Camera testing at sunset

Posted in Life, Photography by Brianna Johnson

WHAT a sunset!

I took a trip up into the hills and to the zigzag path to watch the sunset with my lovely boyfriend, Michael.

Wish I was on that plane, going on a holiday!

We’re so lucky to live so close to such a peaceful spot and it was great just to sit back and take it all in.

I got to test out my new tripod and camera remote at the same time.

Oh, Michael!

(I’ll admit, it took me a while to figure out that the remote had to be pointed at the front of the camera for it to work.)

I’m really excited to get out and take some cool night photos soon!

9Apr2015

Phillip Island part two: The Nobbies | photos

Posted in Travel by Brianna Johnson

AS PART of my trip to Phillip Island a few weeks ago, we took a headed out to The Nobbies.
The coastal area is at the western tip of the island and showcases some magnificent views.
It’s also an important breeding area for many species of birds and, out to sea, there is a rocky outcrop called Seal Rocks, which is a breeding and nursery area for Australia’s biggest fur seal colony, which is estimated to have more than 10,000 members!

The Nobbies, Phillip Island, Melbourne, Victoria | Extraordinary Days

Breathtaking!

The area was absolutely beautiful and the day ended up being quite warm despite the cool sea breeze. I really can’t get over the colours of the mosses and grasses that cover the rocks!
The walkways were really well-maintained and it was lovely to stroll around.

My lovely tour guides, Justin and Kelsey!

I really want to head back to Phillip Island one day and take this all in again.

26Mar2015

Koalas and mazes on Phillip Island | photos

Posted in Travel by Brianna Johnson

LAST weekend I was lucky enough to be in Melbourne for the second time so far this year!
My friends Kelsey and Justin live there and they always show me a good time.
This trip was no exception, with a day trip to beautiful Phillip Island!
The island is best known for its adorable animal inhabitants: penguins, koalas and seals.

Travel to Phillip Island, Victoria | Extraordinary Days

Look at that cute face!

Every evening, thousands of Little Penguins cross the beach to return to their burrows on land after a long day in the sea spent searching for food.
The island is home a colony of more than 32,000 of the tiny creatures!
Unfortunately we didn’t have time to stay until after sunset to watch them come in but I will definitely make sure to do this next time!
We arrived at the island earlier in the day after about a two-hour drive from Melbourne and checked out A Maze ‘N Things – a sort of theme park.
The centre had awesome optical illusions, puzzles, mini golf and yes, as you could probably guess from the name, a giant maze.

The man is not the size you think he is.

Spooooooky!

This only shows a small section of the maze!

Next stop was the Koala Sanctuary!
I know a lot of nature places say you’ll get ‘up close and personal’ with the animals but this was really true for this spot.
We came across one koala, high up in a tree, growling louder than I would have ever thought possible from such a lazy animal.
At one point we were almost within touching distance of their fluffy, fluffy fur!
They’re just really relaxed animals and I love how much work this centre puts into teaching people about them and preserving their species.

This one was too tired to even climb up into a tree!

All in all it was an incredible day!
I hope I can get back there one day soon and see the penguins cross the beach!
Did you catch my travel diary from my previous trip? Check it out here.

12Mar2015

A trip to Lake Clifton | photos

Posted in Photography, Travel by Brianna Johnson

A WHILE ago I took a drive out to Lake Clifton to see the thrombolites.
These ‘living rocks’ only exist in a few places and can be thousands of years old.

The thrombolites are made up of calcium carbonate structure and a thin film of bacteria on the top and they’re extremely delicate, as well as rare and critically endangered.

Luckily, there are lots of signs to tell visitors just how much damage can be done if they touch the thrombolites.

When I visited a few months ago, the water levels in the lake were still too high and the thrombolites were submerged, but I was lucky enough to be able to see them through the relatively clear water.

I’ve read that late summer and autumn are the best times to visit because the water is low enough that the thrombolites stick out of the water so I’ll have to make another visit soon.

It was an incredible afternoon!
I only had a short amount of time before it got too dark but the sunset, alth0ugh it was cloudy, was beautiful.
I’m really enjoying exploring in my own state more, just like when I went to Fremantle a few weeks ago.
Keep an eye out for more of my local adventures in the future!

1Mar2015

A day in the sun in Fremantle | photos

Posted in Photography, Travel by Brianna Johnson

ANY day spent wandering in the sunshine is a good day!

I took a trip out to the seaside suburb of Fremantle on the weekend with my lovely friend Candice and we caught up over fish and chips, dipping our toes in the ocean and looking in little book shops.

This building is just so fun!

Black and white cat print dress & fluoro pink bag OOTD | Extraordinary Days

I love this cat print dress!

Fremantle, Western Australia is a beautiful place! | Extraordinary Days

Oh Fremantle, you’re so pretty.

‘Straya.

Oh how I love the sea!

I definitely need to spend more days out there!

Where’s your favourite place to go exploring in your part of the world? Let me know in the comments!

A wonderful trip to Melbourne | photos

I’VE just got back from a few amazing days in Melbourne!
One of my lovely friends Kelsey moved there a few years ago and since her wedding is fast approaching and I’m one of the bridesmaids, I headed over with our friend Lisha to help her begin looking for wedding dresses.
It was a jam-packed few days but I would do it again in a heartbeat!
Today I wanted to share some of my photos with you and take a look back at this trip.

Oh Melbourne!

This is a good way to fly. An incredible magazine, too.

Plane views over the clouds | Extraordinary Days

I love getting the window seat.

Holographic handbag and black floral dress | Extraordinary Days

I love holographic bags.

It’s not Melbourne without a funky cocktail bar – this was at Cabinet in the CBD.

A sequin skirt and sandals for a busy day of shopping!

I love dessert!

Arthur’s Seat views. Breathtaking!

The beautiful restaurant at Arthur’s seat.

I was asked if I was a make up artist when I bought all of this! Needless to say I was VERY flattered.

Out for breakfast!

I love a big breakfast.

The Tea Salon in Emporium. This place is just adorable!

Cakes at The Tea Salon.

Luxurious ice tea from The Tea Salon.

Beautiful!

I love these ladies!

MY FAVOURITE PLACE.

Melbourne holiday - black sneaker heels | Extraordinary Days

I wore these new babies on the plane and felt pretty cool.

I kept busy on the flight home with A Beautiful Mess’ blogging course and Firefly.

Sort of caught the sunset.

I had such a good time! The wedding dress shopping was successful and we got our bridesmaid’s dresses sorted.
We also took a trip out to the Peninsula Hot Springs – this was an absolutely incredible experience and deserves a post of its own – so stay tuned for that.
If you follow me on Instagram you will have seen I bought an incredible handbag while I was away… but this also deserves a post all to itself! It’ll be up as a bonus post this week.
And best of all I got to spend lots of quality time with two of my favourite friends, who always know how to have a good time.
Every time I visit this city I just want to pack my bags and move over there. Maybe I will, one day.

Have you ever been to Melbourne? What did you think?

13Nov2014

Tiptoe through the tulips at Araluen | photos

Posted in Photography by Brianna Johnson

A FEW months ago I went with my mum for a day trip out to Araluen Botanic Park for the annual tulip festival.
I’ve never been before but I can see why so many people head there every year – it really was lovely to see the thousands of tulips in every colour, all blooming at once.