G’day Mate – Australia

Australia, a country that can be hard in terrain, but beautiful and diverse in many parts. A population with a distinct Aussie twang in their pronunciation.

• cork hats
• kangaroos, koalas and wombats
• largest reef system in the world
• a single country that covers a whole continent
• the cleanest air in the world in Tasmania
• the longest fence in the world
• 90% of the population lives on the coast
• birds large, small and matchless
• the Australian Alps get more snow than the Swiss Alps

Friendly multiracial citizens and inviting to the adventure tourist or those who just want to relax, enjoy nature and thrive on the beauty it has to offer. Large cities and small towns, each with its own unique appeal. 

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Why you should visit Australia

“I love a sunburnt country,
A land of sweeping plains,
Of ragged mountain ranges,
Of droughts and flooding rains.
I love her far horizons,
I love her jewel-sea,
Her beauty and her terror –
The wide brown land for me!”
― Dorothea Mackellar, The Poems of Dorothea Mackellar

Firstly what struck me in the cities and towns, was how clean Australia is! I call Perth “Noddy Town”. It looks as if the sidewalks have been trimmed with scissors. Everything works! People obey the speed limit, stop at the STOP signs, and wait patiently at the traffic lights for their turn to go. Trains arrive on time.

The majority of the population lives on the coast, so when visiting, the ocean is a constant view. If you want to go skiing, you can do so in the winter in the Australian Alps, which has more snow than in the Swiss Alps.

Animals with a difference

As much as Australia is so distinctive from the rest of the world, so are the animals.

The Kangaroo

Animals which we have all heard about! They are approximately 2 metres in height and can move up to 56km/h and will jump out on the outback roads at any time. That is why the farmers have bull bars in front of their off-road vehicles. They belong to the animal family Macropus (large foot). They have very powerful hind legs and can hop up to 9 metres at a time. Their tail is very thick and strong.

Did you know the emu and kangaroo both cannot move backwards? This is why on the Australian coat of arms, there is the emu and kangaroo, symbolizing the nation only moving forward. There are four surviving species of the kangaroo, The Red kangaroo, which is the largest, the Eastern Grey kangaroo, Antilopine and the Western Grey kangaroo. Their troops are made up of 50 or more. The baby kangaroos, called joeys, are cradled in the mother’s pouch, where they are safe and can suckle.

Platypus

The semi-aquatic duck-billed platypus is an assortment of different animals all combined into one. From beaver, duck, otter, and aquatic egg-laying creatures, it stands out as a noteworthy, astonishing animal. They are small, with a flattened bodies and heads. This allows them to glide through the water of streams and rivers. Shyness keeps them to themselves, but the males are venomous.

On their hind feet, they have sharp stingers which when the foe is kicked, can be toxic. Did you know they have no teeth? Yes, just like a duck. The sand they scoop up when they gather their grub, such as insects and larvae from the bottom of the river or stream, helps to grind the food.

What fascinating creatures from the eastern part of Australia such as Tasmania, Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales. Of course, you do find them in the different zoos throughout Aussie.

Koala

In real life, these bears (they are not bears, but marsupials) are just too divine! You want to pick one up and just cuddle it! They are nocturnal so only come out at night. When you see them during the day, they remind me of toys as they are quite still.

They feed on eucalyptus leaves and live in these trees. Their little joeys live in the pouches for up to 6 months. Did you know they rarely drink water? This is because they get their liquid from the poisonous (to other animals) eucalyptus leaves which contain much moisture. They can sleep for up to 18 hours a day and most certainly do not have much energy.

Tasmanian Devil

These have similar characteristics to the cartoon character from the cartoon Taz. They are lively, gutsy, aggressive meat-eating marsupials, which only now reside in the Island State of Tasmania. Hair that is bristly and tails which can become as thick as a human’s waist, as they store fat in their tails!

Their blood-curdling shrieks in the dark can send shivers up your spine, hence the Tasmanian devil name originated. Did you know their joeys when born can be the size of a grain of rice? Teeth grow throughout their lives, so they can consume bones. These “devils” have become endangered since 2008.

“Australia has the largest concentration of venomous, aggressive, and black-hearted creatures on Earth.” – Badass of the week Australia

When visiting the zoos throughout Aussie, you realize what a selection and variety of bizarre, extraordinary wildlife that reside in Australia. No wonder it is a continent surrounded by sea to keep the animals in!

