Australia Photo Journal
The extraordinary opportunity to explore Australia was an unexpected treat for us.The locals welcomed us with broad smiles and generous invitations to be a part of their easy-going lifestyle.
Although the language was somewhat familiar, the unique and often hilarious Aussie slang astonished us each day with mystifying phrases that left us scratching our heads in puzzlement or laughing in confusion.
Australia is a land filled with bizarre and fascinating creatures. From the ubiquitous kangaroos and wallabies to the bewildering assortment of multicolored birds, huge lizards and goggle eyed tree mammals, the wildlife never ceased to entertain and enchant us.
The vast and varied scenery of the land down under includes immense gum trees, a dizzying array of wildflowers and spectacular rocky coastlines bordering the bright blue Indian and Southern Oceans. Visiting Australia was truly a wondrous adventure which often left us at a loss for words and with a longing to return again soon.
Today’s Adventure on the Southern Coast
This deserted stretch of beach in Western Australia has access to the Bibbulmun Track, a 1000 Kilometer trail you can hike from the city of Albany all the way north to Perth, about five hours by car.
Huge, Tame Pelicans at Emu Point Marina
We’ve seen pelicans before, but were never able to get this close. These birds in Australia are huge-fully three feet tall! They have these enormous eyes that look like they were painted on.
Housesitting Can Be A Boon For Gardeners
Growing our own vegetables while house sitting in Australia was an unexpected treat. House sitters can still do lots of activities they did at home, sometimes with unexpected results!
Halfway Round the World Is A Great Start
When we heard that Bali was a short, inexpensive flight from Western Australia, we were intrigued. And not deterred by the statement that it was full of Aussie tourists getting drunk on cheap beer.
Australian Beer. I Want To Try Them All.
Aussies like their beer. Although most things are more expensive in Australia than in the U.S., beer is particularly pricey. Local beers cost AUS$18 per six pack! So, we began our exploration slowly.
Homemade Low Fat Frozen Yoghurt in Western Oz
Western Australia is decidedly lacking in frozen confections and the few that are available have chemicals and cost too much. Our solution was to make our own low fat frozen yogurt.
Kelloggs Rice Bubbles Cereal
Of course there are many American products that are not available in Australia, jus as there are products here that you would never find in the U.S. And some products are available in both places with interesting changes.
Motorbike Frog in Australia Uncannily Sounds Exactly Like a Motorbike
The all of the Australian Motor Bike frog sounds exactly like the revving of a distant motorbike. Another of the amazingly interesting creatures from down under.
Watch Out For That Kangaroo
Some full grown species of kangaroos can weigh as much as 90 kilograms (200 lb). You don’t want one coming through your windshield. They are completely unpredictable and may suddenly jump in front of your car.
Up Mount Barker Hill for Spectacular Views
Spectacular views await the visitor to Mt. Barker Hill in Western Australia. Also, the tallest television tower in the Southern Hemisphere. Some spectacular wildflowers too!
Laurie and Neil gave away or sold 99.9% of their possessions for a new life as international travelers. They share the secrets of how they turn limited resources into a life of unlimited fun and adventure. Read more
