Explore Australia - A Local Guide

26/09/2020

Adelaide is open for business. But there is so much to see outside of it as this article on Adelaide day trips from Australia Your Way shows.

We vote for Hahndorf, Mount Lofty and the Barossa should that matter...so add all of these to your list!

These 11-day trips from Adelaide in South Australia are a great way to get out and explore the city and beyond.

14/07/2020

PORT DOUGLAS, QUEENSLAND

There are some amazing hotels in the world, and one of the best is right here in Port Douglas.

The Silkari Lagoons Port Douglas, which was formerly the Oaks Lagoon when I stayed, is a real gem of a hotel. The lagoon swim out rooms are truly amazing - its the perfect oasis in Port Douglas. My mum and I stayed here for 2 nights and wanted longer.

When us Victorians are allowed back - I want to do a re-visit up here to enjoy the tranquillity and see how the Silkari operates now. What a treat this stay was.

24/06/2020

MAGNETIC ISLAND, QUEENSLAND

Magnetic Island is a true paradise, a small boat ride from the city of Townsville (another underrated destination!)

You can spend the whole day here - there are public transport options, or self drive "golf cart" style driving options to get around. Or even stay for a while.

Personal highlights of the Island include: Picnic Bay and Horseshoe Bay and Alma Bay.

But there are SO many different places all around the island that hidden gems are everywhere!

15/05/2020

YARRA VALLEY, VICTORIA

Ever wanted to stay in an off-grid escape in Victoria?

Shacky is the answer when it comes to the Yarra Valley wine region. I stayed here and absolutely LOVED it. I can't wait to stay in more and see what the others are like in the Grampians and High Country.

Want a relaxing staycation? Shacky Yarra Valley is a little piece of heaven located in Victoria's wine country. If you love wine, this place is for you!

05/05/2020

GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND

You can't visit Queensland without a stopping at the iconic Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast.

Known for it's beautiful beaches, nightlife and of course theme parks, the Gold Coast is a very cool holiday destination for the whole family. Surfers Paradise is a great place to explore, enjoy the day or do some shopping. There are some cool bars and restaurants along Cavill Ave too - the main strip of this city.

Avoid this city during post Year 12 celebrations (mid to end of November "usually") otherwise known as "schoolies". Too many teenagers around in all the hotels and local areas during this time. Except this year, as school won't finish as early due to the Rona.

I tend to visit here in Winter as Melbourne is so cold - but the weather in Queensland is perfect. A great getaway for sure.

18/04/2020

STATE LIBRARY OF VICTORIA, MELBOURNE

Iconic in so many ways, the State Library Victoria is one of the most incredible spaces to enjoy in the city. It is free to enter.

Although it is temporarily closed due to current events, there are many things to enjoy here including:

⭐️ Iconic domed LaTrobe Reading Room - you can take the elevator or stairs to the top to enjoy the views below
⭐️ Ian Potter Queen's Hall (recently re-opened in Dec 2019)
⭐️ See Ned Kelly's armour which is on display
⭐️ Various workspaces, gallery spaces and a children's quarter to cater to all the different visitors who come through

This is a great place to take the kids or yourself. There is so much history and beautiful spaces to enjoy here.

I just love it.

16/04/2020

FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND

Have you heard of the Waterfall Circut in the Atherton Tablelands?

90 minutes drive from Cairns, sits one of the most stunning regions in Queensland, full of interesting pit stops and beautiful waterfalls.

I drove from Cairns to Townsville and bypassed through the Tablelands - and I am so glad I did. So what can you see here? A whole lot - including many sites which remain significant to Australia's local Indigenous communities.

⭐️ Curtin Fig Tree
The Ngadjon-Jii traditional owners of this land welcome visitors to the Curtin Fig, which is located on Curtain Fig Tree Road, in Yungaburra. This fig is one of the largest trees in Queensland and is on the Queensland Heritage Register. It is approximated to be over 500 years old. There is information here on how the fig tree was formed which is really fascinating. This site is wheelchair accessible.

⭐️Malanda Falls (Tutamonlin)
Were a significant landmark to the Ngadjon-Jii people, who moved seasonally through their lands, from the mountains to the east as they hunted and gathered. Falls like these were significant sites to these activities.

⭐️ Millaa Millaa Falls, Theresa Creek Road
Australia’s most photographed waterfall. Heritage-listed, with an 18m plunge waterfall, which tumbles into a waterhole. This is the centrepiece of the Waterfall Circuit.

⭐️ Zillie Falls
Get up close and personal with the amazing Zillie falls. Look down on the waterfall as it hits the rocks below. If you're lucky enough you may see a rainbow coming off of it. Just amazing to get so close to the thundering water. This was my favourite of all of them.

⭐️ Ellinjaa Falls.
These waters tumbles over a series of lava columns – a relic from the region’s volcanic history. A 200m-long walkway leads to the base of the falls allowing for some beautiful shots.

