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Kat Noz
Kat Noz

Kat Noz

Living in: Melbourne, Australia Read more🇦🇺Melbourne
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  • Kat NozSunshine GypsiesKat Noz

    Swimming with whale sharks - pics part 1

    July 22, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    The day has come!

    An early start, getting picked up by a minibus and transferred onto the boat, a long long journey looking for a shark on the ocean’s surface. 4 spotter planes, 12 other boats..but it didn’t seem that we’d be lucky enough. The skipper persisted, rushed through the rough waters in hope to get nearer to a distant sighting. It was windy and choppy. Millie by then was pretty sea sick, I was on the boarder line, not feeling great but doing my best to hold it together. We all had a warm up snorkel on the outer reef earlier on, which was great and we saw some beautiful coral, but also got us wearing a soaked wet suit for good three hours, freezing.

    Sitting on the upper deck behind the skipper gave us a prime spot to all the intel about how we were tracking. We were also lucky enough to see dozens of jumping humpback whales and their calves, floating turtles and sea birds, all close to the vessel. Apparently orcas have been attacking humpback calves in the past weeks near the sightings of whale sharks.. the skipper wanted to make sure we don’t get to see such sights, especially for the kids.

    Then the moment came. We were rushed to get ready. Then jumped, full of adrenaline, hearts racing. I heard the instructions to look under the water.. and, there she was, swimming right towards me, head on. In panic, I shuffled my fins to make way for the queen and this beautiful creature swam past. Andy was right next to me. We will never forget that moment of absolute awe,.

    Millie stayed on board, not feeling up for a swim, poor thing. Ella was so brave and came with us, hanging onto Lydia, our guide. She got to see the sharks tale flapping in front of her.

    We were one of the only two boats that got to see the whale shark that day. We went the furthest. And not just that - we managed to jump in four times in total and swim even more with the 9m long, as if pained, prehistoric creature.

    In my second jump I was the first one in the line and was able to swim right next to the shark, without others in my view, able to fully take in the moment. Words can’t describe what it felt like. I was in a deepest flow.

    The ride back home went fast. I was processing what had just happened. We were all on a big high. What an end of season experience.

    Andy and the girls came along with me so that we all do this together. And, it was the best thing, a memory we will treasure forever.    Read more

  • Kat NozSunshine GypsiesKat Noz
    Millies lucky rod, seems to always catch fishRed Dog! We loved watching the movie.This spunk!View of Woodlide gas plant from Andys old fishing spot.

    Karratha - Point Samson & Dampier

    July 17, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    With heavy heart we left Cleaverville and went to look around Karratha a bit more. Point Samson, Honeymoon cove beach - a busy place on a Sunday but we stayed for a bit & Millie caught a bluebone!

    Then we drove into Karratha and dropped off the van at the council overflow and headed for Dampier to revisit Andy’s fave fishing spot from 2009 and sneak in a cocktail near the boat ramp. A lot has changed since 2009! The town has many new buildings and it’s grown heaps (we loved their modern swimming pool which we visited the next morning). But Woodside gas plant, where Andy used to work, is still in operation, and it is a huge site.

    We also finally got to watch the movie about the iconic Red Dog from the 1970s and learned a bit of history.    Read more

  • Kat NozSunshine GypsiesKat Noz
    Sturt Desert Peas 😍Millies Tobi in real life, beaglearTHIS....!!!Andys littke bluebone that went back into the sea.Sticky octopus tentacles 😂A little too much make up?Friends 👭

    Karratha - Cleaverville

    July 15, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    Our next fave beach camp! We had our own spot just off the beach, perfect warm weather, no wind, no midges. We found some incredible rocks, with unique patterns, shapes and colours.

    On low tide we walked the rock pools and observed some unique coral, fish, octopus and we even found a huge blue ringed octopus (how lucky for us to not step on it, this creature’s sting would end our lives pretty quickly) - PICS NEXT FOOTPRINT.

    Millie enjoyed giving me a ‘beauty’ makeover, we cooked up a curry on the fireplace, the girls played well the entire day and the best bit - we were able to observe our very own Stairwell to the Moon (also NEXT FOOTPRINT).

    We could have stayed on but made a move after 2 nights.    Read more

  • Kat NozSunshine GypsiesKat Noz
    2

    Port Hedland - full moon, hospital &more

    July 13, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    We caught up with Mon, Kaine & family again in Port Hedland, and enjoyed stayed next to them in the overflow car park next to the large glassy oval and playground. Millie got to go fishing and trying her new fishing rod - and for the first time, she caught a sweep (but threw it back in as we already had dinner plans).

