I did love exploring Sydney and it’s surrounding suburbs but I must say I also loved getting out of the busy city hussle in my third and fourth week. These were jam packed with road trips, wildlife, vast landscapes and some incredible food and drink.
The Blue Mountains, just west of Sydney are known for their dramatic landscapes, waterfalls, forests, hikes and many small quaint villages dotted throughout. We stayed near the Three Sisters look out point, a few kilometers from Katoomba. We looked to go canyoneering but the predicted weather forecast prevented this so we opted for a hike, which did not disappoint. We spent a whole day hiking down into the valley below the Three Sisters, via the 1000 steps on the Giant’s Stairway. My quads burned as we hit the bottom and turned into Leura Forest towards the Leura Cascades. After an hours hike further into the valley we reached the Cascades.There wasn’t much water running over the Cascades so it was a great spot to sit under and let the mist of the fresh water hit you in the dry heat.
Four hours and thirteen kilometers later we arrived back at the Three Sisters lookout, treating ourselves to some cold alcohol and a cheese board. The Blue Mountains was incredible! Its the type of place you could return to numerous times and still not see it all!
Returning to Sydney we stopped off at Jenolan Caves. A vast network of dry and wet caves, home to one of the highest and widest caves in the region, the Lucus Cave. We did a couple of tours learning about the formation of these limestone caves and how they were initially discovered. Water was the main element to carve these magnificent formations in limestone rock as stalagmites, stalactites and columns stood uniquely in the dark caves, and the water turned into a natural mirror when the lighting was changed.
After returning to Sydney in a bad rain storm we enjoyed a few days back on the coast driving south to see Kiama and several surrounding areas. The sun beamed down on us and I wish I’d have packed my swim stuff to jump straight into the glistening blue waters.
Heading back towards The Shire we gazed at The Sea Cliff Bridge which was built after the old road had been destroyed by rock slides. This bridge traced the curves of the coast line but stood independently from the coast, complimenting the cliffs natural formations.
Later in the week we spent the day at Symbio Wildlife park. My first time seeing Koalas! And of course I couldn’t resist getting an encounter them at a closer proximity, so I got a photo and got to cuddle and stroke their soft fur, as Harry the Koala lounged about on a tree. I met the Cockatoo who said “hello” and tried to reach his foot to my hand. Then I got to encounter the Kangaroos and Wallabys as they eat food from your hand and lounged about in the baking heat.
Next up was a big road trip north! A 9 hour drive for a stay in Byron Bay for a couple of days before heading further north to the Gold Coast. The legendary 1000km Pacific Coast drive that takes you through beautiful national parks, past stunning beach’s, the green hills of hinterland and so many small towns full of authentic Australian culture.
We arrived in the evening at Byron Bay and after checking in we headed straight out for some food. Some amazing street food burgers and cocktails. The area was alive with bars as Australian ‘Schoolies’ were out celebrating the end of school.
The following day was my 25th birthday. My first ever ‘summer’ birthday! After starting the day early with a sunrise over the lighthouse we grabbed some fresh juice and watched the surfers catch the early morning surf. We then decided to get out the main town, picked up some lunch snacks and headed to the beach. After cheese, crisps, dip and crackers it was time for my first ever swim in the sea on my birthday! The evening was just as good, as the sun set and the warm Aussie summer breeze swept through the open bars. We relaxed with cocktails and tacos before taking a walk across the beach as the lighthouse on the most easterly point of Australia beamed light out to sea.
It was then time to drive a little further north to the Gold Coast. The area of Aus that’s famous for its surfing spots and long sandy beaches. The main area sits on the sea front with a road separating the beach from the skyscraper hotels! The Gold Coast had a chilled out vibe to it and there was plenty to do. We swam in the sea, played ‘holey moley’ crazy golf and eat at some amazing food joints. Whilst staying here we took the short drive to Brisbane to explore the man made beach/pool area on the water front. We grabbed some food and wandered further and then headed back to the Gold Coast. That evening we walked into the main area stumbling across some beach side street markets which were alive with people and animals, as people posed for pictures with some of the Aussie wildlife! We eat dinner on the beach, watching the seagulls eye us up with every bite.
After taking the long drive back to Sydney, I realised it was my last few days in the city for a few months. The last day was spent in the city with a walk along the Harbour Bridge and lunch in a pub on the other side. We lounged around under the bridge, snapping photos from all angles and then explored the famous Luna Park. After walking back along the bridge we grabbed ice cream and watched the sunset on the Sydney skyline from the tip of the botanical gardens.
Sydney, you surprised me in so many ways this past month and I know there’s plenty more to explore. I’ve loved the beaches, the food, the drives, the sea and my time with some amazing people. But for now it’s time for the next adventure.. goodbye Aus, hello South East Asia!
HJ Travel Blog 