Australia 2026

 

 

 

 

Sydney

Australia Blog Part I - Returning to my home away from home

Landing in Australia always feels like coming home. It has been 20 years since I lived and worked here, and for the longest time I was convinced I would eventually end up staying for good. I even had the chance and didn’t take it.
But I try not to dwell on the “what ifs.” Life turned out differently, and honestly, I would not change it. I built the life of my dreams in Switzerland and I love it, and chances are I would not have my daughter otherwise. And she is, without question, the best thing that has ever happened to me.
 
Arriving at Sydney Airport ran just as smoothly as Changi Airport. Immigration, customs, and baggage claim were all done in under 25 minutes.
I am exhausted though, jet lag has never hit me this hard. Not even my usual go-to tricks like meditation, melatonin and vagus nerve exercises are helping this time. At this point, I think I just have to accept defeat and wait it out.
 
Along with Cape Town, Sydney is one of my favorite cities in the world. The mix of iconic landmarks, beautiful beaches, and a laid-back coastal lifestyle is hard to beat.
 
On our first day we took the ferry to Manly which offers great views of Sydney skyline and the most beautiful opera house in the world. I love the carefree vibe in Manly, it almost tricks you into thinking you have escaped the city and ended up on an island.
We grabbed sushi for lunch and ate it while listening to street musicians, just like last time. At this point, it might officially be a tradition.
 
Then we walked the scenic walk to Shelly beach, stopped in a protected ocean pool for a swim along the way.
 
As I got older, I somehow developed a fear of sharks, which is actually pretty irrational when you look at the facts.
 
To put it in perspective, you are hundreds of times more likely to die from lightning or drowning than from a shark attack. Humans kill an estimated 100 million sharks every year, while sharks kill fewer than 10 people worldwide on average. So humans are the real assholes, not the sharks. And let’s not forget, we invade their territory not the other way around.
 
And yet, my brain, clearly designed to keep me alive at all costs, prefers to focus on this: Australia is home to the “big three” shark species, tiger, bull, and great white sharks. In one recent 48-hour period in Sydney, there were four shark attacks, including the tragic death of a 12-year-old boy. All incidents were linked to bull sharks, which can swim in freshwater, saltwater, and everything in between, and apparently have no issue showing up in water that barely covers your knees.
So yes, statistically I am completely safe. Mentally… not so much.
 
And to end to my shark monologue: sharks have been on this planet for over 450 million years, surviving multiple mass extinctions, along the way. Let’s just hope they make it through mankind too.
 
 

the most beautiful opera house in the world

 

 

Sydney Skyline

 

 

 

 

shark free zone 🦈

 

 

Shelly Beach

 

 

Water Dragon

 

 

along with Cape Town, my favorite city in the world

 

 

Chinatown

 

 

 

 

famous Bondi Beach Lifeguards

 

 

most iconic pool

 

 

Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

On the second day we took the bus to Bondi Beach, my heart was heavy thinking of the the senseless act of terror that took 15 innocent lives at one of Sydney’s most iconic and beloved places in December. It is hard to comprehend how something so tragic could happen in a place usually filled with joy, surfers, and families.
 
We only spent little time at the beach because it was quite windy and chilly. So we started the 6 km coastal walk to Coogee, one of my favorite things to do in Sydney. It was a scenic, stunning, and deeply communal experience, mostly because half of the population of Sydney decided to join us for Good Friday. If you’ve ever wanted to hike in a beautiful, slow-moving human traffic jam, this was it.
 
At night, we met my old friends Kylie and Ian and explored Spice Alley, a narrow lane packed with all kinds of Asian street food. Definitely right up my alley.
 