    On 14 July, it was a full moon. And what a crazy full moon !? From the get go, all the kids seemed a bit off, tired.. I had a throbbing headache.. nothing seemed to go to plan. Andy and Kaine went fishing and Ella stayed with them to help us break up the girls’ fighting. Then I get a call from Andy that he’s getting me and we’re going to the hospital with Ella - she somehow managed to catch herself on a fishing lure!

    Two hours is a small regional hospital, Ella showed just how brave she was. We got to see Doctor Mary before it got busy (it was pay day 😩) and it took a whole team of us around the bed to talk Ella into breathing in some happy gas to help with pain and comfort. My little rockstar, she soldiered through it all and we even managed to sight the stairwell to the moon off a crowded lookout straight after the hospital visit.

    Mon and Kaine our legend friends cooked us a delicious dinner we shared with some beers, wine and laughs, filled with relief (while secretly getting rid of our stinky grey water 🤫) that we managed to survive the day.

    And that was it for Port Hedland.. off to Karratha tomorrow!    Read more

  • Kat NozSunshine GypsiesKat Noz
    Happy half birthday!

    Karijini NP, part 2

    July 11, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    Day 2 - we kicked off the day with a surprise celebration of Millie’s 9 1/2 birthday, with a creamy strawberry sponge cake and a few small gifts and treats. On full tummies, we then ventured out a little further to the West entry, got on a dirt road and set off to see the Weano Gorge lookout and Handrail pool. So fun! We then tackled the Joffrey Gorge walk and climbed down steep ladders and along narrow rock walls to reach the Joffrey Falls - my favourites! Back at camp, we relaxed at the fire and had a fun evening under the stars, making special memories 💛.Read more

  • Kat NozSunshine GypsiesKat Noz
    Loved this spotFortescue fallsLook how the roots grow!Fern poolOuch3-way lookout

    Karijini NP, part 1

    July 10, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    With a quick stopover at Port Hedland, we headed inland to Karijini to see more hills and gorges.

    We set up camp at the spacious Albert T bush camp near the east entrance to the park. Definitely one of our fave spots, plenty room, fire pits, sunrise and sunset viewing spots - and all free in midst of busy WA school holidays! We had the best weather for the bush walks, cool nights and sunny, low twenties during the day, just blessed.

    Day 1 - early sunrise watching from the top of the hill, so beautiful and peaceful..we then headed out to the park and enjoyed a bush walk along Dales Gorge, stopping at the Fern Pool, Fortescue Falls and Three-way lookout. Millie had a trip and grazed her knees but soldiered on, after a fellow hiker nurse cleaned it up for her. We got back to camp early p.m. and had time to paint and put together two wonderful shell-houses and cook up a delicious stew on the campfire.    Read more

  • Kat NozSunshine GypsiesKat Noz

    Port Smith & Cape Keraudren

    July 6, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    En route to Cape Keraudren we discovered a gorgeous lagoon about 100 km S of Broome - Port Smith. We spent the morning there, watching with fascination the speed of the tide going out and the sand islands of the lagoon getting covered in water. It seemed to be a very popular fishing spot by many!

    We then continued to Cape Keraudren, past 80 Mile beach, whipping out a long drive. We got to the Cape just in time for an incredible sunset. This place instantly became one of our favourite spots!!

    We spent 2 nights there, walking and running on the long beach, fishing off the rocks, cooking a pot roast on the fire, collecting all kinds of unique seashells and fossils to use as unique furniture in the dollhouse to be built at the next stop. We also met a lovely elderly couple who parked near us and they shared some great stories about what travel looked like some 50 years ago and other old time’s stories, while standing around our campfire. Nancy carried her handbag dog Lubella in a knitted pouch so she always remained clean!    Read more

  • Kat NozSunshine GypsiesKat Noz
    One car taking 2 families out of the beach - i was sitting in the open boot with Nel 😉Millie saw a doctor after having a sore ear at night and still caughing. It was the flu!Look who weve found at campsite.

    Room on the Broome

    July 2, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    Peak season in Broome, with the school hols and travellers everywhere. We stayed just out of town in Roebuck roadhouse for 4 nights and drove into town to hang out with Kaine and Mon, and on Sunday, we enjoyed a boys and girl’s days out, followed by a sunset at Cable beach.

