2025 – Australia

It was a leisure day for us so we had a lazy morning then walked along Torrens river to Adelaide’s fabulous botanic garden. Unexpectedly, we were there during an amazing exhibition of Dale Chihuly glass vessels and sculptures. Many of them were in a pavilion but the largest, most spectacular were set among the gardens…

On a private tour we headed off to the Barossa Valley, a beautiful, famous wine region outside of Adelaide. We made a few stops, first to the “Whispering Wall”, a dam with extraordinary acoustics. Then to Maggie Beer’s Farm Stand (she’s like the Australian Martha Stewart) for “elevenses”. We had a yummy lunch of charcuterie…

Flew to Adelaide in the state of South Australia. Checked into the EOS hotel at the Sky City Casino where they promote “gaming” which sounds ever so much safer than “gambling”! The hotel and our rooms are extremely nice, modern and well thought out (with the exception of our large balcony which is in full…

Spent the day in the Yarra Valley wine region including “brunch” at Domaine Chandon, with a beautiful facility and grounds. We each got a flight of 4 different, delicious sparking wines they make so in all, tasted 16! We did a cheese tasting at the Yarra Valley Dairy, a chocolate tasting at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie…

Our Great Ocean Road adventure road! We were driven through the countryside to the Twelve Apostles, a famous set of rock formations in the ocean between Melbourne and Adelaide. It was a long drive but well worth it. Trip included several short hikes, a favorite being in a very cool primordial rain forest. The drive…

Despite the fact that “Winter is Coming”, it was a very hot day in Melbourne. Having no organized activity scheduled, we spent it entirely outside. Forty-five minutes of it was spent standing in line at Lune Croissanterie. They do AMAZING things with croissant dough and it is totally worth the wait! Strolled the famous, graffiti-filled…

Spent the day exploring the famous Salamanca Market, a collection of many booths selling jewelry, local products and food from all over the world. Flew to Melbourne, arriving late and tired so opted for dinner at the hotel.

Well organized tour to North and South Bruny islands. Bus to ferry to North Bruny Island. Stop at Truganini Lookout and Rookery on the neck between North and South Bruny. 235 steps to top for views or boardwalk to beach. Drive to Adventure Bay on South Island and arrive at Pennucott Wilderness Journeys facility. We…

Full day on an organized tour starting with a drive through a beautiful valley along the Derwent river passing berry and hops farms.

First stop of the day: Mawson’s Huts Replica Museum. It’s a fascinating recreation of the huts used in Antarctica by Douglas Mawson & his