Tag Archives: travel

Autumn Holiday to the Blue Mountains: A Family Adventure

For the autumn school holidays, we decided to take a trip to the Blue Mountains, a picturesque region located about 100 kilometres west of Sydney. This area is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, especially in autumn when the landscape is adorned with vibrant yellow, orange, and brown leaves.
The Blue Mountains have always been a popular destination for us to show to our overseas visitors. However, this time we decided to stay for a few days and explore the area ourselves.


We spent our days exploring the numerous attractions the area has to offer. One of the highlights was visiting the iconic Three Sisters rock formation at Echo Point, which provided us with a spectacular panoramic view of the surrounding valleys and cliffs.

We also enjoyed a ride on the Scenic Railway, the steepest passenger railway in the world, offering a thrilling descent through lush rainforest.


Another unforgettable experience was gliding between cliff tops on the Scenic Skyway. This 720-metre journey offers the best views of Katoomba Falls, the Three Sisters, Mt Solitary, and Jamison Valley. Suspended 270 metres above ancient ravines, the breathtaking views of the rainforest canopy are revealed beneath your feet through the electro-glass cabin floor.



As they stepped onto the glass floor of the Scenic Skyway at Blue Mountain, the kids initially froze, their eyes wide with a mix of awe and trepidation. The transparent surface revealed the dizzying drop below, making their hearts race. Clinging to each other and to the railing, they hesitated, their nervous laughter betraying their fear.

However, as the initial shock wore off, curiosity began to replace their anxiety , they started peeking down at the forest and waterfall far below. Suddenly, the fear turned to exhilaration. They giggled and pointed out the tiny trees and winding trails beneath them, marvelling at the unique perspective. The glass floor, once a source of fear, became a thrilling experience, and they began to move around with increasing confidence, enjoying the breathtaking views from their lofty perch.

We also experienced the Scenic Cableway, a 510-metre journey that gently descends into the Jamison Valley before returning to the top of the escarpment. The fully enclosed cabin offers a unique vantage point for viewing iconic rock formations including the Three Sisters, Orphan Rock, and Mt Solitary. It is the steepest aerial cable car in the Southern Hemisphere. The Cableway disembarks directly onto the Scenic Walkway, allowing visitors to experience the temperate rainforest.


We took advantage of the many walking tracks, such as the Katoomba Falls track, where we were greeted by cascading waterfalls and lush greenery.

The crisp autumn air and the crunch of leaves underfoot made our walks even more enjoyable.


One of the most exciting activities for the children was Gruffalo Spotting on one of the walking tracks.

This interactive experience brought the beloved storybook character to life as we followed a trail and used an app to spot the Gruffalo and other characters from the story hidden throughout the garden. The kids were thrilled to see their favourite characters, and the adventure added an extra layer of fun to our visit.


Overall, our autumn holiday to the Blue Mountains was a memorable experience, filled with natural beauty, adventure, and family fun. It was the perfect getaway to enjoy the seasonal splendour and create lasting memories with the kids.

Have you ever been to the Blue Mountains area? If so, I’d love to hear about your experience! If not, be sure to add this stunning destination to your must-visit list for your next trip to Sydney.

M from Nepaliaustralian

XOXO

Our Bali Adventure: Preparation

We finally took the plunge and headed to Bali, and I regret waiting so long to visit this tropical paradise. Despite Bali being a top destination for Aussies, it hasn’t always had the best reputation here. The Bali bombings and high-profile drug cases had made many Australians, including me, a bit wary about travelling there. But I’m thrilled to report that our trip was absolutely amazing, and I’ve got a heap of stories to share with you!


We explored stunning temples, breathtaking waterfalls, and lush gardens. Our entire family had a blast. But before we dive into our adventures, let me write about how we prepped for our Bali trip as a family of four.

