From Weddings to Vacations: Shashank's Australia Tour Review with Thrillophilia
Shashank, a software engineer, and his partner had been talking about taking a break forever. Work, deadlines, life – it all got a bit too overwhelming. So, when they finally got serious about a trip, Australia was their top pick.
"Do we want crazy adventures or just some chill time?" they kept asking each other, totally unsure. But one thing was clear: it had to be epic.
That’s when Thrillophilia came into the picture. They booked their trip, and what followed was beyond their wildest expectations. From laughs to adrenaline-pumping moments, Australia turned into the kind of adventure they never saw coming.
Adventures through Cairns
Since they had covered Sydney (mostly), Cairns was their first stop after the wedding festivities, and they were eager to kick off their extended vacation.
On their first day, they decided to explore the city itself. They took a slow stroll, grabbing coffee along the way. Shashank’s wife pointed out St. Monica’s Cathedral, and though they weren’t planning on going in, something about the beautiful stained-glass windows drew them inside.
Later, they checked out the Cairns Museum, learning a bit about the city’s history, and then spent a few quiet moments at the Botanic Garden. “This place is so calming,” she said as they wandered through the greenery.
The next day, they ventured out to the Lower Barron River Gorge National Park and Surprise Creek Falls. The short hikes were just right, not too exhausting but rewarding with beautiful views. Palm Cove was their last stop for the day, and it was exactly how Shashank had pictured a tropical getaway, palm trees swaying in the breeze and waves crashing gently.
They found a quiet spot and just relaxed. “This feels like the break we needed,” he said. She smiled, sipping her drink. “Let’s make the most of it.”
Their third day in Cairns was all about adventure, starting with the Kuranda day tour. They embarked on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, which offered them sweeping views of the rainforest below. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many shades of green in one place,” she said, gazing out of the cable car.
On their final day in Cairns, they hopped on a catamaran to Green Island. The coral reefs were stunning, and they spent a few hours snorkelling.
“This feels like we’re swimming in one of those shows on the Discovery Channel,” she said, as they floated over vibrant coral and schools of fish. It was the perfect end to their Cairns adventure.
From Coasters to Coastlines of Brisbane
After soaking up the tropical vibes of Cairns, their next stop was Brisbane, a city that perfectly balanced urban excitement with laid-back beach vibes.
They spent three days exploring, starting with a day trip to the Gold Coast. “This is the kind of place that makes you want to slow down and just enjoy,” Shashank’s wife said as they walked along the shore, the sand warm beneath their feet
They dedicated their time to reliving their inner kids at Movie World. The excitement of the roller coasters, the themed rides, and the live shows brought out a fun side in them both. His wife insisted on riding the Superman Escape coaster, which was honestly a bit intense for Shashank. “Are you sure about this? ” he asked, eyeing the steep drop. She laughed, “You only live once! ”
Their final day in Brisbane was spent at SeaWorld, where they were both fascinated by the marine life shows and exhibits.
“They make it look so easy,” his wife noted, and he couldn’t agree more. They even tried their hands at feeding some stingrays, which was a lot more fun than it sounded.
By the end of their time in Brisbane, they felt like they had experienced a good mix of relaxation and adventure. From the sun-soaked Gold Coast to the thrill of theme parks, Brisbane had offered them a bit of everything, and it was exactly what they needed.
The Penguins, Apostles, and Coffee Days
Their Melbourne leg kicked off with a city tour that perfectly captured its vibrant, cosmopolitan charm. They started by strolling through the laneways, filled with street art and quirky cafes, sipping on some of the best coffee they had ever had.
“I could get used to this,” Shashank’s wife said, taking in the lively atmosphere. “It’s like a mix of New York’s buzz with Europe’s style.”
Next, they headed out on the Great Ocean Road and Rainforest Tour, which was quite educational and nothing short of breathtaking. The winding coastal drive, with dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters, felt like a scene out of a movie.
They stopped at scenic lookouts and beaches, each view more stunning than the last. “How is this even real?” his wife wondered aloud as they gazed at the iconic Twelve Apostles. Their tour included a walk through the rainforest, where the towering ancient trees and the sound of distant waterfalls added a peaceful contrast to the crashing waves outside.
Shashank must say that their Phillip Island Ultimate Eco Tour was definitely a highlight. They started at Churchill Island, enjoying a taste of farm life with sheep shearing and cow milking demos, simple yet charming.
The Koala Conservation Center was next, where they got up close with these adorable, sleepy creatures lounging in eucalyptus trees. “I think I found my spirit animal,” his wife joked, pointing at a dozing koala.
The day ended with the famous Penguin Parade, where tiny penguins waddled ashore at sunset. They sat quietly, captivated. “This might be the cutest thing I’ve ever seen,” she whispered.
And the Keepsakes
After a long and lazy vacation, just the way they wanted, they headed back home. Their suitcases were full of gifts and desserts, and souvenirs.
Their whole trip was customised by Thrillophilia, the stays, the experiences and even the days. All thanks to their trip planner Pawan and his team. They will definitely book more trips across India soon.
Read more: Thrillophilia Australia Reviews