Need I say more? I saw a lot during this roadtrip, but all of this was one of the biggest highlights of the whole 2 weeks. Do not miss them if you're near Cairns and have a car.

15/04/2020

Given everything that's happening here in Australia and the world, it was very fitting I made it out to School Of The Air this past July while visiting Alice Springs.

School Of The Air, allows kids across Australia, living in remote places to maintain a proper education from their homes. They utilize technology and showcase to visitors at their visitor center, how remote learning works in a successful way. It was great to see given I am a teacher who will likely be involved in remote learning and teaching over the coming weeks.

What once seemed like an alien style of teaching is now what we are doing. Be sure to make it out there if you're in Alice Springs. It is so worth it. There is a cost to visit, but it is well worth the entry fee of $12.

For more info on exploring Australia, be sure to follow this page, my website and general travel and lifestyle page Enchanted Serendipity to see more.

15/04/2020

15/03/2019

Hosier Lane has some awesome murals right now including a very sports themed wall with 2 LA Lakers for the store Culture Kings, and if you look up there is some amazing artwork that is really hidden but so striking when you actually see it. A wide angle would show so much more than what I have been able to capture. But man, is this stunning!
•
•
•

12/03/2019

Did you see Melbourne's pink lake? We did when it was all at its peak pink colour and it was fabulous! This angle only shows a snippet of how big this lake is. It is huge if you have the wide angle.
•
•
•

11/03/2019

Moomba, Melbourne. You outdid yourself once again. The fireworks were amazing. A wider angle lens and an upgrade from my s8 would have shot an even better snap but pretty proud of a nice fireworks shot. Did you see these fireworks?
•
•
•

09/03/2019

Melbourne has some amazing angles that you can capture up close. But imagine what a wider angle would have shown us here too?
•
This intersection of Flinders Street Station sees itself with Fed Square, St Pauls Cathedral and the iconic Young & Jackson pub. I am always standing here enjoying this view and this amazing city no matter what angle I see it from.
•
•
•

26/02/2019

Have you been to Gold Class yet? We go once a month because we get discounted tickets and splurge on the food inside. Last night we saw What Men Want and ate too much! But it was so good. The popcorn is always on point 👌🏼
•
•
•

24/02/2019

Seaford pier offers picture perfect views. Amazing Sunday all round.
•
•

17/01/2019

When one visits Palm Cove, they expect to see...

11/01/2019

The weekend is here...we know where we will be. How about you?

29/12/2018

The Australian War Memorial is an amazing place day or night to visit. Visitors can't enter the memorial once it is closed at 5pm. But at nighttime, you can still take in the beauty and the peace - with no one around. When we went there was not a soul anywhere.

Names from the Roll of Honour are displayed on the facade of the building in 30 second increments as you can see in this image. During the day the names are spoken. But to stand here and see the names continue and continue to display makes any visit here an important one.

Do not miss it.

Visit Canberra

20/12/2018

Moonlight cinema is a really fun Summer experience right in the Melbourne Botanical Gardens. We saw Love Actually on tuesday and it was amazing. Such a beautiful night - not too hot or cold. Bring snacks and wine with you, and a picnic rug. A pillow or small bean bag is also a good idea. They do sell them for $10 but will sell out.

Have you been here yet?
•
•
•

19/12/2018

Heading to the Dandenongs?

A stop for Devonshire tea with scones at Sassafras Cafe is a must.

We love out scones. How about you?

02/12/2018

Christmas is here in Melbourne.

So pretty!

Federation Square

25/11/2018

Have you flown over the Whitsundays? One of the highlights remains Hill inlet - a natural sand swirl with turquoise waters, that is truly incredible from above. We are headed back in January - and it can't come soon enough!

Is this on your list?

Visit Whitsundays, Queensland, Australia
Visit Queensland, Australia

21/11/2018

No trip to the Mornington Peninsula is complete without a visit to T' Gallant winery. Amazing food. Delicious wine. The perfect Christmas celebration - my work will be there in December. Can't wait to be back.
•
•
•

18/11/2018

Have you been to Melbourne at all if you haven't had a Dandee Donuts?

The best jam donuts of your life right here - this was my childhood treat growing up in the South East - still is. Get to the Dandenong Market this week to eat some.

(Can you send some our way while you're there too? Thanks!)

28/10/2018

Yering Station winery is located outside Melbourne in the Yarra Valley. When we were last there a few months ago, we did a tasting of the 2018 Reisling and it was one of the best Reising's we have ever tried. We need more. We drank everything we bought!
•
•
•

27/10/2018

We eat here at least 3 times a month. It is our go-to restaurant and when travelers are visiting we are always sure to take them here. Hu Tong have the best Xiao Long Bao in the city but the string beans with minced pork and chilli are to die for. Go immediately.
•
•
•

27/10/2018

A face everyone in Melbourne knows well. When was the last time you were here?
•

24/10/2018

Have you been to the Big Banana?

Coffs Harbour is so much more than just this attraction. Good food, stunning beaches, a great city.

21/10/2018

Do you recognise this famous Melbourne landmark?