One month in Australia ; Part III

Raymond Island, Phillip Island and Melbourne, Australia

Jan – Feb 2024

And here we are, my final post about my time in Australia! This chapter marks the end of an incredible adventure filled with wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable memories. Our journey went something like this… Jindabyne -> Raymond Island -> Phillip Island -> Melbourne -> Great Ocean Road -> back to Melbourne.

Raymond Island: Simple Life at its Best

We left Jindabyne and embarked on an 8-hour motorbike journey to Raymond Island. Yes, it was long, but hey, we’re young and full of energy, right? 😀 Upon arrival, our host greeted us warmly and gave us a tour of her lovely home. This stop had a unique twist for me, it was my first time exchanging work for accommodation. Our tasks mainly involved gardening, working around 3-5 hours a day, which left us plenty of time to explore this peaceful island.

Raymond Island is well-known for its tranquility, making it a haven for retirees. There isn’t much in terms of sightseeing, but the island’s charm lies in its incredible wildlife. It’s a hotspot for spotting koalas, and I even had the joy of seeing echidnas for the first time! By now, spotting kangaroos had become such a normal thing that it almost didn’t feel surprising anymore hahhaah

What I truly loved about Raymond Island was its simplicity. Mornings were spent gardening and doing small farm tasks, followed by afternoons cycling aimlessly around the island or relaxing by the lake. There’s something so comforting about such a slow and peaceful lifestyle. Our host was an absolute gem, she was so warm and welcoming. I’ll never forget our little music-composing sessions where we created our very own Raymond Island song. It was such a wholesome experience that made leaving this serene island bittersweet.

Phillip Island: A Scenic Dream

From Raymond Island, we hit the road to Phillip Island, riding along the stunning Kilcunda Beach. The scenic views during the ride were absolutely chef’s kiss, one of those moments where you realize how much joy comes from simply being on the road and taking it all in.

We spent quite a bit of time on Phillip Island, uncovering some truly breathtaking spots:

• Pyramid Rock Lookout
• The Nobbies View Point
• Sunderland Bay – Perfect for catching sunsets.
• Shelley, Flynns, and Ventnor Beach

There were so many hidden gems, and while I wish I had pinned more of them on my map, exploring aimlessly was part of the magic. If you have a vehicle to explore the island, don’t hesitate, just do it. You’ll be amazed at how many gorgeous, tucked-away spots there are to discover. I will share my photos on my travel account on IG (@travelwithkchc)

Melbourne: A Chill Stop

Our next stop was Melbourne, where we attended a birthday party for my partner’s friend and caught up with one of my travel buddies. Melbourne was more of a laid-back part of our trip since we didn’t do much sightseeing. But honestly, I didn’t mind at all. Sometimes, traveling at a slower pace and simply hanging out with friends is exactly what you need to recharge.

The Great Ocean Road: A Ride to Remember

No trip to Melbourne is complete without a visit to the Great Ocean Road. We weren’t chasing specific sightseeing spots, apart from the iconic 12 Apostles, which didn’t disappoint. But what truly made the experience special was the journey itself, the breeze on the motorbike, the endless coastal views, and being surrounded by nature.

The Great Ocean Road captured my heart. It’s hard to describe the sheer beauty of it all, so I’ll let the pictures do the talking (check them out below). Oh, and a fun surprise, I even spotted a seal during the ride! That was absolutely insane and definitely one of the highlights of the trip.

Looking back on my journey through Australia, from Jindabyne to Melbourne and everywhere in between, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for this incredible adventure. Thank you for coming along with me on this adventure and making it to the end of my Australia blog series. If you’d like to see more photos from my trip, feel free to follow me on Instagram (@travelwithkchc) Stay tuned for more stories as this is just the beginning! 😊