    We were also very lucky to be able to catch up with Andy’s Aunty and Uncle in Broome, as they got off their luxury Kimberley cruise from Darwin. Spending the afternoon with them, then having a drink and picnic at the busy Cable beach, watching an amazing sunset together was pretty special!

    On our last day in Broome we all caught up for a quick fish off the jetty and a relaxing dinner at Matso’s. We then headed off into a late drive to cover some of the kms between Broome and Cape Keraudren, arriving to a quiet free camp close to midnight. The girls loved the night drive (and the treats we got at a roadhouse to pick us up!).    Read more

  • Kat NozSunshine GypsiesKat Noz
    Fitzroy river, a long bridge near the Roadhouse perfect for sunset

    Dampier Peninsula - Willare & Gumbanan

    June 30, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    Returning from the Gibb River, all dusty, coughing and tired, we pulled in to Willare Roadhouse in the dark, crossing all fingers that they can have us for a night or two. We were lucky! We parked in front of some workers’ donga and took a good dust break, cleaning, doing laundry and returning some phone calls. The girls watched their series all day and enjoyed being left alone.

    Kaine and Mon were already exploring the Kimberley coast and we decided to join them at Gimbanan bush retreat for 2 nights. Finally - we got to see the sea again! This part of the Dampier peninsula is all owned by aboriginal communities, including the camp we stayed at, and the whole coastal area is unspoilt and beautiful. Andy enjoyed some fishing in a few different spots and he cooked up a world class Bush Chook stew (using Emu Export beer for the extra flavour), which we all enjoyed for dinner.    Read more

  • Kat NozSunshine GypsiesKat Noz
    2

    Bell Gorge - my fave

    June 28, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    We made it to Bell Gorge! Dragged our poor van all the way there just to realise the girls are not up for exploring .. Ella stayed in the van and Millie braved the walk to the amazing waterfalls. She had a dip in the natural ‘infinity pool’ and that was it, poor thing had no more energy to walk the 1km back, eventually she made it with a bit of piggy back help from Andy.

    On the other hand, I indulged in every second I was able to be there and take in the huge gorge, waterfalls and rocky walk around the cliffs. By far, this place was my most favourite from all the gorges we’ve seen on our travels. It was huge!! My heat was breaking, as I needed to get back to the van without a swim.. Bell Gorge, there will be the next time!

    A long drive to Derby followed, arriving to Willare Roadhouse after sunset, hungry, tired and covered in dust.    Read more

  • Kat NozSunshine GypsiesKat Noz
    21Adcock Gorge

    Galvan and Adcock Gorges

    June 27, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    Galvan Gorge was real fun. There was hardly anyone there and it was pretty easy to get to. Millie and I hopped in for a swim, while Ella and Andy climbed around the rocks. I loved my swim, it was so peaceful. Sadly, it was a bit too cool for Millie, who probably had a bit of temperature. I braved to jump off the rocks next to the waterfall and then jumped off a rope swing that was hanging off a large tree just over the water, a bit slippery but I did it. I felt like the biggest kid there.

    Adcock Gorge was a little less spectacular and a lot harder on the car to access. No one was too keen to walk so I went to see it on my own, while the gang hung out looking for special rocks near the car park surrounded by our fave boabs.    Read more

  • Kat NozSunshine GypsiesKat Noz

    The Gibb!

    June 27, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    Some photos from the notorious road! We’ve been told millions of times to drive to the conditions and we’d be fine. Totally true, however.. the driving became a bit nerve wrecking pretty early as we had a deep cut in the car tyre - superglued in Fitzroy Crossing (and lasted us through all the razor sharp rocks of the Gibb!!); the girls both got sick and coughed their lungs out - day in day out in thick red dust was not ideal at all; and daily issues with the van battery not charging - probably too much dust in the connectors. The places we saw along the road were really amazing and remote, some one must earn to access and get to see. A real pity about the sick kids as they were not keen to move and walk to these gorges, let alone jump in the refreshing pools and have some splashing fun.

