Australia 2015
August 31 - September 21, 2015
Undertaking the “daunting task” of seeing the giant country of Australia in a mere 3 weeks is quite a challenge and clearly some sacrifices have to be made...especially when 3 of those days are spent traveling (2 to get there and 1 to get back).
So with our itinerary set at 18 nights in the country here is how we decided to tackle it:
We flew into the chic, hip cosmopolitan city of Sydney and were awed by its stunning setting on the harbour!
With our first (of a few travel glitches) occurring before even leaving the US, we were delayed by 11 hours causing us to miss our first full day in Sydney.
Leaving us only 2 full days to explore this city, we kicked it into full sight-seeing mode and made the most out of our short time there.
The water is a defining characteristic and so much revolves around spending time in and around it.
Scenic ferry rides, dazzling views at Circular Quay of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, walks through the vibrant colonial district of The Rocks and stunning beach walks are just a few of the ways we savored this city.
Next it was onward north to see the Great Barrier Reef!
We were fortunate enough to be able to see it from every possible aspect:
From the air on board a breath-taking scenic flight, from sea-level during a 2 night stay on a sailing catamaran and from below scuba diving!!
The flight over the reef was one of the highlights of our trip! Seeing it from this vantage point is simply extraordinary and no other way gives you the perspective of just how magnificent it is!
Then it was onto the “Red Centre” so named for the area’s distinctive reddish glow.
We spent 3 nights here exploring the sacred sites at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, most notably the famous Ayers Rock (or “Uluru” - its aboriginal name).
Hiking in and and around Uluru and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) provided striking vistas, especially at sunset when the Rock seems to glow!
Our final leg of the trip was to the southern coast to the city of Melbourne and a road trip out onto the Great Ocean Road.
We marveled at the kangaroos, koalas and spectacular seascapes on one of world's most scenic coastal drives.
Melbourne was a super city to explore on foot with its diverse architecture, lively urban culture and gorgeous skyline along the Yarra River.
Admittedly there is much more to this captivating country but we felt like we got a good taste of what it has to offer.
The people, the culture, the wildlife, the food and the sheer diversity of each of these was a feast for the senses and gave us so many new and memorable experiences we will carry with us always.
Here are just some of our favorite photos that attempt to capture all that we experienced.
Read MoreUndertaking the “daunting task” of seeing the giant country of Australia in a mere 3 weeks is quite a challenge and clearly some sacrifices have to be made...especially when 3 of those days are spent traveling (2 to get there and 1 to get back).
So with our itinerary set at 18 nights in the country here is how we decided to tackle it:
We flew into the chic, hip cosmopolitan city of Sydney and were awed by its stunning setting on the harbour!
With our first (of a few travel glitches) occurring before even leaving the US, we were delayed by 11 hours causing us to miss our first full day in Sydney.
Leaving us only 2 full days to explore this city, we kicked it into full sight-seeing mode and made the most out of our short time there.
The water is a defining characteristic and so much revolves around spending time in and around it.
Scenic ferry rides, dazzling views at Circular Quay of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, walks through the vibrant colonial district of The Rocks and stunning beach walks are just a few of the ways we savored this city.
Next it was onward north to see the Great Barrier Reef!
We were fortunate enough to be able to see it from every possible aspect:
From the air on board a breath-taking scenic flight, from sea-level during a 2 night stay on a sailing catamaran and from below scuba diving!!
The flight over the reef was one of the highlights of our trip! Seeing it from this vantage point is simply extraordinary and no other way gives you the perspective of just how magnificent it is!
Then it was onto the “Red Centre” so named for the area’s distinctive reddish glow.
We spent 3 nights here exploring the sacred sites at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, most notably the famous Ayers Rock (or “Uluru” - its aboriginal name).
Hiking in and and around Uluru and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) provided striking vistas, especially at sunset when the Rock seems to glow!
Our final leg of the trip was to the southern coast to the city of Melbourne and a road trip out onto the Great Ocean Road.
We marveled at the kangaroos, koalas and spectacular seascapes on one of world's most scenic coastal drives.
Melbourne was a super city to explore on foot with its diverse architecture, lively urban culture and gorgeous skyline along the Yarra River.
Admittedly there is much more to this captivating country but we felt like we got a good taste of what it has to offer.
The people, the culture, the wildlife, the food and the sheer diversity of each of these was a feast for the senses and gave us so many new and memorable experiences we will carry with us always.
Here are just some of our favorite photos that attempt to capture all that we experienced.
