From Weddings to Vacations: Shashank's Australia Tour Review with Thrillophilia
I’m Shashank, a software engineer, and my partner and I have been talking about taking a break forever. Work, deadlines, life—it all got a bit too overwhelming. So, when we finally got serious about a trip, Australia was our top pick.
"Do we want crazy adventures or just some chill time?" we kept asking each other, totally unsure. But one thing was clear: it had to be epic.
That’s when Thrillophilia came into the picture. We booked our trip, and what followed was beyond our wildest expectations. From laughs to adrenaline-pumping moments, Australia turned into the kind of adventure we never saw coming!
Adventures through Cairns
Since we had covered Sydney(Mostly!) Cairns was our first stop after the wedding festivities, and we were eager to kick off our extended vacation.
On our first day, we decided to explore the city itself. We took a slow stroll, grabbing coffee along the way. My wife pointed out St. Monica’s Cathedral, and though we weren’t planning on going in, something about the beautiful stained-glass windows drew us inside.
Later, we 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 we wandered through the greenery.
The next day, we 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 our last stop for the day, and it was exactly how I pictured a tropical getaway- palm trees swaying in the breeze, waves crashing gently.
We found a quiet spot and just relaxed. “This feels like the break we needed,” I said. She smiled, sipping her drink, “Let’s make the most of it.”
Our third day in Cairns was all about adventure, starting with the Kuranda day tour. They embarked on 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 our final day in Cairns, we hopped on a catamaran to Green Island. The coral reefs were stunning, and we spent a few hours snorkelling.
“This feels like we’re swimming in one of those shows on Discovery Channel,” she said, as we floated over vibrant coral and schools of fish. It was the perfect end to our Cairns adventure.
From Coasters to Coastlines of Brisbane
After soaking up the tropical vibes of Cairns, our next stop was Brisbane, a city that perfectly balanced urban excitement with laid-back beach vibes.
We 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,” my wife said as we walked along the shore, the sand warm beneath our feet.
We dedicated our time to reliving our inner kids at Movie World. The excitement of the roller coasters, the themed rides, and the live shows brought out a fun side of us both. My wife insisted on riding the Superman Escape coaster, which was honestly a bit intense for me. “Are you sure about this?” I asked, eyeing the steep drop. She laughed, “You only live once!”
Our final day in Brisbane was spent at SeaWorld, where we were both fascinated by the marine life shows and exhibits.
“They make it look so easy,” my wife noted, and I couldn’t agree more. We even tried our hands at feeding some stingrays, which was a lot more fun than it sounded.
By the end of our time in Brisbane, we felt like we had experienced a good mix of relaxation and adventure. From the sun-soaked Gold Coast to the thrill of theme parks, Brisbane had offered us a bit of everything, and it was exactly what we needed.
The Penguins, Apostles, and Coffee Days
Our Melbourne leg kicked off with a city tour that perfectly captured its vibrant, cosmopolitan charm. We started by strolling through the laneways, filled with street art and quirky cafes, sipping on some of the best coffee we've ever had.
“I could get used to this,” my wife said, taking in the lively atmosphere. “It’s like a mix of New York’s buzz with Europe’s style.”
Next, we headed out on the Great Ocean Road & 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.
We stopped at scenic lookouts and beaches, each view more stunning than the last. “How is this even real?” my wife wondered aloud as we gazed at the iconic Twelve Apostles. Our 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.
I must say that our Phillip Island Ultimate Eco Tour was definitely a highlight. We 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 we got up close with these adorable, sleepy creatures lounging in eucalyptus trees. “I think I found my spirit animal,” my wife joked, pointing at a dozing koala.
The day ended with the famous Penguin Parade, where tiny penguins waddled ashore at sunset. We 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 we wanted, we headed back home! Our suitcases were full of gifts and desserts and souvenirs!
Our whole trip was customised by Thrillophilia, the stays, the experiences and even the days. All thanks to our trip planner Pawan and his team! We will definitely book more trips across India soon!
Read more: Thrillophilia Australia Reviews