My fascination with Australia began in 2013 when I made the spontaneous decision to venture there on a solo trip. I worked there for a year as a photographer and a charity representative, and traveled to many different spots across the country.
Growing up, I was fortunate enough to visit lots of amazing and memorable places, including many parts of Europe, the USA, and the Caribbean, to name a few. This gave me the travel bug and the confidence to journey to Australia. I didn’t have a plan and my knowledge at the time was limited, but I thought it was the perfect place to have an adventure and experience new things — I was right. With natural wonders like the white, flour-like sand on Whitehaven Beach and the breathtaking beauty of the Blue Mountains, how could I not fall in love? Everywhere I went, the people were welcoming, the activity choices were endless, and each place had its own charm.
Recently, I went back to Australia and it was just as spectacular as I remembered. I spent a whole day enjoying the artwork in the laneways of Melbourne, and of course stopped for a delicious coffee which the city is so famous for. I relaxed on Manly Beach, one of the many beaches in Sydney, and I enjoyed the intoxicating sea air and photo-worthy views as I walked from Bondi to Coogee. Tasting local wine and watching the sun set in Barossa Valley was a particular highlight of mine, and of course experiencing the vibrant marine life while snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef will forever be a treasured memory.
Whether you love history, art, sports, music, or anything in between, it’s safe to say that Australia has it all, and I can’t wait to learn about your interests and chat all things Australia with you so we create a bespoke itinerary for your dream trip!
Q&A with Georgie
What鈥檚 your most vivid travel moment?
I was exploring the streets of Barbados with my family when we came across a tiny church. The door was slightly open and we could hear loud laughter and singing. My Dad peeked his head in and was welcomed by a huge crowd of locals who looked so happy to see us and immediately ushered us inside. They sat us in one of the pews and gave us a sheet so we could follow along. They were singing gospel music and encouraged us to clap and dance with them. I鈥檒l never forget the vivid colors of all their beautiful outfits and the way their joy radiated around the room. They didn鈥檛 know anything about us, but welcomed us with open arms and gathered around afterwards to ask questions and give us local tips. I was only 12 at the time but I remember it like it was yesterday, because it gave me such a great feeling of warmth and community.
Which book, film or artwork captures Australia the most?
I recently watched the BBC's 鈥楧avid Attenborough鈥檚 Great Barrier Reef鈥�, and I highly recommend it for anyone interested in learning about the ecosystem and marine life. We all know how stunning the reef is, though we can never truly know its beauty until we鈥檝e experienced it ourselves, but this documentary feels like the next best thing. It does a deep dive (pardon the pun) into what the reef looks like and the science behind it. It鈥檚 especially interesting to watch before you visit Australia as you鈥檒l have a greater understanding and appreciation before seeing it first-hand.
Your best piece of travel advice?
My top tip would be to research the local laws and customs before you visit any destination. You don鈥檛 want a big fine for jaywalking, or to do something that may disrespect another culture. I have found that the more immersed you are in the country鈥檚 way of life, the more enriching your travel experience will be.