    During the long drives we listened to all of our downloaded kid podcasts which saved the day, and managed to spot a bit of wild life, including a black snake, wallabies, lizards, frogs, wild horses and countless cows wondering around and crossing the road as they pleased. Overall, the Gibb was definitely worth it and we got to appreciate even deeper the smooth bitumen roads were lucky to travel on in our everyday lives.    Read more

  • Kat NozSunshine GypsiesKat Noz

    Tunnel Creek and Windjana Gorge

    June 25, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    On the way to Windjana Gorge camp we stopped at Tunnel Creek. An incredible tunnel formation between tall rocks forming dark cathedral like caves. We waded through hip high water in pitch black, spotted a few orange croc eyes against the rocks and enjoyed cooling down before the next bit of dusty road.

    At Windjana we quickly set up and the girls made some friends. We had a chat with other travellers at the campfire but went to bed early - Millie wasn’t feeling well.

    In the morning, both girls had a cough and felt buggered. We decided to leave them in the van and went to look at the gorge. It was great to see the large open spaces and some fresh water crocs, but we rushed back to make sure the girls were ok (and they were!).    Read more

  • Kat NozSunshine GypsiesKat Noz

    RAAF Boab Quarry free camp

    June 24, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    At Mary Pool, Andy enjoyed looking for rocks all morning and we left the camp close to midday. We headed to Fitzroy Crossing to fill up on a few supplies, water and petrol. What a town! We were warned many times about safety and we now could tell why from its vibe - not from experience.

    When we finally arrived to the quarry it was before sunset. A beautiful free camp next to a large swim hole with plenty room for everyone. The kids played till the sun went down and later we enjoyed a campfire, marshmallows and chatting. Unfortunately Reggie kept vomiting his food and we all were worried he got bait poisoning.

    In the morning, we sadly parted with Mon and Kaine who decided to take Reg to Broome so he can be seen by a vet. Poor guys, they would now miss the full Gibb river route but they had no other option. After we said our goodbyes
    I indulged in a swim in the quarry, which I had all to my own. Not even a single fish in there!    Read more

  • Kat NozSunshine GypsiesKat Noz

    Mimbi Caves

    June 23, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    From Spring Creek free camp, we headed out and dropped off the van at Mary Pool, 3 hours away, to get to the Mimbi Cave tour. Our aboriginal guide Rodney, told us many stories of how his people managed to live in this area, how the caves served as a bunker when Broome was bombed by the Japanese and walked us through the labyrinth of caves. Mimbi caves are a very special place, unlike anything we’ve ever seen or heard of. Sadly, the tour was lacking quality for the price we payed, the guide was quite unwell and unable to walk around without the help of his teenage grandson.. a magical place with a huge potential that hopefully finds itself in better hands soon.Read more

  • Kat NozSunshine GypsiesKat Noz

    Time with friends, Kununurra

    June 21, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 32 °C

    A bit extra time in Kununurra.. Kaine’s bday, bushwalking, more morning runs around town, Kelly’s knob lookout, tasting at the local rum distillery - The Hootchery and off we go on the Great Northers hwy to tackle the Gibb via Fitzroy Crossing!Read more

  • Kat NozSunshine GypsiesKat Noz
    Local freshy in the Torquise Pool
    111

    El Questro, Emma Gorge

    June 19, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    Emma Gorge! A windy, interesting walk led us to this lovely tall gorge, which had a thermal spring running on one side and cold water in the rest of the pool. Too cold for a swim for me! Andy enjoyed photographing the girls and I chilled on a rock and daydreamed, while listening to the calming sound of trickling water behind me.

    We went to the El Questro Station afterwards to see the girls’ friends Hollie and Abby, before they got onto the Gibb. A huge station, fairly commercial, with a beautiful art gallery, restaurant, campgrounds, horses and a sweet donkey that we tried to feed. And - the deepest river crossing, which was a bit of fun to get in and out!    Read more

  • Kat NozSunshine GypsiesKat Noz
    Bush mechanic fixed the van bumper 🤩

    Hiccups along the way

    June 18, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    See previous post. We had few hiccups with the bumper bar, battery, driving through a lot of burning off, a tipped carriage with kettle (no photos - it was too sad to see). Our friends Kaine & Mon also had a serious issue with their van.. We’re back at Kununurra camp to get onto the repairs.Read more

  • Kat NozSunshine GypsiesKat Noz
    1

    Bungle Bungle (Purnululu NP)

    June 17, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    I’d wanted to see the Bungles ever since I saw them featured in a travel mag. We decided to do it from KunnunRra - in a single day, so we can be back to get onto the Gibb with Mon and Kaine.

