Travel Guides and Stories

We visited Australia from December 2024 to January 2025, and this post made the homepage on 2025-05-06—marking the moment. If you love travel too, feel free to add me on Weibo: yuyu123d. Melbourne: City, Art, and Nature About the City

We arrived in Melbourne on Christmas Day. Most airports run shuttles to various hotels; return tickets cost about A$28. We rode to Southern Cross Station and walked five minutes to our hostel. As soon as we dropped our bags and headed out, a downpour hit. A rainy Christmas means little is happening—locals spend it like New Year’s Eve back home: family or friends gathered indoors. On the streets, you’ll mostly see tourists and a few odd characters. Outside Chinatown, most shops were shut. Pro tip abroad: on holidays or after 5 pm, if you can’t find food, head to Chinatown. Japanese and Korean spots tend to open later and close later; Western restaurants open early and close early. Melbourne’s CBD is a neat grid—you won’t get lost. The free Route 35 tram runs every ~7 minutes, but it’s slow and loops for sightseeing. There’s also a free shuttle bus—check times first or you might wait 30–40 minutes. First stop in any city: the visitor information center or your hostel’s front desk for maps and advice. For public transport, besides single tickets you can buy a daily ticket (about A$11) good for buses, trams, and trains all day—great value.

With no fixed plan, wandering the CBD is lovely. Melbourne’s architecture, storefront design, and street performers brim with artistic flair. Styles vary yet feel cohesive. Shoppers will find big malls and a luxury strip—you could browse all day. Me? I’d rather daydream by the river than shop.

Not sure if it was the rain or something else, but the river in Melbourne looked yellow—almost like the Yellow River back home. Even under blue skies, the color didn’t change. Brisbane’s river, by comparison, is much prettier.

The best treat in the CBD, in my opinion, is the hot chocolate at Koko Black, 335 Bourke St. I had the Cinnamon Hot Chocolate—unusual but I loved it. They also do chili, nutty, and mint versions. It’s the richest, most authentic hot chocolate I’ve had.

Queen Victoria Market is famous, but it’s basically a big night market—cheap goods with matching quality. We did a quick lap and then headed to Brunswick Street, a strip with Wild West vibes and lots of characterful shops and good eateries. We ducked into Red Tongue Cafe, ordered a lamb salad (around A$20), and it was excellent—the first time a salad didn’t feel like eating grass.

Another nice stop: Acland Street in St Kilda—several tempting cake shops, each with distinct flavors. Some are heavy on cream and quite sweet, but layered thoughtfully—paired with a rich coffee, the balance is just right. You can also see little penguins return to shore here at night. The beach sand looks dark, almost dirty, which lowered my impression of Melbourne a bit.

Don’t miss the Puffing Billy steam train—now a tourist line. People queue early to snag seats on the window ledge; the carriages are open-air so you can sit on the sides and watch the scenery. No need to ride the whole route (about A$31 pp). You can hop off at a stop, grab a huge, tasty burger near the terminus, and take a bus back to the city. To get there: take a suburban train from the city to Belgrave Station (~1 hour), then follow the blue arrows on the ground. Only a couple of services run the full line; others terminate early. Pick up the latest timetable at your hostel or the info center. About Art

The whole city radiates creativity—each building feels considered, with different styles standing together yet speaking a shared language. We rang in 2024 on the lawn with live music, picnics, families and friends. At midnight, fireworks erupted 360 degrees over multiple landmarks—thrilling, and hard to beat back home. People here savor life: slowing down, celebrating, finding joy. Shed your self-imposed limits—live lightly and happily. (Side note: look closely—the tower in the photo later caught fire!)

I make a habit of visiting museums and galleries in every city. Most in Melbourne are free, with some paid exhibitions. Beyond renowned works, the galleries’ layouts and details are beautifully designed—nothing feels random. There’s a dedicated Asian art section; Chinese paintings and ceramics take up a large area. I hope they’re replicas, not artifacts taken long ago.

Beyond culture, the Melbourne Botanic Garden is a lovely place to soak up natural “art.” Colors glow under the sun; we strolled under shade, snapping unfamiliar plants. Nothing flashy to “do,” but I love these slow days—after fast-paced HK life, I crave space to breathe. Even a simple garden walk feels like a gift. About Nature The Great Ocean Road is a cliff-hugging coastal highway famous for its dramatic sea views—blue gradients and huge surf ideal for surfers. Self-driving is best so you can stop where you like. If not, day tours (~A$90) are fine. Time is tight, but our driver-guide’s music curation matched the scenery and banter perfectly—driving, guiding, joking all at once—what energy!

