a few more from australia

I was just flicking through all my Australia photos (which I can't believe was nearly 6 months ago!!!) and was wishing for warm weather and sand at my feet, when I realised I haven’t shared my pictures from our weekend boat trip around the Whitsundays.

We spent the first afternoon and evening heading into the heart of the Whitsundays and getting to know our boat family over a few glasses of wine and barbequed fish, before bedding down for the night on the deck. We where awoken at 6.30am to the sounds of gentle music, to be greeted with the most spectacular sunrise over the ocean. We then proceeded with a morning swim to shore and landed on the gorgeous Whitehaven beach, for more fun in the sun. After lunch we snorkelled in the Great Barrier reef (I spotted a lone turtle) and partied the night away on deck, to then repeat the next day before heading back to shore. It was by far the most chilled out and furthest away from reality I have ever felt, and it’s a weekend I won’t forget in a hurry.






a morning dip



This was taken at 7.30am after the mornings swim to shore




The beautiful sunset in the Whitsundays

The new forest

Si and I escaped for the weekend into the heart of the New Forest for a spot of camping and exploring. We were so lucky on the weather front, and just about got the last rays of the summer. (Although I don’ think I have ever been so white in my life) We made the most of the weather and spent the day pottering around on the bike, stopping for picnics and obligatory pints at the local pubs. It was honestly one of the best weekends I have had in a long time. I can’t wait till next year...

oh and a little vid

ozzie travels

ahhh, Brisbane. It was a pleasure to come across your beautiful city, full with cosmopolitan charm and sophistication. We only spent 2 whole days here, but finally the sun shone, and it was actually warm on the skin. A feeling I hadn't felt in a long time. We took Brisbane in our stride, and enjoyed the scenery of the south bank, and the botanical gardens whilst lapping up the sun and getting stuck in to a good old book (or kindle in my case)

I loved Brisbane, and if I had to pick a place to live in Oz, I would have to pick here.

p.s not many pictures where taken, due to unforseen circumstances (cough cough* sunbathing)


(other posts - Sydney, Fraser Island, Byron Bay)

byron bay

After our incredible stay in Sydney we hopped on a plane to our next destination. We travelled 760 km north, up the coast to the small town of Byron Bay.  A backpackers haven, it was definitely a location highlight for us. A small, hippy town located on the beach it was miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The laid back vibe, no shoes, and cute little shops, I was sold.

We where there for only 2 full days, and started day one off early checking out the local market before heading down to the beach to catch some rays. Unfortunately for us the heavens opened on us mid afternoon, and didn’t stop for the whole time we where there. Day 2 we couldn’t even go outside as it was torrential.

We also couldn't help in taking some cheesey photo's. Well we couldn't sunbathe??

Sydney: day 5

So our last day in Sydney was upon us. There was only one more thing to do, head to the world's famous Bondi Beach. We jumped on the bus and took the 20 minute ride to the outskirts of the city. The winter sun was shining and we thought we were in for a full day on the beach. We pitched our spot and couldn't believe there was no one on the beach. All we could spot where joggers and couples in jackets taking a winter stroll, where as we were in our summer finest attempting to catch a tan. We soon gave up though, as unfortunately the wind was just to cold, so we packed up and headed back into the city.

Who need's David Hasselhoff?

We found a perfect spot on the edge of the Botanical gardens overlooking the harbour, and spent the last light of the day chilling out, reading and taking in the last breaths of Sydney air.

I was sad our first section was over, but was so excited to get out of the city and into proper Australia.

Sydney: day 4, escaping the city

we decided to leave the city for the day and escape to the beautiful Blue Mountains. About an hour and a half away we travelled by coach into the heart of the mountains. We passed small villages and Australian countryside before we reached our destination. I think you will agree it was breathtaking. It was a gorgeous clear day and we could see right down into the valley, and saw the famous 'three sisters' rock {if you ever see an Australia Tourism advert, this is the view they show}

after spending only an hour starting at the view we where back in the coach for another 2 hour drive inland to our next destination. The Jenolan caves. I was recommended to go there, and I am glad we did. We were taken on a tour of the grand caves, where we saw the stunning formations, and learnt some amazing facts, which I can't for life of me relay to you as my brain is like a sieve. It was pretty special, but 2 hours is a bit long for my liking to be looking at the practically the same thing, but if you happen to be in the area, it's worth a look.

