G'day |
New Years 2016-2017 |
The boys had such an incredible trip to Australia for New Year's 2015-2016, they decided to repeat the experience for New Years 2016-2017.
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Brisbane |
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First stop: the iconic Brisbane sign in South Bank.
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For New Years Eve they headed to the Eagle Street Pier to watch the fireworks off the famous Story Bridge, the longest cantilever bridge in Australia.
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Bright and early on New Years Day the boys took a cruise up the Brisbane River to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.
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Queensland is the only state in Australia where koala cuddling is legal. However, given that most of the koalas were larger than either Bear or Bow Wow, the opted to pose alongside a koala rather than try to hold one.
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The boys attempted to befriend one of the resident kangaroos at the Lone Pine sanctuary.
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On their last day in Brisbane, the boys explored the City Botanic Gardens, the premier public park and recreational facility for the capital of Queensland.
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Sydney |
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First stop in Sydney is always Circulary Quay for its views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. The Opera Bar is the best spot to soak up the late day sun and take in the stunning views.
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A short train trip from Sydney brings you to Katoomba in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales. Here are the boys in front of the Three Sisters rock formation. The commonly told Aboriginal legend of the Three Sisters is that three sisters, Meehni, Wimlah and Gunnedoo, lived in the Jamison Valley as members of the Katoomba tribe. They fell in love with three men from the neighbouring Nepean tribe, but marriage was forbidden by tribal law. The brothers were not happy to accept this law and so decided to use force to capture the three sisters. A major tribal battle ensued, and the sisters were turned to stone by an elder to protect them, but he was killed in the fighting and no one else could turn them back.
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A quick 15 minute ferry ride gets you to beautiful Watson's Bay.
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A short walk from Watson's Bay takes you to Camp Cove Beach where the boys spent their last day in Sydney topping up their tans.
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All good things must come to an end, as they say. At least when they do, there's always duty free shopping to ease the pain.
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New Years 2015-2016 |
In December 2015, it was time to head Down Under for a two week holiday and to ring in the New Year. This was their second trip to Australia. In 2008, they spent about two weeks in New Zealand and Australia.
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First stop: the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge at Toronto Pearson Airport.
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This big fat comfy Business Class seat should make the 22 hour journey a little more bearable.
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Sydney |
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After a day sleeping off the jetlag, it's off to Bondi Beach. It's a little crowded but we don't take up much space.
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Happy 2016!
Seeing the New Years fireworks in Sydney Harbour was a long time bucket list item for Bow Wow. Bear had to be bribed with promises of champagne at midnight.
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manly
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Tired of the hustle and bustle of Sydney? Take the Harbour Ferry to Manly to experience the hustle and bustle of Manly Beach.
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Melbourne |
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The boys spent their mornings ensconced in their comfy room at the Westin Melbourne, planning their outings for the rest of the day. Move your cursor over the image for a shot of Bear.
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Taking a walk along the Yarra River.
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Drinking coffee and eating chocolate at the Lindt Cafe is a very civilized way to while away the afternoon, or even the whole day.
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An even better way to while away the day is to go on a wine tour of the Yarra Valley. The boys hit up four wineries with Australian Wine Tours: Punt Road Wines, Balgownie Estate, Yering Farm and Domaine Chandon.
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Checking out Balgownie Estate.
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Exploring Domain Chandon.
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Hangin' with the 'roos. Okay, so they're not real kangaroos. The real ones wouldn't stay still long enough for a photo op.
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Exploring the Royal Botanical Gardens Melbourne.
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After a long day of wondering around the Botanical Gardens looking at plants and trees, it's off to Prahan for a couple of schooners of VB.
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Now it's time to head back to Sydney.
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For travel in Australia, the boys flew Qantas, the spirit of Australia.
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Sydney |
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Can't complain about the view from the room at the Shangri-la.
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The boys spent the last few days of their holiday exploring Sydney. Here they are at the Harbour Bridge.
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Here they are strolling around the iconic Sydney Opera House.
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One more item on the bucket list: Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb. Here's Bear on the way up to the top of the bridge.
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Could there be a more spectacular view anywhere in the world? Here's Bow Wow at the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
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Over $600 later for the Bridge Climb and all that's left are two photos, the memories and these cheesy baseball hats.
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Click here to see more travel photos.
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