 

 

 

 

 

Açai break

 

 

I just love coastal walks

 

 

old cemetary

 

 

 

 

dinner with my old friends Kylie & Ian at Spice Alley

 

 

in street food paradise

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blue Mountains

Then it was time to start our great Australian road trip. We picked up our rental car (reminder to myself: drive in the left Marisa!) and headed up to the Blue Mountains, which is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed region, famous for its dramatic eucalyptus-covered sandstone cliffs, deep valleys, and the iconic Three Sisters rock formation. It is a premier destination for hiking, waterfalls, canyoning, and charming villages like Katoomba where we booked the Mountain Heritage Hotel.
 
We came for the outdoors, hikes and views and what we got when we arrived was 11 degrees, rain, fog, and zero visibility. They call it a wipe out and it can even last for weeks.
 
Due to the weather on the first day, we stayed inside. We played some games, went to an Italian restaurant for lunch, and listened to a piano player at the hotel who has been playing there for 47 years, the dedication is honestly impressive.
After that, I fully committed to manifesting good weather for the next day, because we actually wanted to do all the things we came for.
 
When we woke up it was so foggy you couldn’t see anything. We were bummed but then I reminded my daughter it was Easter, which immediately shifted the mood. We went off on our Easter basket hunt, and the guy at reception fully played along, telling her he had seen the Easter Bunny hop by on the surveillance camera. She was absolutely convinced, and even more excited when she actually found the basket.
 
Then we went to the movies, and coming out from the cinema, we prepared for more "50 Shades of Grey" (the weather version), but instead? Pure sunshine. Thank you, Universe! We wasted no time hitting the Cliff Walk, hiking our way from Leura Falls to Echo Point. The lush greenery and views will make your eyes hurt from all the beauty. And to top it off: The infamous Three Sisters looking absolutely impressive in the clear air.
 
 
 

Crimson Rosella, a very common and iconic parrot

 

 

 

 

Cliff Walk Blue Mountains

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Three Sisters

 

 

My highlight when we got there: a group of cockatoos came up close, like they were posing for us, it felt like magic 💫 their white feathers and striking yellow head crest, filling the air with their lively chattering sounds as they flew overhead. I even have a tattoo of one as a tribute to Australia.

 

I love cockatoo’s 😍

 

 

beauty’s 🥰

 

 

Australian Pelican

 

 

Stockton Sand Dunes

Australia Blog Part II - From Dunes to Waterfalls: The Australian Road Trip Continues

From the Blue Mountains, we drove about 3.5 hours to our next stop, Nelson Bay. No time wasted, we jumped straight into our next adventure: sandboarding on the largest moving sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere, some reaching up to 50 meters.

We started off sitting on the boards, playing it safe, but quickly got braver and ended up surfing down, which was way more fun. Needless to say that walking back up the dunes every time, turned into a pretty solid leg workout. Leg day it is!

Nelson Bay is a laid-back coastal gem with beautiful beaches, clear water, and that easygoing holiday feel. It’s the kind of place where days revolve around the ocean, whether it’s dolphin watching, swimming, or just enjoying the views and beautiful sunsets.

And because it’s known as the dolphin capital of Australia and we both love dolphins, we joined a boat tour to try our luck with spotting some of the 150 resident bottlenose dolphins in the area.

After just ten minutes, we got lucky and saw them up close, which made us very happy.

The boat even had a waterslide, which was closed due to increased shark activity in the area, not exactly reassuring for my already active imagination. Luckily, there was a net on the side where you could safely get partially in the water, so of course we did.

I In the afternoon, we made our way to Fingal Bay in the Tomaree National Park, easily one of the most beautiful beaches around, with a sand spit stretching out towards Shark Island. It felt almost unreal to walk 2km along the beach and then having a place like that nearly to ourselves.

We were collecting seashells, and just soaking in the sunset. One of those moments where you quietly think, okay, this is pretty perfect.

 

 

 

 

 

so much fun

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fingal Beach

 

 

channeling Robinson Crusoe energy

 

 

forever a sunset lover

 

 

we made a barbie

 

 

Port Macquarie

After two nights, we hit the road again towards Port Macquarie, where we had a delicious Japanese lunch.

