Australia Travelogue
The wonders from Down Under
The wonders from Down Under
They say that Sydney never sleeps. In daylight hours, the city buzzes with life and clubs,
and gay reviews on trendy Oxford Street, can keep you out until dawn. Sydney is also an
architectural dream. Many homes overlook the water or nestle in the bush, and are
cantilevered over cliffs or dug back into the scenery (featuring light and space, layers of
texture and looking outwards to the environment).
Sydneysiders love to strut their stuff. They head for the newest really good restaurant,
cafe or bar, the grooviest new promenade, or the smartest, nearest beach. They love to
meet friends to eat, drink and be merry. There's an energy and boldness here that is
irrepressible and uplifting. It's urbane, but fresh and curious. With its wonderful climate
and carefree lifestyle, Sydney has inspired some stunning young designers who have
taken the multi-layered cultural influences and translated them into fashion.
Anyhow, we woke up to a cloudy and drizzling day. Actually, the weather didn’t cooperate
the whole time I was in Sydney, which is why I didn’t enjoy my stay there as much as I
enjoyed Melbourne or Queensland, for that matter.
So, Rissa and I had a pancake breakfast in one of the malls, after which we proceeded
to Darling Harbour, a lively entertainment precinct. But since it was drizzling, we just
took some snapshots.
Thereafter, we proceeded to the Queen Victoria Building (QVB) market (top right). The
QVB is an experience of grand proportions where history, culture and shopping
converge under a majestic dome. Over 5 levels, QVB houses the best of Sydney’s
contemporary fashion, food, art, jewelry and antiques amidst a cultural backdrop of
unprecedented Romanesque design. It’s different from all the modern malls that we
see everywhere right now. It’s like the old world in the midst of the new world.
Anyhow, this is the view from the top where I took the photo looking down towards the
1st level. It’s grandiose!
It houses the world’s largest hanging animated clock on Level 2.
Ooooh, if only I can just soak up the stimulating atmosphere of the city’s most
celebrated landmark, I would never want to leave. It’s simply a very elegant shopping
complex.
After a sumptuous lunch at QVB, we headed towards the city centre, very cosmopolitan
and different from the other Aussie cities I’ve been to. Then we headed to Hyde Park
and St. Mary’s Cathedral to make my 3 wishes.
….and the Sydney Harbour Bridge ….with Rissa (right).
Thereafter, we headed back to the city centre to experience some “retail therapy”. After a
sumptuous Chinese cuisine for dinner, we called it a night and headed back to our hotel
so we can prepare for our trip to the Blue Mountains, a must-see in Sydney, scheduled
for the following day.
Blue Mountains Tour
As a backgrounder, the “Blue Mountains” is Sydney's greatest recreation area for people
who prefer the bush to the sea. They are part of the Great Dividing Range, which
and gay reviews on trendy Oxford Street, can keep you out until dawn. Sydney is also an
architectural dream. Many homes overlook the water or nestle in the bush, and are
cantilevered over cliffs or dug back into the scenery (featuring light and space, layers of
texture and looking outwards to the environment).
Sydneysiders love to strut their stuff. They head for the newest really good restaurant,
cafe or bar, the grooviest new promenade, or the smartest, nearest beach. They love to
meet friends to eat, drink and be merry. There's an energy and boldness here that is
irrepressible and uplifting. It's urbane, but fresh and curious. With its wonderful climate
and carefree lifestyle, Sydney has inspired some stunning young designers who have
taken the multi-layered cultural influences and translated them into fashion.
Anyhow, we woke up to a cloudy and drizzling day. Actually, the weather didn’t cooperate
the whole time I was in Sydney, which is why I didn’t enjoy my stay there as much as I
enjoyed Melbourne or Queensland, for that matter.
So, Rissa and I had a pancake breakfast in one of the malls, after which we proceeded
to Darling Harbour, a lively entertainment precinct. But since it was drizzling, we just
took some snapshots.
Thereafter, we proceeded to the Queen Victoria Building (QVB) market (top right). The
QVB is an experience of grand proportions where history, culture and shopping
converge under a majestic dome. Over 5 levels, QVB houses the best of Sydney’s
contemporary fashion, food, art, jewelry and antiques amidst a cultural backdrop of
unprecedented Romanesque design. It’s different from all the modern malls that we
see everywhere right now. It’s like the old world in the midst of the new world.
Anyhow, this is the view from the top where I took the photo looking down towards the
1st level. It’s grandiose!
