Camera testing at sunset

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.

Camera testing 3

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.

Camera testing

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!

Camera testing 1

Phillip Island part two: The Nobbies | photos

AS PART of my trip to Phillip Island a few weeks ago, we took a headedĀ 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 forĀ 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My lovely tour guides, Justin and Kelsey!

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

Koalas and mazes on Phillip Island | photos

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.

Travel to Phillip Island, Victoria | Extraordinary Days

The man is not the size you think he is.

Travel to Phillip Island, Victoria | Extraordinary Days

Spooooooky!

This only shows a small section of the maze!

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.


Travel to Phillip Island, Victoria | Extraordinary Days

Travel to Phillip Island, Victoria | Extraordinary Days

Travel to Phillip Island, Victoria | Extraordinary Days

Travel to Phillip Island, Victoria | Extraordinary Days

Travel to Phillip Island, Victoria | Extraordinary Days

Travel to Phillip Island, Victoria | Extraordinary Days

Travel to Phillip Island, Victoria | Extraordinary Days

Travel to Phillip Island, Victoria | Extraordinary Days

Travel to Phillip Island, Victoria | Extraordinary Days

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 outĀ here.

Bali is beautiful | photos

LAST weekend I took a whirlwind trip to Bali with my family to celebrate mum’s 60th birthday.
I could only stay for three days but it was good to be back, even just for a short while.
These shots were taken around the grounds of the amazing hotel we stayed at – the Patra Jasa in Tuban, near Kuta and the airport.
It had stormed the night before so everything was wet but the weather was still extremely hot and humid.

Bali Indonesia palm trees
Bali 2
Bali 3
Bali Indonesia beach
Bali Indonesia
Bali 4
Bali 6
Bali 9
DSC_3673
If you’ve never been, I hope these photos inspire you to make the trip! (Or someone equally as tropical.)
I want to organise another trip to go back already!

PS: Did you catch the post with my outfit for the plane? See it here.

A golden trip to the beach | photos

I TOOK a trip down to the beach after work yesterday.
I’m house sitting down in Mandurah at the moment. It’s a little place right next to the sea and it means I don’t have to do my usual two-hour per day commute to work.

Madora Bay beach Mandurah Western Australia

I love the time of day when the lights is just golden.

It was deadline day at the paper and it was crazy so it was lovely to be able to get out into the sun. It makes me so happy that it’s still light for a while after I get out of work now – it makes me feel more human.

Madora Bay beach Mandurah Western Australia

Madora Bay beach Mandurah Western Australia

Madora Bay beach Mandurah Western Australia

I like these little tufty plants so much I put them in here twice! They always make me think of summer.

Madora Bay beach Mandurah Western Australia

Madora Bay beach Mandurah Western Australia

I’m in love with the colours in this shot – not edited at all!

Madora Bay beach Mandurah Western Australia

A puppy had been past!

Madora Bay beach Mandurah Western Australia

Madora Bay beach Mandurah Western Australia
It was a lovely way to end the day!
What are your favourite things to do after a long day?

Tiptoe through the tulips at Araluen | photos

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.

Araluen Tulip Festival Perth Western Australia

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Araluen Tulip Festival Perth Western Australia

Araluen Tulip Festival Perth Western Australia

Araluen Tulip Festival Perth Western Australia

The park would be really tranquil when the tulip festival isn’t on!

Araluen Tulip Festival Perth Western Australia

I love the detail of this delicate frond.

Araluen Tulip Festival Perth Western Australia

I’ll definitely head back next year!