Lady Elliot Island

Words like “stunning”, “beautiful”, and “unreal” come to mind when trying to describe the Great Barrier Reef, but truthfully, it’s something you have to experience for yourself.

We were in Noosa at the time, when we decided to fly out to Lady Elliot Island – a tiny place, that’s really only a landing strip and an ice cream shop – located on the southern most point of the Great Barrier Reef.

We woke up at 4am and made out way to tiny airport and our even tinier plane. Now, I’m not afraid to fly – I’ve been on many planes, many-a-time; however, there was something about a hefty pilot wearing a belly-top and flip-flops that rubbed me the wrong way. I mean, he just seemed like the kind of guy who was more likely to scream “everybody hold on, while I try something cool” – than “buckle up”.

But, after a very turbulent, white-knuckle ride – we made it!

Lady Elliot Island is beautiful. Small sandy beaches, with the only miles and miles of ocean surrounding you – you can’t help but feel like you’ve settled away on a secluded island paradise.

While there, we enjoyed wandering the beach, snorkelling the coral, and exploring the Great Barrier Reef on both a glass bottom boat ride, and a guided dive. As I said before, there is no way to describe the Great Barrier Reef – it’s almost like accidentally wandering into an unknown world full of vibrant colours, shapes, and creatures that you thought only possible in fairy tales.

What I love most about the picture above is that you can see how tiny the island is, in the great big Pacific that surrounds it. You can see the reef that breaks the harsh ocean waves, protecting the fish the live there, and making it possible for people to enjoy their day in water as well.

It really is special – and not surprising that the Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Like Alice through the look glass, you never know what you’re missing until you let yourself enter an unknown world.

Destination Nutshell:

Flight: $298, which included round trip airfare, snorkelling equipment, the boat ride out to the Great Barrier Reef, a buffet lunch (but don’t get too excited – it was mostly weird noodle salad), use of the facilities, and an orientation of the island.
Accom: We didn’t stay on the Island – we flew back to the mainland to stay in a cheap hostel on the Gold Coast, but you can! It’s just a little pricey.
Highlights: the great barrier reef, surviving the sketchy pilot, snorkelling, swimming, and a beautiful day.

The Gold Coast and Surfers Paradise

One of my favourite places of all was Surfers Paradise, and truthfully – I don’t know why.

I mean, aside of the long long beach that the city rests upon, the gorgeous weather, and bronzed Agonises as far as the eye could see, there wasn’t necessarily anything special about the place. It just had a great vibe.

My girlfriends all decided to give surfing a go while we were there (they're in the picture above, carrying their surf boards down to the beach). However, having learned the ‘Amanda can’t surf and hurts herself trying’ lesson Twice – I decided to explore the city centre instead.

Surfers Paradise is home to lots of great little shops, lots of surfer wear (of course), and probably the most amazing Kabob I have ever had. You know, it’s true what they say – the dirtier the place, the better the food. Because the Kabob Hut next to the main beach – that has no walls, running water, sanitary standards and employs the greasiest oldest pervy-est guy I have ever seen – serves the biggest, most flavourful, and yummiest chicken shwarma known to man.

We stayed in surfers for two days, and actually went back for a third on our way back to Melbourne. It is absolutely worth it, if you love a great night life, sandy beaches for as far as the eye can see, and a great big greasy Kabob served by a great big greasy man.

Destination nutshell:
Flight: On the road trip, baby!
Accom: We stayed in a beachside hostel that was a short drive from the city centre. Around $25 a night. Surfers is a popular tourist destination, so hostels are easy to find and in great locations.
Highlights: Bronzed and beautiful boys boys boys, the beach, the sand, the surf, the waves, Malabu’s Nightclub, and – of course – that big Kabob.

Take me away to Byron Bay!

After living about eight months in Melbourne, my girlfriends and I decided that we needed to take a trip up the Gold Coast, and see some Eastern Aussie Sites.

The original plan was to fly into Brisbane, and drive a few hours up to the southern points of the Great Barrier Reef and surrounding area. Flights were coming in at about $600 round trip, and that didn’t even include the car we’d have to rent to get around once we’d landed. So, we put our thinking caps on …..

