Written by: Jessica-Marie Racanelli, @seabound.jessica
Photography by: Damien Abad, @damexplores & Jessica-Marie Racanelli, @seabound.jessica
Australia, the land of vast landscapes, stunning coastlines, and diverse wildlife, offers an adventure like no other. Embarking on a journey from the east to the west coast, armed with the absolute essential Nomadix gear, we were ready to soak up memories and explore the wonders of this beautiful country while encompassing sustainability every step of the way.
Moonee Beach Nature Reserve: Our adventure begins on the east coast, where the Moonee Beach Nature Reserve welcomes us with its lush greenery and tranquil atmosphere. Here, among the towering eucalyptus trees, you can spot kangaroos hopping freely, offering a glimpse into Australia's unique wildlife.
Noosa National Park: Heading further along the coast, nestled along the stunning Sunshine Coast of Queensland, we find ourselves at Noosa National Park. A paradise for nature lovers that offers various walking tracks, ranging from short strolls to longer hikes. Hidden beaches beckon with their pristine sands, while birdwatchers delight in the diverse avian species that call this park home.
After a refreshing dip in what felt like our own private beach, we dried off with our Ultralight Towel, appreciating its quick-drying properties and minimal environmental impact. Whether you're a surfer seeking the perfect wave, a beach goer in search of solitude, or a sunset lover yearning for a moment of serenity, the Noosa National Park trail offers an unforgettable journey through some of Australia's most breathtaking coastal landscapes.
Glasshouse Mountains: As we venture inland, the rugged peaks of the Glasshouse Mountains captivate us with their ancient allure. These iconic formations, steeped in Aboriginal legend, provide a striking backdrop for our journey as we hike and explore their mysterious valleys and cliffs. With the Bandana Towel tied around our foreheads to keep us dry against the hot subtropical climate, we embark on the 1.5 mile out and back trail of Mount Ngungun that lead us to awe-inspiring lookout points.
At the summit we find the perfect spot to admire the sunset casting hues of gold across the horizon. As we sit here in silence, we can feel the spiritual connection of these sacred peaks and understand why it’s important to the Gubbi Gubbi and Jinibara tribes. In honor of the people we share this land with, the two of us pick up any rubbish we found; leaving the trails better than we found them.
Lancelin Sand Dunes: Crossing the continent, we reach the west coast and encounter the mesmerizing Lancelin Sand Dunes. Stretching as far as the eye can see, these golden sands offer thrilling adventures like sandboarding and 4WD safaris, leaving us exhilarated and covered in sand. We are so grateful for our trusty Bandana towels once again for protecting our faces and serving as a barrier for the unforgiving wind that practically fed us a little SANDwich. This place reignites our inner child as we search for the tallest slopes to run down, giggling all the way to the bottom.
Nambung National Park: We encounter nature's masterpiece - the mystical Pinnacles. We venture through this otherworldly landscape, marveling at the limestone formations that rise like ancient sentinels from the desert floor. We’re so glad we brought along our Changing Ponchos to keep us warm from the wind! When you stumble upon a site like this, transformed over time from an ocean filled with seashells to a unique desert 25,000 years ago, it brings your mind to act consciously leaving nothing but footprints in the sand.
Even though you have the option to drive through the park, IF you’re up to it, I urge you to leave the car behind and venture barefoot, getting lost within the structures. As we explore the park's diverse ecosystems, from coastal dunes to native woodlands, it opens our hearts to the delicate balance between human exploration and environmental conservation.
Rottnest Island: A short ferry ride from the coast brings us to Rottnest Island, home to the adorable quokkas and pristine beaches. We soak up the sun on the island's shores and share a moment of joy with these friendly marsupials, found nowhere else in the world. Although their inviting smiles tempt you to get closer, as conscious travelers we must ensure their well being by keeping a safe distance, avoiding any disturbances like touching or feeding the quokkas. We protect wildlife by letting them forage for their own food.
Busselton Jetty: Our adventure takes a thrilling turn as we dive into the turquoise waters of Busselton Jetty. It’s impressively the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere and stretches out into the sparkling waters of Geographe Bay. We stroll along the jetty taking in panoramic views of the coastline and its vibrant marine life below. Beneath the surface, we discover an abundant underwater world teeming with life, including the stunning Telestro Soft Corals that sway in the gentle currents.
Damien and I decided to freedive in search of the beautiful man made structures found on the ocean floor. These structures, along with the jetty columns help corals grow, creating new habitat for several marine species. With a depth of about 7 meters it’s accessible for even beginner freedivers (don’t forget your buddy), and shallow enough for snorkelers to enjoy the unique seascape. We even found some scuba friends swimming around us! For those who prefer to stay dry, they’ve built an underwater walkway through this real life aquarium. A true gem for everyone to connect with the ocean and understand life down below.
Margaret River: As our adventure across Australia's east to west coast comes to an end, we've embodied the essence of sustainable travel and left the lightest footprints behind.
We realize the more connected you are to your environment, the more you put the extra effort to protect it. You become passionate about supporting places that deepen our relationship with nature.
Wherever we spend our dollar while traveling is like a vote towards the kind of world we want to live in. Supporting responsible farming practices through the type of food we choose to eat, restaurants serving dishes that use organic and local produce, hotels that eliminate plastic from water bottles to vanity kits, adventuring on foot or bike to lessen your CO2 output, or collaborating with indigenous communities.
As we pack up our bags with the mindset of “own less, do more,” we know we've experienced the best that this remarkable country has to offer, leaving us with memories to last a lifetime.
