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Australia 2017
  • Hayley Spooner

Australia 2017

Une aventure de 30 jours par Hayley En savoir plus
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  • Début du voyage
    16 septembre 2017
    Hayley SpoonerAustralia 2017Voyageur

    YVR

    16 septembre 2017, Canada ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    Alright party people! My bags are packed and I am ready to go! Fit my life in a 30L pack and I am ready to rock and roll.

    Tim hortons: ✔
    Ride on the magic carpet to the gate: double ✔
    Sitting at the gate like a millennial on my cellphone: ✔
    Obligatory awkward selfie: ✔ Is that anxiety or excitement... both?

    If you're reading this... I would say thank you and get a life... there are more important things than knowing what I am up to! Haha just kidding. Thank you and I will do my best to keep you all updated!    En savoir plus

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  • Hayley SpoonerAustralia 2017Voyageur

    Hong Kong Airport

    17 septembre 2017, Hong Kong ⋅ 🌙 32 °C

    Well there is 12.5 hours of my life I am never getting back. All in all it is not a bad flight. I mean I got mac'n'cheese and ice cream for lunch, anyone who knows me knows that's pretty much a go to meal. I finally got out of my bubble and watched some good new movies, meaning they came out in the last year.

    While waiting in line to get on the plane I met these two sweet old ladies, and we got to chatting. Another small world moment. They were a Scottish and English turned South African turned Australian who were traveling through the Rockies. Turns out one of them lived in Boksburg. It really is quite amazing to meet fellow South Africans all over:)

    Arriving here to attempt to find food... awesome. Regret the decision of Popeyes at what is 5am. Oh well. It's all that looked inviting to me. Those of you who know me, know this. Sorry Danika... I didn't even think about trying anything! Now for a 5 hour layover, because what a surprise we actually landed an hour early. Never had that before. Really looking forward to sleeping on the plane. Hopefully I sit next to someone who has a better concept of personal space and respect for others. *fingers crossed* or *hold thumbs* as some of you would say!    En savoir plus

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  • Hayley SpoonerAustralia 2017Voyageur

    Melbourne

    18 septembre 2017, Australie ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    I have finally landed, looking a little ragged, but alive and awake. Small successes. Waiting at Southern Cross Station on platform 9/10. Feeling a little movie referency here.

    What can I say so far. Looks like a mix of Canada and South Africa, they just sound a little funnier!! Even have a little of the same kind of architecture happening, and definitely a few more "exciting" pieces.

    I am loving all the looks I get right now. I am sitting here in 3/4 tights and a t-shirt... although I am wearing shoes., which is not common. The people beside me all look prepared to go to Winnipeg. Okay. Slight exaggeration. But like it's 5C not 20C.

    Boy am I glad I didn't have check on baggage. I was halfway gone by the time I was supposed to land. So let's call that another small success! Got one more hour on a train before catching up with one of my fave Aussies. It's been 5 years, and I can't wait... honestly I am not sure if I am more excited to see her or to sleep. This is a toughie!!    En savoir plus

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  • Hayley SpoonerAustralia 2017Voyageur

    Melbourne - Dandenong, & the 1000 steps

    19 septembre 2017, Australie ⋅ ⛅ 9 °C

    First day being a full human being, got myself a nice 12 hours of sleep.

    Breakfast was an adventure in working on my "what to eat list" courtesy of Dale.
    Milo ✔
    Vegemite toast ✔
    Tim tams ✔

    Then we decided to work off the calories we ate by climbing up the 1000 steps, and off to the look out at Mount Dandenong.

    The afternoon was then spent with a walk around Lilydale Lake. Reminds me a bit of Rice Lake but not surrounded by a forest. We then acted like the adults we are and played on the playground... sorry, I acted like I was an adult, Beck just watched me. And it turns out it's swooping season which means that the magpies are laying eggs and apparently they attack you when you get close. So that was a fun experience getting swooped by a bird... literally a cm above my head. But apparently this is lucky as they are known to draw blood. So your questions are answered.... yes everything in Australia is trying to kill you!

    Being attacked by my first Aussie animal ✔

    After our near death adventure we went out for dinner at Hunter and Barrel, kind of a less expensive Keg I want to say. Either way. I got me a nice steak, so good way to end a day.

