Up Close and Personal

Does size matter? In this case, it does... especially when the only thing that separates you from a dozen 8-foot sharks is a piece of 3-inch glass. I just had to include in my blog our incredible experience at the Sydney Aquarium. If you have been reading my earlier posts, you would understand my fascination with sharks. This time, however, I was able to film these so called “harmless” creatures without nervously dropping my camera on the ocean floor! Yes, it is true that the sharks in the photos are actually “harmless” and are not known to attack humans (although, this may take some extra convincing if I was actually brave enough to even put my toe in the tank.) The spotted female leopard shark really intrigued me, seeing as this was the species I snorkelled over when we were in the waters of Ningaloo Reef.

It was the second set of underwater tunnels that we found to be more intimidating than the first. Perhaps our perception has been tainted by the “infamous” shark movie... which has unfortunately given them a bad rap. However, looking at the rows of teeth grinning at me by the lemon sharks (“harmless”), I did shudder with fear and ultimate misunderstanding. The next time I am in the waters of Australia, I will have to calmly think if the word “harmless”, before I nervously jump to conclusions. I will keep you posted!

Tea of Plenty

For as long as I have been in Australia, one of my favourite past times (after pilatés, hiking, and going to the beach) has been “the search for the ultimate scone.” Perhaps it is my British heritage speaking, but I just can’t get enough of scones... sweet or savoury... with double-cream and plenty of jam. In Australia, they call the High Tea or Cream Tea the Devonshire Tea. Regardless of what it’s called, it’s all good to me. Now, my other-half would have to disagree and protest about searching for scones (he would rather be surfing), but I can assure you, he has savoured almost as many as I have... despite the verbal protests.

Scones to write home about were sampled in the Jazz Café in the Dandenongs (a reward after a treacherous 2 hour hike... scenery above), The Mornington Café (following extra grumbles by the other-half), the lounge at Cradle Mountain Lodge (while draped in an armchair by the fire), the Lighthouse Café at Airey’s Inlet (sitting next to magnificent views of the ocean... see above), and last but not least, the Westin Hotel in Melbourne (see above for evidence of a mammoth pot of cream!) It’s official, Australia has turned me into a “sconer.” I will just have to find ways to feed my habit when I get home.

Great Expectations

Hardy Reef, located on the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef, hosts Fantasea Reef World. On a day with high winds, significant ocean swells and a husband who has a tendency to feel seasick, Reef World is the perfect way to spend the day exploring the GBR. We arrived at the reef station mid-morning and were warmly greeted with pastel colour stinger-suits, with matching skin-tight hoodies and fingerless mittens. It was like watching a parade of candy-coloured super heroes, leaping into a battle below! However, the only battle that I encountered, was trying to negotiate with the buttons of my underwater camera and my spandex mittens.

Once I had sorted myself out, I was amazed to discover my new surroundings. It was a glorious garden of multi-coloured coral beds in bright shades of purple, pink, orange, yellow and green. Enormous clams were dotted amongst the coral clusters, some of which were apparently two to three hundred years old! Luminescent schools of parrot fish, angel fish and cousins of Nemo, swam all round us, curious to see if we perhaps had some treats to offer (the photos really don't give it justice.) A few bubbles from below caught my attention, and I was pleased to discover Rodger scuba-diving 30 feet beneath me.

As I was making my back to the reef station for lunch, I was interrupted by a feeding frenzy, as handfuls of fish food were being tossed all around me. I was caught in a chaotic dinner party (see video attached) complete with massive food fight! Thankfully, I was not the main course. All in all, a great day at the Great Barrier Reef, and I would have to say, it definitely lived up to my expectations.

Passage Peak

Three hours north of Melbourne by plane, floating on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef, lies Hamilton Island. It was a warm and humid morning and we decided it was the perfect time to work-off our latest tasty indulgences. Passage Peak was a 90 minute “gentle” hike from Catseye Beach, where our resort was located. It wasn’t until we were 45 minutes into our hike, climbing straight up, over rocky terrain (which hosted several lizards, and the occasional snake) that we realized “gentle” was an understatement! Perhaps it was the humidity, our over-applied thick sunscreen, or the intense Aussie sun, but we were very happy to reach the top of Passage Peak.

The wind was blowing fiercely from the west, but it couldn’t take away from the breathtaking views at the scenic look-out. It was without a doubt, our favourite view in Australia thus far. We felt like we were looking down from on top of the world.

A Slice of Heaven

Whitehaven Beach has been voted one of the "World's Best Beaches" by Condé Nast Traveler. This slice of heaven is located in the Whitsunday Islands, approximately 20 minutes from Hamilton Island by boat. Depending on the tides, the journey can be smooth and calm, or quite rough and unforgiving, as was our experience. We donned our acupressure bracelets (I highly recommend them), loaded-up on ginger candies, found our seats outside in the fresh air, and braced ourselves for one heck-of-a-ride!

As we drifted around a corner and caught our first glimpse of Whitehaven Beach (finally), we exhaled with relief and anxiously boarded the beach vessel. It was a gorgeous experience. The sand was pure white silica and it stretched on and on for 7 kilometres. We wandered down the beach to seek a place that was secluded and remote. We marvelled at our surroundings. It was a beautiful encounter... one that will go high on our list of exquisite beaches and memorable places to visit.

A Place Called Paradise

We thought we would take another journey down the Great Ocean Road, and what better time than to venture down with Rodger and his Mom. It is without a doubt, my favourite and most memorable driving experience in Australia. As you wind your way south from Torquay to Port Campbell and the 12 Apostles, it really takes your breath away. As cliché as that may sound, each view is more beautiful than the next as you bank around corners and enter small inlets or riverside towns. Once again, we headed to a place called Paradise in the Otways, to stay in a cozy cottage, perched in the rain forest. The kookaburras greeted us every morning with their notable laughter, and we managed to keep them from entering our cottage for afternoon tea. Brave little souls!

What remains of the 12 Apostles (I think there are 6 left standing), are absolutely astounding. Their size and stature are difficult to describe, but they have left a significant impression with me each time I have witnessed their glory. The next time we visit Australia, it may be a few Apostles short, as they inevitably become swallowed by the sea.

The City With A View

There is a strong rivalry between the people of Melbourne and the people of Sydney, as to who has the better city. After living four months in Melbourne, I can appreciate the groovy neighbourhoods, the plentiful restaurants, the lushness of the Botanical Gardens, and the modern city skyline. However, in my opinion, nothing compares to the spectacular views of the neighbourhoods looking onto the Sydney Harbour. With husband and mother-in-law in tow, we spent a long-weekend exploring the best of what Sydney has to offer. If you asked Rodger, he would most likely say that Bondi Beach Sydney, is the place to be, with its superb surfing and its close proximity to the downtown core (note the surfer in the photo above with the white surf board.)

I would have to say that my favourite Sydney experience involved dessert from the Orbit Bar, in the revolving cocktail lounge, forty-seven floors above Australia Square. The 360 degree night views of the Sydney Harbour and city skyline were impressive. Even better, were the triple chocolate soufflés, which were served with hot chocolate sauce. A definite must for anyone who makes the journey down under to visit this city with a view.