It's rather fun to see how much you can fit into a day sometimes. It might be a bit exhausting by the end of the day, but you don't feel it until you stop.
Australia is the 6th continent Joy visited. During her incredible trip to Australia in 2023, she spent time exploring two of its most iconic cities—Sydney and Melbourne. She kicked off her adventure in Sydney, where she stayed at the Ibis Sydney Darling Harbour and soaked in the city's famous landmarks. Highlights included touring the Sydney Opera House, strolling through the Royal Botanic Garden, and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Circular Quay and The Rocks. She also took a memorable day trip to the stunning Blue Mountains, where she explored the Three Sisters rock formation and marveled at sweeping views and lush nature trails. Next, she flew to Melbourne and checked into the historic Windsor Hotel—a place that bills itself as “elegant” but felt more like the set of a period drama where someone is definitely about to be poisoned. The location was excellent, she’ll give it that, but the hotel itself had the unmistakable air of a once-grand dame now in denial about her age. My room had that faint, indefinable smell of old curtains and regret, and every time she turned a corner, she half-expected to see a Victorian ghost politely asking if she’d seen her bonnet. She stayed because of the convenience, but let’s just say she would not be making that mistake again unless she develops a sudden passion for haunted house tourism. Outside the confines of the hotel, Joy enjoyed wandering through Federation Square, checking out the street art of Hosier Lane, and catching the musical & Juliet at the Regent Theatre-where she also had her first taste of a classic choc top ice cream. One of the standout experiences was a full-day tour of the Great Ocean Road, where she witnessed dramatic coastal scenery, including the famous Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. Her time in Australia was packed with culture, nature, and unforgettable sights.