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Oceania Trip 2023

26. March 2023 to 1. October 2023

Travel route

Stories from this travel

Welcome to australia

The flight from Mauritius to Perth went by quickly. The entry was a short affair, we were able to scan the passport ourselves, after a short question about the medication we were in. Hard to believe, quickly buy a SIM card and then take Uber into the city to the hotel.Leave our luggage and get […]

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Perth City and the Botanic Gardens

In the middle of the city the Kings Park and the botanical garden, everything is just a bit bigger here. We walked into the harbor, where we will leave for Rottnest Island on Saturday.The fascinating thing about the city is the really well-preserved historic buildings in the middle of the modern buildings. The botanical garden […]

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FREMANTLE

Fremantle is a district of Perth on the coast of the Indian Ocean. The port city was founded by the English, which can still be seen in the buildings. A CAT bus drives through the city, which proves to be practical. We get off at the beach and get a club sandwich at the beach […]

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Rottnest Island

Is called by the Aborigines of the Noongar Wadjemup and is 18 km from the coast. We have booked a crossing and a bus tour. There are 5 big ships that unload the tourists and of course us on the island and then get carted around the island by bus. The rest ride their bikes […]

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Optus Stadium Perth

To anticipate it, it was a blast! In the preparation for the trip, the stadium kept popping up and then it happened that we visited the Football Derby. We drove to the stadium early because we had no idea how it would work there. So first a refreshment at The Camfield, a huge shed with […]

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Bye Bye Perth

Perth inspired us, a great city: really very clean, friendly people, good gastronomy, public transport with 5 lines in the city center for free, imposing architecture with old and new buildings. There is nothing to complain about. On the last evening we went to Chinatown and there to a restaurant that is only visited by […]

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Parrtjima Lights Festival

In Dessert Park in Alice Springs is the Light Festival with light installation, demonstrations, music and drinks and food. Of course, we had to go there. After the online Easter brunch with the family, we started. Usually Alice Springs is pretty sleepy, but now they’re all here.

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Adelaide

We have arrived in Adelaide, it is much cooler here than in the red center. In a suburb of the city in the Motel Hello Adelaide we have a good place. Only a short walk away there is a great shop. We have arrived back in civilization. Hello Adelaide Motel Our fridge is filled again.

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Vineyards and so on

Adelaide is also known for the vineyards nearby, so we booked a tour. Wine, beer and gin was on the program, actually booked as a group tour, but there were only two of us, so private tour.Symone from CP Tours picked us up and after a 40 minute drive we arrived in the hills of […]

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Adelaide City

Today the exploration of the city is on the program, but first we had rolls for breakfast, there were even pretzels! On the way to the store I saw cockatoos and a kangaroo in the middle of the city, I was too slow for the kangaroo. We bought and recharged the Metro Card at the […]

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Adelaide Botanic Gardens

These old gardens are simply gorgeous, so many old trees and stories to go with them. We were lucky, shortly after we arrived in the garden, a guided tour started. We are happy to be there. The different areas of the garden and again old and newer buildings that could be seen.

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Football ADELAIDE oval

We did it again, it was so great last time, so off to the stadium. In Adelaide there is the Gather Round (Footy Festival). The stadium is not quite as new as the one in Perth but just as impressive. As always very well organized. We have adapted and now also drink whiskey cola from […]

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KANGAROO Island

The third largest island in Australia is 150 km from Adelaide, so we had a lot of bus travel ahead of us. Very early at 06.15 a.m. we had to trot to the Central Bus Station, because there is no bus so early on Sunday, just by taxi. After all the sheep were collected, we […]

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Hobart, Tasmania

We fly from Adelaide to Melbourne and then on to Hobart, the capital of Tasmania. Our accommodation is near Elisabeth Street, which reaches into the harbour. We arrive in the evening and go shopping and then to the restaurant, it was not so easy to choose one from the huge selection. Bye Bye Adelaide Hobart […]

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Port Arthur and the coast

We had to be at the pier of Hobart early, so we started walking at 06.40. We took the bus 150 km east of Hobart to the area of Port Arthur. After a cappuccino and a lukewarm muffin, we were able to board the boats equipped with capes. The three fat engines at the back […]

