthouse — this short walk turns out to be the highlight of my Kangaroo Island trip.
Surfing the Sand Dunes: Take 2
I get a second chance to surf sand dunes while on Kangaroo Island and this time I go for it. And we’re greeted with another rainbow over the desert.
This wraps up my adventures on Kangaroo Island and a recaps a lovely stroll through Adelaide.
I’ve shared the photos and posts over the past few weeks. Here’s a recap of my fabulous week with Groovy Grape touring the Great Ocean Road, Barossa Valley, and Kangaroo Island.
Alice Springs: Gateway to the Outback
Alice Springs is a major hub in the Red Center of Australia. Photos from the plane ride in demonstrate how this area got its name.
It’s day one of my Outback tour and our first stop is at a zoo where I see my first baby kangaroo of the trip. Check out this little joey in his (or her) mama’s pouch.
Kings Canyon hosts our first of three major hikes in the Outback. Just don’t get too close to the edge… it’s a long way down.
Our second hike in the Outback is at Kata Tjuta National Park. While it’s less known than neighbor Uluru, its elaborate rock formations are equally impressive.
I’ve waited for years to see Uluru with my own eyes. The day has finally come… and with it, clouds and rain. Boo!
While it’s still cloudy the next day, the weather doesn’t damper our 10k base walk around Ayers Rock. There’s a smile plastered on my face the whole time we walk in the shadow of this sacred giant.
Check out these miscellaneous moments from my rustic Outback adventure with Mulgas Tours.
Free city walking tours are my favorite way to get acquainted with a new place. Today’s photos are from my introductory trek around Sydney.
In honor of the Queen’s birthday, a vibrant light show adds a dose of color to Sydney Harbor.
Fun and Free: Sydney Royal Botanical Gardens & Opera House
I spend a half-day strolling the Botanical Gardens and steps of the Sydney Opera House.
It’s one for the record books: a glorious rainbow arcs over Sydney Harbor as the sun sets dramatically in the distance.
Sydney Favorites: Food, Hostels, Neighborhoods
Check out the highlights of my meals, favorite ‘hood, and the hostel I called home for the week.
Sydney achieves an impressive balance between bustling cosmopolitan and relaxed coastal — I’ll focus on the latter as I detail my visits to two charming bays within a short ferry ride of Sydney Harbor.
Just when I thought Sydney had played the trump card of sunsets, I find the city has one last trick up its sleeve.
A Lesson in Art History: Classic & Contemporary
Free activity alert! I spend a day visiting two of Sydney’s best museums: the Art Gallery of New South Whales and the Museum of Contemporary Art.
iPhoneography: Theater in Sydney
Since I can’t exactly bring my DSLR camera into the posh theaters of Sydney, my iPhone will have to do. Check out these photos of two impressive performances I attended.
My personal highlight of Sydney: a coastal walk from surfer’s paradise Bondi Beach to picturesque Coogee Beach.
Krazie Koalas and Other Kritters at the Featherdale Zoo
My favorite zoo in Australia! Koalas are the highlight, chomping away on eucalyptus leaves and even swinging from tree to tree.
This day trip from Sydney brings scenic rolling hills, a rainforest trek, Olympic stadium, and a starlit ferry ride back to the city.
Spending a week on a dairy farm in Tasmania has been, without a doubt, the highlight of my trip so far. Meet the extraordinary people who welcomed me with open arms.
Hiking Cradle Mountain in Tasmania
While there many highlights of Tassie, Cradle Mountain is surely one of them. Its jagged green peaks beckon novice and advanced hikers alike.
Unfortunately I mean the kind of drinking you do with your eyes. If that sounds less exciting, wait until you see this view.
A Tale of Two Tasmanian Cities: Hobart & Launceston
My time in Tassie is brief, but I explore its two largest cities. I wander through bookstores and street markets, then find myself face to face with a giant angry fish known only as “Dark Mofo.”
There’s a groovy hostel in Byron Bay, Australia, which offers yoga classes, an on-site brewery, movie theater, and TEEPEES!
For non-surfers, the highlight of Byron Bay is a beach walk to a lighthouse that overlooks this serene bay.
