I was lucky I got to do so much while I was there. It was surreal to see the Sydney Opera House up close and I loved being by the water – it has an unbelievable energy about it.
I went to Sydney Oyster Farm by seaplane from Rose Bay, which turned me into a bit of an oyster connoisseur. The whole experience was amazing, and the weather was absolutely perfect. Drinking champagne, eating oysters in the sunshine… take me back.
Watching an Australian rules football game between the Richmond Tigers and the Melbourne Demons at Melbourne Cricket Ground was very cool and I’m glad I was with people who could talk me through the game.
The most relaxing part of my trip was the Alba Thermal Springs and Spa experience on the Mornington Peninsula, near Melbourne/Naarm. They talk a lot about the power of water and I definitely came away feeling calm and full of positive energy.
However, Brisbane/Meanjin was the place that surprised me most. It’s not somewhere I knew a lot about, but they gave me the most special welcome I’ve probably ever had.
The Welcome to Country ceremony by a First Nations elder at Kangaroo Point Cliffs, overlooking the Brisbane River and with the city on the other side of the water, was unbelievable – and very moving when you understand what it represents.
Certain elements of traditional culture are interwoven with modern-day Australia. I learnt so much about the history and the ongoing challenges the people have. It’s just an incredible place.
I’d love to go back to watch the Ashes. And every year I see videos from the LIV Golf event in Adelaide – I’d like to return for that too.
There are things I experienced that are synonymous with Australia, like sunny weather, sandy beaches and the great outdoors – but I also found there’s so much more to experience and I know my kids would love it.