At this point, we have been eating our way through pretty much every type of Asian cuisine available, Thai, Chinese, Korean… mainly because we love it, the variety is amazing, but also because it is surprisingly affordable.

Then Ms. Random here stumbled across a TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) place and, of course, thought it was a great idea to try a “special” pain treatment for my back and headaches.

It started off harmless enough with some massage, but then she brought out a magnetic thick needle and went deep into the muscle. I tried very hard to stay composed, but let’s just say it required some serious self-control not to scream.

Back at the hotel, I checked the damage and found my entire shoulder blade had turned into one big black and blue masterpiece. Now we wait and see if “no pain, no gain” applies here.

The next day we did the coastal walk in Port Macquarie, one of those hikes where you keep stopping every few minutes because the views just don’t quit. One moment you are walking along rugged cliffs, the next you are passing big empty beaches and spotting wildlife like a goanna, a large monitor lizzard.

There was a section where the path led through what felt like a little rainforest, and after spotting a snake warning sign earlier, we suddenly became very aware of every step. We ended up stomping along the trail like a pair of elephants, just in case.

But then again, this is Australia, where snakes and spiders can basically be anywhere.

 

Port Maquarie Coastal Walk

 

 

definitely not a fan of snakes

 

 

 

 

in my element

 

 

 

 

Goanna

 

 

 

 

Look At Me Now Headlands

I had read in another travel blog about a sunset spot where you might see kangaroos (Look At Me Now Headlands), which already sounded promising, but I did not expect it to turn into the highlight of our entire trip.

The light was absolutely perfect, more than 40 kangaroos were casually hanging out by the cliffs, and then something happened that had been on my bucket list forever. Kangaroos on the beach. And not just that, they went into the water.

Even after living here and coming back five times, I had never experienced that before. Safe to say, I was very, very happy.

 

Bucket List Moment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coffs Harbour

The next stop on our road trip was Coffs Harbour, where you cannot miss the Big Banana, a slightly random but iconic landmark that you kind of have to see at least once. It is basically a kids’ fun park, and we ended up tobogganing through a banana plantation, which was actually kinda cool

 

 

 

Scout Falls

Next adventure: Scout Falls, a small but beautiful waterfall with a swimming hole tucked away in nature, the kind of place that feels like a hidden find. The walk to get there is not too long, but just adventurous enough, with no real path to follow.

We spent our time swimming and jumping into the water from a rope, which quickly turned into way too much fun. These are the kind of moments you do not forget anytime soon.

 

 

 

found the perfect spot

 

 

Byron Bay

.From Coffs Harbour, we drove towards Byron Bay. I had not had any breakfast, so naturally I was already starving on the highway.

And then, at the perfect moment, a sign appeared: “Next exit New Italy.” Of course, I took this as a sign from the universe, or more specifically from my Nonna and Nonno, clearly guiding us to make a stop.

And to top it off, they were celebrating their 145th anniversary, so there was Italian music, gelato, and plenty of Italian food. Not exactly what you expect to find on a random highway stop in Australia.

This is where it gets a bit more personal. My Italian grandparents moved to Australia in the 1970s with their children because they did not feel fully welcome or accepted in Switzerland. Back then, Australia was far less populated and actively encouraged immigration, even covering their airfare.

They settled in a small town near Melbourne, where my Nonno worked for the railways. Eventually, they returned to Switzerland and stayed, but standing there in “New Italy,” it felt like a small, unexpected connection to that part of my family history. And maybe it explains why I have always felt drawn to Australia, even before I knew this story.

After a 2.5-hour drive, we arrived in Byron Bay, one of Australia’s most popular coastal destinations, recently ranked the 2nd most beautiful town in the country. I always love coming back here. It has that relaxed vibe, great cafés and restaurants, and an easygoing energy that makes it hard not to like.

This time, I did not plan much at all. We mainly wanted beach time, and that is exactly what we did. The only “plan” was the coastal walk from town up to the beautiful Cape Byron Lighthouse, which turned out to be another highlight of the trip. I am still in awe of nature, wildlife, and the spectacular sunsets. It never really gets old.