    We set up at Spring Creek free camp just off the freeway next to the Purnululu NP entry and had a chilled afternoon exploring the creek bed and enjoying a camp fire. It was then when we spoke to others and realised the 53km drive into the Bungles visitor centre takes about 2 -3 hrs 😩. And that was just the starting point to the many further drives and walks, Lucky we had enough fuel! We made it there by 9-10am, later than we had hoped. We set off to see the beehive domes on the south end - a walk to the Cathedral Gorge. So glad we made it there as it was a truly spectacular 🤩!!

    On our way out I left my mobile in the toilets 😨.. so the rest of the afternoon was eaten by looking for it 😬.. After a long day and total of 6 hours of 4W driving we were relieved to get back into Telstra reception and get a message from a park staff that someone handed my mobile in 😅.

    We packed up and had a late drive to Doon Doon Roadhouse for the night. We wanted to get closer to Kununurra to collect the phone from the Ranger and also get stocked up for the Gibb River Road. Little we knew we’d soon be tested again.. the car battery died the next day and Andy accidentally smashed the van’s back bumper bar. Photos on the NEXT FOOTPRINT. See how much luck we would have at Bridgestone on Monday 🤞.    Read more

  • Kat NozSunshine GypsiesKat Noz
    2

    BBQ cruise, Lake Argyle

    June 13, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    We hired a BBQ boat and packed supplies for a 1/2 day cruise on the mighty Lake Argyle with Mon and Kaine’s family. It’s a massive lake and so gorgeous, sitting amongst the tall gorges, home to 30k freshies and until not long ago, essential for pink diamond mining. We had so much fun making bacon and maple syrup pancakes, having a few drinks and many many laughs! Topped off with an afternoon at Lake Argyle camp’s infinity pool and my adventurous bushwalk to get down to the Lake for a solo swim, a massive strawberry moon on way home .. it was a big, awesome day!Read more

  • Kat NozSunshine GypsiesKat Noz
    Pack up time - it's been a whileBack at ManballooBack at Edith Falls again - not so hot this timeVictoria River Riadhouse buat ramp had plenty rocks to look through.Weve found some cool fossils too.2Fishing off the boat ramp near campground- Gregory NPEveryone had a great sleep!Cuuute roadside wallaby with a joey 💕The mighty Vic riverYessss! We made it!!!

    Darwin to Kununarra

    June 10, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    Darwin - Katherine - Timber Creek - Kununurra: on the move again!

    We wished we could stay in Gregory NP for a bit longer to explore the rocky ranges. Next time! Good fossicking everywhere with all the rivers and ancient stone formations.

    We’re starting to see heaps more boab trees as we approach East Kimberley region - my very fave stumpy trees, so unique, now everywhere!

    With the extra 1.5hr time that we gained in WA we all got a good rest and reprogrammed for earlier nights, yay 😊.    Read more

  • Kat NozSunshine GypsiesKat Noz
    Next few shots from Mindil beach. We enjoyed the markets a lot!
    Enjoyed my very fave som tum at Mindil beach, feeling blessedMillie getting looked at by St Johns after burning her elbow on the bain marie.Mango cocktail happy hour. Literally. The Waterfront was a great place to visit.Museum and Art Gallery of NTWe learned about the rich hustiry of Darwin off the back of an army truck.Nanoomah rodeoNel, Billy and Alby next doorFarewell Abby and Hollie 😞 - mught see you later!The Rec Room gangDaddy is back 😍

    Sunsets and happy days, Darwin

    June 9, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C

    We spent close to 3 weeks in Darwin (21/5 - 9/6), the longest single-stop since we left Mel. Andy went to the arctic Melbourne for a week to check on the gym and our house, and we used this time with the girls to sightsee and visit places round town. I’m glad we did as I got sick after Andy returned 🤪, lucky I shook it off before we left Darwin.

    We’ll remember Darwin for its hot and humid nights and days, Bass in the Grass festival, jumping crocs and beautiful wildlife parks, the Waterfront and wave pool, Mindil Beach and it’s many tasty food stalls, Parap market and Gateway shopping centre, Noonamah rodeo, Barra or Blue fishing charter, navy jet plains thundering above our heads; One Mile brewery & pizzas, caravan park Rec Room and the kids gang, swimming pool (keys in the bowl), making new friends… and so much more 🤩. Loved it.    Read more

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