Author: Mrs A
We have recently hit the three year anniversary since our departure from Australia, and mentally we felt ready to go back for a visit to see our friends and family down under.
Leaving Somerset on a crisp, blue sky, winter’s morning in mid-January, we wondered what might await us in Sydney on our arrival. We both had nerves about how our heart-strings might be tugged, would we really miss our old life, and wish we were back there?
We had chosen to fly Business Class via Japan Airlines, substantially cheaper than the likes of Singapore Airlines, Emirates, BA or Qantas, and fabulous Japanese food too. Our journey was very comfortable with our own private ‘rooms’ on board the plane, and a luxurious seat that lay flat for a stretch out and sleep.
It was 14 hours to Tokyo, a stroll around the airport, and a further 9 hours to Sydney, arriving relatively refreshed to train driver strikes and the end of a severe storm which had unleashed heavy rain, strong winds, flash flooding and giant hailstones! Welcome back to to Oz!
Mad weather in Sydney! Luckily we had waterproofs easily accessible.
But as we always used to say when we visited the UK, we were not there for the weather, but for the people, and that certainly was true on this visit.
Our time in Sydney flew by, packed to the rafters with catch-ups over breakfast, lunches and dinners, with fun and laughter bridging the gap since our last time together. For many of our friends, it wasn’t too long, with catchups in the UK and Europe, but for those we hadn’t seen since Covid-times and beyond, it still felt like only yesterday. The mark of true friendships.
It was a whirlwind of 9 days in Sydney, and then we jumped on another plane to fly to Melbourne for a few days break with our friend Owen on the Mornington Peninsular.
Owen met us at the airport, patiently waiting while my luggage frustratingly flew in on a later flight, then took us to the market so we could eat our weight in seafood! Oh how we have missed those Sydney Rock oysters!
There followed five days of fun and laughter, as a couple more friends, Karen and Chris, joined in, and Owen’s son, Tom, also visited.
We managed to get in some walking too, an attempt to counteract the excesses of the previous few days.
It was a few days of delicious food and wine, and great company, and we were able to see more of the Mornington Peninsular than we had in the past.
After Chris and Karen had left, Owen took us to the very tip of the peninsular to Pont Nepean, well worth a visit. It’s one of those rare spots where jaw-dropping natural beauty and fascinating history collide. Perched at the very tip of the peninsula, this rugged stretch of coastline once served as a key defence post and quarantine station, and you can still explore the old tunnels, forts, and gun emplacements that once guarded the entrance to Port Phillip Bay.
Long before the military involvement, it was home to the Boon Wurrung people, and there are important cultural sites scattered throughout the area. These days, Point Nepean is part of a national park, and it’s a dream for hikers, history buffs, and anyone who just wants to soak up some salty sea air and incredible views. Think windswept cliffs (very windy on our visit!), turquoise waters, and a real sense of stepping back in time.
On our final day, Owen took us on a short drive up the coast to to do a bit of a coastal hike. It started off bright and sunny but soon clouded over, but remained a comfortable walking temperature.
It was lovely to smell the familar scents of the Australian coastal bush, spot lizards dashing off into the undergrowth, and birds which made me wish I had brought my big camera with me! But you can’t have everything, and with a two month trip with many destinations involved, it was important to travel fairly light.
It was a lovely relaxing time with Owen and Tom, some delicious food, great music and fine hospitality, but before long it was time to say farewell, and take off for our next destination – New Zealand, and many more walking adventures!
Our flying visit back had definitely tugged at the heartstrings a little, seeing our gorgeous friends, revisiting the fabulous wildlife and scenery, but reminded us that it is never goodbye, always ‘Until the next time‘!
I did not know you had moved, Catherine. I really enjoyed reading about your trip and the pictures are beautiful.
Oh what a pity we didn’t know you were here 🥲, we would have come to Sydney to see you. Looks like you had a great time😁