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Hobart to Swansea

We leave Hobart towards the east coast and drive to Swansea, a small tranquil town near Freycinet National Park. The Tasman Highway A3 leads us to the first stop of the Spiky Bridge. We first drive past Swansea. The first viewpoint at the Devil’s Corner Outlook with a view of the bay is already a […]

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Freycinet National Park

We wanted to take a rest day today, but the weather was so great. The destination again the Freycinet National Park with the Cape Tourville Lighthouse and Lookout, on the way we passed Sleepy Bay, or rather we walked down. The beach of Swansea can be really enjoyed with an after-work beer. Tomorrow we drive […]

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The journey to the north

From Swansea we take the Tasman Highway which takes us to Launceston, a beautiful city with beautiful buildings. In the harbor we had lunch, the oysters were great. Sylvia has found another wool shop The Yarn Inn near Devonport, we are curious what it will get. Then we drive on to our accommodation in Sulphur […]

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Cradle Mountain National Park

After many curves we reach the national park, as always well organized, the shuttle bus takes us to the starting point for our march around Dove Lake. The bus is included in the park pass, which is valid for all parks in Tasmania. A mountain lake with Cradle Mountain in the background, so beautiful and […]

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Rework posts

That was today’s plan: Finish posts, the writer is four days behind. Luckily, New Zealand is planned. We are in New Zealand from May 3rd to June 19th. And as so often, things turn out differently than expected. Got up, looked out and again wonderful weather, there must still be something to do. Stanley, a […]

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Hello Melbourne

Tasmania was really very beautiful, the landscape, the inhabitants, everyone is friendly and accommodating. Tasmania is worth a trip. After four hours of driving, we arrive in Hobart and fly to Melbourne in the evening, where we meet our flatmates Pooja and Tony. We share the apartment with you, have a separate bathroom and a […]

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ELEVATED Negroni

In the morning we walked again to Victoria Market, we had breakfast in the market hall. Then lukewarm Belin, they were really good. It rained at first, but soon the sun came out again and we walked to the Southbank Quarter to the Skydeck. The VR glasses with headphones and movable chair had made the […]

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Melbourne City

Today we started comfortably, in the Italian café we had breakfast. Now we need an “outbound flight” from New Zealand, otherwise they won’t let us in, after some clarifications that have been going on for a few days now, Fitschi, i.e. the flight with Air New Zealand to Nadi, has now been booked. We need […]

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Buy medicines and so on...

Today we had to be at the Chinese doctor at 09.30 because we need new tablets for our “Bräschteli”, you don’t get far with a Swiss medical certificate. With the Australian prescription we could buy everything. Before we went to the Tuscany Café which is run by a guy from Florence, it was good and […]

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Great Ocean Road

We started early in Melbourne, we had to be at the meeting point shortly after seven. There was a warm sandwich at the market, then we were ready to go. The bus arrived on time and after everyone was collected in the city, we set off towards the Great Ocean Road. The whole round trip […]

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Bye bye Melbourne

We meet Angie from Restaurant Marion in the Tuscany Café at Central Market. Sylvia promised her the self-knitted gloves because they have the same big hands. We meet Angie from Restaurant Marion at the Tuscany Café at Central Market. Sylvia promised her the gloves she knitted herself because they have the same size hands. Angie […]

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Queenstown

Day 2 The gondola on the local mountains is being renovated, so we go to the bird park, where there are also kiwi’s to see, unfortunately or fortunately for the animals it is not allowed to take pictures. The animals are nocturnal and we enter the room in the darkness the eye quickly gets used […]

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Queenstown

Day 3 Yes, we also have a rainy day, hard to believe. We started the day comfortably. After a walk in Queensland Park, we are ready for the tour to Glenorchy. It is a headland near Queenstown with a beautiful circular path. Glenorchy At the very end of Lake Wakatipu lies the small village, which […]

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Queenstown

Day 4 The last day in Queenstown, tomorrow we start with the round trip on the South Island of New Zealand. The weather shows its best side again. We start the day with a walk on the right bank of the lake. A wonderful autumn day The lunch round trip with the TSS EARNSLAW in […]

