Camper van life is simple (campah van in Aussie). It's what they call motorhomes. But, navigating the camper van campsites in Australia is a bit complicated, at first. I arrived half an hour late to my reserved site in Port MacQuarie. Lights off; no one home. Parking in a random lot made me feel a bit uneasy so I drove across the street and asked a motel owner if I could stay. Not only did they let me stay, free, they let me use their WIFI and washrooms.
Warning: don't even THINK of speeding in Australia. Undercover cops and unmarked cars are everywhere! They even have random alcohol and roadside drug tests (not that I was going to pull a Rob Ford or anything). So much for laid back, eh?
MEL: "What is a traditional Aussie meal?"
PETER: "A meat pie and a six pack."
Sigh. Peter is a relative of a friend and I am starting to believe him.
Asking Aussies about traditional meals is much like asking Canadians the same question.
Maybe because we're both relatively new countries? But, south of Brisbane, west of Byron Bay, the touristy hippie beach, is an area called the Northern Rivers where tiny roads weave precariously through the eucalyptus trees; so much rainfall means flooding is common, and the red soil produces some yummy things.
Row upon row of macadamia nut trees, lemon myrtle bushes (used for soaps and food flavourings) and coffee beans! Yes, Aussie coffee.
Off the coast of Brisbane, there are three sand dune islands. It's crazy to think that without the tree roots to hold it together, then the entire island would be swept into the ocean...
The less touristy version, Moreton Island, is the third largest and more hippie like-- sign me up. Without paved roads the only way to get around is a 4WD. You can either hire one or go on a tour with a group.
And because the barge going over to the island (an hour and half) is down to one boat versus two, the cost is crazy steep: $300 for two days, transport included, and camping (with really stinky sleeping bags, I might add, and hamburgers for supper!)
Today Angie, my friend's daughter, and I explored north of Brisbane. Bribie Island is a beach town lined with ice cream and sandal shops. Woorim is the town on the opposite side of the bridge...
More hiking outside Brisbane, because really, there isn't too much to do in Brisbane other than shop for bad clothes! Yikes, did I say that? I'm not too keen on their style. But hey, who am I to talk? My reasoning is that Aussie's must wear uniforms to school-- and that means they cannot wear a scarf, or piece of jewellery. Heck, they get expelled if they dye their hair. So much for self-expression.
But I digress.
We drove north of the city to The Glass Mountains. It was the series of 16 volcanic crags that I saw from the plane--the ones that rise dramatically from a completely flat surface and shoot back down.
Tres cool rock climbing opportunities and caves.
I'm exhausted from almost 20 hours in transit from Toronto to Los Angeles to Brisbane, Australia, but I want to share my first day. It's 4:30 am back home, but I have just enough energy to tell you a few things.
Arriving over Brisbane, the mountains looked like piles of sugar on a flat surface. Little strange peaks.
In Brisbane, the roads don't make sense. Turns out convicts built part of the city back in 1900's, when the British thought Aussie would be a great place for their overflow of prisoners.
Eucalyptus trees at Coot-tha Park.
Carry on essentials for a 20 hour plane ride.
It's obvious why anyone travels: the world is a big beautiful place. But as I get ready to leave again for the summer, I come back to...
Saturday mornings in Toronto mean possibilities. It's not a morning town so at 7:30 am there are only a few coffee shops open, and hardly any people. The night before is another scene. From my...
So I am going to Bali for June. I am staying in Ubud, the same place that chickie-poo from Eat, Pray, Love stayed. I didn't know. Really. Do not judge me. Hammock; beach; pool. This...
Ok, by now many of you have seen the story, Don't date a girl who Travels, which was quickly countered with, Date a Girl who Travels. If not, here they are: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/stephanie-ridhalgh/date-a-girl-who-travels_b_4719605.html
Ah, no thanks. A girl knows what she wants.
The initial story painted the travelling girl as a dating flight risk: she's nomadic, she won't love you ever as much as backpacking. Well, there is some truth to that.
Warning: don't even THINK of speeding in Australia. Undercover cops and unmarked cars are everywhere! They even have random alcohol and roadside drug tests (not that I was going to pull a Rob Ford or anything). So much for laid back, eh?
