12 months of wonderful experiences – a rundown on what we have done and seen so far!

Wow can‘t believe we have been away for 12 months already, time has really flown by.  Here is a rundown of some of our wonderful experiences over the last six months

• Wading in knee deep water through a tunnel gorge with only a torch to guide the way, Tunnel Creek, Kimberley WA.
• Boat cruising while watching the sun set on the biggest man made lake in Australia, Lake Argyle equivalent to 22 Sydney Harbours, what a feat!  Kimberley, WA.
• Swam in the coolest, clearest water and being amazed at the beauty of waterfall plunge pools in NT.  Edith Falls one of our favourites.
• Stared in horror at all the lazy people squeezed into Buley Rockpools at Litchfield National Park, NT.  Such a pity they are gorgeous pools. 
• Lucky enough to have had Tjaetaba Falls plunge pool at the top of the waterfall all to ourselves, Litchfield National Park, NT.
• After a beautiful cool dip, we stared in awe at the spectacular Emma Gorge, El Questro, WA – no wonder it is voted the best in the Kimberley.
• Drove on the Gibb River Road (OK only 50kms twice!)
• Spent the best day ever on the beautiful Fraser Island, Qld the largest sandbar in the world.  What a wonderful day thanks Wendy and Rob. 
• Had a great time observing an elephant keeper’s daily duties keeping his charges healthy and beautiful, Thanks Scotty. Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo, NSW
• Cruised the Geike Gorge, Kimberley WA.  Beautiful gorge walls of white, pink, oranges and browns against the backdrop of a vivid blue sky and blue water.
• Sat on Mindil Beach, Darwin, NT watching the breathtaking sunsets indulging in the wide choice of food and drinks.  Thanks to the Ellis’ for having us stay.
• Walked many kilometres and climbed many rocks in the heat to get to some great spots all to ourselves, Kings Canyon, NT and numerous other locations!
• Toured Bundaberg Rum distillery in Bundaberg, QLD.  And we don’t drink rum but it was good.  The samples were full sized!
• Enjoyed Townsville immensely with our own private tour guides.  Enjoyed it very much Sue and Fred.  Hope to see you soon.
• Had the pleasure of spending Easter with two very excited children, thanks Briette and Alec for reminding us what a joy chocolate can be.
• Enjoyed the walks along Southbank looking across at Brisbane City.
• Spent too much money in Victoria Markets in Melbourne, well how can you not!
• Swam with the current in 32 degree crystal clear water at Bitter Springs thermal pools, Mataranka NT.
• Walked amongst the majestic Grampians mountains, Vic.  They are very majestic and the colours of the snow gums are just lovely.
• Slowly slowly climbed the Alpine Highway via Mt Hotham and slowly crawled down the other side to Porepunkah, Vic.  Only one of the steepest roads in the country!
• Witnessed autumn leaves on trees in Bright Vic.  They really do change colour!
• Ran the length and breadth and perimeter of Healesville Sanctuary in Victoria so as not to miss a keeper presentation or exhibit.  The animal hospital there is better than some people hospitals I reckon.
• Walked and walked the tracks of Mt Buffalo – possibly our favourite national park in Victoria.
• Looked on in sadness and awe at the recovering bushland surrounding the Yarra Valley towns in Victoria  that were devastated by fire in 2009.  How terrifying that fire would have been for the residents and animals.
• Picked up some history lessons in Ballarat, Victoria.  Eureka!
• Visited a ‘real’ haunted house in Junee, NSW.
• Did our first licorice factory tour in Junee, NSW.
• 90 Mile Beach at Lakes Entrance, Victoria is a wonderful expanse of beautiful sand and waves after no real beaches for a while.
• Nothing like buying fresh fresh fish and prawns direct from the fishing boats at Lakes Entrance, Victoria and cheap too!
• Agreed that Wilsons Promontory in Victoria rivals Duke of Orleans National Park in Esperance for its beauty and beaches.
• Wandered around hanging rock and yep, reckon someone could go missing here.  Macedon Ranges, Vic.
• Watching the sun set and then rise over Uluru (Ayres Rock), NT is a absolutely magical experience.
• Freezing our butts off whilst walking to the Valley of the Winds at Kuta Tjuta (Olgas) NT but the views were breathtaking.
• Walking the base of Uluru, NT is awe inspiring.  Wow it is big!
• Had a wonderful time discovering the beautiful billabongs, chasms and gorges at the West McDonnell Ranges, NT.
• Ate the best pizza ever in Alice Springs, NT.
• Wallowing in the exposed rockpools at low tide at Barn Hill Station, WA.
• John caught his first Giant threadfin salmon at Barn Hill Station, WA and it was delicious.  Nothing like fresh fish.
• Had a new clutch and shockies fitted in Darwin at $99/hour for labour!
• Had some wonderful walks at Mirima National Park – the mini bungle bungles – Kununurra, WA.

So what now, well heading home to sort out our house.  We are not sure how long we will be at home, all we know is that we will spend summer at home and think about life and what to do.  So many options and decisions to make.  We know we don’t want this to end and this trip has just whetted our appetite for more and there is so much we haven’t seen and our ‘spots to visit’ and ‘spots to revisit’ list keeps on growing. We have had some fantastic experiences and met some amazing new friends, and we don’t want it to end - so who knows????? we don’t yet.  The only thing I know is that I want to get a really good haircut when we get to Perth – I’ve had some doozies!

For those who want a recap on what we did the first six months, Click here