It houses the world’s largest hanging animated clock on Level 2.
Ooooh, if only I can just soak up the stimulating atmosphere of the city’s most
celebrated landmark, I would never want to leave. It’s simply a very elegant shopping
complex.
After a sumptuous lunch at QVB, we headed towards the city centre, very cosmopolitan
and different from the other Aussie cities I’ve been to. Then we headed to Hyde Park
and St. Mary’s Cathedral to make my 3 wishes.
….and the Sydney Harbour Bridge ….with Rissa (right).
Thereafter, we headed back to the city centre to experience some “retail therapy”. After a
sumptuous Chinese cuisine for dinner, we called it a night and headed back to our hotel
so we can prepare for our trip to the Blue Mountains, a must-see in Sydney, scheduled
for the following day.
Blue Mountains Tour
As a backgrounder, the “Blue Mountains” is Sydney's greatest recreation area for people
who prefer the bush to the sea. They are part of the Great Dividing Range, which
Part 3
by Susie "Chie" R. Cuňada
Hamilton Island
Hamilton Island is nestled amongst the Whitsunday Islands, a group of 74 islands just off the
Queensland Coast and at the edge of the world famous Great Barrier Reef. Direct flights from
Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns, with easy connecting flights from all other capital cities,
make getting there a breeze.
As the ultimate Great Barrier Reef holiday destination, Hamilton Island is the perfect gateway to
explore the unique tropical environment of the Whitsundays like Whitehaven Beach or Heart Reef.
It offers the promise of a tropical getaway where you’ll be spoiled for choice with plenty of
opportunities to try something new.
On the way to Sydney
Upon arrival in Sydney, I have to switch forward my timepiece because Sydney, just like
Melbourne, is ahead by one hour due to its practice of Daylight Savings Time.
Anyhow, I took the cab from the airport to take me to my hotel in Sydney where I will meet my
friend, Rissa (a formal Journal Officer like me in the Philippines years ago), who has been
gracious to be my tourist guide in Sydney. Rissa lives in Canberra but due to time constraints, I
by Susie "Chie" R. Cuňada
Hamilton Island
Hamilton Island is nestled amongst the Whitsunday Islands, a group of 74 islands just off the
Queensland Coast and at the edge of the world famous Great Barrier Reef. Direct flights from
Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns, with easy connecting flights from all other capital cities,
make getting there a breeze.
As the ultimate Great Barrier Reef holiday destination, Hamilton Island is the perfect gateway to
explore the unique tropical environment of the Whitsundays like Whitehaven Beach or Heart Reef.
It offers the promise of a tropical getaway where you’ll be spoiled for choice with plenty of
opportunities to try something new.
On the way to Sydney
Upon arrival in Sydney, I have to switch forward my timepiece because Sydney, just like
Melbourne, is ahead by one hour due to its practice of Daylight Savings Time.
Anyhow, I took the cab from the airport to take me to my hotel in Sydney where I will meet my
friend, Rissa (a formal Journal Officer like me in the Philippines years ago), who has been
gracious to be my tourist guide in Sydney. Rissa lives in Canberra but due to time constraints, I
no longer have time to go and visit the capital of Australia, so she decided to accompany me in Sydney, which is the last leg of my
journey.
Sydney
Sunny, sexy and sophisticated, Sydney basks as the shining star of the southern hemisphere. The stunning Sydney Opera House and
Sydney Harbour Bridge are the pride and joy, but there's much more to offer. Sydney's sparkling harbor is the jewel in the city's crown. It
is flanked by golden beaches and bushland, and is bisected by one of the most famous bridges in the world.
They say that Sydney never sleeps. In daylight hours, the city buzzes with life and no longer have time to go and visit the capital of
Australia, so she decided to accompany me in Sydney, which is the last leg of my journey.
Sydney
Sunny, sexy and sophisticated, Sydney basks as the shining star of the southern hemisphere. The stunning Sydney Opera House and
Sydney Harbour Bridge are the pride and joy, but there's much more to offer. Sydney's sparkling harbor is the jewel in the city's crown. It
is flanked by golden beaches and bushland, and is bisected by one of the most famous bridges in the world.
journey.
Sydney
Sunny, sexy and sophisticated, Sydney basks as the shining star of the southern hemisphere. The stunning Sydney Opera House and
Sydney Harbour Bridge are the pride and joy, but there's much more to offer. Sydney's sparkling harbor is the jewel in the city's crown. It
is flanked by golden beaches and bushland, and is bisected by one of the most famous bridges in the world.