    👣's: 16783 - 10.72 km    En savoir plus

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  • Hayley SpoonerAustralia 2017Voyageur

    Steavenson Falls

    20 septembre 2017, Australie ⋅ ☀️ 9 °C

    I think I can get used to 12 hour sleeps! Woke up to try another morning of vegemite and Milo! I may need to alter my day to day Canadian life!

    Beck and I then hopped in the car and ventured down the gorgeous drive to Steavenson falls!! These falls drop about 84m and these photos do not do it justice. Definitely in my happy place. Such a gorgeous and scenic drive, reminds me a little of the Sunshine coast. We then walked to the bottom of the falls, and then "hiked" to the top. Imagine a very easy Quarry rock! With a view just as spectacular.

    On the way back through Marysville we decided to stop for a bit. After a summer like we have had in BC this town hit home. In 2009 it burned down due to wild fires, and there were many fatalities(look up black saturday), and they are slowely bringing the town back to life. A very inspirational and sad story.

    So we thought we would support the local economy and since I have been told "there is no meat pie like an Aussie meat pie", we stopped at the local bakery and had an Aussie meat pie. And I was not disappointed. Yet another diet change? Hahaha

    Aussie meat pie ✔

    On the way from the bakery, we decided dessert was a must. So we stopped off at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie. Yes that photo is all chocolate. Sorry Charlie's Chocolate Factory... But this place puts you to shame!! I said it 🙊

    To end the day with a nice afternoon nap is a must!

    👣's: 9781 - 6.73 km    En savoir plus

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  • Hayley SpoonerAustralia 2017Voyageur

    Gunnamatta & Peninsula Hot Springs

    21 septembre 2017, Australie ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    Couldn't have asked for a better day than today. We started to day off with a morning trail ride to the beach. What a gorgeous ride!! We went through forest trails and off to the beach. Never have I had a more beautiful ride. Nothing beats coming up the hill to see the blue blue ocean!

    My beautiful white steed was called Fleur and what a beautiful beast she was... wouldn't mind putting her in my suitcase!! I was followed by Beck on Diesel, yet another gorgeous guy. All the horses were very calm and easy tempered. Although the guy in front of me was having a hard time getting it right. Between his horse not wanting to move, stopping every second to snack and his horse racing off. He didn't have to much in between and much control. We feel it was more him than the horse, and boy did he give his girlfriend heck for riding off to fast in front. It was actually quite comical!

    After our ride we headed off the the winery where we had an amazing lunch! Even the veggie dish was delish! Yes I ate veggies that I can't name or find at the grocery store. We sat for a while and enjoyed the view and relaxed our sore legs.

    After we were full and had let our food settle, we headed off to the hot springs. Think Harrison, but like 8 times the pools and just such a gorgeous place. No photos to show, but not even photos can do it justice. It was like botanical gardens meets water falls meets hot tubs. The perfect way to relax and definitely the best thing for our bums after a 2.5 hour horse ride. Still going to be sore tomorrow, but SO worth it.

    👣's: 15639 - 12.21 km    En savoir plus

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  • Hayley SpoonerAustralia 2017Voyageur

    Great Ocean Road

    22 septembre 2017, Australie ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C

    Cousin day! The original Hailstorm!!!

    Met up with my cousin Storm and her partner Xavier and started our journey down the Great Ocean Road. With a stop off to get the essentials for the drive, the adventures did commence.

    Cheezels ✔
    Milo Bars✔

    The drive was long but there were many stop offs along the way. First stop was to view the Canola fields in Werribee. After a quick stop off for a photo op, we continued on our way. Next stop was a cute little town called Anglesea, this is where Storm and I proved how grown up we are and we played on the swings... (sensing a theme here?)

    Next stop... a town called Lorne. Here they have an award winning ice cream shop called Dooley's along with the title of cleanest street in 1997.

    Vegemite ice cream✔

    Consensus..... peculiar. Not unpleasant but also not enjoyable. Basically a failure to achieve the salty and sweet situation.

    The long and winding road did not disappoint with many unfolding views if gorgeous bays and blue skies, and plenty of little beaches to stop off on the way. My favorite by far was Sheoak Falls. A short walk through a somewhat forested area led us to this gorgeous little clearing.

    The remainder of the drive was though the Great Otway National Park. If you ever have a chance to do it. DO IT! You will not be disappointed.