Our Preparation Checklist for Bali with Two Kids (Ages 4 and 9):

  1. Passport Validity: Made sure our passports were valid for at least six months from our arrival date in Indonesia.
  2. Visas:
    • For us Aussies, we got a visa on arrival for AUD $52 each.
    • For AS with a Nepali passport, we sorted out a visa through a travel agent in Sydney, which cost AUD $390.
  3. Travel Insurance: Bought comprehensive travel insurance to cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and any unexpected events.
  4. Vaccinations and Health Precautions: Visited our GP and got all the recommended vaccinations, costing about AUD$500 for the whole family.
  5. Medications and First-Aid Kit: Packed essential meds and a basic first-aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers.
  6. Hotel Reservations: Booked our stay at the Bintang Bali Resort through Bookings.com for around AUD$185 a night.
  7. Packing: Packed summer clothes, swimwear, sunscreen, hats, and mosquito repellent.
  8. Entertainment: Downloaded movies and series for us and offline games and movies for the kids, making sure everyone had headphones.
  9. Travel Adapters and Chargers: Brought the necessary power adapters and chargers for our devices.
  10. Money and Currency: Used our 28-degree travel card for most payments and carried some Aussie dollars to exchange for local currency.
  11. Transportation: Arranged a driver to pick us up from the airport and help with tours during our stay for $60 per day.
  12. Travel Documents Backup: Emailed digital scans of our important travel documents to ourselves for safekeeping.
  13. Google Maps: Downloaded an offline map of Bali on Google Maps for easy navigation.

I hope this checklist helps anyone planning a family trip to Bali. Stay tuned for my upcoming posts where I’ll share all the fantastic places we visited. Until then, take care and happy travels!

M from Nepaliaustralian

XOXO

Read my other pots from Bali .

Vivid Sydney 2024: A Festival to Remember!

Vivid Sydney is back for its 14th year, and they promised that it’s going to be epic!

This annual creative festival truly captures the soul of our city, bringing together the most brilliant and boundary-pushing artists, thinkers, and musicians from around the world. From 24 May to 15 June 2024, Vivid Sydney lights up the city with mesmerising art displays, 3D light projections, exhilarating live music, all set against the iconic backdrop of Sydney.

This year, we decided to mix things up and take a boat cruise to watch the lights—it was an absolute blast!

Our adventure began at Circular Quay, where we boarded a two-storey boat with a fantastic outdoor space. We were handed drinks as we stepped on board, and our 90-minute cruise kicked off. Gliding through the harbour, we enjoyed breathtaking views of Sydney’s skyline illuminated by Vivid lights, including a stunning display on the Opera House.

The boat cruised over to Darling Harbour. While we didn’t catch as many Vivid details from there, the stunning night skyline of Sydney more than made up for it.

After disembarking back at Circular Quay, we took a leisurely stroll around the iconic Opera House, which was buzzing with people enjoying the cool evening and amazing light displays. The kids were over the moon with the happy atmosphere!

We made our way to Customs House, where creativity and innovation were on full display with lasers and 3D video projections—definitely a highlight for the kids. They were so mesmerised that they didn’t want to leave!

To wrap up the night, we grabbed dinner at a nearby food mart and headed home, still buzzing from the incredible light show.

I can’t wait to go back and explore more of Vivid, especially the displays at Darling Harbour and other areas we haven’t seen yet.

My posts from past Vivid 2013 2014 2016 2017.

Have you been to Vivid yet? Does your city host anything similar?

M from Nepaliaustralian

XOXO

Exploring Sydney’s South Coast

Hello everyone,

I’ve had the absolute pleasure of hosting my cousins visiting from the USA and Nepal. It’s been an exciting whirlwind, catching up after more than a decade, especially since we all live in different continents.

Watching my kids connect with my cousins was heartwarming. No matter how much you talk about family, it’s not until they meet in person that they truly realise they have relatives scattered all over the globe. As we get older, especially when living far from home, the value of family, culture, and community becomes even more precious.

One of the highlights of their visit was our road trip down the beautiful Sydney South Coast. Let me take you through our adventure!

Helensburg Temple

We kicked off our journey at the peaceful Helensburg Temple. I’ve written about this place before, and it never disappoints.

We entered this magnificent temple adorned with numerous Hindu idols. As we wandered through its sacred halls, we took time to pray and immerse ourselves in its tranquil atmosphere. The serenity you feel inside, with the soft murmur of prayers and the gentle waft of incense smoke, is truly on another level. The peaceful ambiance, enhanced by the rhythmic chanting and the soft glow of lamps, creates a profound sense of calm and spirituality that lingers long after you leave.