Welcome to Nimbin, a happy hippy town with a singular focus: weed. Not my kinda place but the candle factory was pretty?
Surfer’s Paradise… Or Hellhole?
Surfer’s Paradise has the distinction of being my least favorite city in Oz. At least the shoreline is pretty?
An Epic City Tour of Brisbane With My New Favorite People
Brisbane is one of my favorite Aussie cities, in no small part thanks to a stellar group of ladies I meet on the free hostel walking tour. We kidnap our tour guide for 9 hours of Brissie fun.
Here’s a few more fun photos from my time in Brisbane. Spoiler alert: I make a return trip to Max Brenner to get my hot chocolate fix.
Noosa is a tony community on the east coast of Australia. I spend a day walking its shoreline and even stumble upon a Pirate Playground.
Fraser Island, Where Have You Been All My Life?
This week I’ll share photos of my fantastic 3-day adventure on Fraser Island, a giant sandbar off the east coast of Australia only navigable by 4WD vehicle.
Beachside camping, grilled steaks at sunset, and stargazing into the wee hours… it’s official: Fraser Island rocks.
Wading into crystal waters of the Champagne Pools is a highlight of Fraser Island. So is our lunch view, perched atop a sand dune with ocean views.
Ships, Sharks, and Swimming on Fraser Island
Today’s Fraser Island adventures include a shipwreck, sharks, and a freshwater creek.
Lake McKenzie and Wild Aussie Critters
Lake McKenzie is a special spot on Fraser Island — it’s laced with tree tea oil and perfect for washing up. Just beware the deadly snakes curled up on its shores…
Fraser Island is my favorite spot on the entire east coast of Australia — and my tour with Dropbear Adventures is a big reason this area impressed me.
I spend a few days visiting these two seaside towns and even take a surfing lesson (a first for me). The beaches are pretty but don’t get stung by jellyfish!
Sailing the Whitsunday Islands
I spend three days sailing around the spectacular Whitsunday Islands off the coast of Australia. Check out these highlights from the trip.
Whitehaven Beach is the best part of the Whitsundays — pristine white sand swirls with turquoise water to create the most striking shoreline you’ve ever seen.
Watch Santa and James Bond jump out of a plane as I prepare for my own skydive!
The Day I Jumped Out of a Perfectly Good Plane
I’ve waited years for this… it’s time for my SKYDIVE! Today seems like a good day to jump out of a plane!
Mission Beach is a sleepy seaside town. I’ve come with my own mission (to skydive) but I enjoy a few quiet days here walking the shore and eating pizza (you’re not surprised).
I’ve arrived in Cairns, Australia — home to the Great Barrier Reef and yet another pretty lagoon. Enjoy these miscellaneous photos from my week here!
Helicopter Ride Over the Great Barrier Reef
I’ve longed to see the Great Barrier Reef from above, and today is my chance! I take a helicopter flight over this dramatic seascape.
Scuba School: Great Barrier Reef Edition
Another bucket item checked off: I earned my Open Water dive license while in Cairns! I recap my return to “school” and share underwater photos from the Great Barrier Reef.
Daintree Rainforest & Cape Tribulation
An exciting day trip to visit deadly critters lurking in the Daintree Rainforest followed by sampling wattleseed ice cream on our way back to Cairns.
Greyhound: The Gateway to Australia
If you’re curious how I’ve navigated the east coast of Australia, I can tell you in one word: Greyhound.
My day trip to the Pinnacles is jam-packed with playful koalas, a lobster factory tour, and riding a 4WD vehicle over sand dunes.
Giant limestone fingers reach out of the ground like rising zombies at the Pinnacles desert in Western Australia.
Cycling in Paradise: Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island… an incongruent name for one of the most stunning places on earth. I rent a bike and admire that turquoise water all over the island.
I travel from Perth to nearby Fremantle for a day of exploring. From the architecture to the plethora of used bookstores, I love this city!
I’ve tracked all of my purchases throughout Australia — food, accommodation, tours, transportation, etc. Any guesses how much I spent on an average day? Click to find out…
Erica I have enjoyed your photography very much and look forward to your next destination. Bob
Thank you! Singapore is next week — can’t wait to share those photos!