Arun in Oz: A Thrilling Expedition Across Australia with Thrillophilia
“Dad, can we take him home?” said my younger son, pointing towards the kangaroo in the Sydney Zoo.
I chuckled and replied, “No, son! But look, you can feed them with your own hands and even pet them.”
For the next one hour, we were happily busy feeding these magnificent creatures. What amazed me the most was that despite their giant size and strength, they were extremely gentle and calm, especially with the kids.
It was a delightful experience that all of us were really looking forward to on our trip to Australia. Like this, my family and I got to experience so much more during this trip. It is safe to say that we explored it all, from bustling cities to serene beaches, towering mountains to deep oceans!
Though we couldn't bring the kangaroo back with us, we returned with a treasure trove of joyful and unforgettable memories.
From Melbourne to the Great Ocean Road!
The trip started from the beautiful city of Melbourne. As soon as we set foot in this vibrant and bustling city, our excitement skyrocketed- we knew this journey was going to be extraordinary!
The very first attraction that we visited was the Melbourne Cricket Ground or MCG. As a cricket enthusiast, I was thrilled to walk the same ground as Kapil Dev, Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. Strolling through the stadium, I was sharing some of the legendary moments with my family, to which they were listening with full attention.
The following day was even more exciting, as I was looking forward to enjoying a self-drive on Australia’s smooth and silky roads!
All set behind the steering wheel, I drove off to the renowned Great Ocean Road with my family. And let me tell you, it was the most beautiful drive ever! The captivating views of the endless blue sea, rocky structures and the gentle breezes made this experience more magical.
Balloons and Bubbles…
One of the highlights of our trip was our visit to the beautiful Yarra Valley where we tried the hot air balloon ride and wine tasting, both for the first time!
Starting with the hot air balloon ride, my kids could barely contain their excitement. But as soon as the balloon began to rise, so did my anxiety. However, the guide noticed my uneasiness right away and calmly assured me that all was under control.
All my worry and concerns dissolved instantly when I caught sight of the awe-inspiring vistas from above. We were floating above the vast lush green fields and towering mountains. This was our first time trying an activity like this and I can confidently say that this wonderful experience was worth every penny.
After our hot air balloon ride, we proceeded towards our next activity which was a wine tasting tour. We visited a huge vineyard where we got to see how the wines are prepared, packed and sent to the market. The fun part was when my wife and I got to handpick a few grapes for the wine-making.
During our tour, we were offered a number of wines like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. We also got to taste the speciality of the region which was Yarra Valley Shiraz.
From Peaks to Shores!
You name it, we have explored it..!
Whether it is the picturesque mountains, vibrant underwater world or the scenic beaches, Australia is known for its diversity and we made sure to explore as much as we could.
We loved our visit to Mount Buller which is basically a resort village. We were surprised to see snow there, that too, in the month of September. The whole family tried skiing there and it was a very fun day for all of us.
One of the most beautiful places that I got to visit was the Blue Mountains. We reached there after a scenic ride and the views from the hilltop were simply breathtaking. We could breathe in the fresh air and overlook the lush green surroundings.
Thanks to our wholesome package, we also got to visit a popular beach of Sydney, the Bondi Beach. Our kids loved it there and they played non-stop with the sand, giving their best shots at making sand castles. Whereas my wife and I laid down under a palm tree, sipped on refreshing drinks and spent the day at leisure.
Coral Kingdoms!
No trip to Australia would be complete without exploring the world-famous Great Barrier Reef. We travelled to Cairns through a boat, where our underwater adventure awaited.
Before the activity, we got a short briefing from our instructor. I made sure to ask a dozen questions to clear all my possible doubts before diving into the deep. Upon reaching the reef, we put on our snorkelling gear and jumped together.
What we witnessed underwater was nothing short of magical. It was unlike anything I had ever seen before. My jaw dropped in awe at the sight of the vibrant marine life and the stunning coral reefs. I felt lucky to be able to witness the world’s largest reef system so close and with my family by my side.
After our snorkelling experience, my daughter exclaimed with joy and said, “Dad, we were in Ariel’s kingdom!”
The Final Destination Before Departure!
As our trip neared its end, we headed towards our last stop, Sydney. We spent our first day exploring the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. Walking across the iconic bridge we admired some stunning views of the harbour.
One of the most thrilling experiences was our whale-watching tour. We were lucky enough to spot a pod of humpback whales swirling across each other, as if they were playing. Watching these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat was truly a heartwarming moment for our family.
On our last day, we boarded a dinner cruise on Sydney Harbour. As the sun dipped below the horizon, we enjoyed a delicious meal while taking in the breathtaking views of the skyline illuminated against the night sky. The ambiance was magical, and it was the perfect way to end our Australian adventure.
Read More: Thrillophilia Australia Reviews