What Cities to Visit in Aussie

If you look at the map from Proofreader, you will see that there are 8 different states. Most of the larger cities are close to the coast. The interior is mostly desert and a flat plateau. This arid and semi-arid interior is known as the “outback”.

The Great Victoria Basin is the largest desert and is mainly in the interior of Western and Southern Australia. The largest standing-alone rock in the world is called Uluru, which is in the centre of the country.

Perth in Western Australia

I have been back to Perth numerous times and have a special fondness for the city. Immaculate, fertile, striking and with the magnificent Swan River that meanders down to the southwest coast.

River Cruise & Wine tours

Combine a river cruise and wine-tasting tour for a day. Revel in the cruise down the Swan River down to the Swan River Valley. Here you go ashore and devour lunch and wine tastings. You will visit three different vineyards. The guide is very informative and you can delight in tea while observing all the beauty that surrounds you. Lovely day!

Kings Park

In the inner city, is one of the world’s largest parks, Kings Park. Take a fabulous stroll through the magnificent varieties of flora and fauna and then go and whet your appetite at one of the restaurants within the botanical gardens. If you decide to have breakfast first, I recommend Rubra on the Swan.

Rottnest Island

You can only get to Rottnest Island by boat or seaplane. The beaches are truly glorious! The walks are so worth it! You can spot quokkas who seem to continuously smile at you or dolphins. The birdlife is totally grand and impressive. Swim in one of the 20 bays or 63 beaches and just relax.

No cars are permitted on the island, so your mode of transport is a hired bicycle. Snorkelling is fun, whatever your age and the sea life you observe is technicoloured. There are different hotels on the island and I suggest staying over for at least 2 nights or more to really capture the beauty and relaxation.

Numerous restaurants are spread over the island, but my favourite is Pinky’s, due to the best view of the ocean. The museum you can enjoy and stroll around for about an hour. if you feel energetic, you can climb the Wadjemup Lighthouse. The view is spectacular.  I call Rottnest Island a soul destination, simple and peaceful.

Swimming with the Dolphins in Western Australia

Dolphins are warm-blooded and breathe through lungs not gills and are regarded as one of the world’s most intelligent animals. They have an interesting yet complicated form of communication with each other, through three main ways: echolocation (seeing with sound), crazy whistles and sounds and social communication.

The bottlenose dolphin is very popular to swim with and experience. They do not lay eggs but give birth to live young and even produce milk and feed miraculously underwater. When swimming with dolphins, is a once in a lifetime involvement and an experience you will never regret. It is wise to go with a tour organiser as they do know where the dolphins are normally found and ones that have got used to human interaction.

Broome in Western Australia

The best time to go to this exotic pearling town of Broome is from May toculture October due to the tropical climate. Cable Beach stretches with soft white sand for 22 kilometres the sea is gentle and warm and the waves are small and soft. The resorts and hotels cater well for tourists and is a seniors haven.

The Broome camel safaris you have to encounter! Walking along on a back of a camel on the brilliantly virgin white beach at sunset revitalizes your inner being!

Adelaide the capital of South Australia

This city gives you an instant feel of the culture. Known for its art, philosophy, opera, entertainment and museums. Adelaide is the wine capital of Australia and invites you to head over to Adelaide Hills and savour the aromas and tastes of a variety of wines and cuisine. It is in the centre of the world’s opal industry. Purchase one of these magnificent treasures mined from the South Australian mines.

Adelaide’s central market

West of Victoria Square you can shop at one of the oldest central markets in the world. The cheeses, baked goods, fresh fruit and vegetables are a taste to delight yourself in. You need to take your own shopping bag or basket.

South Australian Museum

Can you believe that this museum has over 21 million different objects that are focused on specimens of animals, minerals, minerals and cultural materials? It has natural science collections that are spectacular and the Australian Cultural Artefact collection is the largest in the world.

Move through the selection of galleries, both temporary and permanent. Next door to the museum is the Art Gallery of South Australia, where the gallery houses one of the largest art museum collections in Australia. The gallery takes you through the history of art to the present day, in a uniquely special way. A day well spent!

Adelaide Botanical Gardens and National Wine Centre of Australia

Beautiful to escape amongst gorgeous gardens, wild emotive trees and trails where you can capture the loveliness. Set on 50 hectares in the centre of Adelaide, this free-entry garden will transfix you. Rich aromas, diversity and fantastic colours of splendour.

Savour a scrumptious lunch at the Botanic Garden Restaurant. If you are a lover of wine, the National Wine Centre has an ambience of its own. It showcases the Australian Wine industry and you can experience the winemaking process from the vine to the bottle. Afterwards, why not go to the bar and taste over 120 wines? Make sure you have transport to take you back to your accommodation.