    We made our way to our accommodation which we managed to score through my cousin and her amazing photography connections and talent. We dropped off our bags and food and got ready for our next adventure...    En savoir plus

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  • Hayley SpoonerAustralia 2017Voyageur
    1

    Twelve Apostles

    22 septembre 2017, Australie ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    After we got to the accommodation and dropped off our things we headed off for the evening adventures... hunting down the sunset at the Twelve apostles.

    Here we encountered our second set of stairs for the day... a huge set of stairs (Gibson's stairs) down the cliff to the beach. But worth it... yes!

    After we had achieved our desired photos we went back for nourishment. Storm made a delicious vegetarian pasta... yes... vegetarian.

    After dinner a couple Storm and Xave's friends, Andy and Jackie, joined us. Such a nice pair of people. Andy is a very energetic photographer and storyteller. He travels a lot to Canada for work so it was nice to be able to chat with someone about a shared interest.

    Cascade draught - Tassie beer✔

    👣's: 4710 - 3.2 km    En savoir plus

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  • Hayley SpoonerAustralia 2017Voyageur

    Wattle Hill Sunrise & Wreck Beach

    23 septembre 2017, Australie ⋅ 🌙 15 °C

    Good morning, and hello 5:30am. Yes that's right. We, Storm, Xave and I, got up before daylight in order to see the sunrise. Wasn't the most epic one I have ever seen but still a great way to start a morning.

    After our sunrise viewing we headed back the the cottage for breakfast. Vegemite and toast.... yes please!

    We then headed down to Wreck beach, again just the three of us. And yes you heard me, Wreck beach. But that is a Shipwreck beach! Here we found yet another set of stairs! Thank you to all my North Van hikes for preparing me! We walk quite a ways down the beach to find the wreckage but it is quite a site to see, just anchors and some bits and pieces of steel gears. Definitely gives you a different perspective actually seeing the remnants.    En savoir plus

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  • Hayley SpoonerAustralia 2017Voyageur

    Loch Ard, London Bridge & Bay of Islands

    23 septembre 2017, Australie ⋅ 🌧 15 °C

    We couldn't have asked for better timing after leaving the Tree Tops. It started to rain pretty hard. Yes I know this would suck for most people, but I do love the rain.

    We stopped at Loch Ard Gorge, which is this absolutely breath taking site. It was pouring and windy and cold. So there were no photos. We sped back the warmth of the car and continued our way West. Amazingly the rain slowed and eventually stopped as we made our way towards London Bridge. Now the song that popped into your head... yes this bridge did fall down. It used to connect to the mainland, but it fell. Luckily no one was hurt, just a couple people stranded, who were rescued within hours. Next was the Bay of Islands, which true to its name is a bay of islands. Amazing views, and possibly a gorgeous sunset. We however were to cold to stay... back to the cottage for dinner, a well deserved soak in the tub and an very early bedtime.

    👣's: 19189 - 13.3 km    En savoir plus

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  • Hayley SpoonerAustralia 2017Voyageur

    Hopetoun & Otway Fly Tree Top

    23 septembre 2017, Australie ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C

    Finally the other two had woken and we enbarked on our day. We stopped off at a really cute little coffee shop in Lavers for coffee.

    Then we headed off to Hopetoun Falls. Would you know it we found more stairs!! But we found so much more! The falls were gorgeous and we may have gone past the fence to get some amazing photos. So worth it though.

    It was after here we left our fellow adventurers and went off to the Otway Fly Tree Top adventure. Basically a bunch of bridges between trees, such a cool experience. There is a cantilevered portion that claims to hold 14 elephants. Now there is something I would pay to see!    En savoir plus

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  • Hayley SpoonerAustralia 2017Voyageur

    GOR Wildlife Park

    24 septembre 2017, Australie ⋅ 🌧 13 °C

    Last morning down the Great Ocean Road. After packing up we headed off to the wildlife park.

    After purchasing what has to be the world's best hot chocolate and donning a pair of gum boots we headed off to pet all the crazy creatures. Storm and Xave started off by feeding the emus and petting the alpacas (I think) super cute, but not super into playing with them. We went on to pet the little grey kangaroos. These little guys have to be the cutest things I have ever seen. So friendly and lovable, these I want to bring home too. We then moved onto the Dingos, these are the cutest most misunderstood things ever. So loving and basically like dogs. They just want snuggles and love too! These need to come home too!!!

