Australian Splendours

From EverGreen Tree

The very usage of the word ‘EXOTIC’ in my previous blog pervades my senses, reminding me of our recent trip to this EXOTIC Island Country, down under. It’s a word……I could put to good use, over n over again, just to describe ‘AUSTRALIA’ and its diverse Flora n Fauna.

The endless expanse of golden sand, coupled with the aqua blue colours of the boundless ocean is indeed a site to behold.

At this point of time, I am not even sure how and where to start reminiscing, while appreciating the many splendour’s of this beautiful.... Ah... EXOTIC country.

Opera House /  Harbour Bridge, Sydney

We visited Sydney,....... well known for its Magnificent Harbour Bridge n Opera House.

I loved the Sundial at Taronga Zoo,  the Cockatoo’s Visiting my Maasi’s Garden for their early morning feast, their family’s pet dog Afy; The Violet Flush of the Jacaranda Tree’s along the Road Side, the Scarlet Reds of the Bottle Brush, The replica of a Chinese Garden with its unmatched Pagoda’s and choicest display of Bonsai, A neighbor’s yard, the Sprawling Greens of the Countryside Ranch we crossed en route, some  Exotic Flowers and more………………..

The Sand, the Sea, the Surf ...

.... the Beaches ~ Balmoral, Bondi, Manly, Terrigal, Entrance n more.....

Thanx to both my Maasi’s, Uncle’s, and my cousins, who spared considerable time from their respective busy schedule’s, to take us all sight seeing around Sydney. I even got an opportunity to visit a local plant nursery, specializing in Camellia’s, Azalea’s, Magnolia’s, Maples n more…. just before leaving Sydney for Cairns.

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 At Cairns, while visiting the Tjapukai - Aborginal Cultural park, it felt like being transported back in time, watching the various stage performances by the Aborigines where they were enacting a local Hunting Scene in the Forest.



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The faint resounding melody from the Didgeridoo is still so very fresh in my memory rendezvous.

                        

                                                    Typical Aborginal Art:

 Later during the day we took the cable way from Tjapukai.Whoa! It felt like we were gliding above a Green Leaf-y sea of  World Heritage Rainforests, while enjoying the 7.5 Kms long Sky Rail Tour from Caravonica to Kuranda Village, across Barron Gorge.

Amidst Wallabies, Kangaroes n Koala's....

@ World Heritage Rain Forest, Kuranda

A Dream, a Wish Came True again, when Mom n Me got this opportunity to enjoy some snorkeling / swimming amidst Colourful Fishes. It was amazing to observe the Ocean Beds come alive with the sashaying Coral Reefs @ Great Barrier Reef, Green Island, Cairns.

 One of my Fav shots : En route to Marina Wharf, Cairns

At Melbourne, we witnessed the world’s smallest Penguin’s parade down from the beach at Philip Island. It’s a Natural Wildlife Phenomenon, repeated every day, as these little penguins hobnob back home to their respective Burrows, where chicks await their parents return with feed, at sun down. A major Tourist Attraction... I tell you!

A Penguin Burrow .....

 ......There were thousand n thousands of them,

all over the Cliff at Philip Island, Melbourne

Another of my Fav shot: Philip Island, Melbourne

We even visited Sovereign Hill, Ballarat, which is a quaint little township, reminiscent of Australia’s Gold Rush Days. An altogether different Experience, where we visited a Gold Mine, witnessed Gold Digging, Gold Panning, Street theater, Replica of a Chinese Temple, and more....

There, we even enjoyed a memorable Carriage Ride, drawn by Scottish Horses.

  Moi @ Sovereign Hill, Ballarat
/ Federation Square, Melbourne

AHAH! It’s been a once in a life time experience for me and under no circumstances, can I do justice to EXOTIC AUSTRALIA via a single blog.

I will probably elaborate more…. in my subsequent blogs, as and when the thought, the fondest of memories, come flooding back to me.... in inspiring flashes.

Till then…. I thought I will make do with a mere mention of the places we visited and a long pictorial, highlighting n sharing some of the Exotic Splendours, I immensely enjoyed capturing through my lens.

Hmmm......

Here's hoping you enjoy this Virtual Journey with  me via my blog 'EVERGREEN TREE'

Cheers!

Radhika

PS: Most importantly, I need to Thank the Trip Planners - Dad, my Bro n My Family, for making it all possible :)