Category Archives: NSW – Australia

A Rainy Adventure at the Marine Discovery Centre, Central Coast

Posted on December 21, 2024 | Leave a comment

One rainy day during our Central Coast getaway, we decided to escape the weather and visit the Marine Discovery Centre. At $12 per person, the entry fee was fair for the kids, though as adults, it felt a little pricey since we spent most of our time supervising.

The Marine Discovery Centre is part of a Senior Technical College and serves as a working marine research facility, which gave the place a unique vibe. It’s not just a tourist attraction—it’s a centre of marine education and conservation. The staff there were fantastic, engaging with the kids and really taking the time to explain the marine exhibits in ways that sparked their curiosity.

A big hit for the kids was the discovery room. It was filled with all kinds of hands-on activities, from displays of seashells and shark jaws to a microscope with marine samples they could examine. The tactile experience of exploring the exhibits kept them entertained for ages, and they loved learning through play.

There were also several large aquariums showcasing an array of fascinating fish, as well as smaller tanks that highlighted the different breeding stages of marine life and coral growth. It was incredible to see these close-up displays of ocean ecosystems, which made the educational side of the visit feel fun and engaging.

To top it off, since it was school holidays, they had a dedicated craft area where kids could sit down, colour, and do arts and crafts. My little ones were thrilled—they spent time drawing marine creatures and making ocean-themed crafts, which added a creative and relaxing break in between exploring the exhibits.

Although the centre itself wasn’t huge, the interactive elements, school holiday activities, and the dedication of the staff made it a great rainy-day adventure for the kids. For us adults, it was a thoughtful reminder of how important marine conservation is, and how hands-on learning can leave a lasting impression on young minds.

Please follow me on Instagram! and Please follow me on TikTok to stay updated on my adventures.

Take care,

M from Nepaliaustralian
XOXO

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The Skillion

Posted on October 6, 2024 | Leave a comment

While exploring the Central Coast, we decided to take on The Skillion at Terrigal, and it did not disappoint! The walk up this iconic headland is a bit of a challenge, but it’s the kind of workout that rewards you at every step, with stunning scenery to keep you motivated.

The path is paved with a well-maintained concrete pathway, making it accessible, and there are seats along the way if you need to catch your breath or simply enjoy the view as you ascend. Once you reach the top, you’re greeted with a panoramic view that’s nothing short of breathtaking. The coastline stretches endlessly in both directions, and you get a perfect vantage point of Terrigal Beach and the surrounding landscape. It’s a photographer’s dream and an absolute must for anyone visiting the Central Coast.

What I love about the walk up to The Skillion is that it’s designed for all types of adventurers. The steeper sections are made easier with handrails and steps, so it’s as safe as it is scenic. Whether you’re an avid hiker or just out for a leisurely stroll, this walk offers something for everyone. On a warm, sunny day with blue skies overhead, there’s no better way to spend your time than to climb up and enjoy the fresh coastal breeze and the uninterrupted ocean views.

The headland itself is a natural wonder. The exposed layers of rock tell a geological story, with the striking rock formations below creating a rugged platform that’s just as interesting as the views from above. There’s a sense of history and timelessness in these ancient cliffs, and it’s easy to spend a few extra moments just taking it all in.

For those looking for a serene yet invigorating experience, The Skillion is the perfect spot. It’s a straightforward walk, suitable for all fitness levels, and the views are more than worth the effort. If you ever find yourself in the Central Coast, don’t miss the chance to visit this gem—you won’t regret it!

Please follow me on Instagram! and Please follow me on TikTok to stay updated on my adventures.

Take care,

M from Nepaliaustralian
XOXO

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Posted in Australia, Holidays, NSW - Australia, Travel

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Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary: A Real Australian Bush Experience

Posted on October 5, 2024 | Leave a comment

If you’re looking for a family-friendly day out near Sydney, Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary is a hidden gem that offers an immersive and authentic wildlife experience. Just a 60-minute drive from the city, this sanctuary gives visitors the chance to interact with Australian wildlife in their natural habitat, offering a refreshing alternative to traditional zoos.