Karta is known as Kangaroo Island

This is Australia’s third-largest island just off South Australia. 80 miles (130 km) southwest of Adelaide. You can either fly in or go to the island by ferry. Did you know it is 6 times larger than Singapore? There is so much to do on the island, that I suggest you spend at least 4 days here. Flinders Chase National Park to Remarkable Rocks is a day’s outing all on its own. The rocks are most certainly remarkable!

There are fabulous hotels and restaurants and to view everything, I suggest booking with a tour operator. One of two things I suggest you do if you are not spending a huge amount of time on the island is swimming with the dolphins and go on a guided Seal Bay tour. The experiences of these guides are needed for these moments.

Victoria Southeastern State

Victoria has numerous enticing experiences not far from the capital which is Melbourne. A selection of adventure, tastes, penguins, art galleries and beauty! Read my blog on Melbourne Revealed: Discovering Hidden Gems

Puffing Billy Railway and Moonlight Sanctuary

Pre-book your picnic lunch and adventure out into the heart of the Dandenong Ranges. You appreciate the stunning view from the open side carriages and the aroma of steam takes you into the past as the train carried timber, plants and even livestock from Belgrave and Lakeside.

Rainforests enfold and bridges excite! When you arrive at your destination, go to the Moonlight Sanctuary and adore the close-up animal experience of the wildlife. What a perfect day!

Melbourne is a city of pleasure and entertainment

Laneways are everywhere and street art is around every corner. So when you stroll around the city, you cannot wait to see what is around the next corner. It has been voted on numerous occasions as the world’s most livable city!

When in Melbourne you have to savour the famous Aussie lamb roast! It is also regarded as the coffee capital of the world! This suits me fine as I love tasting cappuccinos in different parts of the world! Being very laidback with citizens going mad over their sport and food, the vibe is extremely relaxed.

The City Circle Tram loop is a fabulous way to view the city itself. Make sure you do your shopping at the Melbourne Central Shopping Centre. The selection to purchase those gifts is wonderful, but go see the domed glass window that stands 84m high, that covers Coop’s Shot Tower. It is my top “chill” city!

New South Wales

Enjoy strolling along the beach? These surfing beaches are fabulous to stroll along, but you need to know when to turn around, otherwise, you will stroll forever! Inland you have magnificent rainforests and the rocky, craggy Blue Mountains.

North of Sydney you must take a tour to Hunter Valley, which has numerous, amazing wineries. In summer, costs seem to rise high and so does the heat. I suggest visiting during spring or autumn.

One destination I would not advise you to visit is Wollongong, or “The Gong” as it is often referred to. This city is the most dangerous city in Australia.

Sydney is renowned for the Opera House and Harbour Bridge

Over five million residents and Sydney is the largest city in Australia. It is however the 3rd most expensive city in the world! It is also one of the most visually stunning cities in the world. There is much to do within Sydney itself but on the outskirts a great deal more to see and do. The winters are mild and the summers are warm.

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

Pig the Dugong is absolutely fascinating! A dugong is a marine animal and is a cousin to manatees. They are plump but have a dolphin-like tail. I am not sure if I should call them ugly or beautiful! Go through the Shark Valley and admire these creatures from every angle.

Jurassic Seas takes you into a world that once was, allowing you to visualize this ancient history. You can go on a boat ride to the Macquarie Island-themed exhibit. Penguins waddling everywhere! And of course so much more! SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is a truly joyful outing!

7 Beaches to Visit in Sydney

• Bondi Beach – can get rather crowded. Lovely laid-back cafes and restaurants nearby. Closest to the CBD.
• Manly Beach – can get crowded but not as crowded as Bondi. Has a netted beach pool and vibrant restaurants, cafes and super for shopping.
• Shelly Beach – is perfect for the seaside sunset. More private and in a sheltered cove, surrounded by a nature reserve. More my kind of beach.
• Bigola Beach – is private, and exquisite and has a 50-meter saltwater rock pool for safe swimming.
• Shark Beach – they do have shark nets so safe for swimming in the gentle swells. Lovely cafes and grass areas if you want to lie and read without the sand.
• Clovelly Beach – small, private, protected from the wind and fabulous for snorkelling.
• Garie Beach – in a remote location in the Royal National Park. Secret destination and gorgeous to walk along the stretches of sand. Bring your own lunch and snacks. They do have toilet facilities.

