Australia
Kangaroos & whales
After 4 days on the road, this turned into one of my longest driving days yet, but also one of the most rewarding. The journey from Emerald Beach all the way to Noosa: from sunrise on the beach to a “pinch-me” moment of whale watching.
Kangaroos on Emerald Beach
The spot I found yesterday was so extraordinary that I decided to go back for sunrise. I wanted to see the kangaroos again, this time during sunrise. And it was even more special than I hoped. They were hopping around while the sun slowly lit up the cliffs and the beach below. Sitting there, watching kangaroos at sunrise by the ocean, felt almost unreal. Definitely one of those moments I’ll never forget.
A quick stop at Lennox Head
On the way north, I pulled into Lennox Head for a brief look around. Just a short stroll to stretch my legs before the storm rolled in. Pretty, but nothing that held me for long.
Byron Bay: dolphins, whales & wild weather
By the time I reached Byron Bay, the rain was coming down hard. Still, I spotted dolphins from Wategos Beach, then hiked up to the lighthouse at the easternmost point of mainland Australia. And that’s where it happened: for the first time in my life, I saw whales breaching in the wild. Soaked to the bone, cold and grinning, but a bucket-list dream fulfilled.
Skipping the Gold Coast
I had high expectations for the Gold Coast, but the stops I made didn’t show me its best side. A quick drive-through was enough before pushing on further north.
Arriving in Noosa
After my longest solo drive so far, I finally arrived in Noosa. My stay at Halse Lodge Noosa Heads was a treat: a beautiful old building with spotless shared rooms, stylish bathrooms, and an on-site restaurant. The perfect reward to end a long day on the road.