They say that Sydney never sleeps. In daylight hours, the city buzzes with life and no longer have time to go and visit the capital of
Australia, so she decided to accompany me in Sydney, which is the last leg of my journey.
Sydney
Sunny, sexy and sophisticated, Sydney basks as the shining star of the southern hemisphere. The stunning Sydney Opera House and
Sydney Harbour Bridge are the pride and joy, but there's much more to offer. Sydney's sparkling harbor is the jewel in the city's crown. It
is flanked by golden beaches and bushland, and is bisected by one of the most famous bridges in the world.
stretches from Gippsland region of Victoria in the south to the tropical rainforests of north
Queensland. The range rivals the Rockies in length, but nowhere near in height. Australia's
highest mountain is Mount Kosciusko about 500 kilometers south of Sydney. At 2229
meters, it is a mere baby by North American and European standards. Yet, the Blue
Mountains, peaking at about 1000 meters, proved a heartbreaking challenge until they were
conquered by a trio of explorers in 1813. They and four men hacked through dense bush for
18 days to find a route. Sections of the Great Western Highway from Sydney still follow parts
of their trail.
The Blue Mountains are so named because, from Sydney, they look blue. They are clad in
vast forests of eucalyptus (commonly called gum trees), which in the hot sun discharge a
fine mist of eucalyptus oil from their leaves. The mist refracts light, which makes the haze
look blue at a distance. That same oil makes the Australian bush as volatile as a pine forest
in a bush (forest) fire. The vapor explodes, causing the fire to race through the canopy.
The first road was cut into the Blue Mountains using a team of 30 convicts and eight guards.
The rugged terrain of the Blue Mountains, with its tree clad slopes and sheer sandstone
cliffs, attracts tens of thousands of visitors to its scenic beauty.
Along the way, we stopped at Featherdale Wildlife Park, apparently the best wildlife park in
Sydney. Here, I was able to see Australian animals at close range. I can’t remember their
names now but the white kangaroos are called “wallaroos”, a combination of wallaby and
kangaroo. I’m not sure if the photo next to it is a wombat. The Tasmanian Devils were
sleeping and hiding in their holes. One of the birds below with a long neck is an Emu.
(Animals pix)
Of course I saw alligators and crocodiles, for which Australia is most famous for, but since I
am not fond of them, I merely looked at them from a VERY SAFE distance. Another breed, of
which I’m not so fond of, is snakes. Do you know that there are 7 types of poisonous
snakes in the world, and 5 of them can be found in Australia?
Continuing our journey towards the Blue Mountains, we stopped at various towns along the
way. Katoomba is the largest town, though it was unknown until the Katoomba Coal Mine
opened in 1879. Named after the Aboriginal tribe which inhabited the area, it is home to the
most famous site in the mountains - the Three Sisters. Legend has it they were three
beautiful young women who had fallen in love with three men from the Nepean tribe from the
foothills.
Tribal lore prohibited the union, and a battle followed. A Katoomba witchdoctor turned the
women to stone to prevent them from coming to harm, but he was killed in the battle and no
one else could undo his spell. They stand 906, 918 and 922 meters above sea level near
the Echo Point lookout.
We finally reached Scenic World, where I was “supposed” to experience the ultimate Blue
Mountains adventure. Supposedly because I saw nothing but rain and fog.
Queensland. The range rivals the Rockies in length, but nowhere near in height. Australia's
highest mountain is Mount Kosciusko about 500 kilometers south of Sydney. At 2229
meters, it is a mere baby by North American and European standards. Yet, the Blue
Mountains, peaking at about 1000 meters, proved a heartbreaking challenge until they were
conquered by a trio of explorers in 1813. They and four men hacked through dense bush for
18 days to find a route. Sections of the Great Western Highway from Sydney still follow parts
of their trail.
The Blue Mountains are so named because, from Sydney, they look blue. They are clad in
vast forests of eucalyptus (commonly called gum trees), which in the hot sun discharge a
fine mist of eucalyptus oil from their leaves. The mist refracts light, which makes the haze
look blue at a distance. That same oil makes the Australian bush as volatile as a pine forest
in a bush (forest) fire. The vapor explodes, causing the fire to race through the canopy.
The first road was cut into the Blue Mountains using a team of 30 convicts and eight guards.
The rugged terrain of the Blue Mountains, with its tree clad slopes and sheer sandstone
cliffs, attracts tens of thousands of visitors to its scenic beauty.