Royal National Park is a touch of Aussie heaven

This national park is only one hour from Sydney, yet when you enter you feel as if you have landed on another planet of tranquillity! For the adventurous senior, a hike is breathtaking! Wattamolla Lagoon is perfect for swimming and relaxing.

Do you know there is a huge rock called Admire Wedding Cake Rock, that is flat and white? (You are not allowed to walk on it.) You can follow the Curracurrong Falls which is literally following the waterfalls. Although the coastal walks are beautiful, the Forest Walk is my preferred walk. Only 4.4 km flatter and takes about one hour to complete. A perfect hiking destination!

The Figure Eight Rock Pools are totally rare. Make sure when visiting that the weather is good and the tide is not high.

The Sydney Opera House

The opera house defines the Sydney skyline and most tourists who venture to Sydney know about this famous multi-performing arts house. Did you know that it was supposed to take only 4 years to construct, but actually took 14 years? Find out what the performance is when you visit Sydney. They say the experience in the house is one you will never forget.

Chinese Garden of Friendship

Go with a friend! You will have much to admire together. Walk into the history of China and stroll slowly and breathe in the beauty of waterfalls, lakes and willow trees. Listen carefully to see if you can identify the magnificent voices of a variety of birds. Very peaceful both emotionally and tranquilly. Most certainly a garden of friendship!

Queensland

• Queensland is gigantic! Almost 7 times the size of Great Britain. It is the second-largest state in Australia.
• Most certainly the “Sunshine State” as it is often referred to, warrants its name, as it receives on average 8 hours of sunshine every day
• In Queensland, there are over 200 national parks
• Many bananas are grown, due to tropical areas and the inhabitants are nicknamed “Banana Benders”
• Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary covers 18-hectare and is the world’s largest and oldest koala sanctuary
• Some of the world’s oldest dinosaur footprints are found in the outback town of Winton 
• Eumundi Markets are famous for their 500 stalls just 15 minutes from Noosa, selling crafts, gifts, arts, clothing, linen, fresh produce and more
• Best chilled, charming, relaxing and beautiful tourist destination in Aussie. So perfect for any senior to travel to
• Queensland boasts the world’s largest coral reef system, named the Great Barrier Reef
• Very affordable vacation
• Year-round great weather

Brisbane

Brisbane, or “Brissy” as the locals call it, is a collaged scene of urban villages. The residents have a strong sense of togetherness and at the same time, they are a soulful population. Friendliness, big-hearted and welcoming are three of their great strengths. When in Brisbane, chill as they do! Go visit the Brisbane Botanical Gardens and while you are there, go stargazing at the Sir Thomas Planetarium.

Do you remember “The Crocodile Hunter?” Stephen Robert Irwin who was the Australia ZooKeeper, renowned television personality and an expert in wildlife defined this zoo as his base. Take pleasure as you take in the Brisbane sights on the Brisbane River Dinner Cruise. Shop and shop, then eat, then shop in the CBD.

Have you heard about the Brisbane Powerhouse? Right outside you will have a fabulous view of the river. Go and experience a show, event or free comedy show. Quite an occurrence! Are you afraid of ghosts? If not then this tour is for you. Haunted Brisbane Ghost Tour in the CBD.

Gold Coast

Tourist hotspot! The Gold Coast is South of the capital of Queensland, Brisbane. There are canals and waterways everywhere and the long stretch of sand alongside the city is an absolute pleasure.

Multicultural restaurants and perfect weather! Dreamworld, Sea World, Movie World & Wet’n’Wild are the theme parks you must venture into. Springbrook National Park has the most divine secret alcoves to swim in. How marvellous is this!

Sunshine Coast

So heavenly! I want to go there now! Perfect weather, so beautiful and so many activities to encounter. For the Sunshine Coast, have a look at the site called Crazy Tourist. I think I will have to do an article purely in this area.

“The people are immensely likeable— cheerful, extrovert, quick-witted, and unfailingly obliging. Their cities are safe and clean and nearly always built on water. They have a society that is prosperous, well-ordered, and instinctively egalitarian. The food is excellent. The beer is cold. The sun nearly always shines. There is coffee on every corner. Life doesn’t get much better than this.”
― Bill Bryson, In a Sunburned Country

Don’t Forget to Go and See

The Pink Lakes of Australia, such as Lake Hillier and Hutt Lagoon, are found in Western Australia and South Australia, captivating visitors with their stunning rosy hues.

If you have any wonderful places in Aussie that you would like to share with us, please do so in the Comments section below.