If you love animals but aren’t a fan of zoo environments, this is the perfect place for you. Set on 80 acres of lush Australian bushland, Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary is home to free-roaming kangaroos, emus, and wallabies. The sanctuary provides a haven for many rescued animals, now living out their days in a caring and safe environment. From koalas to Tasmanian devils to flying foxes, the sanctuary features a wide range of native animals that can be seen up close. The free-roaming roos and emus offer incredible opportunities for interaction and photography, making it a fantastic destination for animal lovers of all ages.

We recently visited the sanctuary with the whole family and we all left with wonderful memories. The sanctuary has an organic, non-commercial feel to it, which adds to its charm. Unlike many attractions with concrete paths and overly sanitized environments, this sanctuary embraces the wild Australian bush. You’ll walk along natural dirt tracks, surrounded by the authentic sounds and sights of the wilderness.

Many of the animals, like kangaroos and emus, roam freely around the park, creating a fun and spontaneous experience as you interact with them in their natural setting. Other animals, such as Tasmanian devils, pythons, and flying foxes, are housed in enclosures for safety.

And if you have little ones with you, don’t miss the petting zoo! It’s filled with friendly chickens, ducks, rabbits, and, of course, the charming llama, giving kids a fun, hands-on experience they’ll absolutely love.

For those interested in reptiles, the sanctuary also hosts a fascinating reptile show. Here, you can touch a lizard, snake, or turtle, making it an exciting opportunity to learn about these incredible creatures up close. Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary truly offers something special for animal lovers of all ages!

In addition to the wildlife, the sanctuary also offers walking tracks that lead to ancient Aboriginal sites, adding another layer of cultural and historical richness to the experience. These trails are a great way to connect with nature while learning about Australia’s Indigenous heritage. It’s not just about the animals—it’s about the land and its stories, too.

This sanctuary is not a highly commercialised attraction, so don’t come expecting pristine paved paths or a gourmet café. Instead, embrace the raw beauty of the Australian bush. The café is simple, and the walking trails are natural, but the trade-off is worth it for the authentic wildlife encounters you’ll experience.

We also found some comments about kangaroos lying on dry dirt amusing. This is exactly what kangaroos do in the wild! There’s no perfectly manicured green grass in the bush, and that’s what makes this place so special—it’s real, it’s raw, and it’s a true reflection of Australia’s natural landscape.

Our experience at Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary was unforgettable, and I’d highly recommend it to anyone looking for an authentic wildlife experience. Whether you’re visiting with family, friends, or even solo, it’s a beautiful reminder of what the real Australian bush has to offer.

So, pack some snacks, lace up your walking shoes, and get ready for a day of adventure. The kangaroos, wallabies, and all their furry, feathered, and scaly friends are waiting to meet you!

Please follow me on Instagram! and Please follow me on TikTok to stay updated on my adventures.

Take care,

M from Nepaliaustralian
XOXO

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Sculpture by the sea 2013

Posted on November 13, 2013 | 9 comments

Like every year, hubby and I decided to go for a walk to see sculpture by the sea. However, this year, we decided to go for a sunrise instead of in the afternoon.

The night before, we went to bed early to wake up at 4.00am. AS woke up and tried to wake me up but I couldn’t. Instead, I woke up at 5 am and realise that we are goona miss the sunrise. Anyway, we got ready and reached Bondi beach. I thought it would be easy to get parking so early in the morning but to our dismay, we have to park farther away from the beach as we couldn’t find one nearby.

When we got there we realise that it was so cloudy, the sun had decided to hide behind the clouds so even though we had been there at 5:40am, we would still have missed the sunrise. Nevertheless, we enjoyed the walk. I’m sharing some of the photos from the day.

Sculpture by the Sea is staged along the Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk. The coastal walk begins at the bottom of Notts Avenue, which runs off Campbell Parade, Bondi. The coastal walk can also be accessed by stairs at various points along the exhibition route at Hunter Park, Gaerloch Avenue and Pacific Avenue. The exhibition finishes at Tamarama Park, Marine Drive, Tamarama.

Like every year, they had some amazing ones and some fun ones and some weird ones.  Enjoy the photos.

