From Ship to Shore: Our Family’s Adventure in Australia

Hey fellow adventurers, welcome back! In our last blog post, we shared all the excitement of our time aboard the Disney Wonder—remember the Sail-A-Wave Party and our luxurious Royal Suite? (If you haven't read it, check it out here!) Those were some unforgettable moments, for sure! But guess what? We decided to take a little detour from the sea and explore a bit more of Australia.

December 27, 2023: A Day in Tasmania

Russell Falls: A Fairytale Cascade

As soon as we got off the Disney Wonder, we were taken by a private car so we could explore Tasmania’s natural wonders. Our first stop was Russell Falls, where we saw a stunning waterfall surrounded by lush rainforest. It was so beautiful and peaceful that we felt like we were in a fairy tale. We took lots of photos and enjoyed the fresh air.

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary: Kangaroos and a Friendly Tasmanian Devil

Next, we visited the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, where we got to meet some of the cutest animals ever. We fed kangaroos by hand, and they were so soft and friendly. We also saw a Tasmanian devil, which was not as scary as we thought. It was actually kind of cute, in a weird way. We learned that they are endangered and need our help to survive. We felt lucky to see them up close.

Salmon Ponds

We then drove to the Salmon Ponds, where we saw some of the oldest trout hatcheries in the world. We learned how they raise and breed trout, and we saw some colorful fish swimming in the clear water.

Westerway Farm: Raspberries and Sweet Delights

After that, we stopped by Westerway Raspberry Farm, where we had a raspberry feast. We picked some fresh raspberries from the bushes, and they were so juicy and sweet. We also tried some raspberry ice cream and jam, and they were delicious.

Pancakes by the Pond: A Cozy Finale

Finally, we ended our day with a pancake dinner at Pancakes by the Pond. It was a cozy place with a nice view of the water. We ate both sweet and savory pancakes while talking about how much we enjoyed our day.

As the gleaming spires of the Disney Wonder faded into the horizon, we embarked on the next chapter of our adventure, bidding farewell and setting our sights on the vibrant cityscape of Sydney. We eagerly anticipated the thrills and delights that awaited us in this cosmopolitan metropolis.

December 28: A Day in Sydney

We started with a Sydney Full Day Private Tour with Opera House by Runaway Tours, where we got to see some of the best attractions of the city. We saw the Harbour Bridge, the Botanic Gardens, the Rocks, and of course, the Opera House.

Behind the Scenes Opera House Tour

A highlight was an exclusive private tour of the Opera House, where we got to see behind the scenes of this architectural marvel. We gained insights into its rich history and world-renowned performances. As we wandered through the hallowed halls and marveled at the intricacies of its design, we felt a sense of awe and anticipation building for the upcoming New Year’s Eve gala.

After a long day, we finally got to relax as we checked in at the Hilton Sydney, a luxurious hotel in the heart of the city. We loved our spacious and comfortable room, and the friendly service. We also enjoyed the hotel amenities.

December 29: Day 2 in Sydney

Sydney Harbor Bridge

We started another unforgettable morning thanks to Bridgeclimb Sydney. We climbed to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and were amazed by the view up top. It was a thrilling experience! We saw the stunning views of the city and the harbour from a unique perspective. We felt proud and exhilarated as we reached the summit, and we took some awesome photos to remember this moment.

Sydney Aquarium

We then went to the Aquarium, where we saw some awesome sea creatures. We got to go behind the scenes and see some baby seahorses.

Dinner at Mr. Wong’s

After a busy day, we chose to dine at Mr. Wong’s, a fancy Chinese restaurant. We ordered some Peking duck and pork belly, and they were mouthwatering. The duck was crispy and tender, and the pork belly was juicy and flavorful. We loved the food and the atmosphere.

December 30: A Day in the Blue Mountains

Featherdale Wildlife Park

We had a wonderful day in the Blue Mountains today. We went on a Blue Mountains Private Full Day Tour by Your Sydney Guide, where we saw some incredible scenery and wildlife. We started with a visit to the Wildlife Sanctuary.

We also saw some kangaroos, koalas, and other animals. We learned about the history and culture of the area.

Spencer had a blast with the Wallabies. He especially liked Snowy, the albino one.

Blue Mountains Hike

Then, we went on a 2-hour hike through the mountains, where we saw some amazing views. We saw a crab that looked like it had a shell on its back. It was so weird and fascinating, we wondered how it got there. Our tour guide took us to a secret spot, where we found a hidden oasis.

After our hike, we visited the Sydney Olympic Park and saw the iconic Olympic cauldron.

We ended the day with dinner at Icebergs, a trendy restaurant overlooking the Bondi Beach. We had a seafood feast, and it was delicious. We loved the food and the view. We had a great evening and a relaxing night.

December 31: A Night at the Opera

As twilight cast its golden glow upon the harbor, we returned to the Opera House for the pièce de résistance—the New Year's Eve Gala.

Surrounded by the opulent grandeur of the Concert Hall, we reveled in an evening of unparalleled sophistication and glamour. From the clink of champagne glasses to the melodious strains of the orchestra, every moment was a symphony of celebration and joy.

The highlight of the evening awaited us as the clock struck midnight, and Sydney's skies erupted in a dazzling display of fireworks. Standing on the steps of the Opera House, we were captivated by the kaleidoscope of colors that painted the night sky, knowing that we were the only family to witness the spectacle from this iconic vantage point. With hearts full of wonder and anticipation, we welcomed the new year in style, surrounded by loved ones and the timeless beauty of Sydney's harbor.

In that magical moment, as the echoes of the fireworks faded into the night, we knew that our Australian adventure had come to a close. But the memories we had created and the bonds we had forged would endure, a testament to the power of travel to enrich our lives and broaden our horizons. And as we bid farewell to Sydney's glittering skyline, we carried with us the promise of new adventures and the enduring magic of our journey Down Under.

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