The Tasman Peninsula

I had packed up my things, returned to Hobart, and just one day later found myself on the Tasman Peninsula, South-West of Hobart (instead of South-East, where I was previously). I had found my new home for the next 3 months, working for an Eco-Village and motel. I’d do 6 hours of work a day, for 6 days a week, giving me one free day a week to explore the peninsula. And exploring I’d do!

The Tasman Peninsula has some great coastal scenery. One day a few helpers and I borrowed a car and took a drive around to some of the highlights. Starting with the coast and some sea cliffs.

Continue reading

The Blue Mountains – 3 Sisters

The most famous spot in the Blue Mountains sits at the cliffs of the town of Katoomba, the hub of activity and tourism for the National Park. Tam and I stayed in one of the quieter towns nearby, but ate a tasty Crocodile pizza dinner in Katoomba one night. But while in Katoomba we also did make sure to take in the sights. Most of that was done by car, taking the scenic Cliff Drive.

Continue reading

Chinese New Year, Sydney Style

The Chinese Year Year celebrations in Sydney are said to be the largest in the world outside of China itself. Naturally I wanted to get in on the action a little bit!

It all started off the night before at the Star Casino, which featured a lion dance and traditional ceremony. I just happened to be there for that one, so I didn’t have my camera at the read. The next day was a planned activity: take in the parade!

It was a night time parade so Tam, myself and a few friends made our way to the end area of the parade in hopes of things being a bit quieter there. Not so much, but we managed to luck into a pretty nice and high vantage point in a bar.

While we waited for the parade to start we got to enjoy a cold beverage and avoid the crowds. After several delays, the Lions started to show up, heralding the start of the parade!

Continue reading

Royal National Park

Royal National Park is a massive national park just to the south of Sydney. It actually is the 2nd oldest national park in the world (Yellowstone NP is the oldest), having been set aside as such in 1879. An early morning train ride from Sydney CBD saw Tam and I prepared to ferry over from Cronulla to Bundeena and start a day of exploring the national park!

Continue reading

Celebrating Australia Day

Australia Day is Australia’s version of Canada Day…sort of. Australia didn’t gain independence on Australia Day (that instead happened January 1st, 1901), but it is the day that the First Fleet arrived in Botany Bay, beginning the European colonization of Australia. Still, it’s a big public holiday with lots of fireworks and celebrations. So Tam and I went around to take in some of the events.

We began with the Opera House and watching some boats and ferry races. Yes, they race the ferry boats here, and even dress them up. Then we wandered some parks, filled with festivals and food stalls. And since all of these places were filled with people, we decided to take a break from crowds and went and saw a movie instead (Wreck-It Ralph, lots of fun). We then returned to brave more crowds as we watched the tall ship parade in Darling Harbour.

Continue reading