Australia 2022
Sydney
It was a 7-hour overnight flight and even though I felt better I couldn’t sleep because the cabin was like a freezer, the guy across from me snoring like a walrus and two babies in front of us crying simultaneously for it seemed hours. When we touched down in Sydney I forgot about all of that because I was filled with joy to finally be back in Australia. Every time I come here it feels like coming home. They say home is where the heart is and even though I love Switzerland, I always felt like I belonged here especially after living on the Gold Coast. The people, the culture, the beaches, the climate - I love everything about Down Under. And to bring Lani here is a great privilege and gift.
After we landed, we got our bags, a SIM card, an opal card for Sydney’s public transport we hopped on a train to the CBD. Our room wasn’t ready yet for check-in, so we had a really delicious welcome breakfast at the cafe next door: Pancakes and eggs benedict. For us it is good value here because the conversion rate is 1 AUD = 0.65 CHF/USD. So the breakfast including drinks was only 25 CHF/USD.
Our hotel in Darlinghurst, only 200 meters from Kings Cross is really convenient to explore the city. Kings Cross by the way really cleaned itself up from ghetto to trendy neighborhood. Since it was a beautiful sunny day we took a bus to Bondi Beach. When we got there I couldn’t believe how crowded it was since it was only spring here and not summer. Then I realized it was a Sunday and it made sense.
There was a latin dance show and Lani also entered the dance foor to show her moves. We played in the sand, watching the surfers and the famous Bondi lifeguards that even have their own TV show: Bondi Rescue. Few people were swimming but you really needed a wet suit since the water temperature is not even 18 ° celcius.
Then we did part of the Bondi coastal walk which I can only recommend. One of
Sydney’s most iconic walks, taking in beautiful beaches, cliff tops and great cafes along the way. The 6km walk takes two to three hours, depending on how often you stop.
Begin at Sydney’s famous Bondi Beach, pass the stunning Bondi Icebergs swimming club – one of Australia’s most photographed pools and stroll all the way to Coogee.
On the way back to the hotel, due to the jetlag Leilani fell asleep at 6.30, it was also hard for me to stay awake but I tried my best to fight my jetlag.
famous lifeguards from Bondi Rescue
most photographed pool Bondi Icebergs
Eggs Benny and Pancakes, not a bad start into our first day in Down Under
The next day we slept in, then walked 2.5 km to Circular Quay where the iconic Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge can be viewed and you can catch the ferry to Manly.I actually didn’t want to bring a stroller for Lani because she is four and doesn’t need one anymore, however in big cities it is very convenient. She’ll maybe walk 1km then wants to be carried and I am not gonna carry around a 20 kg child all day long! Now I am glad I did because it’s long days and at least 10-15 km’s of walking and in Singapore it saved me because I had no strength whatsoever. When it comes to things like that I don’t care what other people think, I am traveling solo with a small child and a lot of luggage, so I want to make life easy for myself. And getting to and from airports I can use it as a luggage cart.
We took the ferry to Manly, Manly Beach is one of Australia’s most famous beaches, best known for being the beach where the world’s first surfing contest was held in 1964. I also really like the vibe there! We walked around town, got sushi and listened to two buskers sing their heart out. Not bad for a Monday! Then Lani played on the beach with some kids and dug in her sand toys, which were never to be recovered - RIP.
Back in Sydney’s CBD we walked to Chinatown where we did some shopping and had a delicious dinner. One thing I love in Australia is the variety of Asian food, from Japanese to Thai you can get anything at reasonable prices, delicious and very authentic. So that’s pretty much all we are eating.
you haven't been to Sydney if you haven't taken a photo with the Opera House
Sushi in Manly with buskers live music
Manly Beach
makes me wanna send out a letter
On Tuesday we walked down to Darling Harbour where we had a seafood lunch and I had bought tickets in advance for the best aquarium there is, the Sea Life Sydney. Leilani was very excited to see all the fish, sharks, rays and penguins. It ain’t cheap but worth the money.
