Category ‘05.02 – Australia’

The Blue Mountains are a 2 hour train ride from Sydney and full of great scenery and hiking. We spent a few days in the small town of Katoomba to enjoy the area. I had thought that “Blue Mountains” was just a name, but looking out over the valley the mountains really are a misty blue color.

The Blue Mountains

One of the days we hiked to Wentworth Falls, one of the more interesting waterfalls I’ve ever seen. We hiked across the top of the waterfall, then down really steep stairs to a middle level, and then across the valley on a path along the cliff. It was very cool.

Another day (more…)

Ben and I took a snorkeling tour of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.  This was by far the best snorkeling I’ve ever done, the fish and coral are straight out of a National Geographic special.  There are tons of fish in all sizes, shapes and colors.  And the coral is beautiful  – I didn’t realize it could be so varied and colorful – purple, blue, red, orange, etc.

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Who knew that part of Australia is a tropical climate with beautiful sandy beaches and rainforests? Ben and I spent 10 very relaxing days in the northeast part of Queensland, where the Great Barrier Reef is just off the coast. We stayed in a small town called Palm Cove in a cute little apartment near the beach. Here’s a few photos from the area… (more…)

Ben and I have spent the last week relaxing near the beach in beautiful Palm Cove, Australia.  One day I walked around the nearby zoo, which had a few of the Australian icons like kangaroos and koalas.  I think kangaroos slightly resemble deer, but with long hind legs and short front paws.  And when they run they really have a spring in their step!  Apparently kangaroos are all over Australia and you can even eat their meat.

The best part of the zoo was the koalas (more…)

Australia is the last country on our Round-the-World trip. The first stop of our 3-weeks here was Sydney, where we couchsurfed (thanks Elizabeth & Mitch!) and explored the city for a couple days.  We spent a nice day hanging out and walking around Sydney harbor.  The next day we visited Bondi Beach, famous for it’s pretty blue waters and great surf. Here’s a few photos… (more…)