Welcome to Aussie Part I of my magical and amazing trip to Australia. It’s no mistake that Australia is one of the first places to ring in the new year as this country charms the soul with bells on!
Even though most of Australia is an uninhabited hot desert, I was able to explore three different parts of the large country. There aren’t a lot of people on this big island continent (roughly 10 million people live in Sydney and Melbourne), but Australia makes up for it with the many exquisite places one can venture to. Let’s peek into my first stop: Wolgan Valley in The Blue Mountains.
The Blue Mountains are a rugged area for spectacular scenery and great bush walking trails. I chose Wolgan Valley because of the fabulous Emirates One & Only Wolgan Valley resort.
The best and quickest way to get to Wolgan Valley is by helicopter from Sydney. That is, of course, if you’re not afraid of heights and flying. I flew in early morning from San Francisco to Sydney and hopped on the heli to transport me to the Blue Mountains.
From the Heliport, I soared over Sydney for my very first glimpse of the glorious harbor. Hovering over the harbor and climbing up over the bridge and looking down at the majestic opera was such a thrill ride! Then, up up we went climbing high up to the Blue Mountains and then slowly down into The Wolgan Valley where we were welcomed by hoppy kangaroos. A Range Rover was waiting for my arrival. The perfect beginning to my incredible trip.
After a grueling 16 hour flight and a pleasant 45 minute heli ride, I planned to have a jet lag massage to get me in motion at the resort’s spa. After being spritzed by an aromatic rejuvenating face mist, I was ready for a nature walk. No napping for me. I had ground to cover!
At the Emirates One & Only Wolgan Valley resort, all meals and local wine and beer are included in your stay as well as other nature-based activities such as a stable tour, a nature hike and the historical colonial heritage tour. The heritage tour also includes a visit to the Kitchen Garden, which provides all the fresh veggies, fruit, herbs and spices that all the guests can enjoy at the resort. The meals were delish, fresh and plentiful. Yum!
I visited the stables and fed the horses apples. I’ve never been one to be comfortable near or even on a horse, but a friendly one named Marshmallow seemed like a softie!
On one of the last evenings in Wolgan Valley, I enjoyed a Sundowner Tour with the Wollemi National Park in the background as a great way to peacefully wind down. The view of the escarpment was mesmerizing in the early evening as it would change colors as the sun started to fade away. It was close to dusk and the wallabies, wallaroos and kangaroos were aplenty. So cute!
The wombats started to awaken as well and those little plump buggers can run! I learned about the rarest trees in the Pine Grove and then had a stop for some champagne and canapés. The true meaning of a Sundowner is “when the sun slips away for the day, we cheer to that beautiful day.”
It was a magical adventure! I felt like I was really the one and only guest at the resort. I’d like to thank The Tailor (Thanks, Drew!) who assisted me in this joyful journey. And, if you’d like me to help you craft a visit to Wolgan Valley, Just Ask!
Stay tuned for Aussie Part 2: Lizard Island.