    We walked around a bit and checked out the sheep and the kangaroos, who were just having a casual lounge by the lake. While walking through a crazy rain spell hit.. with freezing cold winds. So we hurried back to the cafe. After warming up by the fire, we to had lunch there. Another hot chocolate and some mushroom pizza. Some of the best pizza I have had in a while....

    Back in the car for the remainder of the long drive back.    En savoir plus

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  • Hayley SpoonerAustralia 2017Voyageur

    Storm Pt, Haley Reef and the drive back

    24 septembre 2017, Australie ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    I'm a big believer in destiny and fate...
    From the timing of this trip to see my cousin. To the amazing accommodation she was able to score. While sitting looking at the map to plan things, we discovered there is a place in Apollo Bay where Storm Pt and Haley Reef exist. I mean what are the chances. Hailstorm strikes again. So naturally we had to stop by to see on the way home. Sadly not as exciting as we thought but still gorgeous.

    The drive was interesting between crazy rain and sunshine. When we were close to the coast it was sunny but as soon as we got inland it was pouring. One of the photos shows the line between the two weather conditions.

    Eventually we got back to Melbourne after a quick stop off at Xave's parents for tea and McDonald's for some much needed "chips"

    👣's: 5000 - 3.5 km    En savoir plus

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  • Hayley SpoonerAustralia 2017Voyageur

    Melbourne Adventures

    25 septembre 2017, Australie ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    After a nice sleep in due to a persistent headache, we got up and headed to brunch. Storm, Xave, Jackie, Erin (Storm's roommate) and I headed to the Cheeky Monkey. It's a cute little half cafe half florist. We sat on the outdoor patio which was covered and heated and surrounded by a growing wall. The food was amazing and the atmosphere was great, especially once the rain started and it was trickling down the growing wall.

    Next we headed off into the city. Melbourne us an amazing mix of old and new, it actually reminds me a little bit of Vancouver and a bit of Seattle. Our first stop was ACMI which is the Australian Centre of moving images. Basically a museum of the history of Australian film. Kind of a neat experience to see all the different actors and movies that are Australian.

    After our education, we made our way to Hosier Lane, which is a lane dedicated to graffiti. It's legal to do it in these lanes, and it is quite amazing. Hard to describe it or even express it through photos. It's more of a must see kind of thing. There are also little bucket of chalk so that us less talented can do our own drawings on the walls.

    Basically the rest of the day was a architectural walking tour. We went through the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology that puts our BCIT to shame. Not that it's that hard. But it's such a nice building. We went to the State Library which was aparently modeled after the Library of Congress is D.C. It is the stereotype library that you see in movies with the study desks and the green lights. The main study are is a large circle with a dome that provides so much natural light. Our last little adventure was to Melbourne Central. The last photo here, it used to be just the tower that was unused. So when they refurbished the area they made it the focal point of the design. It's a really cool building.

    After a long afternoon of walking in the cold we grabbed a bubble tea and hopped on the tram to head home.

    Tram ride ✔
    Iced vovos ✔
    Caramelo koalas✔

    👣's: 15210 - 12.0 km    En savoir plus

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  • Hayley SpoonerAustralia 2017Voyageur

    Melbourne Adventures Part 2

    26 septembre 2017, Australie ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C

    Last day in Melbourne so Storm and I headed off for brunch at the cafe Erin works at. F.O.G. (Fresh Organic Good) The name is pretty clear on what they are. A lot of organic and vegan food, or as Storm called it an adventurous meal for Hayley. We each had a smoothie, and shared a bowl, of egg avocado and tofu and a few other things I have never heard of. The smoothie was amazing. First hot date I have had in a while (it was called a Hot Date Smoothie) and oh my goodness was it amazing!

    Next we ventures off around the city, starting with a walk through the gardens and the conservatory. Then we went past St Patrick's Cathedral, and we went inside. All of you archies will understand walking through cathedrals, the absolute beauty and workmanship!

    We then ventured around the city going towards Federation Square and the Princes walk down by the Yarra River. Essentially it was a look at all the cool buildings day, which really is not a bad way to spend a day.

    The afternoon was spent relaxing and packing getting ready for my bus ride to Sydney.