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Bluff

In the far south is Bluff, a small village with the southern port of New Zealand. The trip from Te Anau was unexcited, a stop at the Suspension Bridge and the Mc Crackens Rest were wet and rainy. The weather forecast for the next few days is rather modest. The property is already over 100 […]

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Kaka Point

We continue in Bluff on the Southern Scenic Route towards Kaka Point. On the way along the coast there is a lot to see. The first stop is now at the really southernmost point of New Zealand. SLOPE POINT CURIO BAY SPOUTING CAVE ON THE WAY PARAKAUNUI FALLS THERE WERE NO SEA LIONS AT JACKS […]

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Dunedin

Because yesterday was such bad weather, we first drove to the Nugget Point Lighthouse in the morning. The way to Dunedin was entertaining on SH1 and we were there quickly. Larnach Castle is located just outside Dunedin in a beautiful garden. We are very centrally accommodated in the Dunedin Palm Motel, we go for a […]

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Christchurch

Dunedin wanted to get rid of us, from 4 o’clock in the morning there was no more electricity, so we left without breakfast on the way to Christchurch we found a café with good toasty’s. The route was varied, sometimes on the coast, it was more than four hours drive. We were warmly welcomed by […]

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Kaikõura

Kaikoura is only a two-hour drive, it is an Eldorado for wildlife watching. After arriving at the motel we drive to the sea lion colony. There are so many animals, where to look first? Again a viewpoint, of course we have to go up there. The brown dots are the sea lions. Dusky Dolphins We […]

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Blenheim

In the Marlborough area, Blenheim is the starting point, there are a lot of large wineries here. The very large steel vats make the charm of a winery fade a bit. It’s clear here, there’s not much going on here, they all want to cart you to the wineries. On the way to Greymouth, we […]

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Greymouth

From Blenheim on the east coast to Greymouth on the west coast it is about 5 hours to drive, with the two places we still wanted to see, so we set off in the morning. The weather is ideal, there is no traffic and we make good progress. In New Zealand there are many single-lane […]

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Arthur's Pass

The connecting road from Christchurch to Greymouth leads over Arthur’s Pass. The TranzAlpine Train also passes through here. From Greymouth it is 100 km, at the beginning mainly along the Taramakau River. Towards the end it becomes a pass with a 17% gradient. On the viewpoint to the Otira Viaduct, there are very cheeky Kea […]

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Hōkitika

So far we have always been lucky with the weather, but now the disturbance over New Zealand is very big. We get to Franz Josef still dry, in the evening it starts to rain and has not stopped all day. Glacier? Nothing, we don’t see anything. Tomorrow we will continue south along the coast.

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Haast and Wãnaka

Franz Josef Glacier There has been a heavy thunderstorm all night and before we make our way to Haast, we drive into the valley. As so often before, we are lucky and can walk up to the viewpoint and now also see the Franz Josef Glacier. Fox Glacier The drive continues on the HW6 and […]

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Auckland

From Wãnaka to Queenstown it is an hour to drive, the view of the mountains is not to be sneezed at. The places shown as ski resorts are rather small by Swiss or Tyrolean standards. We have a quiet flight to Auckland and are already at the hotel after noon. The weather is fine and […]

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Auckland Museum

Today culture is on the program, we visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum. It is a combination of Maori culture and a war memorial, the world wars are still a theme here. We were also able to attend a Maori performance here. We set off on foot so that yesterday’s calories don’t hit too much. […]

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Auckland Tour

On Saturday we take it slowly. There is still the update of the homepage pending, Markus wanted to do that for a long time. It was just too confusing, now special highlights can be displayed at the top and you can directly select a post, also the loading of the pages is a bit faster. […]

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Kia Ora Rotorua

Many curves are the rule on the roads in New Zealand. We spent another night in Tauranga, but it rained us completely. It was a quiet day, planning, knitting and watching TV. Today we went to Rotorua. Even when you get out, it smells a bit strong. They have hot springs here that also smell […]

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Napier at Hawke's Bay

On the way to Napier we saw what the typhoon did in February, there are many destroyed houses and cultures in the plain in front of Napier. At the mandarin farm we get a bag of fresh tangerines, they taste really good. Napier greets us with rainy weather, we go out for Indonesian food again. […]

