We saw and did much more in Australia than play with kangaroos and koalas.

In Cairnes, we boarded a train for a scenic tour to Kuranda. The train went through 15 different tunnels and through the Barron Gorge and Barron Falls. It was so nice to take in the crisp clean air. This was the first time the kids had ever been on a train ride. Ryan thought it was pretty cool.
Once we reached Kuranda we went to an aboriginie village to see a show, Carissa decided she was join them on stage to bust a move. She really got into it (This is why her Uncle Peach has nicknamed her "Happy Feet". She hears music and her little toes start a tapping) They also showed us how to throw a boomerang and a spear. Ben was really good with the boomerang, but Carissa was awesome at throwing the spear. She actually hit one of the targets. On the way back to Cairnes we took the skyrail. It was a little scary (for me), but the viewe was beautiful.


From Cairnes we made our way to Brisbane/Gold Coast and went to Sea World. It is similar to the Sea World's in the US, but they did not have Shamu. They only had dolphins. The show was good, but we love Shamu. The main reason we went there was for Ryan. They have a Seasme Street park there with shows and rides. Ryan was excited to see Elmo up close and personal.

Oh CRIKEY! the Australia Zoo "Home of the Crocodile Hunter" was next on our agenda.


Next stop was Timbertown. This is a small heritage village, it was like being on Little House on the Prarie. They had various shows on how life was 100 years ago.
We had a bullock demonstration, the kids were able to take a picture with Albert.
We also had a demonstration on whip cracking. It has the coolest sound when done right. Now this I was good at....I can crack a mean whip. Ben was pretty impressed and scared. The kids took a ride on a steam engine. Ryan got to shout " All Aboard", was he ever the big boy after that. Carissa got into trouble and was put in time out, just kidding she thought it would be a funny picture.


From here it was off to Sydney. There is not much to say except the Opera House and Harbor Bridge are Incredible. We stayed at the Marriott in circular quay and our room faced the harbor so we had a nice view.
We took a trip to the Blue Mountains to see the Three Sister Rock and take a ride on the world's steepest incline railway.
Santa knew where we were and came to visit us....there is nothing like having Christmas in a hotel room.


It was on to our final destination, Melbourne, but first we stopped at the Snowy Mountains/River. This was the highlight of my trip. I don't know how many of you have seen the movie " A Man from Snowny River", but it is one of my favorites.
This is the most beautiful place I have ever seen. The whole time we were there I wished I had my Dad with me. He would just love this place. We had fun hiking in the mountains and playing in the river. We enjoyed it so much, we talked about coming back here just to do some camping.
At last we reach Melbourne, by this time (our 3rd week) we were getting a little tired of being in a hotel. We did go to Phillip Island to see the little penguins. At around 9pm these little guys call it a day and return to their nests. It is so cute to see them waddle up the beach. Unfortunately, we were not allowed to take photos because the flash would disrupt the penguins. Luckily, I was able to catch a couple of little fellows before it got too dark.

I think Ben enjoyed Melbourne the most. Our hotel was right next to a casino so that was the hightlight of his trip. He was a happy little camper!

All in all it was an amazing trip. I reccommend it to everyone!