• Tania Hughes
  • Tania Hughes

Queensland

We are having a relaxing day today, just back at Ben and Bela's house ๐Ÿ  They just got their new lounge suite delivered, so Mark is helping set that up. Read more
  • Trip start
    January 29, 2026

    Avalon Airport โœˆ๏ธ

    January 29 in Australia โ‹… โ˜๏ธ 25 ยฐC

    Arrived at Avalon Airport and checked our bags ๐ŸŽ’ in.
    Now waiting for our flight โœˆ๏ธ
    Bought some snacks to eat on the plane on the way, cheese ๐Ÿง€ & crackers.
    “After a 2 hour and 15 minute flight, we finally arrived, excited for what was ahead.”
    Arrived at Brisbane ๐ŸŒž at around 5:30pm. ๐Ÿงณ
    Read more

  • Queensland

    January 29 in Australia โ‹… โ˜๏ธ 26 ยฐC

    Mark, Hayley, and l are flying out on Thursday 29th for a holiday to Queensland to visit Marks Son Ben, partner Bella, and grandaughter Scottie, who have moved there.
    They have moved to Red Bank Plains.
    We are flying with Jetstar on Thursday 29th Jan 2026 at 4:25pm, Avalon Airport ๐Ÿ›ซ
    The flight is 2 hours 15 minutes duration.

    We will arrive at Brisbane at 5:40 pm Brisbane Domestic Terminal
    Read more

  • Gardens in Ipswich

    January 30 in Australia โ‹… โ˜๏ธ 29 ยฐC

    We went for a drive around Ipswich, to have a look, it's a lot like Ballarat with the older style houses and the garden. I got a picture with Queen and King made of Stone.

  • Baskin Robbins - ice cream shop ๐Ÿฆ

    January 30 in Australia โ‹… โ˜๏ธ 24 ยฐC

    Tonight after tea, we went for a drive to "BASKIN ROBBINS" to get an ice cream for dessert ๐Ÿจ yummy ๐Ÿ˜‹
    It was much like Cold Rock.
    But they don't mix the lollies through the ice cream. It was lovely ๐Ÿ˜

  • Australia Zoo ๐ŸŠ

    January 31 in Australia โ‹… โ˜๏ธ 22 ยฐC

    “Crikey! Heading to Australia Zoo ๐ŸŠ”๐Ÿฆ’ today's.
    “You can really feel Steve Irwin’s legacy here. Australia Zoo is incredible ๐Ÿข๐Ÿ’š”
    I really loved the giraffes ๐Ÿฆ’ they were my favourite.
    I also loved Bindi's Island ๐Ÿ where she made her TV ๐Ÿ“บ program "Retun to Nim's Island." They filled some of it in the tree house when she was much younger it was released in 2013.
    The Australian Zoo felt immersed in nature, with beautiful scenery all around.
    It was peaceful and calming to walk through. ๐Ÿ๐Ÿƒ๐Ÿชท๐ŸŒด๐ŸŒพ๐ŸŒบ
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  • Australia Zoo pt 2

    January 31 in Australia โ‹… โ˜€๏ธ 31 ยฐC

    The Croc ๐ŸŠ show was one of the most exciting parts of my day at Australia Zoo.
    I felt a mix of awe and adrenaline as the crocodiles leapt from the water. It reminded me how strong and ancient these animals are and how important it is to respect them.

    In the water, the Crocodiles ๐ŸŠ move so slowly and quietly, gliding beneath the surface like shadows. It was peaceful and almost hypnotic to watch.
    It was so beautiful to see how Steve Irwin’s legacy has been kept alive. ๐Ÿ’š His love for wildlife could still be felt in the way the animals were cared for and the stories that were shared. ๐Ÿ˜‡
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  • Southbank swimming Park

    February 1 in Australia โ‹… โ˜€๏ธ 34 ยฐC

    Swimming at South Bank felt special — water ๐ŸŒŠ surrounded by the city,๐Ÿฌ yet it still felt calm and natural. The lagoon sparkled in the sunlight, palm trees๐Ÿ swayed above us, and Brisbane felt alive but relaxed at the same time.Read more

  • Krispy Kreme ๐Ÿฉ

    February 2 in Australia โ‹… โ˜๏ธ 21 ยฐC

    “Ended the day on a sugary note with Krispy Kreme.
    It was a small treat, but it made the night feel special.”
    I also had an iced coffee — a little indulgence that made the evening feel relaxed.”

  • Skywalk Tamborine rainforest ๐ŸŒฟ

    February 3 in Australia โ‹… โ˜๏ธ 26 ยฐC

    “Today we did the Skywalk at Tamborine Rainforest, ๐ŸŒฟ walking high above the trees. ๐ŸŒณThe views were peaceful, green, and absolutely beautiful.” ๐ŸฆŽ
    It is a 1.5km walk it is a combination of forest floor trails and 300 metres of high-tech steel bridge tracking ๐Ÿ‘ฃ through the rainforest ๐ŸŒฟ
    “A real adventure today on the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk.”
    It was peaceful, relaxing, and breathtaking. ๐ŸŒฟ๐Ÿฆ‹๐ŸฆŽ๐ŸŒณ๐Ÿชฒ๐ŸŒพ
    Read more

  • Gold Coast ๐ŸŒž

    February 4 in Australia โ‹… โ˜๏ธ 26 ยฐC

    "HOLY SHIP " ๐Ÿšข
    Enjoyed a delightful dining experience at Holy Ship. ๐Ÿ›ฅThe cuisine was exceptional, featuring fish tacos, salt and pepper calamari, fresh oysters, and pizza, all perfectly suited for sharing.๐ŸŒฎ๐Ÿ•๐ŸŸ๐Ÿน๐Ÿ›ฅ
    “Today we took a scenic drive to the Gold Coast, soaking in the ocean views and coastal breeze.”
    “The towering buildings against the blue sky and ocean were amazing to see.”
    Read more

  • Last night's dinner ๐Ÿฝ

    February 4 in Australia โ‹… ๐ŸŒ™ 24 ยฐC

    "Eden Brewhouse" ๐Ÿน
    “Tonight we went out for dinner on our final night away. It was a mix of happy memories and that quiet feeling of knowing that tomorrow we head home.”

  • Our trip home ๐Ÿก

    February 5 in Australia โ‹… โ˜€๏ธ 29 ยฐC

    “Heading home today.
    Our trip has come to an end, but the memories will stay with us.”

    All good things must come to an end.”
    “but I’m grateful for every moment we had.” โœจโœˆ๏ธ.
    I must say it will be lovely to get home to our own bed ๐Ÿ›Œ
    It's lovely to go away, but there's no place like home. ๐Ÿก
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  • Scottie & Poppy

    February 6 in Australia โ‹… ๐ŸŒ™ 15 ยฐC

    Seeing Mark with his granddaughter Scottie, you can just feel how much joy she brings into his life. The way she makes him smile, laugh, and soften says everything — pure love, pure happiness. Moments like that are so special, and you can tell she lights up his world in the most natural, heart-warming way.

    The special bond he has with his kids is so lovely to see — full of love, trust, and genuine connection. You can tell how proud he is of them and how deeply they adore him in return. It’s one of those quiet, beautiful things that doesn’t need words… You just feel it. ๐Ÿฉท๐Ÿฉต
    Read more

    Trip end
    February 5, 2026