This trip was more than just a vacation for me—it was a celebration. After a challenging year fighting breast cancer, I finally set off on an adventure Down Under, alongside my daughter Kaitlin, to visit my son Campbell and my future daughter-in-law, Sammie, on the Gold Coast of Australia. I’d been dreaming of this visit since they moved away six years ago, and now, the time was right.
Departure & Arrival: The Journey Begins
On October 13th, Kaitlin and I started our journey at 8 a.m. in Edinburgh, filled with excitement and anticipation. After a long haul through Doha (a very boujee airport), we arrived in Brisbane at 5:30 p.m. on October 14th. That first evening was perfect—a cozy reunion filled with drinks and catching up with my beautiful kids. It was wonderful to finally be there with them.
Discovering the Gold Coast
The next morning, on October 15th, jet lag had me up half the night, but it wasn’t enough to hold me back. After multiple cups of coffee, Campbell took us out to explore the southern Gold Coast. We saw Surfers Paradise, Main Beach, and Burleigh—all sparkling ocean views and golden sands. A subtropical storm decided to join us later, cutting the sightseeing short, but watching it roll in from the balcony made up for it.
Wildlife Encounters at Australia Zoo
On October 16th, we made our way to Australia Zoo, and wow, what an experience! It was 28°C, a day surrounded by all kinds of animals. From giant tortoises and lizards to crocodiles, kangaroos, and koalas. Seeing all those animals up close was amazing. We even had the family of Steve Irwin presenting the croc feeding show, Terri, Robert and Bindi.
Beach Days and Whale Watching Magic
The next day, we had a classic Australian beach day at Burleigh Beach. I packed a picnic and, of course, lots of SPF 50! But one of the many highlights came on October 18th. We travelled to the Coolangatta, River Tweed in New South Wales (one hour ahead) and hopped on a Rib boat for whale watching. Seeing humpback whales and their calves, swimming on their way back to Antarctica, was absolutely breathtaking—a once-in-a-lifetime experience I won’t soon forget.
A New Zealand Chapter: Family, Food, and Friendship
Our next destination was New Zealand to meet Sammie’s family. We hit a bump with a cancelled flight, but soon enough, we were there on October 19th, welcomed with open arms and a traditional New Zealand barbecue. It was lovely to connect with Sammie’s family and feel the warmth and hospitality they showed us.
The next day, we all gathered for a fantastic meal at Tai Tap Bar & Restaurant. The food, the drinks, the laughter—everything was great. October 21st brought a day of sightseeing in Christchurch, which didn’t feel like a city at all. We visited with Sammie’s friend and her little ones, explored the Port Hills, and finished the day with a family dinner featuring Mike’s infamous chicken nachos and some lasagne made by Nanna Carol. Flying back over the Southern Alps the next day was a beautiful way to close this chapter of the trip.
More Gold Coast Bliss: Byron Bay, Brisbane, and a Little Ink
Back in Australia, we spent the days soaking up more of the Gold Coast’s beauty. On October 24th, I fell in love with Byron Bay, a relaxed beach town with charming shops and stunning scenery. We even got lucky with another show from the whales. October 25th was all about exploring Brisbane. We indulged in pints, Aperol spritzes, and a delicious Spanish tapas lunch. I found Brisbane to be such a clean, friendly city—a place I’d recommend for a visit. Later that week, I decided to mark this journey with a small tattoo in memory of my beloved pups, whom I lost last year. A fitting tribute to carry with me.
The Last Days Down Under
On October 31st, I spent time shopping for some treats for my coworkers before tackling the packing and repacking to get my luggage weight just right. The flight home was blessedly uneventful. Arriving back in a chilly Edinburgh on November 1st.
A Journey to Remember
Three full weeks spent exploring, laughing, and simply being together with my children and future daughter-in-law—it was everything I’d hoped for and more. From the incredible beaches to the warm, welcoming arms of Sammie’s family, this journey was filled with moments I’ll cherish for years to come.
Until next time, Straya!
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