We tried counting the Twelve Apostles and couldn’t reach twelve. The guide explained “twelve” is a biblical reference, not a literal count. Knowing that, the rock stacks felt symbolic—almost sacred.

This collapsed arch is London Bridge. It used to connect to the mainland until a section suddenly fell in 1990 (if I recall). No one was on the arch; a few were stranded and rescued by helicopter. As we left, the guide played “London Bridge Is Falling Down”—darkly ironic.

We spent five days in Melbourne and shared a few favorites here. There’s much more wild beauty to uncover—ideally with lighter bags and more time. Sometimes I dream of buying a campervan and roaming the world—stop by a lake or in a forest, stay as long as we like, no worries about buses, beds, or meals—just living with nature. Cairns: Sea, Great Barrier Reef, and Rainforest The Sea

Travel abroad used to feel magical and out of reach. But with a spark of an idea and some English practice, I planned nearly a month in Australia within three months. Cairns was our third stop. We only had a day in Brisbane, so I won’t detail it—but it’s well worth a visit; I liked it as much as Melbourne. Compared to big cities, Cairns feels like a laid-back second-tier town—small but complete: shopping, lodging, food, and countless tour desks. Reality check: to reach inner/outer reef or the rainforest—or do water activities—you pretty much need tours. Public transit isn’t great, and boats are required offshore. Prices are fairly standard; pick a package that suits your interests. From Cairns Airport to the center is about 10 minutes. There’s a shuttle for around A$18 return—cheap. Our hostel had a small pool and an outdoor dining area, with a Coles supermarket across the street—perfect for cooking to save money.

If you came to Cairns dreaming of daily ocean swims and coconut-in-hand beach naps, you may be disappointed. Cairns itself doesn’t have swimmable beaches—the foreshore is mudflats, full of crabs waving giant claws. No swimming there.

Hence the big public lagoon by the waterfront—use your imagination and it feels like the sea. To swim in the ocean, take bus 110 or 111 to nearby beaches (~1 hour, daily ticket ~A$9). We went to Palm Cove and Trinity Beach. The water was a murky yellow on our days, with heavy surf—only a few people swam inside a small stinger-netted square.

This is Palm Cove. Storm clouds were rolling in, and the sea was restless. A sign warned of possible crocodiles along the shore—I didn’t dare step in. I assumed crocs lived only in muddy rivers—but there are saltwater crocodiles in coastal seas here. After learning that, every walk by the water had me half-expecting a croc to appear.

Many recommended Palm Cove for its twin islets and that distinctive sea color. The village has several award-winning restaurants, though it’s tiny—you’ll cover it in 15–20 minutes.

Compare the two photos—the weather flips fast by the sea. Check the forecast before heading out.

This is Trinity Beach, also about an hour from Cairns, on the same coastline as Palm Cove. You can see the twin islands in the distance. It’s mostly residential—few restaurants or diversions. I even saw a man showering in the women’s restroom; when we stared, he said “I do not mind.” Well, we do—this was the women’s room… The waves were big here too; swimming was limited to the netted square.

We didn’t plan to swim—just laze, catch the breeze, and shoot photos. Blissfully slow.

You can also wander the rocks and do a short hike for sweeping sea views.

On the way back, the golden hour lit everything with a rim of gold.

Back in town, we hit the Night Market and tried a Chinese self-serve box—looks good, tastes so-so. Skip the crab. Prices depend on box size (small was ~A$12.5). You pay first, then fill the box—whatever fits is yours. The market also sells trinkets of mixed quality and has lots of massage stalls.

We mostly cooked, plus daily yogurt and juice—Aussie yogurt is thick and great, milk too, and cheap—don’t miss it (Coles/Woolworths). We stumbled on a blue-and-white seafront restaurant with a lunch set at A$22.5—two dishes plus a drink. We were so full we skipped dinner.

Forgot the dish’s English name—maybe Mizuna…

Soft-shell crab—highly recommended!

Two scoops of ice cream were about A$5.5—eat fast; it melts instantly.

