AWESOME
AUSTRALIA
What a beautiful, spellbinding country! The very first time I visited awesome Australia was approximately twenty years ago. If I am sincere, this was one destination that had never really appealed to me. However, as I was booking an around the world trip with “Trailfinders” The Aussie travel company who were organizing everything for me, naturally, when they suggested that I include their homeland in my Itinerary, I reluctantly decided to go along with them.
Oh my! Oh my! How I was to discover that it was one of the best “Travel decisions” I have ever made. You never know until you go. To top it all one of my Sister’s best friends was an expert on this far away land. She very kindly sat down with me and mapped out all the places I should visit in New South Wales and Queensland. Do you know what? I went to every place she wrote down for me. And so, my trip began. I started with Thailand, The land of smiles, then on to Malaysia truly Asia. Two magnificent countries of which I will write in more detail on another post. Before I knew it, I was boarding the plane at Kuala Lumpur and heading for Australia.
SYDNEY
On arrival at Kingsford Smith Airport, I will never forget the incredible sensation I felt at being on the other side of the world.
As I hurriedly made my way through customs, one of the officers with a somewhat over-friendly dog stopped me and promptly asked me if I was taking any drugs! I was so happy to be in Queensland that I laughed and said: “No, of course not.” He then asked me if I was having my monthly, since the dog was very excited! I wonder why these situations always happen to me? I mean really! The only living creature to get passionate about me is a flipping dog! Well, I replied that those days were over and that I should be so lucky! Fortunately, he didn’t check to see if I was telling the truth but sent me on my way.
The first thing that struck me about Sydney was that there weren’t very many people. Generally, in big cities, there are hordes and hordes of mortals, but this was not the case, as I looked around, I could not help thinking, “where is everybody!” I had previously booked a hotel, but on arrival, I didn’t get good vibes. Consequently, I left, and after trudging a short distance, I had the good fortune to come across the Sydney Central YHA.
This group of hostels are all over Australia, and I can honestly say they are excellent for anyone on a budget, plus they cater to all age groups, including families.
MAKE SURE YOU VISIT THESE FANTABULOUS PLACES!
Sydney Harbour, I was mesmerised by the whole building; it is so fabulous.
Darling Harbour is so beautiful, with so much to see and do. Take a trip by boat to drink up the full splendour of the coastline.
The Rocks, you can’t miss! Colourful markets with a multitude of delightful little cafes and restaurants to savour the local cuisine.
The Royal Botanical Gardens, as much as I love exploring new cities, there does comes a time when I feel the need to unwind and relax. These gardens are just the place to say hello to Mother Nature and distance oneself from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Saint Mary’s Cathedral, Of all the religious buildings I could have visited, this was the one I finally chose. It was an excellent decision! It is out of this world. Added to the cathedral’s beauty is a soft golden light that makes it especially surreal.
Bridge climb Sydney, If you don’t mind heights and are an adrenalin addict, then, by all means, do the bridge climb. The views are incredible, and the company will even give you a certificate for your bravery.
The Queen Victoria Building (QVB) built in the 1890s is for me one of the most beautiful sights to see in Sydney. The superb architecture and dazzling stained glass windows never fail to take my breath away. Whatever you do, please don’t miss a visit to this incredible shopping mall.
I spent approximately four days in Sydney, and although so few days are not enough to see everything in such a great city, I certainly packed a lot in.
QUEENSLAND & NEW SOUTH WALES
PURE WHITE SANDS, LUSH RAINFOREST AND WONDROUS CITIES.THIS IS AUSTRALIA!