Along the way, we stopped at Featherdale Wildlife Park, apparently the best wildlife park in
Sydney. Here, I was able to see Australian animals at close range. I can’t remember their
names now but the white kangaroos are called “wallaroos”, a combination of wallaby and
kangaroo. I’m not sure if the photo next to it is a wombat. The Tasmanian Devils were
sleeping and hiding in their holes. One of the birds below with a long neck is an Emu.
(Animals pix)
Of course I saw alligators and crocodiles, for which Australia is most famous for, but since I
am not fond of them, I merely looked at them from a VERY SAFE distance. Another breed, of
which I’m not so fond of, is snakes. Do you know that there are 7 types of poisonous
snakes in the world, and 5 of them can be found in Australia?
Continuing our journey towards the Blue Mountains, we stopped at various towns along the
way. Katoomba is the largest town, though it was unknown until the Katoomba Coal Mine
opened in 1879. Named after the Aboriginal tribe which inhabited the area, it is home to the
most famous site in the mountains - the Three Sisters. Legend has it they were three
beautiful young women who had fallen in love with three men from the Nepean tribe from the
foothills.
Tribal lore prohibited the union, and a battle followed. A Katoomba witchdoctor turned the
women to stone to prevent them from coming to harm, but he was killed in the battle and no
one else could undo his spell. They stand 906, 918 and 922 meters above sea level near
the Echo Point lookout.
We finally reached Scenic World, where I was “supposed” to experience the ultimate Blue
Mountains adventure. Supposedly because I saw nothing but rain and fog.
We glided out of the valley back to the top aboard the Scenicsender, a
suspended box car holding about 30 passengers that travels 450 meters
across the valley and “supposedly” lets you take in the breathtaking
panorama of the stunning and famous Three Sisters and the endless
vista of the Jamison Valley. Unfortunately, I saw nothing but rain and fog.
The weather didn’t cooperate at all. It really fouled up my day.
On the way back to Sydney, we stopped at one park for afternoon tea, and
for us to experience how to throw a boomerang. It was only then I came to
know that boomerangs were used by the Aborigines as tools for hunting.
They would throw a boomerang in the air to scare the birds away so they
will fly out of the trees, and so they could shoot them. I also learned the
technique of throwing a boomerang so it comes back to you. Joy!!!
We then stopped at the Sydney 2000 Olympic site where we saw the
Stadium Australia, the Superdome, the Aquatic Centre and the Olympic
village. Those poles behind me (in the photo) represent the 75,000
volunteers, whose names are written on the poles, who served during the
Olympics.
After shopping the next morning, Rissa and I went shopping in the
morning. Thereafter, we went to Bondi Beach, the most famous beach in
Australia. It is known for its white sand, and the fantastic waves for surfing
and swimming.
In the summer season, Bondi is a thriving cosmopolitan centre for sun,
surf and fun. The beach is part of a large moon-shaped bay of white
sands and breaking surf. It is fringed by parks and apartments that
overlook the blue waters. Tourists and locals mix on the street and beach
when the sun shines to show off their bronzed bodies.
suspended box car holding about 30 passengers that travels 450 meters
across the valley and “supposedly” lets you take in the breathtaking
panorama of the stunning and famous Three Sisters and the endless
vista of the Jamison Valley. Unfortunately, I saw nothing but rain and fog.
The weather didn’t cooperate at all. It really fouled up my day.
On the way back to Sydney, we stopped at one park for afternoon tea, and
for us to experience how to throw a boomerang. It was only then I came to
know that boomerangs were used by the Aborigines as tools for hunting.
They would throw a boomerang in the air to scare the birds away so they
will fly out of the trees, and so they could shoot them. I also learned the
technique of throwing a boomerang so it comes back to you. Joy!!!
We then stopped at the Sydney 2000 Olympic site where we saw the
Stadium Australia, the Superdome, the Aquatic Centre and the Olympic
village. Those poles behind me (in the photo) represent the 75,000
volunteers, whose names are written on the poles, who served during the
Olympics.
After shopping the next morning, Rissa and I went shopping in the
morning. Thereafter, we went to Bondi Beach, the most famous beach in
Australia. It is known for its white sand, and the fantastic waves for surfing
and swimming.
In the summer season, Bondi is a thriving cosmopolitan centre for sun,
surf and fun. The beach is part of a large moon-shaped bay of white
sands and breaking surf. It is fringed by parks and apartments that
overlook the blue waters. Tourists and locals mix on the street and beach
when the sun shines to show off their bronzed bodies.
