In June of 2014, our son, Micah, came to visit us. We had a wonderful time with him here and enjoyed showing him some of our favorite places from Sydney to Port Douglas. I am very late to show you the highlights of that visit, but it is his birthday today, so this is a kind of a gift.
Australia Zoo
There is a separate post for Australia Zoo (check it out) but here are a few more that reflect Micah’s visit specifically. In these photos you will notice Micah’s great hat. This hat is made from Kangaroo hide and is a typical Australian outback hat. (The Kangaroos that he was feeding were not too bothered by his hat, haha.)
Micah enjoys the battle
Micah feeds a Kangaroo
koala Micah pets
The lush grounds of the Australian Zoo
Exploring the Hood and Beyond in Food
Micah not only enjoys eating a wide variety of food, he is a great cook and willing to experiment with different styles. He also enjoys beer and wine. So, all in all, we had a fabulous time going out and enjoying some great taste experiences.
Secrets on the Lake
We have some favorite places that we like to visit – and to take our guests to. One place is called Secrets on the Lake. We have only ever eaten a meal here, or had coffee and dessert, but we enjoy popping in here because of the location and the ambiance of all the little creatures carved out of wood.
Secrets on the Lake
Secrets on the Lake
To the Ocean
No trip here can be without a trip to the ocean. Although Brisbane is not directly on any great beaches, we are in the middle of two fantastic coastlines with loads of beaches. North to the Sunshine Coast and south to the Sunshine Coast. Each beach has its own distinct personality.
Sunshine Coast
Noosa
Sunshine Coast
Sunshine Coast
Gold Coast
Surfers Paradise
Surfers Paradise
Surfers Paradise
Whale Watching
All along the eastern coastline of Australia, we look forward to whale watching season when we head out on boats to observe whales on their migratory routes. Throughout June, July and August these magnificent whales head to tropical North Queensland waters to breed and mate. From mid August through September, October and November the humpback whales slowly head back south to Antarctica with their calves, often resting and playing along the way.
Gold Coast Surfers Paradise
Whale watching by the Gold Coast
Sydney
Can’t come to Australia without visiting Sydney – or can you? Anyway, Micah and I (Diane) took a few days to explore Sydney.
CBD
Sydney has some interesting old buildings that reflect its history.
Anzac Memorial Hyde Park
In front of Hyde Park Barracks
Sydney with Micah
Royal Botanical Gardens
Sydney with Micah
Cactus Garden at Botanical Gardens
Sydney Harbour Bridge Views and the Sydney Opera House
Only with Micah, did I get to see the Harbour Bridge up close. What was really interesting were the views down into Circular Quay and to the Opera House. The Opera House always commands attention.
Crossing the Story Bridge with Micah
View to Circular Quay – CBD office buildings in background, Ferry stations, and the large cranes are where the cruise ships dock.
High view of Opera House
Manley
We take a trip out to Manley and then a hike out to North Head at Sydney Harbour National Park. There were amazing views here. We even spotted a whale below in the water at one point.
Manly shops
Pathway on North Head
View of Sydney CBD from North Head
Northern Queensland
Snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef is on many people’s bucket list – Micah too! So we all flew up for a few days and enjoyed exploring Cairns, Port Douglas, Palm Cove Beach, and Daintree/Mossman while we were there.
Sugar Cane is a major crop
Cairns
As you can see here, when the tide goes out you are not left with nice sandy beaches. Not to worry though, not too far up the coast we are going to Palm Cove Beach, where there is lots of sand. Meanwhile, in Cairns we take some time to visit the impressive Botanical Gardens.
Cairns
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- Tall trees
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- Pretty Snake
Mossman Gorge
We have crossed Mossman Gorge via a cable ferry to enter Daintree. That in itself is a bit of an adventure as we wait by crocodile infested waters for the ferry to take us across the river.
Crocodile Warning
Daintree Rainforest
Daintree is the largest continuous area of rainforest in Australia and is believed to be one of the three oldest in the world. It is also a World Heritage listed site. This area of exceptional natural beauty is a significant habitat for rare and endangered species and has unique plants and animals found nowhere else.
Daintree Discovery Center – a view over the tree tops
Cape Tribulation
Palm Cove Beach
When Ed and I first came to Australia, we stayed in Palm Cove Beach for a week of holiday. We thought it was fabulous. Now that we are in the area again, we can’t wait to show Micah this beautiful place. One distinctive feature of this place is the huge Melalucca trees.
Looking down to Palm Cove Beach
Palm Cove Beach
Palm Cove Melalucca Tree
Port Douglas and the Great Barrier Reef
We are here for one reason – so the boys can snorkel the Great Barrier Reef. The Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven natural wonders of the natural world and also the world’s largest living structure. Stretching 2300 kilometers, this breathtakingly beautiful natural icon is so large it can even be seen from outer space.
Brisbane and Goodbyes
Everyone loves to check out the port when the cruise ship is in dock. After all, it is just a ferry stop over.
Micah and Cruise ship at Brett’s Wharf
Hanging out with our computers
As a family we like a little healthy competition in the form of games. Here we are getting into Settlers of Catan in the final hours before Micah has to fly away. It keeps our mind off of goodbyes. Actually Diane is leaving as well to go back to Canada for the summer. Poor Ed. He is losing his two best mates. It is a sad time all around.
Settlers of Catan
Two Canadians in Australia 
Such wonderful memories you’ve created!
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Thanks Diane. That is what I like about photography and collecting the photos in a blog or album – it enhances the experience and keeps the memories alive.
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