Straya'! Australia through Photographs.
- dot jpeg
- Sep 29
- 3 min read
Scarnon', mate?!
That’s exactly what you’d hear in Australia, the land down under!
I’m incredibly blessed to have family and a couple of close friends in Melbourne and Canberra, and lucky enough to travel there, visit them, and enjoy what Australia offers best: her gorgeous landscapes, bone-chilling winters, and a global culture of cuisines from around the world.
I returned from the great southern land just over a month ago, after spending four weeks there this year. My travel dates matched last year’s for a reason: I’ve always feared I wouldn’t survive the skin pinching summers (or so I’ve been told) of Australia in December, which apparently is the best time to visit. I much rather prefer the stillness and calm of winter, with its occasional showers and strong winds!
I flew out to see my friends in Canberra, and we road tripped to the coast of Merimbula, a beautiful town on the Sapphire Coast in NSW. Welcomed by our lovely Airbnb host and her two pets, we settled into a smart and cosy 2BHK.
Merimbula gave us gorgeous sunset skies, soul calming quiet, and a handful of local spots and restaurants to explore. Scenic cliffs, endless blue skies, and wide-open seas; that’s what it’s about!
Winter also meant a quick trip to Ballarat, a small but historic town known for its Victorian architecture, the famous Sovereign Hill, the Winter Lights Festival (Since Australian Christmas is in the sweltering month of December), and stunning countryside views.
The drive to Ballarat was an absolute delight - cruising at 110 kph by the lush green lawns, cows grazing against rolling hills, and a getting a glimpse of how beautifully the region balances history with modern growth.
We indulged in a variety of cuisines and enjoyed short walks to famous lakes, viewpoints, and the Ballarat Botanical Gardens.
And what’s Australia if ya don’t see some wild roos, mate? On a trail in Ballarat, we spotted a small kangaroo family, along with plenty of alpacas, wallabies, sheep, and cows.
Back in Melbourne with my sister, brother-in-law, and niece, we drove southeast to Phillip Island to see the migratory penguins return to their burrows, a once-in-a-lifetime experience, truly! No photographs to show for it, but watching the penguins waddle to shore in packs, dodging seagulls, felt straight out of Nat Geo with Sir Attenborough narrating.
Phillip Island also offered vast and incredible viewpoints - facing the icy Antarctic winds from the south, there was just Tasmania ahead of us, and then absolutely nothing. A scary and an uncontainable visual. Just puts things into perspective the sheer size of our planet and how vastly spread out it is.
Despite the showers and chilling winds, I was lucky to witness crystal-clear skies. I’m a sucker for starry nights, so these were absolutely breathtaking for my eyes. So clear it felt like standing under a dome. It makes you wonder if we’re really in a simulation.
Four beautiful weeks in this country, I’ll always want to come back for more and longer. I needed the break and a fresh start. After a few strenuous and turbulent months, Australia healed me in ways I didn’t even know I needed. Travel nourished my soul and showed me what and who truly matter. Time with family and friends reminded me of who the real ones are.
And of course, I ate like a king until my stomach made sure I didn’t forget it! Shout out to my dear sister and my brother in law for cooking for me, YOMG! for their burgers, wings, & froyo, Lily’s for her Banh Mi, and Cartel in Canberra for their tacos!
I leave Australia not just with new photographs, but precious memories and a much needed reset.
My journey back to Australia continues next year, when I’ll finally brave the summer and experience the state in full swing.
Cheers, mate!
An unfiltered blog and photo essay of my travel and time in the beautiful country of Australia. You can download 'Spawn Point' from this blog in high resolution - it’s free! Just tap and follow the link!
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