Just the Beginning: Sydney to Melbourne and everything in between

There’s something about traveling that instills a sense of urgency and immediacy. When will you be back? What if this is your only opportunity? You need to do everything right now. It’s the opposite effect when you live somewhere - you forget to take that afternoon to wander through a museum, wake up early to see the sunrise, or go eat in that restaurant that’s been all the rage.

I hope to find a balance during my time in Australia. I want to stay somewhere long enough to feel comfortable with my surroundings and connect with the community. But I don’t want to lose that special feeling of exploration.

Jan. 16 - Feb. 4

My first few weeks in Australia have been a whirlwind - 11 towns, 2 road trips, and a weekend on a boat. We were constantly moving and on the go, which gave me the chance to see so many parts of the country to hopefully help inform my decisions on where I want to spend more time.

The only problem is, I’m really liking it everywhere!

I fell in love with Noosa - there’s something about the coastal trail that winds through eucalypt forest and swimming at a secluded beach alongside a sea turtle. And then there was Airlie Beach and the Whitsunday Islands - the whitest beach that I’ve ever seen. The brilliant white sand is made from quartz, which we used to exfoliate our bodies and teeth (still not sure if this was the skipper messing with us or not, but I swear they look whiter). The beach life is really pulling me!

But then there’s also Sydney and Melbourne - two cities with heartbeats all their own. Full of theatre, museum exhibits that capture my attention for hours, and restaurants that make me wish I wasn’t on a budget. We bargained our way through the Sydney Opera House to get a “welcome” offer deal and saw a show with a mixture of burlesque and cabaret acts. My Harry Potter obsession was fed by seeing The Cursed Child at the Princess Theatre, #keepthesecrets. While road tripping in Queensland, a ginger beer distillery side stop allowed us to taste 18 flavors of soft drink, which I now can’t stop thinking about.

The beauty of this year is I don’t need to choose just one place. The adventure and exploration can continue as I find gems across the country. I have a lot to think about and plan for what my time down under will bring. Thanks to Danica and Molly for being the best travel companions to kick off Australia!