Melbourne and Phillip Island · Days 1–6
Travelling Again
This was our second trip after COVID restrictions began to lift. We were cautious and took every precaution, but it was also a conscious decision not to let fear decide everything for us.
We started in Victoria, visiting extended family. COVID had reminded us how important it was to keep close to family around the world. Then came a short side trip to Phillip Island to see the penguin parade.
Hobart and the Tasmanian circuit · Days 7–17
Home on Wheels
From Melbourne, we flew to Hobart and moved into camper vans for the Tasmania circuit. This was our first camper-van trip with the children, and we were looking forward to seeing how it would go.
Freycinet and Coles Bay · Days 9–13
Wildlife and Water
The coast gave us pauses between drives: Tasmanian devils, shells on the beach and a morning kayaking in the bay. After the previous year and a half at home in Singapore, being outdoors in Tasmania’s natural beauty felt especially different.
Cradle Valley · Days 14–15
Cradle Mountain
At Cradle Mountain, the landscape was very different, and the cooler temperatures were a welcome change. The morning walk by the lake was a highlight; otherwise the children mostly played and explored wherever we stopped.
Gordon River and Queenstown · Days 16–17
River and Railway
The Gordon River cruise and the West Coast Wilderness Railway made the journey through western Tasmania an experience in itself.
Surfers Paradise and Brisbane · Days 19–37
When COVID Caught Up With Us
After Tasmania, we stayed with relatives at Surfers Paradise. A rainbow over the house was a fitting welcome.
When we left for Brisbane, COVID finally caught up with all of us. It was stressful and difficult, especially with two young children.
It was a difficult end to the trip. Once we had recovered and time had passed, we saw that getting through it together had made us stronger.
Singapore · 20 April