Kuranda Scenic Railway - Queensland, Australia

In the 1800s the rail industry was blossoming. That’s when the construction of a railway began deep in an Australian rainforest. That rainforest is The Wet Tropics of Queensland on the northeast region of Australia. The train line extended from Cairns, on the coast, to Kuranda, up in the mountains.

The Kuranda Scenic Railway was completed in 1891 and started moving tourists in 1936. Today, the railway transports tourists daily (except on Christmas Day) through 23 miles of scenery. 

Along the way you experience more than ride on a beautiful classic train, you also get sweeping views of multiple waterfalls, like Barron Falls and Stoney Creek Falls as well being an arm’s length away from the untouched tropical regions of the forest. 

The old world charm of the train ride culminates at Kuranda Station, where you can explore the Kuranda Village. The village boasts countless attractions, restaurants and shops. We rode an amphibious World War II Army duck and learned about the indigenous culture through an interactive Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience at Rainforestation. 

As part of The Wet Tropics of Queensland, the Kuranda National Park is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area of about 450 km is known as The Wet Tropics of Queensland. 

 

Important Info:
Heritage Class (One Way) 
Adult AUS $50
Kid AUS $25
Family AUS $125

Heritage Class (Roundtrip)
Adult AUS $ 76
Kid AUS $38
Family AUS $190

Royale Service (One Way) 
Adult AUS $73
Kid AUS $48
Family AUS $217

Royale Service (Roundtrip)
Adult AUS $122
Kid AUS $84
Family AUS $374

Hours: Open daily, except Christmas Day

Website: https://www.ksr.com.au/

Uluru - Northern Territory, Australia

4am. I woke up with a start in a hotel room with my closest childhood friend (a.k.a. “best friend 4 eva”). We were thousands of miles away from home in Australia. The trip was a joint celebration of our 30th birthdays. The alarm had gone off to signal us it was time to go. 

We were staying at the Sails in the Desert hotel just outside the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and we had signed up for a sunrise viewing of Uluru. We packed ourselves into the tour bus half asleep. It was still dark when we arrived at the viewing area and our guide set up a table with hot chocolate and tea. It was a chilly morning and the hot chocolate felt like a warm hug from within. 

We hiked up to a plateau where we stood a few kilometers away from the rock. The darkness was starting to shift and dashes of pink began to splash across the dark blue sky. Any sleepiness we had arrived with was suddenly replaced by a rush of energy and excitement. There is no more beautiful sight on this planet than the iconic landscape of UIuru as the night gives way to the day.

It was not only the beauty of it that overtook me, but the energy. There is an electrifying peace that rises from the bright red ground at this location. It’s a palpable vibrancy that made me feel more connected to the earth than ever.

Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, is one of Australia’s most iconic natural landmarks. It is located near the center of the country in the Northern Territory region. The red sandstone monolith stands tall at 1,142 ft high on the flat Australian desert, making for a breathtaking scene. 

The local aboriginal people, the Anangu, are the traditional owners of Uluru and Kata Tjuta rock formations as well as the land that surrounds them. But it wasn’t until 1985 that Australia’s government returned ownership of the land. Today, the park is managed by the Anangu traditional owners and Parks Australia. It is also recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

It’s important to note that Uluru is a sacred place for the local community. Due to its spiritual significance climbing Uluru is disrespectful to the aboriginal culture and traditions. I chose not to climb Uluru out of respect as a guest in Anangu land and because I believe it’s important to preserve the sacred meaning of the location and protect the Anangu traditions. 

As of October 26, 2019 climbing Uluru will be officially banned. 34 years after the land was returned to its rightful owners. 

Instead of climbing, a way to honor and enjoy this sight is walking around the perimeter and watching the spectacular sunrise. I chose to stand barefoot at one of the viewing points back at the Resort, in a sort of standing meditation also known as Earthing. 

As we closed our day inside the national park, we saw the sun set over the rock. My friend and I made a pact to return here to celebrate our 80th birthdays. 

 

Ayers Rock Resort Information
& Sails in the Desert Hotel 

Website:
www.ayersrockresort.com.au

Address:
163 Yulara Dr, Yulara NT 0872, Australia

Bondi Icebergs Club - Sydney, Australia

"Happiness comes in waves." - unknown

I was running, as usual. But this time it wasn’t the “I like to torture myself with exercise” kind of running, this was the “I only have 10 minutes to get this photo right” kind. It was my second day in Sydney and I was meant to be on a boat to Manly (a suburb just across the harbor) in less than an hour. Time was of the essence.

I ran the full kilometer from one end of Bondi Beach to the other. Sweaty and short of breath I made it to my destination with only 4  minutes to spare. 

The Bondi Icebergs Club opened its doors in 1929 as the top spot for winter swimming. Today, its famous pool still attracts visitors from all across the world. Probably more photographers and onlookers than swimmers, and with good reason. The stunning pool nested within the Tasmanian Sea commands your attention.

As I stood just across the entrance, I understood what the big fuss was about. The waves jumped over the rocks with full strength and came crashing into the pool. One after another, after another. I felt hypnotized by the continuity. I couldn’t take my eyes off it.

There was an unspoken agreement in that moment. An agreement between mother nature and I. An agreement to always remember that no matter what happens, there is nothing bigger, nothing stronger and nothing that can’t be overcome by nature. An agreement to let things flow.

 

Useful Info:
The two saltwater pools remain open year round to members and visitors alike. The main lap pool and a smaller kid’s pool have lifeguards on patrol around the clock.

Entry fees:
Adult: AUS $6.50
Children: AUS $4.50
Spectator: AUS $4.50
Towels: AUS $3.450

Address:
1 Notts Ave
Bondi Beach NSW 2026