Sydney + Blue Mountains

04.10.2014 - 14.04.2014
& 04.11.2014 - 12.11.2014

This city.... I can't describe how deeply I've fallen in love with it. Unlike Brisbane or any other city, I felt an immediate connection. Just by walking down Pitt Street, through Hyde Park and the Royal Botanical Gardens, all the way to the Opera house in the sunniest spring weather, I knew that this was my city.

 I saw this cute, elderly couple sitting on a bench in the Botanical Gardens, watching a wedding party being set up in front of them, and couldn't resist snapping a shot.

 Darlingharbour and the parks surrounding the area are probably some of the best spots to spend a slow, relaxed afternoon reading a book while sipping a freshly squeezed juice.

The fascinating view from the Blue Bar/Shangri-La.

BONDI BEACH. My heart belongs to this place. Even though, at times, it is overly crowded, I would still move there in a heartbeat.

A house in Katoomba, on the way to the Blue Mountains.

 The three sisters.

 The rails of Scenic World's steepest railway in the world.

I can't point out exactly what it is about this city that I love so much. I guess it is just the atmosphere, the good weather (compared to Melbourne), the beaches, and especially the choices you have! You can have all of it if you want - you can stay in a concrete jungle, or get to the beach within 30 minutes, and even go on a day trip to hike the nearby mountains if you feel like it. SYDNEY, you will have me back someday.

Best of Magnetic Island & Cairns (2nd time!)

I know, I know.
I keep on procrastinating when it comes to uploading new blog entries. I am already a couple cities (&posts) behind, so let me quickly put together a BEST OF of my short stay on Magnetic Island and my second visit in Cairns.
MAGNETIC ISLAND.

The moon, as seen from Australia.

BASE hostel on Magnetic island. Usually, I am not too big of a fan of BASE, but their hostel on Magnetic island exceeds the standards of all their other BASE hostels in Australia. I especially enjoyed the perfect location RIGHT by the beach, and the well-organized games and parties at the hostel bar (where Melina, Ingmar and I won a $80 bar tap woooohooo).

CAIRNS.
I think I really only took pictures of the Great Barrier Reef, and not of Cairns itself this time.
These pictures don't do the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef justice - you will need to see this with your own eyes!
I truly enjoyed my one day trip out on the reef with Deep Sea Divers Den, and I can only recommend them. It might not be ideal for the seasick (even I got seasick, and I don't ever do), but the true colors and fauna of the reef will make you feel better instantly.

Whitsunday Islands

Upon returning from Fraser island, I made my way to Agnes Water/Town of 1770, where Julie and I had been already in May and tried to learn how to surf. This time I only stayed for two nights and really didn't do anything for once, which was quite nice.
On the 25th of September I caught my bus to Airlie Beach in order to get on the New Horizon (true blue sailing) boat to go and explore the Whitsundays for two days (& two nights).
These islands are as beautiful as an island can be and happen to be home of the purest sand on earth.

 I also had my first ever dive at tongue bay (I believe?) with Mirium, the diving instructor of the New Horizon crew.

 Our boat had a waterslide into the ocean, which is the main reason why I chose it.

 Whitehaven beach

Fraser Island

After having lived in Brisbane for four months, I decided to continue my journey through Austalia. I only realized a couple of weeks ago that I am running out of time and will only have 4 more months to see the rest of Australia, New Zealand and go to the States.
About 1-2 weeks ago, I booked my trip up the East coast of Australia (again...to see all the spots I missed the last time travelling down in May) with Nina from Big Banana Travel in Brisbane, who I highly recommend to anyone in Brisbane looking for travel advise from an expert!

From the 20th of September to the 22nd, I visited Fraser Island through the "Frasers on Rainbow"-tour.


Lake Mackenzie

Champagne Pools

 A dingo on the beach.

 Moheno Shipwreck

Eli Creek