 

sushi on the beach

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

comforting to know there is a shark bite kit

 

 

 

 

surfer traffic jam

 

 

Byron Bay Coastal Walk

 

 

cute cafe

 

 

found the perfect house for us

 

 

Cape Byron Lighthouse

 

 

 

 

my favorite restaurant

 

 

enjoying my vacation very much

 

 

 

 

Gold Coast

Then it was time to drive up to the Gold Coast to spend the last 8 days of our trip with our good friends.

I met Teresa and Walt 20 years ago, and back then they gave me a job, a place to live, and plenty of banter, which clearly stuck. We have stayed in touch ever since, and by now I consider them family.

They have a big house in Coombabah with a decent-sized pool, a dog and a cat, and Walt is a chef, so we are basically constantly spoiled with incredible food. It is the perfect home base to slow down a bit after the intensity of the past weeks of travel.

There is so much to do on and around the Gold Coast. One day we went to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, then to Wet'n'Wild Gold Coast, and explored the Coombabah Wetlands to spot wildlife.

And just a 6-minute drive away is Harbour Town Premium Outlets, basically a shopper’s paradise with 220 retailers, restaurants and a movie theatre.

The exchange rate works heavily in our favor (1 AUD ≈ 0.54 CHF), since the Swiss franc is strong right now, which makes everything feel surprisingly affordable. For example, I paid about CHF 40 for two pairs of Nike shoes, which in Switzerland would probably buy you… one shoelace.

 

 

 

 

 

Harbour Town Shopping Outlet

 

 

The Gold Coast, my old stomping grounds

 

 

breakfast goals

 

 

we love sushi train

 

Surfers Paradise

 

I don't like red flags, neither on beaches nor in people

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

yes, it's real

 

 

 

 

python

 

 

you are the most beautiful of them all

 

 

 

 

two cuties

 

Currumbin Creek

 

two classics: Eggs Benedict and Fish & Chips

 

 

you can find me here all afternoon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So, I organized a kid free night to go to Gold Class Cinema, a premium, luxury version of a normal movie theatre experience (for the price of a standard admission in Switzerland) with reclining leather chairs and in seat food and drink service. And somehow my experience got upgraded to platinum class by default… because I was the only person in the entire theatre. So, it was just me, my recliner, and a very personal screening of the movie “You, Me & Tuscany”.

When I got out to the parking lot, I was confidently looking for my little white car… and then suddenly couldn’t find it. I started pacing up and down, pressing the key like it was going to magically reveal its location. Nothing. No lights, no beep, no sign of loyalty.

I got increasingly nervous because I knew exactly where I had parked, I even had the mental screenshot saved. At that point, a kind stranger noticed and asked if I needed help. I said I either parked in a disabled spot by accident and got towed, or someone stole it… even though, realistically, who steals a car like that?

Despite carrying his warm food, he immediately joined the search, called center management (already closed), and even asked the police what to do next. I then called Teresa, who came down to help me as well.

Eventually the good Samaritan left, and Teresa suggested we just drive around quickly to double-check different sections. I resisted slightly, insisting I knew where I parked… until she calmly pointed and said, “Isn’t this your car?”

And there it was. In a completely different spot.

We both laughed so hard, and I nearly cried. A very embarrassing story, but honestly too good not to tell.

I consider this a sign of relaxation; my brain has completely switched off haha

 

Gold Class Cinema

 

 

undercover at this hotel pool

 

 

Asian Food Court

 

 

day at the water park

 

 

busy morning for Chef Walt preparing for his daughter's birthday party

 

 

 

 

zero complaints

 

 

Brisbane

On Saturday, my friend Mel invited us to her birthday party in a park by the river in West End. We even took the ferry from there into downtown Brisbane, strolled around the city center, and then casually hopped back to the party.