Sculpture by the sea (1) Sculpture by the sea (3) Sculpture by the sea (4) Sculpture by the sea (5) Sculpture by the sea (6) Sculpture by the sea (7)

P.S: Do not forget to nominate  your favorite blog .

Nominations open for NEPALIAUSTRALIAN’s Blog Award 2013

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Posted in Australia, NSW - Australia

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North Coast holiday : Coffs Harbour

Posted on May 8, 2013 | 4 comments

From Forster, we went to our next stop, Coffs Harbour.

Coffs Harbour is a coastal city located on the north coast of New South Wales about 540 km (340 mi) north of Sydney, and 390 km (240 mi) south of Brisbane. It is a popular sea change destination attracting people to relocate from big cities to smaller towns on the coast.

As we had only one day there, we had our breakfast and went straight to one of the most iconic places in Coffs harbour, the Big Banana, one of the first of Australia’s Big Things (it celebrated its 40th birthday in 2005), with the World’s Largest Banana celebrating the region’s best known export. Coffs Harbour is the hub for a thriving banana industry.

Holiday (3)

The big banana was not as big as I expected but we took some photos in front of it and went to the next stop,  camel riding along the beach.

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Unluckily the ride was at least an hour away so we decided to ditch the plan and went on a hike instead to the beautiful Muttonbird Island.

coffs harbour (7) coffs harbour (8)

Muttonbird Island is a great spot for watching birds up close; it’s one of the only easily-accessible places in NSW where the migratory wedge-tailed shearwater nests. It is also an important Aboriginal place, harbouring stories of the Dreaming and a wealth of traditional resources. The island, which is effectively one big hill, is connected to the land via a breakwall alongside the International Marina.

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As we started our walk I could see that the trail seemed too long but as we ascend, I loved the place. All I could see was the green island and blue water. The sun was shining and the day was perfect to spend on the beach.

coffs harbour (9) coffs harbour (3)

A 500m paved walkway runs across the island to the other side. The path was well maintained so it was an easy hike and we saw many people around the island. Finally when we reached the top of the island, we were greeted by a council worker who was there to explain to us about the island and the birds there.

coffs harbour (11) coffs harbour (12)

Home to thousands of wedge-tailed shearwaters, also known as muttonbirds, the island is a protected Nature Reserve. Shearwaters are named for their ability to cut or shear the water with their wings as they skim across the surface. Early settlers called them muttonbirds for their fatty mutton-like flesh.

The muttonbirds spends the Australian winter in South-East Asia and travels thousands of kilometres each year to return to the same burrow on Muttonbird Island in August. The island’s plant cover hides the thousands of burrows and people are urged to stay on the track so as not to damage any of the burrows.

A pair of birds takes turns incubating a single egg and also sharing in the raising of their chick. They forage for food during the day and return to the burrow just after dusk. The muttonbirds leave the island for their annual migration in late April.

There are interpretive signs at the start of the walkway at the bottom of the island and along the path, explaining the lifecycle and habits of the wedge-tailed shearwaters.

The lady was really nice and it was an educational trip.

From top of the island, we could see an incredible 360-degree view across the ocean, beaches, harbour and marina, the city and the mountains. At the end of the walkway is a viewing platform, providing uninterrupted views of the waves crashing onto the rocks and of the Solitary Island Marina Park, which starts here.

coffs harbour (14) coffs harbour (15)

On the platform, there were interpretive signs about humpback whales. Muttonbird Island is one of the best spots on Coffs Coast for whale watching but unfortunately we didn’t see any that day.

coffs harbour (13) coffs harbour (10)

After an hour or so on the top, we decided to descend. As we were walking back to the car park, in the harbour, we saw a lot of of fishes which can be view from the top of the breakwater as the water is so clear.

coffs harbour (1)

Finally we hopped into the car and went for lunch which was to McDonalds that day. Then we just explored the other parts of the Coffs Harbour until it was time for us to move to our next stop, Port Stephens.

coffs harbour (5) coffs harbour (6)

Take care everyone, till the next post

XOXO

M from nepaliaustralian

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