Australia: A Bucket List Experience

For as long as I can remember, my family has wanted to go to Australia.  It's been on our mental bucket lists to visit the country and finally, after years of saying "One day we'll get there..." and months of actual planning, we boarded our 17 hour flight for the trip of a lifetime.  After a first day mishap where my mom lost her phone, we were ready to begin our adventure.

Alice Springs

Our introduction to Australia was the town Alice Springs, located in the middle of the country.  This town is the definition of outback with aboriginal people roaming around.  On our first full day in Alice Springs, we were picked up from our hotel at 6 in the morning and embarked on a tour of the Australian outback.  We made numerous stops at rock formations and sacred aboriginal sites before settling at Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock and Red Rock, for a sunset BBQ.  We also took a half day tour around town, visiting a reptile center, the Royal Flying Doctor Service, the Telegraph Station, and an ANZAC Memorial.  

One of many pit stops on the way to Uluru

Sunset at Uluru

Perth

Perth was the main reason why we went to Australia.  19 years ago, my mom's friend moved to Australia and in the years following, my parents had said they wanted to visit.  I saw a lot of similarities between Washington and Perth from the get-go.  Lots of greenery, lots of suburban areas.  Perth was also where one of my Australian goals was met: to see a kangaroo.  And to one up that, I GOT TO FEED A KANGAROO!  Honestly, one of the best moments of my life.  There was no way my smile was going to leave my face as we finished up our time on the west coast of Australia.

My dad at Wave Rock

My mom feeding a kangaroo

Sydney

I was most excited about Sydney before we even left for our trip.  Every day was jam packed with activities.  We started off our time on the east coast by tackling one of my biggest fears: bridges.  We had the opportunity to climb the Sydney Harbor Bridge through the company Bridge Climb.  I spent the beginning of our time with a death grip on the railings, refusing to go at any other pace but my own.  But once we started climbing the actual arch, I couldn't help but marvel at the view that I was receiving.  The next few days were even crazier as we embraced the hustle and bustle of the city.  We visited an aquarium, a wildlife center, a wax museum, the Maritime Museum, Darling Harbor, the Taronga Zoo, the town of Manly, Fort Denison, the Sydney Opera House, and the Sydney Tower Eye.  I found myself growing comfortable in Sydney, excited for new experiences.

Post bridge climb in Sydney

Sydney Opera House

Australia will be one of those experiences that I will always look back on with fond memories.  My two weeks in the country was not long enough but my parents and I made the most of the time that we had!