NEWCASTLE, AUSTRALIA

Scott's friends Karl + Jemma showed us a lovely time in Newcastle -- complete with BBQs, a trip to the Ocean Baths and playtime with their delightful little babe, Charlotte. 

EAST COAST OF AUSTRALIA ROAD TRIP

After flying cross country from Perth, we landed in Brisbane! We stayed a few days in the Gold Coast and then took a road trip down to Newcastle, stopping along the way in Burleigh Heads, Nimbin and Byron Bay.

A surf at Burleigh Heads. Note Surfers Paradise (all those tall buildings) in the background. 

The beach at Burleigh Heads.

We of course made sure to hit all of the important cultural landmarks... including this giant shrimp and a big banana.

White girls can't jump. 

We also had a pit stop in Nimbin, an ultra-hippie little village.

Byron Bay was as stunning as I remembered it. Though the main things I remember from my time there (when I was 22) was an outstanding chai latte I drank and coming THISCLOSE to winning a limbo contest at a bar called Cheeky Monkeys. Which just goes to show you that memory is a strange thing and it's important to take photos. 

If you squint here, you can see a dolphin jumping out of the water. (!!!)

The local flora, which appears to be exotic pinecones. 

Along with pods of dolphins, I also saw lone lurking sharks so Byron Bay was a mix of magical and terrifying. 

FREMANTLE, AUSTRALIA

It's nice to return a place that you were enamored with when you were 20 and realize that it wasn't just youthful foolishness that had you swooning. Fremantle is a hippie port city that I frequented when I studied abroad then later moved to when the travel bug hit hard, post-college. I'm happy to report that with it's Victorian architecture, eclectic markets and eccentric residents... it's still as delightful as ever. 

I visited my old place of an employment: Little Creatures Brewery. Still has the best pale ales and frites (friench fries) + aoli in the world. 

We spent a couple of afternoons poking our heads into artists studios and eating our way through the Freo markets. Fremantle seemed slightly smaller than I remembered (I've covered far more ground now then I had back then) but even more charming.

If you ever find yourself in Perth (fun fact: it's the most isolated city in the world!) make sure you take the train down to the wonderful little gem that is Fremantle.  

PERTH, AUSTRALIA

After Bali, we flew to Australia!

We landed in Perth and stayed with Scott's sister in her stunning new house. We washed the Bali off us and spent 10 days enjoying the noticeably fresher air, authentic Aussie BBQ's and bike riding all around the spotless city streets.