- “We are all visitors to this time, this place. We are just passing through. Our purpose here is to observe, to learn, to grow, to love… and then we return home.” – Australian Aboriginal saying
And indeed we did just that in the land down under. This trip was off the charts great! Western Australia is often considered the last frontier with incredible land and seascapes. However, it is not all fauna and flora, both Perth and Fremantle are cosmopolitan cities. The vibe was fantastic, very laid back. It was a fabulous retreat from what is going on in our country. As was the case in past trips to the land down under, the Aussies were fun, warm and extremely friendly. We met and chatted with people from perhaps 30 different countries. Everyone was positive and enjoying themselves.
We only met one American the entire time we were there.
It was an ambitious agenda and we nailed it….25 days of pure fun and adventure…... Many hours of studying, planning, and organizing paid us dividends in enjoyment and execution. We took in the best of outdoors, blended with a rich cultural experience. I have always loved the aboriginal history and their spirituality. I bought a digederoo from a local artist is Perth. We enjoyed art galleries throughout our trip.
Travel Itinerary
Phoenix, LA, Melbourne, Adelaide, Kangaroo Island, Adelaide, Perth, Fremantle, Margaret River, Perth, Exmoor, Perth, Broome, The Kimberly, Perth, Sydney, LA, Phoenix-11 plane changes, 10 hours of driving, 2 Ferry trips, 12 hours in a 4 wheel tour van, bush, city and beach walks, caving, Adelaide Roof Climb, Indian ocean trip to swim with the whale sharks, 2 sea plane trips and a bone jarring speed boat trip thru the Horizontal Falls.
Three years ago we met Bong and Gris in Tasmania at Cradle Mountain National Park and hit it off right away while enjoying Black Rabbit beers in the fabulous lodge. We shared several hikes and fun times with them. They are both special people. Bong is an ex Aussie fighter pilot and Grissy is a dog whisperer. Both parties invited the other to come for a visit, and we came through to see them in Adelaide where they live.
We really appreciated their great hospitality and friendship. They took us to several of the fabulous regional wineries, shared their neighborhood hangouts and Bong took me to a “footy” game. Bong also talked us into doing the storied Adelaide Dome Roof Climb. There was some trepidation but it was fun and safe, being safety hooked with carabiners the whole way.
We departed for a side trip to Kangaroo Island for two days where we viewed a plethora of Native Australian Wildlife, including echidnas, kangaroos, seals, wallabies, koalas and eagles.
Then it was on to Perth and Fremantle. The port of Fremantle is for “free spirits” and has a pub on every corner, and a wealth of colonial buildings. It is home for performers, artist and quite a few eccentrics. (hippies?)
It was an easy bus ride from our hotel in Perth and we loved spending a day there.
Next we drove three hours south to the Margaret River wine region and stayed at a nice resort on the beach. We drifted from winery to winery along country roads shaded by tall gum trees. We found time to visit a cave, several walks on the pristine beaches, and a bush walk. (yikes! black tiger snakes) We loved the pub at the resort and the coffee house on the beach. Reluctantly we left this incredible area and drove back to Perth.
Next we flew to Exmoor and stayed at the Ningaloo resort. It was very cool. A huge highlight of the trip was Gerry swimming with the “gentle giant” whale sharks. They were really fast and you had to be ready to jump from the boat when one is sighted. It can be very physical and exhausting. Gerry had four different encounters with whale sharks and also saw a huge manta ray and an Australian manatee. ELG saw a hump back breech three times. ELG was only in the water for a short time, it simply was not working for him. Gerry is the heroine studette! ELG the wimp! She was exhausted but exhilarated.
It was simply a unique once in a life time experience that she will never forget.
Back to Perth
Next, a flight to Broome and the fabulous Cable Beach Resort, next to the turquoise water and sunset watch of camels.
Cable Beach is 20 miles of pristine coast line. Broome is like no other town we have ever visited, truly unique, an atmosphere and energy like no other place. It is an outback gateway to the Kimberley, a land of extremes. It has a rich aboriginal history and cultural complexity and 19th century pearling past. A little known fact is that the Japanese bombed Broome and Broome suffered more fatalities than Pearl Harbor. We absolutely love Broome!!
This was the second HUGE highlight of the trip. The beauty of the Kimberley tour-We had a breathtaking flight to the Horizontal Falls on a turboprop seaplane and landed in Talbot Bay. There we boarded a “Jet Stream” boat and had exhilarating rides through the falls. We then slowed down and had a relaxing cruise through the untouched surrounding bays and creeks. We returned for lunch and observed many sharks while on board a luxury vessel. We then took off flying at low level across the Buccaneer Archipelago, Cape Leveque, Lombardina and Beagle Bay, Willie Creek Pearl Farm, Cable Beach and landed in Broome. FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!
Again, we reluctantly departed and flew back to Perth and then on to Sydney for a couple of days during the annual vivid light festival. We also love Sydney!!
Then, the 15 hour flight back to LA accompanied screaming stereo 3 year old twins sitting next to us on our flight home. Well, I guess you have to pay the price for such an incredible adventure!
G’DAY MATES!
