A big fat boo.

So, Byron Bay is one of the more famous tourist spots in Australia. It’s popular for its good surf and laid back vibe. It’s one of those places where people plan to go for a few days, but end up staying for weeks (or even years). Well, I couldn’t wait to get out of there.

Byron Bay was not for me*. But I’ll save that story until later and just share a few photos from our visit to the nearby lighthouse.

The lighthouse is situated at Cape Byron, the most easterly point of mainland Australia. The view of the ocean is gorgeous and if you’re lucky you just might see a few dolphins swimming in the surf.

There also happened to be a lone goat on the premises. I’m not sure if he’s the resident lawnmower or just visiting the sites like the rest of us.

xo, jill

*It was able to redeem itself a few months later, but just barely.

Australia’s New England.

While Mike and I were in the region known as New England, we decided to take a little trip down Waterfall Way. Yep, that’s a real thing. It’s a route through the countryside that takes you past several waterfalls and beautiful scenery. It reminds me of something a retired couple in an RV would do… or really, something I would do.

We only did a portion of the drive stopping by Dangar Falls and Dorrigo National Park.

Dangar Falls are small but pretty. We only needed a few minutes to enjoy the falls then hopped back in the car to check out Dorrigo.

At Dorrigo National Park we were helped by some very friendly rangers. We checked out the Skywalk which offers an amazing view over the canopy of the forest, and then embarked on a hike.

The hike was a pretty easy loop with a few waterfalls along the way. We also saw a few bush turkeys, plenty of birds, and incredible strangler figs.

It was a nice day outside.

xo, jill

Hat Head National Park

After leaving Port Macquarrie, we settled on camping in Hat Head National Park at Smoky Cape. (The spelling kills me!) This was an interesting adventure because we were low on gas with not much around and it was getting dark… fast. When we pulled into the camping area it was so dark we could barely make out the camp sites. There was only one other group there and I’m not going to lie, it was a bit creepy. I was happy to eat dinner as quickly as possible and to not leave the tent until the sun came up. Mike, of course, had other ideas. He was keen for us to explore the pathway to the beach with only my small headlamp. Um, I think I made it 10 meters before shutting that plan down. One doesn’t explore after dark in Australia’s deadly nature.

The next morning we woke up to a very welcome and very Australian sight: Kangaroos! Right outside our tent. It was definitely one of those moments that reminded me that I truly am worlds away on a different continent. The kangaroos were pretty relaxed and seemed used to humans being around. Still, we kept our distance. They are very strong animals.

After delighting in our kangaroo visitors we went back to that scary beach path and tried again in the daylight. Turns out, there was a giant spider and spider web across the walkway. I was really glad we didn’t carry on the night before. The beach itself was pretty amazing and undisturbed. We only saw a few other people while we were out.

Later in the day we checked out the light house at Smoky Cape and read that Captain Cook spotted and named this land in 1770.

I’ve learned that the light houses here all mostly look the same. That makes it a bit less exciting to visit them… but they are very striking nonetheless.

xo, jill

Are you sick of Koalas yet?

Our primary reason for stopping in Port Macquarrie was to visit the Koala Hospital. This hospital is the only one of its kind in Australia. It’s open every single day of the year and is free to the public. Yes, free! (Of course, you’ll feel compelled to leave a donation for this awesome organization.)

Each year, between 200-250 koalas are treated at the hospital. They have a few regulars and few residents who aren’t able to live in the wild. The koalas are kept in open air structures with plenty of room for climbing and dozing. (Those two activities seem to be much of what they do all day, aside from eating.)

The top reasons koalas are admitted to the hospital include chlamydia, car accidents, and dog attacks. During the breeding season koalas need to travel to find a mate and when obstacles like roads or family pets get in the way… well, it’s not usually good news for the koalas.

Luckily, the volunteers at the hospital are dedicated. One volunteer was telling us stories about being called out in the middle of the night on rescues. It’s not for the faint hearted.

At the hospital, you are free to read loads of literature or wander near the enclosures. If you arrive at 3pm you can join a free tour and see a (super cute) feeding.

Even though koalas look like they just might be the cuddliest animals ever… I was saddened to learn that’s just not the case. One of the informative panels clearly read, “Do not attempt to cuddle a koala!!” Apparently their teeth and claws are very sharp and they can/will inflict wounds. Should you ever find yourself needing to handle or rescue a koala, it’s best to cover him or her in a think carpet first. Too bad.

I really enjoyed our visit to the hospital and would encourage anyone traveling in Australia to stop for a visit. If you can’t make it there, you can still adopt a wild koala… or watch the hospital’s National Geographic tv show. (I think this was playing on my flight from LAX to PDX this summer.)

Unfortunately, my camera and I were having a row that day and most of my photo attempts were seriously lacking. I wish I had something better to show you.

Ok, I think that’s the last of the koalas… at least for now!

xo, jill

PS I also finally made an Australia button on my “Places I’ve Seen” page if you ever feel the need to check out all the posts.

Favorite moment.

I’m going to share with you a very unimpressive photo of the most exciting moment yet in Australia.

Mike and I went for a walk in the bush in Port Macquarie. If you know Mike, you know that he loves to make bets. For example, every time we fly Mike always proposes the bet, “Will the landing be bumpy or smooth?” This time the bet seemed a bit outlandish: “Whoever spots a wild koala first, the other has to do the washing up.”

Um… can I just say… victory!!

I was straining my eyes by searching up in the canopy of eucalypt trees when I finally spotted a little koala bum. It was so cute. The branch was swaying in the wind but the koala just held on tightly and rode the branch from side to side.

Most Australians have never seen a koala in the wild… so this was certainly something special.

I’m pretty sure I didn’t stop smiling the rest of the day… and I certainly did not do the washing up!

xo, jill 

“an undulating natural environment.”

While in Newcastle the first time, we stopped by Blackbutt Reserve. Finding free attractions in Australia is always a plus. Have I mentioned that this place is expensive??

Blackbutt Reserve is half park and half zoo. As far as zoos go… Blackbutt is pretty natural looking and doesn’t make you want to take clippers to the chainlink or a crow bar to the glass.

When we visited the park was full of young families enjoying the outdoors, playing on the equipment, and working the barbeques. We might have been the only people there without children.

We stayed long enough to check out the animals, then headed on our way. I think it’s definitely worth a visit if you’d like to see some Aussie animals but either don’t have the time to see them in the wild or the money to visit a fancy zoo.

xo, jill