Category Travel

American Friends Visit Day 2: Tin Can Bay Dolphins, Carlo Sandblow, and Gympie Museum

Day 2 started early, which felt really cruel after trying to keep everyone awake as long as possible the day before.

Our thinking was that if their body clocks were a bit screwy, they might have been up early anyway, so we might as well make the most of it. Plus, my husband made coffee for us, not that I was trying to convert Americans to good coffee by regularly presenting them with flat whites (ok fine, I totally was).

With 7 of us, we separated into two cars and were on our way.

(Fair warning – most of these photos are Kim’s, not mine. Turns out promising not to be the paparazzi like on your last holiday together means you end up with none of your own.)…

Kel
08/07/2026
1 Comment

American Friends Visit Day 1: Bunnings, Bluey’s World and Eat Street

Last week, we had the pleasure of hosting a friend of mine, Kim, and her family from the United States. They flew in on the Sunday, then on to Sydney the following Friday, giving us 5 days together on the Sunshine Coast.

And boy did we cram stuff in!

I thought I’d share a recap highlighting all the things we recommended doing – you know, local knowledge and all that.

The main requirements were that we weren’t to spend every single day at the beach (they’re not super beachy people), although at least one day was a must. Also, Australia Zoo had to be factored in there somewhere.

Edit: after writing this post, I’ve learned that I’m not good at keeping things brief.…

Kel
06/07/2026
3 Comments

A Big Week, a Full Heart, and a Very Tired Monday

It’s Monday morning, and right now I should be finishing up a workout, or walking the dog.

Instead, I’m still in my workout clothes, eyes blurry, motivation nowhere to be found. I feel like I could sleep for days.

I’m recovering from a massive week.

Work trip

The reason for all this exhaustion? A big work trip away.

Last week I flew to Adelaide for a work trip. With a large portion of the company working from home, it means that it’s pretty rare that we get together in person. I’m lucky that some of my workmates live within a couple of hours, and this year we’ve vowed to try and catch up in person more. But for the rest of us, it’s a once-a-year opportunity.…

Kel
02/02/2026
2 Comments

Tibrogargan Circuit Bushwalk

I’ve been consciously trying to make an effort to encourage my family to spend more time outdoors together, whether it’s bike riding, bushwalking, or…. anything outside. We didn’t have much planned for Sunday, so I suggested we spend the morning out for a hike, enjoying the crisp winter weather. The boys were keen, so the planning got underway.

After asking my husband where we should go, ultimately it was left in my hands.

Researching where to go

I knew I had a list of requirements for our walk:

Somewhere local – I knew the boys wouldn’t want to drive for longer than 30-40mins tops. It had to be close to home. At some point, I’m sure they’ll be keen to get further away, and we can combine it with some camping trips too.

…

Kel
14/07/2025