WhaleAway

05/11/2024

There are places you plan to see, and then there are places that find you. Yamba Beach was the latter. We’d planned on a quick stop, just to check it off the list, but as soon as we arrived, something shifted. It was quiet, untouched—no crowds, just locals moving with the rhythm of the waves. The water was pristine, the air felt fresh, and the trees seemed to lean in, like they were welcoming us into a little pocket of paradise. 🌊🌿

So we tossed the checklist, settled into the sand, and let the hours slip by. And isn’t that the real beauty of travel? Finding hidden places that pull you in and make you forget the clock. Yamba wasn’t about sightseeing; it was about feeling—a place that reminds you why you love to wander in the first place.

In the end, it wasn’t just a stop; it was a memory that’s now part of me. Sometimes, the best moments happen when you give yourself permission to just be.

📍 Korora Lookout
📍 Yamba Beach & Lighthouse
📍 Byron Bay (Wategos Beach)
📍 Cape Byron Lighthouse
📍 Gold Coast (Surfer’s Paradise)
📍 Brisbane

04/11/2024

Finally catching up on our Australian road trip adventures! ✨ Our journey started with an open road and big plans, heading north from Sydney with Coffs Harbour as our first overnight stop.

Along the way, we took a detour through Newcastle, which was full of surprises. We climbed down to the Bogey Hole (imagine a natural ocean pool tucked into the rocks), strolled along the beaches, and stopped for a dip at Merewether Baths—nothing like a swim with ocean views! 🌊 And then the Memorial Walk… such a peaceful spot with stunning coastline views that made us stop and just take it all in.

Reliving these moments has me missing the thrill of the road already. Can’t wait to share the rest of this trip with you! Have you been on a road trip that left you with unforgettable moments? 🚗✨

08/10/2024

Let me tell you, Sydney has been full of moments that I’m going to replay in my head for a while. We landed late on the 6th, and what’s the first thing we did? Checked into our gorgeous room at the Shangri-La (with the most breathtaking views of the Harbour and Opera House) and immediately ordered burgers and ice cream. 🍔🍦Because, let’s be honest, sometimes that’s all you need to feel like life is perfect. 😌

The next day, we explored the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, and by some twist of fate, we had the whole tour to ourselves! 🎶 It was like Sydney was throwing us a little VIP treatment—so much so that we booked last-minute tickets to see Sunset Boulevard the following day. Oh, and the Royal Botanical Garden? An absolute oasis right in the middle of the city—just walking through it felt like a mini escape. 🌿🌸

From there, we wandered through Hyde Park and checked out the NSW National Gallery. But by the afternoon, the spa at the hotel was calling our names. We ended the day with a 5-course dinner at Altitude Restaurant—and honestly, I still haven’t fully recovered from how incredible that meal was. 👌🍽️

Today was just as packed. We dove into history at the Museum of Sydney and the Barracks, which made me think about all the stories these streets have to tell. And of course, some shopping at Elizabeth Arcade was necessary before taking a stroll through The Rocks. We wrapped it all up with Sunset Boulevard at the Opera House, and let me tell you, seeing that show in such an iconic venue? Unreal. 🎭🌅

The best part about travel? It’s all these little moments that make the big memories. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow has in store—Sydney, you’ve already been unforgettable. ✨

04/10/2024

03/10/2024

Yesterday felt like a mix of good luck and good timing. We hopped on our flight from Melbourne to Uluru, and somehow, we ended up with a whole row to ourselves—plus a free upgrade. It’s those little wins that just make the day better, you know? ✈️🙌

After landing, we picked up our ride—Funbug (our little Jiminy 🐞, already part of the family). We headed straight to Uluru and got there just in time for the sunset. No big drama, no rush, just one of those moments where you stop, look around, and realize how cool it is to be in the middle of nowhere watching the sun dip behind this giant rock. 🌅

And yeah… the bugs. I wasn’t quite prepared for how many of them would be joining us. Let’s just say Funbug wasn’t our only company, but hey, that’s the outback for you. It’s all part of the experience, right?

Now we’re settled in, and I’m excited for what’s next. Uluru’s already making me feel like this trip is going to be something special.

Ever have one of those days where everything just clicks? Would love to hear about it!”

03/10/2024

Ever finish a road trip and feel like you’ve left a piece of yourself behind? That was me yesterday, wrapping up the Great Ocean Road from Apollo Bay to The Grotto. Every twist and turn had something new to offer, and just when I thought I’d seen it all, nature threw one more ‘wow’ moment at me. 🌊✨

Driving through Park Otway, the rainforest vibes hit—massive trees, fresh air, and that perfect calm after all the ocean views. It’s crazy how you can feel like you’re in a totally different world just minutes away. And then… The Grotto. I thought I was ready for it, but honestly? I wasn’t. It was one of those places that stops you in your tracks—the still water, those rocks—it just felt otherworldly. 💧🪨

And now, just as one adventure ends, another begins. Today? Uluru is calling. Can’t wait to soak in the magic of the red center.