After a much-needed lunch, we rode the Scenic Railway, the steepest incline railway in the world, down to a lush and hidden valley
300 meters to the floor of the Jamison Valley. The cars have clear sides and tops to ensure an uninterrupted view. The 415 meter
descent led us through a cliff side tunnel into ancient rainforest. I tell you, the steep ride was heart-stopping!!!
We strolled along the walkway through the towering Jurassic rainforest, and it was so refreshing, especially under the drizzling rain.
So refreshing, indeed, both to the spirit and the soul.
300 meters to the floor of the Jamison Valley. The cars have clear sides and tops to ensure an uninterrupted view. The 415 meter
descent led us through a cliff side tunnel into ancient rainforest. I tell you, the steep ride was heart-stopping!!!
We strolled along the walkway through the towering Jurassic rainforest, and it was so refreshing, especially under the drizzling rain.
So refreshing, indeed, both to the spirit and the soul.
I don’t know if it’s the waves or the bronze, scantily-clad bodies of the male population, but my appetite (for food, anyway) somehow
surfaced without warning. After attacking my sumptuous lunch of pasta with gusto, we headed back to Circular Quay to board a ferry
that took us to Manly Beach.
Manly is another famous beach in Sydney and is on par with Bondi. Facing the Tasman Sea, the long white beach is suitable for
swimming, surfing, diving, snorkeling and fishing.
The clouds started to roll in once again, so we headed back to the city. Besides, I was exhausted to the bone! Talk about a month of
flying, walking and what-have-you. I was ready to go back home!
On the way back to the hotel, we stopped by the shops to buy my favorite chocolate, Violet Crumble. This yummy chocolate cannot
be found anywhere except in Australia. I cannot buy it in Canada. But I came to have a taste of it when I was still in the Philippines
and I had been pining for it ever since. So I bought countless bars of Violet Crumble that would last me a lifetime.
Next day, it was time to really go home, and I bid Rissa a tearful goodbye because I dunno when we’ll see each other next.
To recap, the cities that I’ve been to in New Zealand and Australia are so unique and special in their own right that it’s worth visiting
them. Seeing them, feeling the beat and experiencing their way of life is so enriching and educational that I will do it all over again -
in a heartbeat. Having said that, however, compared to the rest of the cities that I’ve been to, for me, Vancouver is still the best. And
boy, am I so glad to be back home.
Hope you enjoyed reading my travelogue just as I painstakingly tried my damnest best to remember what transpired during my
holidays down under. But I tell you, seeing Australian cities with relatives and friends and spending some quality time with them
was indeed a bonus that I am so grateful for – for without them, my holiday wouldn’t have been as exciting and worry-free as it had
been. And to each of them, a resounding THANK YOU!
surfaced without warning. After attacking my sumptuous lunch of pasta with gusto, we headed back to Circular Quay to board a ferry
that took us to Manly Beach.
Manly is another famous beach in Sydney and is on par with Bondi. Facing the Tasman Sea, the long white beach is suitable for
swimming, surfing, diving, snorkeling and fishing.
The clouds started to roll in once again, so we headed back to the city. Besides, I was exhausted to the bone! Talk about a month of
flying, walking and what-have-you. I was ready to go back home!
On the way back to the hotel, we stopped by the shops to buy my favorite chocolate, Violet Crumble. This yummy chocolate cannot
be found anywhere except in Australia. I cannot buy it in Canada. But I came to have a taste of it when I was still in the Philippines
and I had been pining for it ever since. So I bought countless bars of Violet Crumble that would last me a lifetime.
Next day, it was time to really go home, and I bid Rissa a tearful goodbye because I dunno when we’ll see each other next.
To recap, the cities that I’ve been to in New Zealand and Australia are so unique and special in their own right that it’s worth visiting
them. Seeing them, feeling the beat and experiencing their way of life is so enriching and educational that I will do it all over again -
in a heartbeat. Having said that, however, compared to the rest of the cities that I’ve been to, for me, Vancouver is still the best. And
boy, am I so glad to be back home.
Hope you enjoyed reading my travelogue just as I painstakingly tried my damnest best to remember what transpired during my
holidays down under. But I tell you, seeing Australian cities with relatives and friends and spending some quality time with them
was indeed a bonus that I am so grateful for – for without them, my holiday wouldn’t have been as exciting and worry-free as it had
been. And to each of them, a resounding THANK YOU!