Looking at the map, the distances, and the amount of time we were able to spend away from school – two words came to mind: ROAD TRIP!!!!!!!!

Our friend Jenn was a little doubtful. I mean, pulling off what needed to be done: driving to Byron Bay, from Melbourne, in a day – seemed a little daunting. 1650 kms … 20 hours in a car. The rest of us assured her it would be no problem! After all, we had a plan: Redbull!

The drive itself actually wasn’t bad. We had great music, lots of stories, and tons of great stops along the way. Not to mention, Australia is surprisingly full of “Big Things” and roadside attractions that make any car journey worthwhile. Between Melbourne and Noosa we saw: The Big Pineapple, The Big Prawn, The Big Guitar, The Big Strawberry, The Big Banana, and The Big Avocado. It was great : )

Finally though, we did arrive in Byron Bay – the Eastern most point of Australia, a beautiful little town, and a great place to have a pint, relax on the beach, and – in our case – get a few tattoos and piercing.

We spent two days exploring this little place – visiting its notorious lighthouse that had an amazing view of white sand beaches that stretch along the edge of Australia (above), shopping, and eating great food. But, before too long – it was time for us to carry on, on the road – and hit our next location: Surfers Paradise and the Sunshine Coast.

Destination Nutshell:
Flight: We rented a car for 10 days, totally about $700. Since there was four of us, it worked out to a cool $175 each plus about $100 each in gas. I definitely recommend this way to travel, if it’s at all possible! Just make sure you have unlimited kilometres and a lot of caffeine.
Accom: We stayed at the Cape Byron Lodge Hostel for $24 a night. It was cute, clean, and full of great people!
Highlights: The Bigs Things, driving with my Bffs, road tunes and road foods, the sun, the shade, and a new piercing that’s location will forever remain a secret!

Corryong Chug

During one eventful weekend, a girl who lived on res invited us to her family’s hotel in Corryong – a small place North of Melbourne, on the Victoria/ New South Wales boarder.

We drove for what seemed like ages, when we finally arrived at the town. The landscape was not at all like I had pictured in Australia. There were lush green rolling hills, high peaks, and rocky riverbeds. Even more notable, however, were the vast areas of burnt forests and trees that been destroyed when the fires went through that part of the country only a few years before.

I remember my friend telling me that it was amazing what survives these fires. She had been going through the woods only hours after they were put out – and noticed little wombat and wallabies hoping about, and emerging from their little hiding spots. Her friend Brad then shot one … but that’s beside the point.

We spent the night in Corryong’s local pub – drinking with the locals; and, it was actually here that I fully made a name for myself in Australia.

As you may or may not know – I can chug a beer faster than, well, probably anyone you’ve ever met. This greatly amused the guys in my group, who were quick to challenge the big country aussie boys to a ‘sculling’ competition on my behalf.

With the crowd behind me chanting “Can-a-da! Can-a-da! Can-a-da” – I won every single challenge that night – proving that some girls can drink just as well as the boys, and that when it comes to beer – us Canadians aren’t messing around. My friend recently told me that the Corryong guys still talk about “the girl at the pub, who could drink with the boys.”

The next day we went out into the country to hike, picnic, and play some footy. We were enjoying a beautiful afternoon, when something even more remarkable happened – we came across a heard of wild kangaroo playing and lounging in a near-by open field.

We walked slowly up to them, taking their pictures and enjoying how this truly unique animal lives its life in this place so far from ours. It was absolutely incredible.

We had to return back to uni, after only a few short days away – but, regardless of this, Corryong was a great experience and a definite highlight of my year abroad.

Destination Nutshell:
Flight: Our friend’s family picked us up in their bus. They run a travel/ tour group in Victoria. Many thanks, once again!
Accom: We stayed at the Corryong Country Inn for Free! It’s good to know people in high places.
Highlights: Good food, good friends, showing Aussies how it’s done, the mountains, the valleys, the wild kangaroos, and my first ever Sunday Roast.

What a beautiful day in Saint Kilda!