    BBQ Shapes ✔

    👣's: 11565 - 8.66 km    En savoir plus

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  • Hayley SpoonerAustralia 2017Voyageur

    Sydney Adventures

    27 septembre 2017, Australie ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    Started the day off yesterday... haha. Said good by to Storm and Xave and get on the bus to Sydney. 12 hours. First 8 to Canberra and then another 4 the rest of the way. I booked my ticket, but would you have it that it didn't go through. They let me on anyway because I have the pass. I guess the pitiful Canadian pout did the trick. I ended up sitting next to a lady and her baby, which is always what you want when you want to sleep. She took over my chair and hers and I felt terrible cause every time I moved I bumped the baby. Poor babe so not his fault. The second bus ride was was nicer, had two seats to myself and just passed right out. :)

    I got to Sydney and decided I wanted to walk... good thought, wrong direction. Most of you know that about me. Terrible sense of direction even with the GPS. So when I noticed the time was getting longer I reevaluated and made my way in the other direction. Found my hostel, still to early, but they let me change and into my room.

    I then headed out towards the Oprah House. In the process I got the chance to walk through the Royal Botanical Gardens, and past some beautiful buildings, old and new. I arrived at the Oprah House and did the obligatory few laps around. It is gorgeous, not my style or taste, but still incredible. I then hopped on the ferry to Manly Beach. Best decision ever! Words can't describe this beach. Well I'm sure they can but I cannot. The sand is so soft and fine, and the waves are just blue and phenomenal. I sat there for a long time, not entirely sure how long. But I left when some children started throwing sand at each other. I then meandered through all the souvenir shops and surf shops. I am very proud that I did not buy anything.

    I headed back to the Oprah House to meet up with a friend I had met on contiki Ross. He was running a bit late so I went for a walk and found a cute little building called the Government House... When I say cute I mean looks more like a castle. Ross and I then had a lovely dinner and catch up. After living as a vegetarian for a while, I got myself a nice big steak.... yummy!

    Headed back to the hostel for an early night... And as luck would have it my uber wouldn't work. Ross and I finally got it sorted and I still got a free ride, but just so silly and frustrating!

    👣's: 21639 - 16.05 km    En savoir plus

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  • Hayley SpoonerAustralia 2017Voyageur

    Bondi to Bronti

    28 septembre 2017, Australie ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    After a fairly decent sleep, I got up early and had the best shower. Most travelers know what I mean. I headed out to Bondi Beach, And decided to do the Bondi to Bronti walking. It's about 8kms round trip. So it was a nice walk. I got to watch a lot of surfers doing their thing.

    About halfway there it started to rain, so I went down to the beach where I found a little rock cave. I sat under there for quite a while, out of the wind and the rain. It was so nice to just chill on a beach, so peaceful.

    Really nothing more to report here... went back to the hostel where the manager was working the front desk and was very happy to have company for a bit while I wanted for my train. I then hopped on the train and made my way to meet my friend Calen' s sister who was giving me a ride up to Calen and Mark's place. Pretty stoked on not having to bus:)

    👣's: 15748 - 11.07 km    En savoir plus

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  • Hayley SpoonerAustralia 2017Voyageur

    Kempsey Adventures

    29 septembre 2017, Australie ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    I arrived in Kempsey at 10:30pm thanks to Calen's sister Hailey and her fiance Adrian. They turned a 10 hour trip into 4. Sorry mom and dad I got into a car with strangers! It's okay though, it was a Zimbabwean! So cool to meet someone who has lead the life that he has. His family is from Port Elizabeth in South Africa! I love meeting my fellow Africans where ever I go. We had a lot of interesting talks about how lovely S.A. can be... meaning we traded horror stories.

    Anyway after chatting with Calen and Mark for a while we crashed at about 1am. And I slept in till about 11... oops. Calen was so mad she took me to jail. Just joking. She took me to the old prison called Trial Bay Jail. It was a prison built by prisoners back in the day. It was shut down in the early 1900's because they treated prisoners too well and it cost a lot to keep it running. It was then used as an internment camp for the German POW's, who actually lead a pretty good life for what it was. They had tennis courts to keep their spirits up and art classes. I mean obviously it's a terrible situation but these guys were some of the lucky ones!

    We then went off to Horseshoe bay for lunch, yes I had chips with chicken salt for all you worried Aussies! And it was so yummy.

    We then went to Little Bay where we saw wild Kangaroos and ducks... And some roosters. But obviously kangaroos were all I was interested in.

    Next we went off to Smokie Cape Light house. Which was gorgeous! Apparently it was named Smokie Cape because as Captain Cook approached he could see all the smoke from the fires of the Aboriginal people.