Darling Harbour
Sea Life Sydney
some people are dancing with the stars, she is dancing with the sharks
On Wednesday we returned to Chinatown because from Wed - Sun Paddy’s Market is open and it’s great for buying souvenirs and I got a 15-min back massage, a mom will take what she can get lol. We also bought the best cream puffs from the most infamous hole in the wall and got some take out lunch to go to Gold Class Cinema on George Street. I love Gold Class, they have reclining seats and you can order food and drinks (which will ruin you financially 
. We watched Super Pets and Lani was really stoked to see that. Hopefully one of my friends can babysit these days so I can go watch an adult movie somewhere lol.
. We watched Super Pets and Lani was really stoked to see that. Hopefully one of my friends can babysit these days so I can go watch an adult movie somewhere lol.At night we met up with old friends Kylie and Ian with their dog bella for dinner in Surry Hills. It was really good seeing them again after 5 years.
After 4 days in Sydney it was time for the journey to continue and get out of the city. Next destination: North Queensland - Airlie Beach & Whitsunday Islands...
Chinatown
Gold Class Cinema
meeting my old friends Kylie, Bella and Ian
Airlie Beach - Whitsunday Islands
We had to get up early to get to the airport, luckily our uber driver was on time and so we got there ahead of time and checked in for our two flights. First one Sydney - Brisbane (900km) and the second Brisbane - Proserpine, the Whitsundays Airport (1100km). The first flight was delayed 30 min, so I was crossing fingers to catch the connecting flight. Again the cabin was a freezer! They are trying to kill germs but they are slowly killing me with this Siberian cold! I know, very dramatic!
When we flew over the Whitsunday Islands it was amazing, all these little islands surrounded by turquoise water. I‘ve never seen them from this perspective. The last time I was up here was 18 years ago, when I was a partying backpacker, different times:-).
We landed at this very small airport and got a shuttle bus into town. I had booked an apartment right in the center of Airlie Beach, and probably only focused on the positive reviews: location and not the negative remarks on the noise. The bar in front had a huge sign: live music every night until late! Yaaay! Combined with the garbage trucks at 6 a.m. and 7 a.m., a light sleepers dream! Not even my melatonin & earplugs helped.
Anyway, on a positive note, my longtime friend Mel decided last minute that she was joining us in Airlie and traveling for 8 days with us. She took off work/uni and flew up here to do that, that‘s what I call a good mate.
So I had booked a rental car which we were supposed to pick up and when we got to Hertz office without a worry in the world, they told me bluntly, oh sorry but that booking was for yesterday and your booking was canceled due to no show and someone else has got your car now! Excuse me say what?!?!?! WTF!!! I might‘ve made a mistake with the date but the car was prepaid and nobody even contacted me! Worst case scenario when it‘s school holidays and half of Australia is up here!!! No other cars available, not even Budget, Avis etc. Panic!!! We have to drive 1200km down the East Coast and I ain’t gonna hitchhike after watching all these Aussie backpacker murder documentaries! Even though I doubt that a serial killer would pick us up with all that luggage.
So I collected myself, went back in, told a very sad sob story, might‘ve shed a tear or two. The lady calls around and suddenly there is a car available from the airport, which we can pick up. Hallelujah! A bit of a downgrade from SUV to Toyota Corolla, I don‘t care about the car per se but the space. We have three big bags, a car seat, 3 people and a stroller. Gotta get creative I guess. But I was grateful to even get a car, anything with 4 wheels would‘ve been fine.
Due to this little mistake of mine I wasted 4 hours with driving back and forth to the airport, waiting etc. But when we got back to town we swam in the lagoon, walked on the beach, had ice cream and Lani got to play on the most amazing beach playground.
Lani and her ipads adventures
only 3 of the 74 Whitsunday Islands
I partied here 18 years ago but I remember it like it was yesterday 
smoothie with a view
Airlie Beach Lagoon
playground goals
hypnotized by the didgeridoo
Airlie Beach
On Saturday morning we got up early to go to the harbour, we had booked a Whitsunday Islands tour. When we exited our apartment and turned right into the main street, a big part of it was blocked off with police tape and 5 cop cars, 10 officers guarding the area. Right then I knew something really bad must’ve happened, and that this was a crime scene. Turns out at 12.20 a.m. a man in his twenties attacked two police officers with a knife and they fatally shot him! It’s very sad because this is not NYC, something like this usually doesn’t happen in Airlie Beach. It definitely gave me an eerie feeling.