Australia: a video

To mix it up a bit I thought I would share the video I have been working on, to capture our trip in Australia. It was fun to shoot and make and although I definitley need to invest in a better quality camcorder, I am so glad I took videos as well as the millions of photos. So let me know what you think...?

p.s the music is Delta Goodrem- standing on top of the world. It would be our holiday song, as it was played a lot out there. And, well I really love it.

Sydney day 3

after getting a better night's sleep we looked out the window to find rain. Yes rain. In Australia you say? You are correct. Apparently it has been their worst summer in 50 years and heading to be their worst winter also. Aren't we the lucky ones? After putting on my only pair of trousers (hello naive Brit) and flip flops we headed out into the rain.
It turns out the rain also sucks in Australia, and leaves you wet and miserable. We had planned to head to Bondi beach, but instead found ourselves wandering aimlessly round the city.
We pondered about going to the Aquarium or the IMAX (the world's largest, must you know) but we didn't really want to part with our money over something that didn't interest us. So we stuck it out and got wet.

We stumbled across a huge indoor market selling everything from fruit and veg to boomerangs and fake Uggs. It was a huge pile of tat, but I loved the hustle and bustle of everything. I even managed a knock down deal on a few I phone cases (I promise they really are designer)

The afternoon soon went quickly, as we strolled through China town and chatted away about the weather (classic Brits) We then got to spend the rest of the afternoon catching up with my good friend Jack, who is now living in Sydney.
We caught up on all the gossip his end, and the not so interesting gossip our end. Cider after cider we drank. Not a bad way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Sydney: day 1 & 2

i'm back. It seems like I have been away for a long, long time. I have approx a billion pictures and hour's worth of film, so I am working hard to condense it all down into neat little posts. So I had best start at the beginning...

So, the 24 hour journey started

after staying up all night and watching film upon film and getting fed like a trooper, we landed in Dubai for our stop over.

after a hot drink and a mooch around the airport, we boarded the Airbus for the next 14 hour journey

we landed in Sydney at 6am, and after only having a few hours sleep we headed straight to the hotel to unpack and, would you believe it, we slept FOR THE WHOLE DAY. When we woke up at 3pm we jumped up in anger that we had wasted our first day in bed, so quickly got ready, and managed to speed walk to the harbour to catch the sunset.

It was calm, warm and surreal, we were really on the other side of the world. I kept thinking, it's only a blooming bridge, but its Sydney's bridge, and I couldn't believe I was finally here. After everything sunk in we took a walk around and discovered our bellies screaming at us for food. So we tried some local cuisine. Hungry Jacks of course, Australia's version of Burger King.

As we where stupid enough to sleep throughout the day, this meant we couldn't sleep for the entire night, so stayed up watching crap TV and eating copious amounts of chocolate and crisps, so we ventured out early and headed straight back to the harbour.

where we took various tourist shots, and multiple pictures of the Opera house, harbour and bridge.

I only have a small attention span, so after taking way to many photos we headed up to the popular area of 'The Rocks' located by the harbours edge. The area is best described as 'old town' meets vintage charm, with many old buildings remaining, cobbled streets and small lanes.

We stopped for a market lunch before making the trek up to the Bridge it's self, because let me tell you, we love this Bridge.

With our interest failing due to lack of sleep (thank you jet lag) we took one last mission to Darling Harbour. Which in my opinion is miles better than Sydney Harbour? Although it is the better looking cousin, Darling Harbour sure is the life and soul.

After a quick nap in the park we headed back to freshen up and head out for our first night out in Sydney.

Day 3 & 4 to follow...