The vegetarian meals at their canteen are an absolute treat, and my cousins were equally impressed. We all left with full bellies and happy hearts, ready for the next leg of our trip.

Stanwell Tops

Our next stop was the stunning Stanwell Tops. This place is a real gem with its beautiful coastal, escarpment, and cliff views. The natural hills rising sharply from the coast to the escarpment, coupled with strong air currents, make Stanwell Tops a prime spot for hang gliding and paragliding. We snapped some fantastic photos and soaked in the panoramic views of the ocean, the escarpment, and the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge.

Grand Pacific Drive

After having some ice cream at Stanwell Tops, we hit the Grand Pacific Drive. This scenic route takes you through coastal rainforests and quaint seaside villages, and traverses along the iconic 665-metre Sea Cliff Bridge. The bridge itself is a marvel, snaking majestically over the Pacific waters. With the sun shining and the sky a brilliant blue, we couldn’t have asked for a better day to cruise along this stunning coastline.

Nan Tien Temple

Our final stop was the tranquil Nan Tien Temple in Berkeley, just 10 minutes south of Wollongong. This Buddhist temple complex is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere and offers a wonderfully calm atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to unwind and reflect after a day of exploration.

The architecture of the temples is stunning, but there are also beautiful gardens and a museum to explore. The museum houses a 1,000-year-old wood carving that is so intricately carved, it’s hard to believe anyone had the patience to create it.

The ornate decorations inside the temple are breathtaking. The gardens are lovely. The gratitude bell by the Buddha on top of the hill is wonderful and offers a stunning view of the pagoda.

A Day to Remember

Overall, we had a fantastic day filled with laughter, great conversations, and some much-needed family bonding.

If you ever find yourself in Sydney, I highly recommend taking a day trip to the South Coast. It’s a brilliant way to experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of the region.

 And if you’ve visited any of these spots, I’d love to hear about your experiences!

Until next time, cheers!

M from Nepaliaustralian

XOXO

Konichiwa Japan

We booked our trip to Japan and Korea last year, more than 6 months in advance. I was really excited because I had always wanted to go to Japan and going to Korea was a bonus.

We did some research about Japan before booking the hotels. We quickly realised that hotels are quite expensive and small in Japan but we were still very excited to go.

We started telling Chhori about our holiday a few months in advance so she was so excited about it too. She would tell people and even her friends in Childcare that she will be going to Japan and Korea in such a cute voice.

Anyway finally the day came and we all packed and headed to the airport.

We flew Qantas and it was one of the best flights we have had. The service and food were both amazing and I am definitely going to fly with them more often.

We first flew from Sydney to Melbourne where we had a 3 hour stopover then 9 hours to Tokyo.

Chhori was amazing in the flight with no dramas. She ate her food and was busy watching Peppa pig on her tablet. She napped for a few hours and was fresh again before we landed.

It was evening when we landed in Tokyo and it was quite nice as we went from cold winter to nice warm summer.

After we collected our luggage, we went and got a sim card and tickets to the bus. The hotel was a bit away from the city so it was cheaper to catch a bus from the airport and then a cab the rest of the way.

The hotel was great location with a metro station just next to it but the room was a bit small as we had known.

The bathroom was just enough to fit a bathtub, toilet and wash basin.

The toilet fascinated us with so many buttons. If you don’t know what I am talking about, just imagine a toilet with auto lid and seat where you can adjust the seat temperature. The toilet where you can use water to clean but it is all automatic with adjustable water temperature and multiple water outlet to spray your bottom. The toiles also had features like self-sterilizing nozzles, air deodorizer, adjustable water pressure, noise/music player, warm air dry, night light etc. to name some.

The toilets definitely kept us amused and it was fun to discover the different features while were in the loo.

That day we were too tired to do anything so we just ate dinner and went to bed.

We had an amazing time in Tokyo and I will post about all our experience in the coming post.

Till then take care everyone,

M from nepaliaustralian

XOXO