We departed the marina at 7.30 on the Providence sail boat and as soon as we were out in open water the captain let Leilani take over the steering. She was so proud, it was very cute. He then let me steer the boat for about 20 minutes, which was a first and a lot of fun. The Whitsundays are the second busiest waterway in Australia (right after Sydney harbour). Whitsundays, a total of 74 islands, is internationally famous for its pristine silica sand beaches, luxurious island resorts (like Hamillton Island), flourishing fringing reefs, and perfect tropical temperatures.
The captain suddenly stopped the boat and told his skipper to get into the tender and save a big sea turtle that seemed to be hurt or in trouble. However, when we approached it, it turned out that it was two turtles mating lol! He called them humpback turtles haha.
At about 11 a.m. we snorkeled in the reef in Tongue Bay, then we continued to the main island, Whitsunday, where one of the top 5 most photographed beaches lies: Whitehaven. From the lookout you can take in the spectacular view and then walk down to the beach for a swim. If you are lucky, you’ll see turtles or sting rays. I have been to the Caribbean, Polynesia but this beach for me is the most stunning of all!
It was a long day but worth the time and money, a must do when you are in the area.
7.30 sharp, we are ready for the sailing adventure
Captain Leilani took over while the actual captain Eugene is on the phone, and I am pretty sure all the passengers felt really safe
Leilani went starboard when she was supposed to go straight. We apologize for the 30 min detour this has caused ladies and gentlemen
snorkelling in the reef
the boat
then captain Marisa took over, I started to wonder what the actual captain was paid for, if we are doing all the work
Whitehaven Beach 
18 years later, still amazed! one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen
Yeppoon
After three eventful days in Airlie Beach we hit the road with our little Toyota Corolla. Did we manage to fit everything in? Yes, we are 80’s kids and know how to play tetris 
Our road trip down the east coast was beginning and our first leg of the trip was Airlie to Yeppoon which takes about 6 hours. I drove all the way because due to my little lie we couldn’t register Mel as an extra driver, so I guess I’ll be drliving the whole distance.
Yeppoon would have to be one of the best kept secrets in Queensland with its perfect weather, pristine beaches, and access to the Southern Great Barrier Reef.
Mel grew up here and stayed with friends this time, while Lani and I had a nice airbnb at the edge of town.
Unfortunately, the weather was not the best, very windy and raining a lot. In Yeppoon there is a water play park and a lagoon on the beach, both of them are free and great for kids.
Leilani then realized that she had lost her plush puppy the day before at the Rockhampton mall which was 30 mins away. She was devastated, so I drove an hour return to get that puppy back and luckily it was at TK Maxx. Just two days prior in Airlie, same thing happened and I had to retrace our steps and ended up finding it at the playground. We need an apple air tag for that thing because if we lose it for good, all hell breaks loose!
At lunch we met Mel’s friend with her two 5-year-old twins and we got fish and chips and ate at the beach and the kids had a lot of fun on the playground. After two nights in Yeppoon it was time to continue with our road trip.
Yeppoon Beach
Yeppoon Lagoon
Wet n‘ cold 
Agnes Water - Town of 1770
Next stops: Agnes Water & Town of 1770. I have fond memories of these places because I worked at cool Bananas Backpackers and met a great big group of people and we had this fantastic and fun time together partying, going to the beach, cooking together etc. Some of them I still keep in touch with. This town is also where I had the biggest shock when I ran over a brown snake with my motorbike by accident and I didn‘t know whether it had bitten me or not. Those bites are deadly if you don‘t get the antivenom. But luckily all was good 
We had lunch on the beach, then checked into Sandcastles Motel and spent the afternoon on the beach. Lani built sandcastles with her new found friends, Mel reading her book while I walked on the beach and noticed a few people looking at something. When I got closer I saw the snake 
a taipan, just one of the deadliest ones there is. The lifeguard called the snake catcher and guarded the area. This is Australia 
a taipan, just one of the deadliest ones there is. The lifeguard called the snake catcher and guarded the area. This is Australia At around 6 p.m., we watched the sunset on the beach in 1770. I remember kayaking there at sunset and a pod of dolphins following us and jumping in the air and doing tricks, those are the memories that stay with you because they are magical and once in a lifetime.
Even though I’ve traveled a lot, I’ve never taken anything for granted, especially those kind of moments.