Fun fact: in Queensland, all public transport, no matter the distance, is only 50 cents. Which still feels a bit unreal every time you tap on and just… go anywhere for the price of a piece of gum.

 

Happy 40th Birthday Mel

 

 

I lfet this here 10 years ago, and I am officially reclaiming it

 

 

Downtown Brisbane

 

 

Queen Street Mall

 

 

 

Surfers Paradise

 

 

 

Australia has got the most beautiful malls

 

Sanctuary Cove

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hope Island

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coombabah

Australia Blog Part IV: One Month, A Million Memories

And just like that, our one month in Australia has come to an end. One big, beautiful adventure. It was eye-opening, a real bonding experience, and the biggest luxury of all was time. Time to be together, to get to know each other even better, to explore, to slow down… and at some point, to completely lose track of what day it is. The feeling of freedom, spontaneity, and the time to truly connect is priceless.

Just when I thought my love for Down Under couldn’t grow any more, it somehow did. It really has something for everyone, great food, good shopping, friendly (and very funny) people, and nature that still manages to surprise you. Some of the most beautiful, almost empty beaches I have ever seen are here.

The fact that Australia is home to around 900 species of reptiles may not exactly be my favorite fun fact, but it says a lot about how incredibly diverse this country is.

From tropical rainforests to rugged coastlines and the outback, there is just so much variety packed into one place. And while that does mean sharing it with a few more creatures than I would ideally prefer, it is also what makes Australia feel so wild, unique, and a little bit unpredictable in the best (and sometimes slightly intimidating) way.

And I loved the fresh produce; everything just tastes better. Watermelon, avocados, strawberries… all grown locally, soaking up plenty of sunshine, which you can definitely taste

We ended up driving a total of 1900 km, from Sydney to the Blue Mountains, all the way up the East Coast, finishing our adventure in Brisbane, and it only cost us AUD 220 (CHF 124) in gas. Not bad for that kind of distance.

 

 

 

 

 

two butterflies mating

 

 

 

 

Golden Swamp Wallaby

 

 

the new Anaconda was filmed here

 

 

a koala momma and her baby, so adorable

 

 

 

 

 

 

FROYO paradise

 

 

 

 

 

 

shopping Marisa style

 

Burleigh/Tallebudgera Creek

 

 

 

 

 

enjoying the last sun rays in Australia

 

 

goodbye my forever love

 

Cost of things (approx. 1 AUD = 0.56 CHF)

  • Flights: CHF 1100 p.p. with Singapore Airlines incl. stopovers both ways
  • Sushi roll takeaway: $5 (CHF 2.80)
  • Avocado: $0.90 (CHF 0.50)
  • Hotel: $120–220 per night (CHF 70–120) on a budget
  • Petrol: $2.00 per litre (CHF 1.12)
  • 50 GB data (eSIM): CHF 25 via mobimatter.com

Fun Facts about Australia:

  • Australia is the only country that is also a continent.
  • The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system on Earth and can be seen from space.
  • Over 80% of Australia’s wildlife is unique to the country, including kangaroos, koalas, and wombats.
  • Melbourne is frequently ranked among the world’s most livable cities.
  • Australia has more than 10,000 beaches, including Bondi Beach.
  • The Dingo Fence is one of the longest fences in the world, stretching over 5,600 km.
  • Australians love their “barbie”. Most parks and beaches across Australia have free public BBQ grills anyone can use.

and last but not least:

  • The Australian Alps receive more snow each year than the Swiss Alps.
 
When you come here, make sure you have the Emergency Plus app installed. It helps you share your exact GPS location with emergency services, especially useful if you’re out hiking, swimming, or somewhere with no clear location.
 
Then it was time to say goodbye to our friends and this beautiful country. And just like that, you are reminded how far away it actually is from Europe, two flights and about 20 hours in the air without counting the layover.
 
And we are back in Switzerland, with a camera roll full of memories, slightly tanned skin, and a heart that feels a little fuller than before.
 
Until next time, Down Under.
 
 
 
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