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Napier to Wellington

It is almost 5 hours to drive, we interrupted the drive at the Pukaha National Wildlife Centre and had everything shown to us at the Pukaha National Wildlife Centre.When we left it was still dark, the sun only rose on the way. On the way there was a great rainbow to see. Pukaha National Wildlife […]

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Whanganui and Mount Taranaki

From Wellington to Whanganui it is only about 200 km drive. On the way we stop at the Kapiti Chocolate Factory, well it was not a chocolate factory but Belgian couverture is processed. Kapiti Beach with Kapiti Island in the background. Castlecliff Beach and views of Whanganui from the pier. Mount Taranaki Or Mt. Egmont, […]

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Hobbiton

Who hasn’t seen any of the Lord of the Rings movies? Sylvia… So last night we watched Lord of the Rings. Now we’re ready and drive to the movie set, the weather is awesome and we’re on the movie set with the first tour at 9 a.m., so there are no other visitors in the […]

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Firefly Cave and Whangārei

Today we drive to the north of Auckland, before we drive to the Waitomo Caves.A limestone cave with a sky of fireflies. There was no photography, but they sell photomontages. Then we drive 5 hours to Whangārei on the coast, here the way is the destination, sometimes up, sometimes down, from small country roads to […]

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Fiji Likuri Island

With Air New Zealand we flew from Auckland to Nadi (Fiji) today. It only takes three hours and you are already in the warmth. After the cold days it is nice to have warm again. Well, the driver who is supposed to take us to the jetty is late, but we are well entertained by […]

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Island Activities

Likuri Island is one of the few places in Fiji where they also offer shows and activities. Day tourists come and many guests also come to the evening show. Here they are called “Family”. As guests of the resort, we can choose what we want to participate in or watch repeatedly. Fishing on the beach […]

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The Likuri Island Culture Show

The whole staff is there, gardeners become warriors, cleaning staff become dancers. A lot has to do with fire, the torches fly through the air and the crowning glory in the water. They put a lot of effort into it and it is still interesting even after several demonstrations. Choosing from the many photo motifs […]

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Rarotonga

Never heard of it? Cook Island maybe… South Seas ….From Fiji we fly back to Auckland, because you can’t get there directly from there. Yes, Air New Zealand, not quite as flexible, which has always been possible with us and other airlines so far, is not possible here. Because we don’t have the flights on […]

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Rarotonga Island Life

Now we have been on the island for a few days and enjoy it. The island is really great, there is a bus, or rather two, one goes clockwise and the other against it. In about an hour you have traveled around the whole island. On Saturday there is always a big market day in […]

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Bye bye South Seas

The Roratonga weather makes it easy for us to say goodbye, it is rainy and overcast. On Sunday we were at the Muri Night Market, a lively thing with various food stalls. We had very good spare ribs and a mango curry chicken. With this weather we can plan well how to continue on our […]

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Back in Australia

It was a longer journey from Cook Island to Auckland and then on to Melbourne. But we got through everywhere well, the entry and exit formalities went well. Already a bit exhausted, we fell asleep in the airport hotel at midnight. Impressive Nutella box at the Holliday Inn In the morning we left early and […]

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Cape Woolamai Circuit Walk

The Cape offers some circular routes and we have decided on the longer one, fully motivated we go to work. The path leads over the long beach of Woolamai Surf Beach and then goes up a staircase to the Pinnacles Lookout. Impressive limestone rocks standing in the surf. We have wonderful weather, in our backpack […]

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Koala Conservation Reserve

A wonderful place to watch the koala’s. In a park of about one square kilometer there are different areas (no enclosures, the animals can move freely). The walkways are 3-4 meters above the ground, from there the koalas are very easy to observe. Koalas In the picture below right, two cockatoos sit in the middle […]

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Penguin Parade

Tonight we have booked the Penguin Parade, the Ultimate Tour promises off the beaten track a tour with a ranger right on the beach.We started at 17:00 and were warmly welcomed by Gary, our ranger. After a short introduction and indication of the technical aids (earphones with receiver for the commentary, binoculars and safety vest), […]