This is just a little blog, because nothing eventful ever really happened in Saint Kilda. It’s worth the shout-out though, because this area of Melbourne is just so darn cute.

South of the city, located on one of the prettiest points of the Bay, this little suburb has white sands, cute shops, and the notorious Luna Park. It’s kind of like ‘the beaches’ in Toronto – or, better yet, Kensington if it were by the lake.

Apparently this area was, at one point, overrun by prostitutes and crack heads. I don’t think it’s like that now – but that could be part of the reason that Saint Kilda is so fun! I mean, no one knows how to throw a party like the underbelly of society.

So, if you get a chance to check it out – I highly recommend you do so. The area’s seedy past has been washed away, but the good stuff that made this little place known still remains.

Destination nutshell:
Flight: $3 tram ride from Flinders Street Station in Melbourne
Accom: There’s tons of great hostels in Saint Kilda – ranging from $20 - $55/ night!
Highlights: The iconic Luna Park (seen above), unique boutiques, an ocean side board walk, and great great restaurants.

Away to Wombat

They say it is your friends who make your world – and, really, I couldn’t agree more.

Some of the best memories I have from my time in Australia are from Sale, Maffra, and Wombat – three teeny, tiny, towns south-east of Melbourne.

It was there that my friend Bree, from Uni, introduced me to some of the craziest people I have ever met: Willie, Doug, Grim, Brad, Amac, Maddog, and Veggie.

My fellow North American travel companions and I arrived on a Friday night and were immediately greeted with vodka, porn, and hunting rifles – Now, I know what you’re thinking: Accident waiting to happen. Normally, I would have thought so too; however, as it turns out – these, along with a striking flannel shirt – are the main ingredients in roo hunting.

Eight of us piled into the back to a pick-up truck and headed, off road, to the back of Brad’s family farm. It was close to midnight at this point, but the fields were well lit by a full moon and sky full of stars.

As we sat waiting for something to happen – a heard of wild kangaroos rose up over a hill like a flock of birds, about a kilometre away. They were just silhouettes in the moonlight, but their distinct shape and movement made it clear what they were.

Our silence was quickly broken by a shot fired from the gun. Waisting no time, we quickly drove us over to where the heard once was. Finding our kill, the boys immediately skinned the kangaroo and removed whatever meat was useful to them. Although it left me a little shaken, it was a true skill.

I haven’t been hunting since – I’m not sure it’s quite for me, but this was one experience I am so glad I had. It allowed me to live a day in a completely different lifestyle – where kangaroo hunting with your best mates is the norm, while making new friends and having a damn good time.

I went up to this area of Australia several more times during the year – and each visit was nothing short of insane, memorable, and – often – hilarious. This past May, Willie, Brad, Grim, and Bree came for a visit to Toronto, allowing me to show them my neck of the woods.

Although the only shots I could provide were those at the bar – I think they appreciated how we roll in the great white north just as much as I loved being a part of their world down under.

Destination Nutsell:

Flight: A quick train ride northbound: round trip $16
Accom: Free! It pays to have amazing friends
Highlights: Australian wildlife (kangaroos, wombats, and more!), new friends, crazy moments, too much to drink, and the delicious spring roll from that place in downtown Sale.

Along the Great Ocean Road to Lovely Lorne

One of the first places I travelled to outside of Melbourne was Lorne – a beautiful beachside town set between Loutit Bay and the big trees of the Otway forest. It was kind of like Wasaga or Sauble … but with white sands, the ocean, and even better ice cream.

It was here that I was introduced to “Australian” culture – shrimp on the Barbie, a surfing lesson (I’ve said it before, but: NEVER AGAIN!”), and Aussie Rules Football.

For those who aren’t familiar – “Footy” – is an Australian game that essentially combines American football, soccer, and drunk into a no-holds-barred, all out war, game of fun and excitement. It’s fast paced and absolutely brutal. In fact, the guy who taught our footy workshop had permanently disjointed fingers that literally hung off his hand, from being so badly and repeatedly broken while playing the sport professionally throughout his life.

