Great Barrier Reef:
Great is in the title of this reef (I suspect) not just because of its immense size but also incredible beauty. We were so taken by the GBR that we added another day trip so we could not only scuba dive, but snorkel different parts of the reef. Imagine over 1,500 varieties of fish living in one area (even though this one area is over 2,000 kilometers long and can be seen from space)...every shape, size and pattern..not even Vera Wang or Tom Ford could have thought up such beautiful designs and vibrant, contrasting colors- truly a testament to God's magnificent skills as the creator of the universe. We saw jellyfish (hence the nasty stinger suits in the photos), hard and soft coral, loads of fish, stingrays and the largest barracuda we've ever seen even in captivity. The water was a very comfortable 28 degrees Centigrade and was a gorgeous shade of lucid, aquamarine. How small and insignificant I felt as a small swimmer in a vast ocean teeming with sea life and yet I felt a heartwarming feeling knowing that however small or insignificant I felt in comparison to the grander scale of the planet, I matter to my creator.
Sunshine Coast:
We had the good fortune of meeting some Ozzies in Fiji who suggested the Sunshine Coast over our plan to visit the Gold Coast, known for all-night partying and a Vegas-like atmosphere on the coastline. Opting for more of a cultural and relaxed experience, we went to the famous Australia Zoo- home of Steve Irwin, the infamous Croc Hunter. We had a wonderful time petting koalas and kangaroos, watching the tigers, feeding the elephants and witnessing croc feedings by the brave and slightly insane croc team at the zoo.
The next two days we spent in Mooloolaba and Noosa, north of Brisbane. They were quaint beach towns with expensive, but truly fabulous shops and restaurants in addition to beaches rivalling those in So Cal. Mooloolaba, in particular, has won many awards for its waterfront restaurants and outstandingly pristine beaches. Noosa's main street (Hastings Street) reminded me of a cross between Coronado and Newport Beach, California. Lovely! Brisbane was a lively city full of nightlife and great for walking around after dark.
Notes:
Australia has been amazing! There is always something to do, people are relaxed and friendly and the sights are well worth the long plane ride. One regret we have is not seeing Melbourne. It's been described to us as toned-down, family-oriented version of Sydney but with more character and charm. I can't wait to come back and visit!
Today we are off to Sydney- please check back for more updated photos.
Great is in the title of this reef (I suspect) not just because of its immense size but also incredible beauty. We were so taken by the GBR that we added another day trip so we could not only scuba dive, but snorkel different parts of the reef. Imagine over 1,500 varieties of fish living in one area (even though this one area is over 2,000 kilometers long and can be seen from space)...every shape, size and pattern..not even Vera Wang or Tom Ford could have thought up such beautiful designs and vibrant, contrasting colors- truly a testament to God's magnificent skills as the creator of the universe. We saw jellyfish (hence the nasty stinger suits in the photos), hard and soft coral, loads of fish, stingrays and the largest barracuda we've ever seen even in captivity. The water was a very comfortable 28 degrees Centigrade and was a gorgeous shade of lucid, aquamarine. How small and insignificant I felt as a small swimmer in a vast ocean teeming with sea life and yet I felt a heartwarming feeling knowing that however small or insignificant I felt in comparison to the grander scale of the planet, I matter to my creator.
Sunshine Coast:
We had the good fortune of meeting some Ozzies in Fiji who suggested the Sunshine Coast over our plan to visit the Gold Coast, known for all-night partying and a Vegas-like atmosphere on the coastline. Opting for more of a cultural and relaxed experience, we went to the famous Australia Zoo- home of Steve Irwin, the infamous Croc Hunter. We had a wonderful time petting koalas and kangaroos, watching the tigers, feeding the elephants and witnessing croc feedings by the brave and slightly insane croc team at the zoo.
The next two days we spent in Mooloolaba and Noosa, north of Brisbane. They were quaint beach towns with expensive, but truly fabulous shops and restaurants in addition to beaches rivalling those in So Cal. Mooloolaba, in particular, has won many awards for its waterfront restaurants and outstandingly pristine beaches. Noosa's main street (Hastings Street) reminded me of a cross between Coronado and Newport Beach, California. Lovely! Brisbane was a lively city full of nightlife and great for walking around after dark.
Notes:
Australia has been amazing! There is always something to do, people are relaxed and friendly and the sights are well worth the long plane ride. One regret we have is not seeing Melbourne. It's been described to us as toned-down, family-oriented version of Sydney but with more character and charm. I can't wait to come back and visit!
Today we are off to Sydney- please check back for more updated photos.