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Wilsons Promontory National Park

We drive along the coast from Phillip Island north to Wilsons Promontory National Park. Our accommodation is very idyllic and quiet a little off the road. The sunrise was a great start to the day. After our arrival we drive to the Prom Wildlife Walk, somewhere on the road a larger parking lot and only […]

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Lakes Entrance

From Wilsons Promontory National Park we start in the morning in the direction of Lakes Entrence. On the way we see an old swing bridge, which we inspected for our harbor crane Max. Lake Entrence is known for fishing and the 90 miles Beach Beach. We didn’t have the time to explore the 150 km […]

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Mallacoota

In the Lonely Planet travel guide from the east coast it said that it would be worthwhile to rent a houseboat in Mallacoota. Well, they are right, it is beautiful. We had never rented a boat before, apart from a pedal boat and now a 15m long houseboat. After a short briefing we started. A […]

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Green Cape and Narooma

Philipp Kern, who has lived in Australia for a long time, gives us the tip that we should visit the Green Cape and Bittangabee Bay. Of course, on the way to Narooma we make the detour. The road is not paved, but in very good condition. Then we drive on to Narooma. In the morning […]

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Canberra

The capital of Australia. With the administrative buildings, museums and war memorials. After we successfully passed a kind of geocaching (the key to the apartment was chained to a tree in a key box nearby) and then found our parking space in the third basement, we were able to move in. The parking spaces are […]

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Canberra to Katoomba

From Canberra we first drive to the alpaca farm, Sylvia needs supplies for knitting. A great shop with endless choices. In the end it will be wool for a shirt. We continue, various road conditions let us move faster or slower. Over the Victoria Pass we arrive after 4.5 hours at our accommodation in Katoomba. […]

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Blue Mountains

When we looked out today, there was thick fog. First of all, we shop and wait to see what the weather does. The sun comes out and we make our way to the viewpoint, which is very close to our accommodation. And as you can see, they don’t see anything at first and we go […]

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Sydney

From the Blue Mountain we drive directly to the beach of Coogee Beach, where we happen to meet Stephan from Seedamm Plaza. We got a lot of tips for the north, thank you very much. Afterwards we drive to the airport and return the rental car, Uber takes us to our apartment. We live in […]

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Around Hyde Park

Today we go to Saint Mary’s Cathedral, Archibald Memorial Fountain, Hyde Park, Queen Victoria Building and then to the Sydney Tower Eye where we go to lofty heights. We pass Kings Cross and walk directly to the church. Kings Cross Saint Mary’s Cathedral With a length of over 100m, it is also the longest church […]

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Bondi Beach

Uber takes us to the Seasalt Clovelly Café, where we meet Manon, with her we were in the helicopter at Uluru, she lives in the area and we have agreed that we will get in touch when we are in Sydney. Time flies and we arrange to meet again for dinner on Tuesday. While we […]

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Sydney Opera House

The landmark of Sydney, already seen a lot on TV, when you stand in front of it… It’s a huge building! The architect was inspired by orange carvings and won the competition. We wanted to go to the big concert hall, so it happened that we could enjoy the rock band YB from Korea. On […]

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Sydney Exploration

Monday The combination ticket also includes the SeaLive Aquarium, Madame Tussaudsand a small zoo in Darling Harbour. Afterwards it rained and we went back to our box. It’s very easy by train. Tuesday Through the Botanic Garden we walk to the Circular Quai, from here the ferries go to Manly. After a short drive through […]

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Gold Coast

Today is changeover day, we continue to Gold Coast. Actually, we had booked the flight in the afternoon and we would not have to leave the apartment until 11:00. Packing up comfortably and so… But actually… Then came the mail from Jetstar that the flight was canceled, two new options were offered, shortly before 11 […]

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Surfers Paradise

After a great breakfast, it is not easy for us to say goodbye to Michael and the poodles, but we stay in touch. Maybe we will meet in Mauritius when Michael travels to South Africa????. Sylvia feeds the parrots again, then we continue to Surfers Paradise.The Rapsody resort is not far away from the center […]