Anyway, I digress –

Getting to Lorne was actually the highlight of this trip. In order to do so, you must travel along the Great Ocean Road- a twisting path that follows the coast of Victoria, and takes you alongside cliff tops, beaches and rainforests, while offering panoramic views of the Ocean at every turn.

It was along this journey that we also stopped at the twelve apostles – a famous rock formation (in the picture above) that is absolutely unreal.

I’m a firm believer in leaving the cities and resorts whenever you travel aboard. You definitely get a better understanding of the place you’re visiting.

The locals in Lorne were warm and welcoming, the food was fresh and delicious, and there was absolutely no hesitation in helping us travellers learn how to take down an Aussie in a “friendly” Australian game.


Destination Nutshell:
Flight: we travelled by bus – along the Great Ocean Road. It was ridiculous.
Accom: I stayed in the Lorne Hotel with a seaside view for $145 a night. Luckily I had a few travel buddies to share the cost.
Highlights: BBQ Shrimp or “prawns” as they like to say, footy, the surf (kind of), a walk in the rainforest, drop bears, the 12 Apostles, the Great Ocean Road, and days upon days on the beach.

Melbourne

Melbourne has many similarities to Toronto – old architecture mixed with the new, a strong art scene, diverse people, and lots of shopping.

However, there are many important differences as well. Rather than Lake Ontario, for example – and which I’m sorry to say often smells like fish and garbage – Melbourne sits on the banks of the peaceful Yarra River, which flows steadily through the city centre.

Rather than stone beaches that hurt and cut your feet …. Melbourne has white sands and soft shores. And, well, not to be nit-picky, but rather than seagulls and pigeons …. The Melbourne skies feature tropical parrots, cockatoos, and birds of paradise.

Don’t get me wrong, I love my city – but Melbourne is just …. Awesome.

There was, however, one experience that was lesser so. I mean, when you’re in a new city you have to expect that things might not always go your way.

On my first day, I – along with two other Canadian girls – spent the day exploring the city. Hungry, and having already heard about some of the amazing delicacies that can be found throughout the city streets, we began searching for something delicious to eat.

Expecting unlimited choice – we were surprised to find…. nothing. And not “nothing” as in:
“Do you want to eat here?”
“Nahhh…I don’t feel like Italian”.

I mean literally NOTHING. No Street-Meat, no Thai Express, no Curry in a Hurry, and no Sushi To-Go.

Museums, historical buildings, and landmarks were everywhere. But a sandwich? Impossible to find!

It’s hard to explain the seriousness of this situation. I mean – when was the last time you were in a city that seemed to have absolutely no food available. We asked around – and, perhaps even more socking, absolutely no one knew where there was a restaurant. By this time it had been about 45 minutes, and desperation was clearly starting to set in.

Moments away from foaming at the mouth and passing out on the side walk, we finally found this dingy $2.99 buffet in the basement of a bingo hall.

It was there that I had my first official Australian meal - cold chicken and egg plant parmesan, macaroni salad, and chips – while watching Pocahontas on the big screen, in a bar filled with children and cigarette smoke. Delicious isn’t quite the word I’d use to describe this experience. Sanitary probably isn’t either. Memorable, however – that fits.

We later found out that Lygon Street is place to eat. A cute little area on the North end of the city, that is known as the restaurant district. There you can find wood oven pizzas, handmade pasta, fresh sushi, and oh so much more.

I actually ended up working at a bakery on Lygon, which served unbelievable pastries, sandwiches, and lattes. In fact, if you ever have the chance to try Thresherman’s Vanilla Slice I highly recommend it! Mmm mmm good!

Melbourne is like most cities – it isn’t distinctly Australian – just like how Toronto doesn’t necessarily scream Canada. There are, however, a few amazing things that make it a great place to visit, explore – and, with a few tips and a little research – eat. But take it from me – never pay less than $5 for an “all-you-can-eat” experience.

Destination Nutshell:
Flight: by foot, hours and hours of city walking. Free!
Accom: I was in residence by this time; however there are tons of options for any budget or travel experience.
Highlights: Cricket at the MCG, Footie (Go bombers), Flinders Street Station, The docklands, Southbank, Crown, the State Library of Victoria, the Aquarium, and – my favourite – Sushi Train.