The next day we had breakfast at the marina in the town of 1770 and afterwards did the Paperbark Forest Walk, which was pretty cool and an adventure for Leilani. Then we hit the road towards Hervey Bay, the drive took 3 hours.
fruit salad with a view
what are you looking at?
for my sister and and my friends that are battling cancer 
you are always on my mind 
happy to be back in Agnes Water, where I worked and had an awesome time with the great people I met
building sandcastles with newfound friends
watching the sunset at 1770
pancakes 
for breakfast at the kids table
adventure time
Hervey Bay
Hervey Bay is the town where you take the boat to Fraser Island. Fraser Island is famously known as the largest sand island in the world. Stretching over 120km in length, this island has plenty to offer to its visitors. It is so much more than just an island made of sand - It has diverse landscapes, world heritage sites, and plenty of unique flora and fauna to discover!
On Thursday morning we went to the beach at low tide and Lani was running around in the ankle deep water, building things in the sand, collecting sea shells and inspecting the different mini crabs. In the afternoon we enjoyed the pool at the hotel. And at night we went to the mall had sushi and Leilani got her first manicure 
I guess it‘s been a really great day for this little 4-year-old…
I guess it‘s been a really great day for this little 4-year-old…
low tide in Hervey Bay
book worm
first ever manicure
Noosa
From Hervey Bay we drove about 2.5-hours to Noosa, where it was time to say goodbye to Mel. Lani and I went to the beach in Noosa Heads. A really nice family looked after Lani while she played with their son and I could actually go for a swim by myself in the ocean.
It‘s so weird, I developed a phobia of sharks 
and I am aware that you are more likely to get killed by a cow, a car or a falling coconut (150 deaths per year). When you think about it: A shark kills on average 12 people a year, yet human‘s kill on average 11‘000 sharks per hour!!! I find them fascinating and they are crucial for the oceans because they keep their ecosystem in balance. However, I realized it in Hawaii last year that I am terrified, so I always stay close to other people, then they might not choose to bite me or at least they can pulll me out of the water, stupid I know hahaha 
and I am aware that you are more likely to get killed by a cow, a car or a falling coconut (150 deaths per year). When you think about it: A shark kills on average 12 people a year, yet human‘s kill on average 11‘000 sharks per hour!!! I find them fascinating and they are crucial for the oceans because they keep their ecosystem in balance. However, I realized it in Hawaii last year that I am terrified, so I always stay close to other people, then they might not choose to bite me or at least they can pulll me out of the water, stupid I know hahaha Noosa has become upscale like Byron Bay, a place for hipsters and influencers, everyone wearing linen and muslin, even their kids. Unfortunately, my only muslin shirt was dirty 
I still like it very much, the beach is beautiful and the town has a lot of cute boutique shops, cafes and restaurants. However, good luck finding parking ANYWHERE!
I still like it very much, the beach is beautiful and the town has a lot of cute boutique shops, cafes and restaurants. However, good luck finding parking ANYWHERE!
just two turkeys on a shopping spree
Flora
Australia Zoo
Australia Zoo, on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, was founded by the Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin and his wife. Nestled on more than 110 acres and with more than 1200 amazing animals, it’s the most interactive conservation destination on the planet! Every dollar spent supports conservation projects around the world.
So we got there just when it opened and took 3.5 hours to see it all. Leilani was really keen on seeing koalas, wombats, kangaroos and tigers. We actually haven‘t seen kangaroos in the wild, only about 70 dead ones on the 1200km roads driven. So much road kill on these highways 
We did see wallabies up in Airlie though and they were very much alive and cute 
.
We did see wallabies up in Airlie though and they were very much alive and cute .Of course she lost her puppy again, only for the third time and we found it at the elephant encounter. Not annoying all 
Taking bets, if that thing actually makes it back to Switzerland.
Taking bets, if that thing actually makes it back to Switzerland.When I left the zoo we stopped for lunch at a resting area and when I went to the bathroom my car keys fell out of my pocket into the toilet! Classic Marisa! Luckily it wasn‘t one of those toilets that flush automatically! However, I had to reach in the public toilet to get those keys out! Nothing more gross than that 
must‘ve washed my hands for 5 minutes! with hot water and a ton of soap! Leilani told me afterwards that swearing is bad, good girl!
must‘ve washed my hands for 5 minutes! with hot water and a ton of soap! Leilani told me afterwards that swearing is bad, good girl!