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Brisbane

Most of the time it turns out differently than you think… we wanted to visit Jenny and Brad on the weekend, now Sylvia has a cold and we go directly to Brisbane. We have rented an apartment in the city, close to the Brisbane River and the Botanic Gardens. We walk to the Story Bridge, […]

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Brisbane and Cairns

Sylvia is feeling better again and we meet the Campbell family on Sunday. They come by ferry. It’s like meeting old friends and we walk from the Riverside Jetty to the South Bank. An area with parks and even a streets beach in the middle of the city. On Sunday there is also a market […]

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Port Douglas

This is our destination today, so we start after breakfast and drive to the Rex Lookout. At the Mowbray River Foot Bridge you can see crocodiles. But only on the bigger screen at home. They were quite far away. We continue to the Flagstaff Hill Lookout in Port Douglas. We walk down to the platform […]

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Kuranda Excursion

With the Kuranda Scenic Railway the journey leaves punctually from Cairns station, as always everything is very well organized, you have to leave that to the Australians, everything is always well organized. The route is 37 km long, with a difference in altitude of 328 m. Most guests get on in Freshwater. It goes with […]

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Cairns Botanic Gardens

Tonight we go to the harbor, where we start our liveaboard to the Great Barrier Reef, but one after the other. We return the apartment and drive with our luggage to Mike Ball’s office. Afterwards we go to the botanical garden so that we can take a few pictures for Roman. The time passes very […]

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Cairns

After the liveaboard we are allowed to rest for three days before we continue to Darwin in the hot north. In Cairns we found a Balinese restaurant. The chef learned from Heiz von Holzen. We also went to Heinz cooking school 23 years ago. The food was great and we were able to reminisce. The […]

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Darwin

Early in the morning we fly to Darwin and then we are at the rental company of the motorhomes before noon. We took the newer ones, well before we could drive off, a lock had to be changed, the reversing camera is now Sylvia, because the internal one doesn’t work and while driving we still […]

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Ubirr Rock Art Site

At noon we arrive at the Merl Camping Ground, at the entrance you have to fill out a form and put the money in an envelope and then take a free place, it’s that easy. There is tuna salad with bread crouton. Then we need a siesta, we want to see the sunset on the […]

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On the way to the Yellow Water

We pack up and off we go, first to Jabiru to refuel and buy some small things. Now we continue south to the Nawurlandja Lookout and on to the Anbangbang Rock Shelter. At the entrance we meet the first Swiss, sorry Graubünden, on the way. We walk the circular route and they don’t seem to […]

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Yellow Water River Cruise

Today we had to get up early, at 6.30 a.m. we went to the jetty and then immediately into the boats and off we went. The experienced ranger with the eagle eyes spotted many creatures and plants for us. Markus had to make a selection from over 300 photos. Crocodiles every few meters in all […]

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Litchfield National Park

In Batchelor Holliday Park we got a place with our own shower and toilet. It is an ideal starting point for exploring the area. There is a lot to see here even without 4WD. Magnetic Termite Mounts Huge termite burrows can be admired here, unbelievable what such small animals can do. Tolmer Falls It’s a […]

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Dundee Beach

Apart from fishing or flying helicopters, there is almost nothing going on here. Ok we wanted to rest a little, rework the website and plan Mauritius. What could be better than a holiday park right by the sea. Take another dip in the waters and enjoy the sunset. Everything is possible here, except for swimming, […]

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Tumbling Waters and Berry Springs

At the Holiday Park in Tumbling Wateres we chose a shady spot, before we drove to the nearby Berry Springs. Here there are three large natural pools in the middle of the rainforest. The water is wonderfully warm and still offers a welcome cooling. It is already very hot in the north with over 35°C […]

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Darwin

After we have dropped off the camper, we are accommodated at the Darwin City Hotel. In the city, the heat feels a little warmer and we rest a little. Then we set off to explore the city, first the waterfront with many restaurants and a city beach. Then we continue to the Mindil Beach Sunset […]

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Bye Australia

Incredibly “beautiful” our journey through Oceania is over. We can hardly believe it, when we arrived in Perth on March 26th, there was still so much time ahead of us and we didn’t even know how long our journey in the area would take. It has now become almost 7 months. Southern Australia with the […]

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