The Wonder of Down Under
The Beginnings
People are often surprised when I say Australia is one of my favorite countries. It might seem like a random choice, but it holds a special place in my heart as my first-ever ‘big girl’ trip abroad.
I was freshly 18 and frankly incredibly unprepared. A few months prior, I had signed up for a leadership program that would take me to various destinations along Australia’s east coast. Honestly, I joined half out of curiosity and half as an excuse to travel (because why not?). It was my first time flying alone, and I wasn’t quite the pro navigator I am now, naively stumbling my way through airports, customs, and a 14-hour flight to the other side of the world. I didn’t have many expectations going in, but that trip became the impetus for personal growth and unexpected life lessons.
During the program, our days were packed with workshops and activities designed to build leadership skills. I was the youngest participant and honestly didn’t have a clear sense of what leadership truly meant. One of the most memorable moments came near the end of the first week during a group scavenger hunt. We were placed in small teams and had to navigate unfamiliar terrain. Earlier in the week, I had hesitated to step up, unsure of myself among older peers, but something about this challenge clicked. My natural sense of direction and ability to read a map gave me the confidence to lead. Taking charge in that moment felt natural and gave me an unexpected boost. That breakthrough set the tone for the rest of the trip, as I began to approach each challenge with a newfound sense of purpose and self-assurance.
Our structured lessons were often complemented by the many unstructured moments that shaped me just as much. Navigating new places pushed me out of my comfort zone, forcing me to rely on my own instincts and problem-solving skills. Trying new things—like surfing and scuba diving, which were completely new to me—taught me the value of embracing uncertainty and being open to growth. Adapting to group dynamics in a diverse setting challenged me to communicate more effectively and build trust with people from different backgrounds. Making decisions without anyone to fall back on pushed me to step into independence in ways I hadn’t before. These unplanned experiences, combined with our more formal lessons, laid the foundation for how I approach travel, leadership, and life today—with curiosity, confidence, and a willingness to take on whatever comes next.
It’s wild how certain moments in life have the power to redefine us. For me, that trip marked a pivotal time as I was still figuring out who I’d become as an adult. That’s why I was so excited to return over 12 years later—this time as a fully-fledged adult—to relive those moments and spark new insights about how much I’d grown since then. For those who read my previous blogs (Semi-Wishing for Another Semi-Sabbatical and The Best Version of Me is at Sea?), Australia was my final stop on a grand, two-month semi-sabbatical. My friend and I planned to revisit many of the same places I had seen during my program, and I was curious to see what had changed and what had stayed the same. The trip kicked off with a bang when I was unexpectedly upgraded to first class—like Australia was saying, “Welcome back!” in the best way possible.
Brisbane
We spent our first few days in Brisbane, where the leadership program also began. Admittedly, I wouldn’t recommend staying here too long, but it’s a great starting point. Our 2.5 days there felt like just the right amount of time.
Our first full day was spent on a trip to Moreton Island, a resort island just off the coast known for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life. Since we couldn’t make it to the Great Barrier Reef this time, snorkeling at Moreton Island was the perfect way to get our underwater fix. The island’s artificial reefs, formed by sunken ships, were teeming with colorful fish and marine creatures. Despite the chilly, wet weather disrupting our plans to relax on the beach afterward, snorkeling among the wrecked ships made for an unforgettable start to our journey.
We spent our next and final day soaking in the city’s charm. After a waterfront stroll and a visit to a TikTok-famous bakery (proof that I can be trendy), we switched things up by hopping on one of Brisbane’s iconic public ferries—playfully named CityCats and KittyCats—which took us to South Bank. Gliding along the water gave us a unique view of the city’s modern architecture, lush riverbanks, and many bridges, turning what could have been a simple commute (or a very long walk) into a free scenic river cruise. Once we disembarked, we continued exploring, embracing our inner tourists as we rode the Ferris wheel and checked out the city beach. The day ended perfectly atop the Brisbane Star, watching the sun dip below the horizon and bathe the city in warm golden light—not bad for our very first stop!