Arriving in a Land 'Down Unda'

I’m not gonna lie, I’m having a little trouble coming up with a way to summarize an entire year’s worth of adventures in a few short blogs (especially three years after the fact), so I’ve come up with a plan! I’m going to break down my time in Australia into a few specific blogs about a few specific places and a few specific experiences that took place while I was there. Here we go!

I had been to Australia before – when I was 19 years old. I don’t remember much – needless to say, many a-drink was had – so returning, at 24 as a south-pacific history student, made for an entirely different experience.

This time around, I was there to do more than take in bourbon, scotch, and beer. I was there to soak up the scenery, culture and, of course, some sun.

I arrived in Melbourne after a 14 hour flight from Honolulu in the wee hours of the night, and was greeted by a perfectly toned tanned Aussie Adonis who welcomed me to the Flinders Street Hostel.

Normally, this would be a good thing. However – while wearing a sticky track suit – saturated in pineapple juice (….we had hit some turbulence along the way), and after a sleepless night and 14 hours in a small space with re-circulated air alongside 100 or more equally sexy strangers – I wasn’t quite looking like my most fabulous self.

I shuffled into the hostel and immediately went to bed.

There’s something remarkable about the Australian sun. I didn’t realize it at the time – or maybe it’s because our sunrises are often covered by overcast clouds and Armageddon snowstorms – but it really is rejuvenating. I awoke to bright skies, warm weather, and even warmer people.

From there – I set out into my new home – ready to explore the city and, of course, find that beautifully bronzed Australian God … I mean, guy.


Destination nutshell:
Flight: $900 total (one way), 26 hours
Accom: My first night was spent at the Flinders Street Hostel. $28 a night – and in a prime local, downtown Melbourne. From there I moved to my uni’s residences.
Highlights: I’m finally off a plane!! And, hey – is that sushi?!

Lei Me!

This isn’t shocking, but – Australia is actually very very far from Toronto, Canada.
16, 267kms to be exact!

Having made this trip once before – on a 26 hour bender, that I quickly filed under the “never again” category – I decided to break-up the in-flight hours by taking a mini-vacation (before my big vacation), and spend a week in Hawaii.

Having done just that, I can say with confidence that Hawaii is like nowhere else. No matter where you stand in Oahu – you are surrounded by a view that I had only ever seen in paintings.

Large, green, cascading hills, the blue, salty pacific – it’s impossible not to allow yourself to be completely absorbed. Awed. Or relaxed. I’m pretty sure the air smelled of coconut and citrus too.

Obvious words like “paradise”, “beautiful”, “warm”, and (for me) “sun burn” come to mind – I mean, how could they not? But truthfully, what made this place special, even more so than the gorgeous weather, beautiful beaches, and amazing food (I still dream of fresh Hawaiian pineapple on cold winter Canadian nights) – were the people.

Diverse in appearance, but united in culture – there was not one person who didn’t offer a warm smile and a hearty ‘aloha’ wherever you went. It didn’t come across as tourist manipulation either (as is often the case) – rather, it was a genuine “We love this place, and want you to love it too!”

And, you know what, I did. Mahalo!

Destination nutshell:
Flight: $400CDN (one way), 13 hrs
Accom: I stayed at the Polynesian Hostel on Lemon Road. $23 a night, and less than a minute walk from Waikiki beach – it was most excellent.
Highlights: Diamondhead, Pearl Harbour (kind of), the Dole Plantation, and the most amazing pineapple I have ever tasted. So juicy, so sweet - I would go back to Hawaii in a heart beat.

A journey of a thousand miles....

begins with a single step.

Needless to say, I'm starting a blog - Welcome.

My travel tips and tales - and a way to look busy while at work - I hope you enjoy reading about my adventures.

In April, I will be taking off on a two week road trip across America. Covering 8500kms, 18 states, and as many 'big things' as I can find - it should be one wild ride (and yes - Vegas, here I come!).

But first .... from the archives of my mind ..... Australia....