One of the Highlights of visiting Kangaroo Island is the amazing amount of protected wildlife that can be seen in such a small place. The Star of the show, without a doubt, is the Platypus. These little guys are absolutely adorable, quite rare, shy, and their numbers are dwindling. If you would like to see one in its natural habitat, There is a platypus walk located in Flinders Chase National Park on Kangaroo Island.
The best times to see the furry little guys are day break and dusk. The main visitor center did not open until 9:00 am leaving us stranded for a little bit waiting to pay for our park fee and acquire the much coveted morning coffee. The café is quite good and the visitor center is informative and well maintained.
The path begins just behind the main visitors center and is a flat easy 4.5 k return trip. There are look outs, and viewing platforms to ensure you have the best view possible. Please remember they are very shy and any noise will frighten them away. When approaching a platform please whisper to avoid scaring them.
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If you are over visiting Taronga Zoo while visiting Sydney, don’t miss out on the lovely little village of Mosman. Believe it or not- you can turn your zoo visit either into a bush walk, a beach trip or some massively amazing boutique shopping.
From the zoo parking lot you can take a bus up into Military Road which is the main artery of the area. The shops start at a great little pub the Buena Vista and continue all the way up to Spit Junction. At Spit Junction- to complete your trip- you can catch a bus back into the CBD instead of trekking all the way back to the Ferry.
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Doing the drive Sydney to Brisbane? There are several fun things worth seeing. One thing is Fredo Pies and ice creams. Home of the famous crocodile pies. Located in In Frederickton NSW, they are on the west side of the Pacific Highway. While the Aussies are famous for their savory/meat pies, Fredo had sweet ones too. We sampled the caramel one. Yum! In addition to the food offerings…a life size replica of our lady Marylin Monroe is just waiting for you to stop and take her picture! …
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Ok- bit of science cool stuff. While “Doing the Triangle” you will see MASSIVE Termite mounds. Infact one of the main tourist Draws to Litchfield NAtional PArk- are Their ENORMOUS Mounds. Why are they here you ask….
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The Newport Arms is a Northern Beaches institution. A massive rambling “Hotel” or huge pub/bistro. ‘The Arms’ also has accommodation and overlooks Pittwater Bay on the west side of the Northern Beaches Penninsula. An ideal spot for Sunday Afternoon drinks, the outdoor area is enjoyable.
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The Central Markets of Adelaide….OH a foodies dream! People call Adelaide the City of Churches But it is soooo much more than that. Adelaide is right in the middle of a major agricultural area and 3 wine regions! The Central Market, located in the heart of town on Gouger Street, have sumptuous fresh local produce, cheeses, “glaced fruit” and baked goods, all lovingly arranged. The markets are in most guide books, but- on personal experience- They are fantastic! The quality of the produce, I have not been able to match anywhere else in the country.
If you are thinking of a trip out to the Mountains, wine regions or Kangaroo Island might I suggest picking up ALL of your picnic needs at the markets before moving on in your vacation plans. I made the mistake of thinking we might see roadside farmers market booths along the way. I was dead wrong and ended up eating a tin of canned beans on my second day in Kangaroo Island. (it was accompanied by a lovely omelet I whipped up… but you get my meaning)
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Phillip Island in Victoria is the Home of the Little Penguin- previously known as the Fairy Penguins. Personally I like the first name. While I was down visiting Melbourne for work- I did one of those day tour things that packs you on a bus and wizz’s you around to many of the sights. One of the items on this particular tour was to go see the fairies…. (penguins)
The penguins are actually located many places along the Eastern Coast but Phillip Island has a great facility for viewing the nightly parade. They are soo cute- only about a foot tall- they waddle along- bellies full of fish. They will wait at they surf line until enough of a group gathers to “sneak” ashore. This is ABSOLUTELY hilarious!
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If you are planning a trip Australia for next year… try and get here for October… or better yet get here right now! Airfares are at low rates, the weather is gorgeous, and the massive throngs of tourists are not here yet. October is the beginning of the fabulous ‘Festival’ season in Sydney!
The October long weekend- the first weekend- is the NSW Labour day holiday. This is marked by all day outdoor concert Park life, the Darling Harbour Brazillian fest , The Spring Carnvial horse races, and parties everywhere you look! Out come the cocktail dresses, the big hats, fascinators, colourful shirts and ties, and the most important! Great BIG Sunnies (sunglasses). Manly hosted the Jazz Festival which had amazing markets, talented local and international acts and sea sun and surf! Life doesn’t get much better than laying on the beach listening to live music.
One of the most amazing features of October is Good Food Month. Throughout the month- there are cooking classes- special set menus at swanky hotels, learn to make signature cocktail classes, and the NIGHT NOODLE MARKETS in Hyde park. These are gorgeous! Local Asian restaurants and famous bars get together under fairy lights to serve up tasty fresh cuisine for about $7 and cold bottles of white. (I’m bringing my stubby holder from Pine Creek
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When visiting the Northern Territory- a very common route is called The Triangle This is basically Darwin to Jabiru to Pine Creek or Katherine and back up to Darwin via Litchfied Park. When taking on this Great driving route many people are apprehensive envisioning vast kilometers of nothingness.
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The Basin
New South Wales has a very organized set of national parks that are complete with cooking, shower, and camping facilites. Among the parks I have visited, The Basin is a stand out. If you live in or around the Sydney area it is the easiest way to get completely OUT of the city in under an hour.
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