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.
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 :)
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