    Then Calen took me off to buy her some shoes... really not that exciting, but it was. We then drove off to drop Mark off at his friends for the night before the wedding. And just as a fun note... We drove through a town called Dongdingalong.

    👣's: 6914 - 5.05 km    En savoir plus

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  • Hayley SpoonerAustralia 2017Voyageur

    Kempsey Adventures Part 2

    30 septembre 2017, Australie ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    Today was a very chill day. Calen and Mark had a wedding to go to. So Calen and I spent the morning going off to Crescent Head, just another gorgeous beach with an amazing bakery. So my morning was started with a yummy meat pie. Then we just roamed the beach and took silly photos. Nice relaxing morning.

    There is a photo below that shows you crab balls. Apparently all the crabs roll the sand into balls when they dig. It's actually really cool, and fun to walk on.

    The afternoon was spent just relaxing doing laundry and organising our next few days.

    👣's: 6282 - 4.82 km    En savoir plus

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  • Hayley SpoonerAustralia 2017Voyageur

    Kempsey Adventures Part 3

    1 octobre 2017, Australie ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    How else does an Aussie start the morning but going to the pub for a beer and a Sunday roast. Fair enough though after a night at a wedding. We headed to Bellbrook pub which was a fair drive but the food was pretty good, and it was quite a nice drive.

    We then went on adventure through Collombatti Forest. Well some call it an adventure, others would say it's three guys in their "utes" not knowing exactly where they are going... But making the most of it? We then saw a couple of goannas which are gross lizard like thingys. Yuk.

    We then ventured on to Hat Head National Park and had ice cream... for Calen I think this was the highlight of her day. Then an adventure down to the beach where we built sand castles and sand men. It was actually a lot of fun.

    Then home for a BBQ and watching the grand final with Marks brother Todd. Which essentially turned into racing videos and comedy skits on YouTube.

    Kanga bangs ✔
    Tooheys beer ✔

    👣's: 3600 - 2.76 km    En savoir plus

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  • Hayley SpoonerAustralia 2017Voyageur

    Rainy day at Coffs Harbour

    2 octobre 2017, Australie ⋅ 🌧 16 °C

    An early start to the day. Calen, Mark and I piled into the car for a day at Coffs Harbour. The weather was not ideal, but a nice adventure day in the rain... why not? Besides I got to hitch a ride part of the way to Byron Bay.

    Was quite the busy day! Started off a Nambucca heads to see the break wall. This is essentially a big wait that shelters the beach from the big waves. This particular wall is built up of rocks that have been painted. It is actually quite beautiful.

    Next... Bruxner National Park lookout. Sealy lookout and a rainforest walk. Because how much do I miss looking off of foggy mountaintops in the rain and taking rain forest walks. Hahaha.

    Then we drove past the Big Banana... This is one of those things you need to do apparently. Not as big as I had envisioned but still large and yellow. And then onto the beach hunt. We started at Sapphire Beach where you had a semi view of the Solitary Islands... apparently quite gorgeous when you can see them. After that onto Emerald Beach. Much the same as all other beaches.. as in gorgeous... although I got chased down by a wave and ended up jumping in a huge puddle... So I got soaked anyway, but what can you do.

    Lunch next. Major sustenance was required... We went to Hogs Breath, which is a steakhouse. Needless to say, none of us were particularly happy with our experience.

    We walked off our slightly disappointing much by heading to the Jetty and off to Boambee Bay. Boambee is a cute little beach with a train bridge. We sat at one of the undercover picnic tables. Cause yes it was still raining. Lastly we went off to the Sawtell Headlands where we got to see a seabath which is really cool. This is similar to the one at Bondi and Bronte but way less crowded on the rainy day.

    Calen and Mark then dropped me off at the hostel and stopped off for a hot chocolate. Then they left me to my own devices. Feeling super wiped, it's not even 8pm and I am considering turning in for the night.

    👣's: 11634 - 8.96 km    En savoir plus

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  • Hayley SpoonerAustralia 2017Voyageur

    Rainy in Byron

    3 octobre 2017, Australie ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    Started the morning pretty early in order to make the 7:45am bus to Byron Bay. It was a long rainy ride, not to much to see... So I just took a nice long nap. The bus was luckily very empty so I got my own seat. No annoying neighbours.

