Carlo Pool Uloola Falls

Tangled

This walk took us to the Karloo Pool and Uloola Falls within the Royal National Park and some aboriginal rock engravings. An easy to medium, undulating, hike, out and back route of just 10km.

Uloola Falls

Wattle

Wattle

Carlo Pool

Carlo Pool

Uloola Falls

Uloola Falls

Uloola Falls

Feathers

Heathcote NSW Australia

The North Walk

Lotus 1

Not as difficult compared to the one I did a week before this 'Grand Canyon' at 975 metres. Mostly bush-track and service track, with much sandstone and loose rock to contend with. The rough terrain made it a bit hard to walk.  We crossed over several ridges, couple with good views. Jerusalem Bay, a picturesque area. Distance: 13.4 km.

Lotus 2

Lotus 3

Lotus 4

Cake in the bush

Jump 1

Jump 2

Jump 3

Slyvia's given a hand.

Hawkesbury

Great North Walk (GNW)- Cowan to Brooklyn, Hawkesbury 

Valley of the Waters

Spectacular walk! Breathtaking tracks along a cliff face, great waterfalls, nature paths with total ascents of 1,000 metres. This was a mountain hike with lots of minor ups and downs and one major decent/ascent in the outbound section of the loop. Some pictures from the hike.

All white

Adelaide, South Australia

Chocolates Chocolates, absolutely loved this store.

A vibrant city. One of the great small cities of the world to spend a couple of weeks with family. A city surrounded by rolling hills, wineries and beautiful beaches. Adelaide city streets are set out  in grid. It has a simple master plan of one square mile city centre surrounded by parklands. Therefore it is easy to go around and lots of open spaces. Some of the popular places are, Hahndorf: the Oldest German Community in Australia now a tourist attraction; Gelnelg: Most popular beachside; Botani Garden & Japanese Garden; Rundle Mall/Street: Elder Park: Favourite spot in Adelaide; Beaches; Port Adelaide; South Australian Mueseums and Art Galleries; Adelaide Hills; Central Markets: the best place stocking up with fresh foods of all kinds; Victoria Square; Meriton etc. 

I love Adelaide. 

Mirror Mirror on the sphere.

Architecture in Adelaide

we three

Glenlegh

Opal in making

City-tram

Buses on the tracks

Dolphin watch

Perth Western Australia

Perth City

This is the first time I travel my own. I might plan for a Indian Pacific train trip in future which is a three days and three nights on the train but five hours flight was long enough for me. Elsa (very Asian name) picked me up in the airport. Very nice of her mom, she'd cooked some yummy food for us. Elsa and Nathan took me around.

Rottnest Island, Perth

Rottnest Island Express

On the way to Rottnest Island

Rottnest Island

I could not go far but do a day trip. Next day, I did a booking with Rottnest Express although expensive. A lot of people got sick sea on the cruise. I could see almost all carrying 'sick' bag (I think that's what they were called). It could be due to heavy rain and big swells. There was an emergency announcement all the way and cruise volunteers helping. 45 minutes on the cruise was pretty long to the Island with only two stops on the way. It was a great relief, when arrived on the island. I missed the introductory tour, therefore I took some maps & information. I'd have gone for biking around, since I was alone,  a whole day bus pass was an alternative. It was a different world in Island. I took a round tour of the island with a spectacular 360 degree view. Also, found Quokka, indigenous and unique to Rottnest Island hopping around. It looked like wallaby, but it is the size of a cat and had definite mouse-like features. 

The London Court

Amongst the modern buildings lies this old-age court, London Court, I was quite fascinated with.  It's an old English shopping district located in the heart of Perth's shopping area. This place stands out from the modern architecture of Perth and is almost like stepping back in time. Nice attention to detail with the entrance and exit designs. Quirky little shops and nice cosy cafes, a stroll along the cobble stone path was a lovely experience. On the final day, I headed for Madurah, the largest city outside Perth, for a Dolphin cruise. 

War Memorial at Mandurah

Three days in Perth and thai dinner before flying was a 'Thank You' note to Elsa and Nathan; indeed a very lovely couple. 

New Zealand

4 million people, 60 million sheep

Mt Hutt

Ski at Mt Hutt

45 minutes of this, We thought we were lost.

One of the best things we did in New Zealand was ski at Mt Hutt. I really loved the crowd at Mt Hutt and it was beautiful. The ski price was expensive but found out that it's free for kids. No wonder, the mountain was crowded with kids, but I was pretty impressed with kids skiing on that that substantial vertical drop (by NZ standards).The best of-course was a 45 minutes drive on a gravel road, for some could be daunting. I asked my brother (Utsab) to be extra careful and drive slow. It was beautiful, to watch mountains on both the sides, it was like Nepal. Mt Hutt's got beautiful views to the ocean and terrific steep terrain, and is a relatively short drive from Christchurch. The vertical combined with the steep pitch earns Mount Hutt the title of the “capital of speed”. 

Akaroa Village-The building on the right was on fire therefore the fire buses.

Himalayan' shop trusted/funded by Sir Edmund Hillary fund

Akaroa Village, sister in the background

Second, was nature cruise on Akaroa Harbour to see rare Hectors dolphins, seals, penguins and sea birds. It is 75 kilometres from the city of Christchurch. It is a historic French and British settlement in the heart of an ancient volcano. The village  was quite a bit of explore with its colonial architecture, galleries, craft stores, and cafés. We even found 'himalayan' shop trusted/funded by Sir Edmund Hillary fund. We had a brief cheese factory visit on our way back.

Banks Peninsula

Banks Peninsula the next for its stunning views and beautiful bays.

We wanted to do horse riding the next and headed to this Bradley Park on Day 3. Unfortunately, it wasn't a horse riding place anymore, instead saw sheep, millions of them. There must be a reason, NZ has 3 million people and 60 million sheep. We also wanted to do Gandola ride but it was closed due to the earthquake. We could see still rubble of the earthquake in and around Christchurch.

There must be a reason there are four million people and 60 million sheep in New Zealand.

Punting at Christchurch Botanic Garden

Punting in the mid city of Christchurch, Botanic garden was fun. Watching my sister (Prashida) struggle was fun. Sitting and posing on a Pilot's chair in Air force museum was exciting with a free entry.

Siblings at Aircraft museum

Antarctic Centre on our final day was for 4D extreme theatre experience and Hagglund ride. It is the worlds best Antarctic Attraction.

Hagglund ride at the worlds best Antarctic Attraction.

New Zealand is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places on earth and I want to explore more if I ever get a chance again.