Arun’s Aussie Adventure: Exploring the Land Down Under with Thrillophilia
Australia has always been one of those dream destinations we’d talked about visiting ‘someday’. This is the story of turning my ‘someday’ into a reality!
For the first time ever, my family, who I call the ultimate last-minute packers, actually had their bags ready days ahead of the trip. The excitement was sky-high!
From the moment we touched down in Melbourne to the last night spent cruising through Sydney’s stunning harbour, every moment was a new adventure. This trip was so much more than just sightseeing- it was about spending quality time together and creating lasting memories.
So buckle up as I take you through the thrills and highlights of my Australian escapade!
Melbourne: Where it All Began!
Our first stop was Melbourne, a city that immediately charmed us with its mix of history and modern vibe. Since it was our first day, we decided to take it easy to recover from the jet lag and recharge ourselves for the upcoming adventures.
After settling in our hotel room, we left for a tour of the MCG or the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Being a huge cricket fanatic, this was a dream come true for me. While wandering through the cricket ground, I could think of all the epic moments in the history of cricket that took place here. My favourite moment being the one when India won against the West Indies by 59 runs - all thanks to the great Kapil Dev.
After a nostalgic tour of MCG, we explored Federation Square, admired the Victorian architecture, and tried the delicious local food. In the evening, we gave our first day the perfect ending by visiting the Eureka Skydeck.
My jaw simply dropped looking at the stunning beauty of Melbourne from the observation deck. We could overlook the entire city sparkling at night and it was truly a mesmerising sight.
Self-Drive to the Great Ocean Road
I had asked for some personalizations in our tour itinerary and requested a car so that we could enjoy some self-driving on the smooth and winding roads of Australia. As promised, Thrillophlia provided us with a beautiful car, perfect for a family of four.
And of course, we went to the GREAT OCEAN ROAD!
Without a doubt, it was one of the most picturesque car journeys of my life. The joy of driving myself and the company of my beloved family made this experience even more special. We also made sure to check out all the 12 Apostles which were the main attraction of this route.
Yarra Valley: A Morning in the Skies…
This was one of the days for which my kids have been jumping out of excitement since day one. It was the day we went to the gorgeous Yarra Valley to try the hot air balloon ride for the first time.
We all woke up early in the morning and strangely, everyone was ready on time, something very unlikely in our household.
In my opinion, Yarra Valley was one of the most beautiful locations that we visited in Australia. There was greenery everywhere with giant mountains and massive landscaped fields. Looking at such surreal views, I was confident that our hot air balloon ride was going to be phenomenal.
As soon as we started our ascent high in the air, the views grew more and more beautiful. At one point, we could see the entire Yarra Valley and its majestic surroundings. I had never come across a view like that before and it left me completely speechless.
However, this was not the end of our tour of the Yarra Valley. After such an exhilarating activity, we headed towards the nearby vineyards and tried wine tasting. It was not something for the kids, so they mainly spent their time playing in the fields. Whereas, my wife and I got to taste some of the finest wines of the region like the Yarra Valley Shiraz, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay.
Again, a one-of-a-kind experience that we got to try during this memorable trip. Like I said in the beginning, our trip to Australia was so much more than just sightseeing!
Beneath the Waves..
The adventure was not over yet! Next was a dive into the Great Barrier Reef…
The day started with a guided tour of the Great Barrier Reef. We got to learn so many interesting facts like it is the world’s largest reef system, made up of more than 3000 individual reefs. Our guide also informed us that the reef was millions of years old and still houses some prehistoric creatures.
Listening to these facts, our excitement grew more intense, unaware of what we might discover underwater.
Not going to lie, it was pretty scary at first. On top of that, I was more concerned because I was with my family. But a huge shout out to the experienced and professional guides who made it so much easier for us.
I am so glad that I overcame my fear and finally gave this activity a shot. Because, if I hadn’t, I would have missed out on such an epic experience.
The world beneath the waves was breathtaking. We got to witness the famous Great Barrier Reef with our own eyes. What could be a better experience than this..? It was as if we had stepped into a different world altogether, which was so colorful and full of unique marine creatures.
Sydney’s Greatest Hits!
We spent a good amount of time in Sydney, exploring top tourist hotspots, experiencing the local culture, trying various delicacies, and indulging in fun-filled activities.
Some of my favorites from the sightseeing tour were the Sydney Opera House, Blue Mountains, and Bondi Beach. It was a wholesome city tour, including everything from modern infrastructure to natural wonders and some leisure time at the beaches.
Now, was it possible to complete our trip to the ‘land of kangaroos’ without meeting some of these incredible creatures? Well, we not only witnessed them but also got to feed them with our own hands- it was a truly delightful experience!
Can you believe that this trip also included a whale-watching tour? It was the top highlight of our days in Australia and, yes, we got to spot one!
The whale-watching tour started near the Sydney Harbour Bridge. We were on a boat, in the middle of the vast ocean when our guide exclaimed, “Look over there..!!” I zoomed in on my binoculars and what I saw was beyond my wildest of imaginations. There were two giant humpback whales, who seemed to be playing with each other.
Honestly, our trip to Australia was EPIC! Every moment of this journey was filled with excitement and thrill, leaving us with amazing memories to cherish for a lifetime. I would say that if you are looking for the ultimate adventure destination then Australia is your answer!
Read More: Thrillophilia Australia Reviews