The task of writing a blog post, or even posts, to describe our trip to Australia is truly daunting. This trip was not only my first time leaving Potatoes for more than a day and a half, but it was a trip that was jam packed with memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.
Here is a short summary of some of the highlights from the first part of our trip.
In Atlanta, one leg of four underway. We were so excited to have Heidi pick us up for lunch with her and Craig at Taco Mac....one of our favorites that we always hit up when we are in Atlanta. Though the service was atrocious, the company was superb!
I love my cousins! Trying to get them to move closer to me (hint, hint).
After lunch, we still had some time in our long layover. We took advantage of the Delta Lounge and the open bar for a quick toast to the coming adventure.
Here we go!
We arrived in Brisbane at 5:30am local time. We asked the hostel check in for fun things to do in the city. He asked us three times if we wanted to nap....no, thanks. We want to explore AUSTRALIA! His advise- check out the Brisbane sign.
So, we did!
We also went for a "proper breakfast" at the Pancake Manor, went to the Brisbane museum, and got chocolate from Max Brenner Chocolate Bar. It was a great day in Brisbane!
Can you spot the dinosaurs? Potatoes must have sent them to check on us while we ate pizza.
That evening, we met up with our tour group. We met our guide, Keilie, and the other 14 members of our 16 person group. Even though we were exhausted (and the only ones who had arrived that day from across the world), we opted to join the group for dinner after our first briefing.
I had no idea at this point that I had just met a group of lifelong friends.
Did I mention we were exhausted? My Aussie friend Brigid had recommended I try Halloumi (a type of cheese) while in Australia. The first item on the menu was a Halloumi bagel, so I jumped on the chance. When the waiter came, he called my name and put a sliced beef sandwich in front of me. It was delicious! Ten minutes later, he brought out a halloumi bagel and went around the table looking for its place... whoops...I had just stolen Lucy's burger (who had exclaimed her starvation on the walk to the pub). The waiter was not very nice about the situation, but did get Lucy a new burger. The funny thing is, Lucy and I ended up being super close, and continued laughing over the mishap for the rest of the trip.
In the morning we caught a bus to Noosa. We went for a hike and looked for koalas. While we didn't see any koalas, I was amazed to see Australian beaches compete with the beautiful beaches of home. I have been to beaches in many parts of the world and often find that our own Gulf Coast is beyond compare.
The rock formations, the emerald waters, and the adjacent jungle had me feeling that Aussie beaches may have us beat...
Agho trekking down to the water
There were no slots for an official surfing lesson, so Daniel and Adam had a 90 second land lesson before taking the boards out to sea
The water was fairly calm, allowing the guys to get comfortable. Both got up a few times, and Daniel rode what waves there were fairly well.
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Bryan and I enjoyed from the rocks
That evening we headed to our campsite and were greeted with hoards of wild kangaroos!
I could not believe how big some of them were, and how close we were able to get.
This mama has a joey in her pouch!
The lake view from our camp site
We built a fire (Keilie and Ahgo built a fire) both nights at the Noosa campgrounds and we all sat around, played ridiculous games, sang Baby Shark (who knew it was an international sensation?!) and got to know each other. The next morning we climbed into a crazy ATV before 7 am (this was an "adventure tour, not a sleeping tour") to head off to K'Gari.
Our monster of a ride
We took a ferry over to K'Gari
Stopping for tea
While in the ATV, we saw dingos, a whale (I missed the whale), and a giant python. We sang Australian songs as well as some great 90s classics and overall just had a great ride
I had to move to the front because I was getting motion sick on the incredibly bumpy road. Luckily there was a free seat next to my new bestie, Lucy
We took a trek through the rainforest on K'Gari
The ATV was so bumpy!
After a hike, Brock, aka Silver Fox, drove us to Lake McKenzie
Absolutely beautiful
The sand was silica sand and was so soft, it felt like flour!
We had a great time in the cold, cold water (it was Australian winter). We were all a bit timid, with only Drea being brave enough to get in, but then Daniel took a running dive into the water, after which most of us got up the nerve to get in.
We then enjoyed a huge lunch (I was continuously amazed by the amount of times we ate and how much food we got, but we were so active, I tended to take full advantage!).
The next morning we headed to the Australian Everglades. Funny thing is, there are apparently only two everglade systems in the world, and all four of us saw the Aussie Everglades before visiting those in our home state of Florida.
The water was filled with the tea tree oil from the Melaleuca trees, creating a near black and totally reflective surface.
We took a pontoon out to our spot for tea and then canoed back. Daniel and I were in near isolation the whole canoe trip, until we slowed down to let Bryan and Agho catch up. It was so peaceful!
Our camp quarters. The weather was so nice during the day, but utterly freezing at night!
After two nights at the Noosa Campgrounds, we caught a train to Arlie Beach
I braided Lucy's hair while waiting for the train
We also stopped in at an Op Shop (thrift store) while waiting for the train so we could all get costumes for a future "fancy dress" party (costume party). I will save those pictures for later...
Cheers!
The train was quite enjoyable when it was moving along heading seamlessly towards our destination!
We spent the time eating delicious train pizzas, having a quick drink, and playing BS.
This covers three days of our fourteen day trip.
The entire trip was go, go, go, and there are so many memories I have!