What’s been your biggest ‘wow’ moment while traveling? Let’s share some stories. 🚗💫

02/10/2024

01/10/2024

01/10/2024

Okay, confession time: driving on the left side of the road? Terrifying at first. 😅 But after a few minutes on the Great Ocean Road, I got the hang of it… and wow, was it worth it! This drive is the kind of breathtaking that makes you want to stop every five minutes (and, spoiler: we totally did). 🌊🚗

There are some must-see lookouts along the GOR, but honestly, one of my favorite parts? Just going with the flow and pulling over wherever the views felt too good to pass up. The ocean, those dramatic cliffs, the winding roads… it’s all so stunning, you just can’t help but be in awe.

Oh, and we swung by Surf City—home of the first-ever Roxy store (yes, the Roxy!). I had a mini throwback moment and couldn’t resist checking out the outlets. Let’s just say, I left with a sweet deal and a big smile. 🏄‍♀️🙌

Fast forward to Apollo Bay… guys, this town is adorable. Picture the coziest coastal vibes, super chill, and the cutest little streets. I’m seriously loving our stay at Coastal Motel—it’s got that perfect mix of comfort and charm, just what you need after a day of exploring. 🛏️🌿

Tomorrow? We’re off to tackle the last stretch of the Great Ocean Road, and I have a feeling it’s going to be just as epic. Have you ever driven this road? I wanna know: are you more of a “plan every stop” type or a “let’s see where the road takes us” person? Drop your travel style in the comments! 😎👇

30/09/2024

Today was an adventure I’ll be talking about for years. It all started with breakfast (again, right? 😂), and by 10:30, we were waiting for our pickup to Phillip Island with Go West Tours—honestly, if you ever find yourself in Melbourne, book them. Our guide, Tim, was an absolute gem. He had us laughing the whole time but also made sure we learned so much along the way. He really made the day feel extra special.

First up was the famous Brighton Bathing Boxes. Guys, these little colorful wooden boxes? They cost a jaw-dropping 340,000 AUD. Yep, for a 4x4 box. I nearly fell over when I heard that! But honestly, they are such an iconic part of Melbourne, and we had fun snapping some pics.

Then, we headed to Moonlit Sanctuary, which was such a dream. I got to feed and pet wild wallabies—like, what?! 🦘 It was honestly one of those pinch-me moments. Koalas, kangaroos, and even some owls and reptiles were all around, but those wallabies stole my heart.

Next was Cape Woolamai Beach at Phillip Island. Have you ever watched surfers in their element? There’s something magical about seeing people ride the waves in this wild, untamed ocean. The view… the ocean… it’s all so vast and powerful. It made me feel so small, in the best way.

And just when I thought the day couldn’t get better, we stopped by Nobbies and Seal Islands—and we got so lucky! We spotted a few penguins peeking out from their burrows. 🐧 I was honestly geeking out, but I held it together (barely, haha). Then, we wrapped up the day with the iconic Penguin Parade. No photos allowed here, which was fine by me. Some things are meant to be stored in your memory, not your camera roll, right? Protecting nature should always come first.

We finally got back to the hotel at 10 PM, tired but so full of memories. Ever had a day that just sticks with you? What’s your favorite wildlife experience? Tell me below—I’d love to hear it! ❤️

29/09/2024

After more than 24 hours of travel (you know that kind of travel exhaustion, right?), finally arriving in Melbourne felt like such a win. Oh, and the luck of an early check-in at the Mercure Hotel? 🍀 You bet we took full advantage of that!

The city was buzzing with excitement because of the AFL Grand Final. It was impossible not to get swept up in the energy as we strolled along the Yarra River—packed with people, AFL colors everywhere, and a vibe that made you forget how tired you were.

But then, the calm found us. The Royal Botanical Gardens, with its peaceful Ornamental Lake, was just the escape we didn’t know we needed. There’s something special about walking through all that green, breathing in the fresh air, and feeling your mind unwind (even if your feet are still sore from all that walking, ha!).

We spent time honoring the past at the Shrine of Remembrance—such a powerful spot, right? It got me thinking about how travel always brings these moments of reflection. And that view from the Melbourne Skydeck…seriously, how could you not feel on top of the world up there? (Swipe to see the view that made all the travel worth it!) 🌆✨

We capped the day off with some sushi-on-the-go (nothing too fancy, but hey, food coma achieved). It’s those little moments that make the journey, don’t you think?

What’s your go-to way to unwind after a long journey? Share your must-have travel tip in the comments!

26/09/2024

I’m just going to say it—heights and I do not get along. 😅 So when my mom suggested we cross the Capilano Suspension Bridge, I was already sweating.

Now, picture this: My mom practically skipping across the bridge, smiling at the view, while I was clinging to the railing for dear life, heart racing with every step. I mean, it felt like the bridge was swaying (it probably wasn’t, but you know how it feels when you’re scared). 😬

But here’s the thing about travel—sometimes, it pushes you to face your fears, even when you’d rather stay on solid ground. And crossing that bridge, while terrifying, made me feel… kinda proud of myself. My mom was laughing at how tight I held onto the railing, but hey, I made it!

The view? Absolutely stunning. 🌲✨ It’s one of those places where you forget about your fear (just a little) because the beauty around you takes over.

Next week? We’re heading to Seattle, where the adventure continues—but of course, it wouldn’t be a trip without some unexpected hotel drama. What’s your biggest travel fear? Heights? Flying? Something else? Let’s get real about it in the comments—I know I’m not the only one!