    I arrived in Byron and it was pouring. I stowed my luggage at the hostel and went to get some food. I found a cute little cafe in a church, they were so sweet and made the best smoothies.

    I headed to the hostel to check in and change... And then came back to change again. As it was raining I was thinking warm clothes, but since it was pretty warm... I figured that it was better to wear less clothes so less gets wet... that's decent logic right? I went down to main beach and walked the entire length of it and then up to the "most Eastern point of the mainland" and then to the lighthouse. You will never guess what I encountered on this walk... you're right, more stairs.

    I walked back stopping at all the small beaches on the way, and the sun decided to come out. Oh my goodness was it gorgeous. I got to do my first lie down on the beach and tan. Don't think it did much, but it felt nice :) Then I got really creative with dinner and got Subway, and headed back to the hostel to chill. I have been very lucky twice in a row with only one roommate. *knock on wood*

    I am so wiped today... And now in looking at my step count, I can see why. Scored my highest one so far on this trip.

    👣's: 22885 - 17.74 km    En savoir plus

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  • Hayley SpoonerAustralia 2017Voyageur

    Byron to Brisbane and all that's between

    4 octobre 2017, Australie ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    Started the day by picking up my rental car in Byron. Luck would have that today was a gorgeous day... of course I missed that in Byron.

    Anyway I threw on some road trip music and headed up the coast with a mission of stopping at all the beaches. I got through a few before I needed to get out of the sun. Started at Burleigh beach, then Miami where I hung out for a while catching a few rays, then Mermaid and then up to Broadbeach. By this time I was feeling the sun so I went to the mall to grab some things from K-mart. I can see the appeal of this place. Super jealous we don't have one.

    After changing my mind about going to any of the world's(sea, dream, etc) I went on a cool little road trip up to Twin Falls. Very glad I made this decision. It was only a 4 km hike... that was supposed to take 2-3hrs. I did it in just over one? Must have been thanks to Dale's message about all the creatures that are here to kill me... may have walked a little faster. Saw a little wallaby.. I think, or a teeny kangaroo. Either way scared the crap out of me!

    After that it was just a drive to Brisbane... took another hour or so... a little extra with traffic and having to go around the block a bunch of times. But I made it... safe and sound and with an extra hour to my day because apparently Queensland doesn't have day light savings.

    Successful day of driving on the wrong side of the road✔
    Day learning how bad I apply sunscreen... ✔ (just a few silly spots hehe)

    👣's: 13710 - 9.69 km    En savoir plus

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  • Hayley SpoonerAustralia 2017Voyageur

    Moreton Island

    5 octobre 2017, Australie ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    Not a very eventful day, but a lovely day in a gorgeous place. Spent the day at Moreton Island. I had so many ideas of what I wanted to so, but I got lazy and spent the day lazing on the beach and swimming. I got a decent amount of walking done, but was not feeling up to the hike to get to the other side of the island. So just hung out by the shipwrecks. I swam out to them but didn't have snorkeling gear, but I took the Go pro with me. So let's see what turns out. May just be alot of my limbs as I swim. Haha.

    Feeling well sunned, the tenderness of a slight burn, but did do the application of SPF60 3 times. It's the kind of lotion that leaves a goop of white.

    👣's: 15047 - 11.07 km    En savoir plus

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  • Hayley SpoonerAustralia 2017Voyageur

    Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

    6 octobre 2017, Australie ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    Not the most thrilling of days... travel day.

    Started the morning with packing and orginizing. Booked some tours and a flight. And ensure the last few days of my trip are all organised. Stress gone. Started having minor breakouts last night thinking of trying to get the last few things done. But the lady at flight centre was a gem. So I'm good!

    Then went off Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. No I did not hold one. Why? Cause it's not my thing. I just enjoyed all the other animals. Saw crocs, koalas, kangas, dingos, wombats, Tasmanian devils... And plenty of snakes. Got the whole Aussie list done. And I saw a platypus! So I am over the moon.

    Dropped off the car and made my way to the bus. Which is where I am. Enjoying the a.c. on this 34 degree day... mmm.... walked 1.5 km in the heat with my backpack. Loved it. But not complaining... just sweating. Hehehe

    But all in all Brisbane was a success... And driving here is lovely. Everyone is so nice and it's easy to navigate ... sorta. And I stayed on the correct side of the road... yay! Go me.

    👣's: 9542 - 7.15 km    En savoir plus

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