Australia Zoo

The Australia Zoo is an Amazing Place located about an hour north of Brisbane. It can easily be reached by Croc Express Bus that picks up at hotels in Brisbane, self drive or train. The highlight of my visit was the Cheetah Encounter where I got to spent 45 with Sheebah, the Cheetah I adopted. Sheebah is so affectionate and loves to petted. She purrs just like a cat. While I was there she was fed one of her favorite treats, a giant popsicle made of frozen milk. She is so beautiful. I got 8 8×10 pictures along with a disc that has all pictures that were taken. I didn’t want to leave. Afterwards I went back to meat her sister Chloe and watch them play.
After visiting with the Cheetah’s, I went to see the Red Panda’s and had the opportunity to hold one and feed it and watch them run up and down the trees. The Red Panda is endanger of extinction. There are only 1200 remaining. Next I went to visit the hospital which is located outside the zoo. It is very impressive with very sophisticated equipped, trained veternarians and many volunteers. It was one of Steve Irwin’s goals to build a facility that was equipped to care for the animals. There are many Koalas that are brought in that are diseased or have been hit by cars. As there is more development in the area Koalas and Kangeroos and other wildlife are being forced out of there natural environment. The hospital tries to save the injured and sick wildlife and return them to their natural habitat.

Visiting Perth

Perth is a very nice city, very easy to get a round. It kind of reminds me of San Diego. We started our visit with a stop at the Perth Mint. There we learned about the history of Gold Rush Days and saw a demonstration of how gold was processed. It was quite interesting and we left with an engraved gold coin. Then we left for Fremantle and had lunch along the wharf. We had a quick tour.
The highlight was a didgeridoo demonstration. We learned about how to make the different types of sounds and we each got a chance to try ourselves. We then took the Swan River Cruise back to Perth and had some great views of the water and Perth. When we returned we headed to Kings Park. September is wild flower and it is very colorful wit all the flowers in full bloom. We got to take a walk enjoying the flowers and plants and bird life while watching the sunset over the river. It was quite spectacular.

Western Australia – Kimberleys

We started our tour in Kununurra which means “the meeting of the Big Waters” We stayed at the Kimberley Grande which was a decent hotel and probably one of nicest in the area. We went a brief tour in late afternoon.

The next morning we left for a scenic flight on Alligator Airlines to Home Valley Stations. The flight was spectacular going over the Bungle Bungles an amazing rock formation.

Hamilton Island

I spent 4 nights on Hamilton Island staying at Reef Hotel. The highlight of the trip was a trip out to the Great Barrier Reef including snorkeling and a helicopter ride over the reef which was truly spectacular. Unfortunately I lost my camera s the great pictures I took are gone.

Australia Adventure 2010

I just returned from a 2 week trip to my favorite destination Australia. I had hoped to be writing while I was travelling but I was too busy. I have no pictures from the 1st week as I lost my camera.

Day 1 Sept 8 Arrived Sydney
My flight to Sydney from Los Angeles was on business class on Qantas Airbus 380, a truly amazing experience. The seats reclined into a flat bed and I actually got a good night sleep and felt rested upon arrival into Sydney. I checked into the Marriott Sydney on College street near Hyde Park early AM Sep 8. I usually stay closer to Sydney Harbour but found this hotel not too far a walk and close to great shopping and restaurants, much less expensive and nicer then the Sydney Harbour Marriott. The room had a stove, microwave and refrigerator and was quite spacious with a large bathroom.
I walked through the Botanical Gardens and to the Opera House and Sydney Harbour. It was a beautiful day and I took some great pictures which unfortunately I don’t have. I then went through the historic Rocks districts and walked across Harbour Bridge to North Sydney. About half way across there is a lookout where you can climb to top and get a great view of the city. It is alternative to those who do not have the money and/or time to do the highly recommended Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb. I then took the train back to the city center for an early dinner and bed.

Day 2 Sept 9 Blue Mountains Walkabout
Today I took the train from Central Station to Faulconbridge and was met by Evan Yana Muru an Abororiginal Guide who leads the Blue Mountains Walkabout
This was an amazing experience. I learned so much about the Aboriginal lifestyle. It is a full day of walking in the bushwith frequent stops truly educational. I highly recommend this for anyone wanting a true indigenous experience.
(to be continued)

Next Amazing Australia Adventure

I am in the process of planning my next Australia Adventure in Sept.
I just booked a Cheetah Walk at the Australia Zoo. I am excited as I will be able to finally meet Sheeba, the Cheetah I adopted.
I also booked the Cheetah Back of the House Tour. I am planning to spend a full day at the zoo.
My Adventure starts with 2 nights in Sydney. Stlill trying to decide what I will do. I am thinking of taking the train to the Blue Mountains and either go for a run on the trails or take a tour with an Aboriginal Guide. After Sydey, I head off to Hamilton for Aussie Specialist’s Corroboree which consists of 4 intense days meting with suppliers throughout Australia.
Then after Coroborree is aweek in Western Australia visiting the Kimberley Region and Perth. This is going to be an amazing experience. I am still waiting for my final itinerary.

Bike Tours of Australia

Last night I had the opportunity to meet with the representative of Bonza Bike Tours which offers bike tours suitable for all abilities around Sydney. Theywill be oferring tours in Melbourne as well. Having had the opportunity to take one of their tours in Sydney, I found it to be a great way to get an overview of the city without having to ride around in tour bus all morning.

Tasmiania’s Great Walks

Tasmania is one of the most beautiful places on earth and one of world’s best kept secrets. One third is covered by World Heritage and National Parks. It is a Great Place for walking enthusiasts. The Great Walks of Tasmania are five of Tasmania’s guided walks and include Cradle Mountain, Maria Island, Freycinet Experience, Bay of Fires and the South Coast Walk covering 300km of incredible scenery.
The Overland Track, takes you on a six day scenic adventure from Cradle Mountain to Australia’s deepest lake, Lake St Clair.

Australia’s Kimberley Region

My next trip to Australia will be to the Kimberley region located n Northwest Australia between Broome and Darwin. It is great for anyone with a true sense of adventure. Lots of hiking, swimming,, sleeping under the stars, in the midst of amazing scenery. One of the most amazing places is the Bungle Bungle. The Bungle Bungle is a maze of orange and black striped shaped domes, and is without a doubt one of Australia’s most unusual and fascinating landscapes. Throughout the Bungles lie hidden Hiking trails, and Gorges and Chasms containing not only precious water and rare trees.

Great Ocean Road Walks

The Great Ocean Road is located near Melbourne and has some of the most stunning coastal scenery. Walks are from 3 to 6 days and can be done as a self guided walk or fully guided and supported with gourmet meals and luxury accommodations. This is sure to make your visit to Australia memorable