Gold Coast
From Brisbane, we headed south to the Gold Coast. Getting there was an adventure in itself as we adjusted to the new road rules. My friend Ali drove, and I embraced my role as passenger princess, giving navigation tips and letting out a few unnecessary screeches whenever we neared the edge.
We had the car for just one day, so we packed in as many activities as possible. Our first stop was a nostalgic favorite of mine: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. We snapped photos with adorable koalas and hand-fed kangaroos, including a particularly friendly joey who kept hopping back for more snacks. Honestly, what more could I ask for? As an animal lover, getting up close with these incredible creatures was pure joy. The experience brought back so many memories from my first visit—yet it felt just as special, like catching up with an old friend who hasn’t changed a bit.
After a quick stop at our Airbnb, we headed to Tamborine Mountain for an unexpected pairing of glow worms and wine. Our first stop was a man-made glow worm cave, carefully designed to mimic their natural habitat. Inside, the darkness revealed thousands of tiny lights shimmering like a starry night sky. Our guide shared how these fascinating creatures use bioluminescence to attract insects, and the careful efforts needed to preserve their fragile environment. The experience felt like both a science lesson and pure magic. Standing there, surrounded by their faint blue-green glow, was a humbling reminder of nature’s extraordinary beauty, even in its smallest forms.
After seeing the glow worms, we moved on to the other famous activity of the region: drinking wine. Perfectly timed with sunset, we settled in at a local vineyard and spent the rest of the evening savoring some snacks, swapping stories, and soaking in the panoramic views of Tamborine Mountain. The combination of great wine, good company, and scenic views made for the perfect ending to a day full of adventure and discovery. And to think that was just one day!
After our whirlwind adventures, we decided to slow down and spend the next day soaking up Surfers Paradise (yes, that’s really its name). With acai bowls in hand—a newfound obsession from my Bali trip—we lounged at the beach, letting the day drift by. There was something so perfect about lying under the sun, watching surfers carve through the waves, and savoring a rare, unhurried moment of calm amidst our packed itinerary. As I soaked it all in, memories from my first visit came flooding back. The Gold Coast had been one of my favorite spots on that trip, and returning reminded me exactly why—it effortlessly balances adventure and serenity, inviting you to embrace a bit of both.
Sydney
Our final stop was Sydney, and we spent our days doing what I love most: wandering around, soaking in the sights, and getting totally lost.
We spent our first night at the Opera, catching a performance of Cinderella. Experiencing a show at Sydney’s iconic Opera House feels like a bucket-list moment, and I feel fortunate to have done it twice. The first time, I was too sleep-deprived from an irresponsible all-nighter to follow much of the performance—plus, it was in Italian. This time, however, the experience was much more memorable because 1) I was fully awake, and 2) the universally familiar plot of Cinderella made it easy to follow along and enjoy.
The rest of our time in Sydney was filled with various sightseeing adventures. Highlights included Darling Harbour, Luna Park, and the Bondi Coastal Walk. On our second-to-last day, we joined a day tour to the Blue Mountains, where we quickly befriended our guide, Ben. He deemed us worthy of the “VIP” seats (the front row) and enlisted us as his helpers for the day. Ben’s warmth and charisma made the experience unforgettable, as he shared fascinating stories about the region, peppered with sharp wit and grandfatherly charm.
For our last night, we wanted to end on a high note—so, naturally, we booked tickets to a Sydney FC game. As it turns out, when your team isn’t doing great, front-row seats are super cheap. After the match, we made a mad dash back to Sydney Harbour, arriving just in time to catch the sunset. It was the perfect, picture-worthy finale to an unforgettable trip.
Final Reflections
This trip to Australia felt like a full-circle moment, blending cherished memories from my first visit with new experiences to treasure. Despite the less-than-perfect weather, the country welcomed me with the same grounding presence I felt the moment I first stepped off the plane years ago. There’s just something about the wonder of Down Under — the stunning landscapes, the effortless camaraderie with locals, and the laid-back charm of every place we explored — that continues to resonate deeply with me. As I boarded the plane home, frankly exhausted from two months of travel, all I could think was, “Naurrr, I don’t want to leave!” But all journeys must come to an end, and there’s a certain beauty in knowing this one ended where it all began, twelve years later.
