We made it Home!
When we first set out we had no idea what to expect. We had no real plans, other than to see as much of our beautiful country as we could, whilst creating memories together as a family.
On hindsight we did this and so much more.
From the experiences we shared, and the places we have travelled, to the many new friends we have made along the way.
We have explored remote regions and travelled thousands of Kilometres on dusty 4wd tracks.
From the Gibb River Rd, to the end of the Kalumburu Rd and Mitchell Plataeu in the Kimberlies.
Ella checking out a Freshwater Crocodile
Bells Gorge
Bells Gorge
We've driven to the very tip of Cape York in far North QLD.
Along the way we challenged ourselves and our 80 series, by driving along the many well known 4x4 tracks.
We drove The Old Telegraph, Frenchmen's, CREB, Bloomfield and Old Maytown tracks. We also drove pretty much every other 4x4 track up the Cape along the way.
The start of the Old Telegraph Track
We had a great day hanging out at the famous Gunshot crossing with everyone!
Twin Falls
Elliot Falls
Fun with friends at Elliot Falls
Fruitbat Falls
The Tip of Cape York!
Fun on the beach at the Tip of Cape York
Giant Termite Mounds were everywhere!
We've explored breathtaking, picturesque white beaches, and swum in the warm crystal clear ocean waters that surround them.
Fun in the Sun in Exmouth, WA
Port Smith, WA
The Tip of Cape York, QLD
Whitehaven Beach, Whitsundays, QLD
Lake McKenzie, Fraser Island, QLD
Whitehaven Beach, Whitsundays, QLD
Tori having some fun spelling her name on Whitehaven Beach, Whitsundays, QLD
Wilsons Prom, VIC
Lucky Bay, WA
We've climbed the many palm trees that are plentiful along many of these beaches. We've drunk the coconut water and ate the coconut inside till we can't eat and drink no more.
Gary climbing Palms to collect fresh Coconuts
We've swum with giant Whale Sharks and Manta Rays with wing spans well over 3metres. We've hand fed Dolphins and dodged huge Whales as they play not far from our boat! We've swum alongside reef Sharks and large Turtles. We've snorkelled with dozens of tropical Fish.
We've caught Tuna, Snapper, GT's, Mudcrab, Crayfish, Squid, Shark, Stingray and Octopus to name just a few.
We've picked countless giant Oysters straight off the rocks, and eaten them till we can't eat no more.
We've climbed Uluru. Not once, but twice! And the second time we may have not been wearing any shoes!
The top of Uluru!
Amazing views from the top!
Barefoot... The best way to climb the rock!
We've explored Karijini, Kakadu, Litchfield, Kings Canyon, The Blue Mountains, Mt Kosciuszko National Parks, to name a few of our favourites!
Ella hanging about at Kalbarri, WA
The Blue Mountains
We've swum in gorgeous waterfalls and jumped from the top and surrounds of many of them into the refreshing clear waters below.
Ella jumping from Edith Falls, NT
Springbrook, QLD
Along the Waterfall Way, NSW
The Waterfall Way, NSW
The Blue Mountains, NSW
Barron Falls, QLD, in flood
The Waterfall Way, NSW
The view from behind the Waterfall pictured in the photo above
We've swum in hot springs that are so hot there is steam coming off the water.
We've hired and sailed our own little Yacht around the Whitsundays for a week. Snorkelling in the beautifully warm waters and marvelling at the countless tropical fish that surrounded us. We've visited many of the islands that make up the Whitsundays along the way.
We've experienced the full force of a Cat 3/4 cyclone in Exmouth. We were also there after to see how a tight knit community like Exmouth all rallies around to help each other after in a time of need.
We have experienced life on a remote Cattle Station in WA. From riding horses, to driving cars and learning to keep a constant eye out for snakes! (Even in the kitchen cupboards!)
To the searing heat that managed to hit a sweltering 50 degrees!
Gary and the girls cooling off any way they can!
Ella bravely handling one of the many Pythons lurking on the station!
Tori keeping cool in a old water tank/turned pool.
The only way to get around on the station!
We've raced hermit crabs alongside Robson Green in Broome whilst he was filming a episode for his TV show.
Ella hanging out with Robson Green
We've flown in a helicopter for the first time whilst in Winton and Ella rode in a Poddy and Mutton busting competition whilst attending the camel races there.
Time to fly!!
We've joined in the crazy festivities of Territory Day in Darwin. Buying our own fireworks and watching the firework display on Mindil Beach.
We've joined in with Cultural days. We've learnt all about the Traditional Owners of our lands traditions and beliefs. We've learnt how they use what the land has to offer to make their own medicines, baskets, dyes and spears. We have learnt how to prepare and cook food traditional ways after it has been gathered.
We've seen countless Crocodiles, Goannas, Snakes, Echidnas, Emus, Wombats, Big Red Kangaroos, Wild Camels, and Brumbies. We also fell in love with some gorgeous Dingo pups!
Just one of the many large Lizards, Goannas, Monitors that Gary felt the need to handle!
This Python I found lurking in the Stations Kitchen cupboard one night!
Large Saltwater Crocodiles, Adelaide River, NT
Ella and Zaeja showing us how to wear a Python, Cape York, QLD
We've fossicked for many precious gems all over Australia. We've also experienced life underground at both White Cliffs and Coober Pedy.
White Cliffs, NSW
Tori, with our caravan/campsite in the background, White Cliffs, NSW
Some Opal we found
Coober Pedy, SA
We've seen sunsets and sunrises that most people only see in photos. We've also witnessed the famous "Staircase to the moon" three times in Broome.
We've laid out under skies full of stars. We've camped on Beaches, in Rainforests, along Rivers and in the middle of Deserts.
Blowering Dam, NSW
White Cliffs, NSW
Seisia, Cape York QLD
We've made countless new friends! We've also had many great times catching up with our families along the way too!
Although it's sad to see this trip come to an end. We know it is only temporary! And if you ask me, it is only just the beginning of our adventures!
For now though we are looking forward to catching up with our many family and friends back in Adelaide!
Not to mention making use of what a lot of you take for granted... Our very own FLUSHING TOILET and CONTINUOUS HOT WATER SHOWER!
***Your Dreams, whatever they may be, can only ever be just dreams till you decide to step outside your comfort zone and make them a reality***
Xx