Gold Coast
Next stop was the Gold Coast where my Aussie family lives (if they could have, they would‘ve adopted me
). I met them 2005 through my ex and ended up living with them and working for their catering business for 6 months before working in other places in AUS. Walt is a chef and I was his sous-chef, as I called myself. It‘s my 6th time in OZ and every time I visited them, no matter if they ran a couples resort in the Blue Mountains or lived on the Gold Coast. And they visit us in Switzerland as well but unfortunately due to Covid we couldn‘t see each other for a while.
When they lived in the Blue Mountains, they once gave me a suite with a jacuzzi for New Years, all to myself, overlooking the beautiful scenery (goes to show just how nice they are), and they had a pet goat named Lizzie, we became good friends. I often wonder what happened to her, she was more human than goat. However, play fighting with an animal with horns…ouch!
Oh and also I have a really bad eye infection, a huge stye on my eyelid and it‘s getting really uncomfortable, especially now that I have to do all the driving. At the pharmacy they wont give you any drops over the counter, so Teresa took me to her friend Maria’s house, she works for an eye specialist. She used eye plunges to check if I maybe lost a contact lens in there(yes that‘s possible with me
) Walt told me to get an eye patch like a pirate 
So fingers crossed I don‘t have to do that 
) Walt told me to get an eye patch like a pirate So fingers crossed I don‘t have to do that 
like mother, like daughter
On Sunday we woke up at 5.30! help! So we went to their friends house to get the golf buggy and ride around Hope Island and Sanctuary Cove, where lots of people own buggies and there are designated paths for it. We drove to the Golf Course where chances are high that you‘ll see kangaroos and we did see a lot of them. Lani was excited, however pouting because the joey (baby) wouldn‘t come out of its mommies pouch so she could hold it We tried to explain to her that these are wild kangaroos and don‘t like to be petted. Did she care? No.
We tried to explain to her that these are wild kangaroos and don‘t like to be petted. Did she care? No.We went for breakfast at a French bakery and because it had rained, I drove through puddles in the parking lot which made my inner child very happy lol. Then a little kangaroo was skipping our way, this is Australia.
I remember once when I took the bike from Hope Island to Sanctuary Cove and a Magpie (bird) attacked me! They actually dive-bomb over and over again and go for your head with their beak or claws! This happens often! I was terrified! I felt like I was in that Alfred Hitchcock movie „The Bird“! Another reason to wear helmets people!
Then we went home and prepared all kinds of food because we were having a family BBQ with Walts kids and grandchildren. Lani got to play and swim in the pool, she was so tired that she fell asleep early and I took the opportunity to go to the movies and have my first night off on this trip. Gold Class at Harbourtown it was 
home for the next week
how to open a coconut
*it helps if the hammer & screwdriver are pink
oh hello there neighbors
helping Chef & new granpa Walt prepare dinner
my one and only night off 
made myself a classic Aussie breakfast: smashed avo on toast with poached eggs 
loving my ride
The last week was very relaxed, after a lot of packing and unpacking, from one accommodation to the next, it was great to have a base or in this case a home. Maybe even more like a 5-star hotel. We had a nice big room, a pool, could spread out through the whole house, could make dinner orders to chef Walt like in a restaurant (he actuallly is a chef and a very good one too) and he cooked for us every night and we had a nice family meal the four of us. Leilani also bonded with them and had so much fun. Thank you Teresa and Walt for being a family away from our family
On Monday, the weather was not great so we went to Harbourtown, Australia’s largest outlet mall, just 6 minutes drive from the house. I made a few great bargains like UGG boots for Lani for $39. Once the weather cleared up a bit we went back home to enjoy the pool.
The next day I decided to take Lani to Movie World. I was so excited, she was stoked too and it turned out to be a big disappointment. So, the entry for both of us was quite expensive and she went on two baby rides, one rollercoaster we did together - waiting in line for 40 minutes, when the ride itself was 1 minute! Then we wanted to go on other rides and for all of them it was between 90-120 minutes wait time! I am not gonna wait 2 hours with a small kid to go on ONE ride! So we’ve had enough and left. Waist of time and money, don’t go there! Europapark is like 10 times bigger and 50 times better!
Then we both spontaneously got haircuts at the mall. Luckily they turned out okey and afterwards had sushi train for lunch again. We’ve been eating quite a lot of sushi, first of all it’s Lani’s favorite food and in Switzerland it is so expensive! A roll would cost about $ 18/20 at least, here maybe $ 5/6.
and afterwards had sushi train for lunch again. We’ve been eating quite a lot of sushi, first of all it’s Lani’s favorite food and in Switzerland it is so expensive! A roll would cost about $ 18/20 at least, here maybe $ 5/6.
Movie World
when you are really patient to wait in line for the rollercoaster…not
Wonder Woman meets Batman
Surfers Paradise
The next day we drove to Surfers Paradise, had a stroll, went to the beach but the waves were crazy, way too dangerous for swimming. When I got back to the car I had a $96 fine! I was like WTF! I paid $9 for 2 hours parking and I get fined! I checked the signs and everything and I just didn’t understand what the ticket was for! Turns out in my license plate, where I thought it was 4II (because that’s what they looked like I’s), it was actually 411. So we appealed the fine and hopefully I don’t have to pay for that!
If you have the intention of coming to Australia, I got one tip for you: don’t be speeding or even just going over the speed limit a little bit. Fine’s are horrendous! If you text, or just look at your phone $3000!
Surfers Paradise Beach
sent her to get her own sushi
Currumbin Beach
Surfers Paradise Skyline & The Surfer
breakfasts like this 
beggar
Burleigh Heads
On Thursday we met Leilani’s Papa in Burleigh who’s also traveling. Spent time at the beach, which is really nice, built sandcastles, had lunch, ice cream and went to the playground.
I cleaned out my backpack 
and found a big Victorinox steak knife that I had bought in Switzerland before I left and totally forgot to take it out. By that time I had already been on 4 flights and through security screening 4 times! Makes me wonder and worry a little bit
and found a big Victorinox steak knife that I had bought in Switzerland before I left and totally forgot to take it out. By that time I had already been on 4 flights and through security screening 4 times! Makes me wonder and worry a little bit
fancy meeting papa in Australia
just a guy walking around with his snake
conversation about how much she loves sushi
Burleigh Heads Beach
Hope Island
Friday was our last day on the Gold Coast and we met my friends Rod and Ros for breakfast in Hope Island. Then went with them and their mate David to get his catamaran from the boat yard into the water. It was interesting to see, they use huge cranes for it. We cruised around the broadwater for a bit and then returned to Walts and Teresa’s house to pack and clean up our mess
last day
It was time to say goodbye once again and off we were to Brisbane airport where we dropped off the rental car and checked into Ibis Hotel for the night.
We had to get up at 5.30 to catch our flight to Singapore. Again we are doing a two day stopover since it’s just too long to do it in one go (21 hours flight time without transfer).
The flight to Singapore was 7 hours and 20 minutes and even though it was a day flight, time passed quickly and Lani entertained herself with movies.
And I have to mention it again, I love love love Changi Airport! 15 minutes from the plane, through immigration, bag collection and out of the airport in the taxi
that’s a record!!!
that’s a record!!!Now I am excited to spend two more days in Singapore before we head home…
I can’t believe this one month adventure is already coming to an end. This past year was not easy for many reasons and has taken a toll, I was able to regain some energy on this trip. And it was amazing spending so much quality time with my daughter. She is such a little globetrotter, so easy to travel with. Very appreciative, flexible, spontaneous, independent - just goes with the flow and happy to cruise along. This was country #19 for her and I already see what the benefits of traveling are/were for her. She is very open minded, she does not care about someone’s skin color, she eats all kinds of food, is super flexible when it comes to eating times, she plays with kids all age and tries to communicate, she is already fluent in English and is telling travel stories to her friends. However, she is ready to go home. Even though they facetimed almost every day, she misses her mama and her dog Billie Jean very very much. She is also excited to go back to daycare and start Kindergarten next year. A month is a long time for a little 4-year-old.
And as for me, I am still very appreciative for every trip, every adventure and I cherish these memories so much.
Thanks for following our journey, all the messages/comments and for taking the time to read my blog. I’ve done this for the past 20 years and all my trips can be viewed on my website marrytomei.ch
Farewell Australia 