On Saturdays, there are small waterfront craft markets with live music—perfect with a gelato on the lawn. About the Great Barrier Reef

Time for diving! We did a one-day Outer Reef trip with Marine World. As hostel members our Intro Dive (A$120) was waived; we paid A$180 for the day—still pricey. There are better and cheaper options, especially small-group boats. Our boat had dozens—maybe 100 people. We saw another to Green Island with 300+—that’s people-watching, not reef-watching.

After lunch there’s a fish-feeding session—don’t just watch from the deck; jump in and get close!

Like this guy—he got to pet a giant fish!

These gentle giants feel slick to the touch, they say. Non-divers can do helmet walking and get underwater photos.

If you’re brave, try a dive. In the morning, instructors brief you—listen closely to the hand signals and procedures (equalizing, clearing your mask, recovering the regulator, etc.). Dives go in groups of four plus an instructor. You kneel to stabilize, keep breathing steadily, and your instructor constantly checks you with the “OK” sign. First dives are short—around 10+ minutes. You can’t bring your own camera; their photos are A$15 each. A second dive costs about A$70 extra.

Unlimited snorkeling is included—use a noodle to save energy and focus on fish and coral. You’ll spend ~5 hours on a floating platform with options to dive, snorkel, swim, ride the glass-bottom boat, or add paid extras like heli rides and helmet walks. Lunch is a buffet. You won’t tan much and stingers are managed. Overall, the long time on site lets you truly enjoy it. Next time, I’d budget more time and money to stay on an island 2–3 days, join a small-boat trip, and try sea kayaking! About the Rainforest

To save money we DIY’d Kuranda rather than a tour. It’s about an hour away. You can take the scenic train, or a public bus (about five services a day) from near Cairns Station—cheaper and it still runs through rainforest. Ask at Cairns YHA for the latest schedule and prices—returns were around the teens.

The rainforest area is small and well-developed—half a day is enough, and it’s not crowded. The shuttle driver to Barron Falls suggested a 45-minute riverboat to spot crocs if you don’t like hiking. Hikers can get a trail map from the info center and do a 1+ hour loop.

Two girls starting out felt nervous, but it was safe in daylight—mostly odd plants, caterpillars, bush turkeys, cicadas, and birds—no snakes seen.

The paths are paved—no climbs—just follow signs. After a while it gets a bit samey, haha.

Barron Falls is a shuttle ride from Kuranda village (there’s a stop near the honey shop). You view it from lookouts—not up close.

We went in the dry season—just a trickle…

As we were leaving, a traveler asked if we’d seen a big butterfly nearby—so we found and photographed the “butterfly king.” There’s also a large blue species, but it flies so fast we couldn’t capture it.

On the way back we stopped at a lookout over Cairns. I froze—there was a big goanna! I crouched closer for photos, half afraid it’d dash at me. The shuttle driver later said they don’t usually attack—but they might mistake you for a tree and sprint up you… Thankfully, not today. I prefer independent travel, so Cairns felt restrictive—unless you drive or have 4–5 people, tours are the only option. Still, the reef is mesmerizing. Being out in deep water is unlike any beach day—worth saving up for a proper splurge. To be continued… Adelaide: Country Vibes (Part 1)

We spent two weeks in Adelaide, which left a deeper impression than Melbourne, Brisbane, or Cairns. “Adel” truly feels like a village—South Australia, two nearby coasts (east or west—I forget). From Hong Kong it’s an 8–9 hour flight. First impressions: endless blue-green sea from the plane; a small airport; wide roads; neat houses; a compact city core. For detailed Adelaide tips, ask Xiaoya—she planned everything. I mostly napped in the car and woke up at each destination. Huge thanks to Tracy for all the thoughtful help! Back in Hong Kong nearly a month now, I still miss friends, the scenery, and the slow rhythm. Sunset was around 8:30 pm, with long daylight. We often stayed in, then headed out in the afternoon—lazy mornings included.

Hahndorf

We soon visited the famous German village, Hahndorf. With charming buildings and brilliant blue skies, it dazzled this first-time traveler. “Ease” is the word—architecture, streets, plants, and people all feel relaxed and content.

Everything felt fresh—like stepping into scenes I’d only seen on screen. I used to wonder if foreign skies are really bluer—now I know. It’s easy to see why people settle here: no high-rise crush, no crowds, no constant scramble to avoid “losing out.” Life feels low-pressure.

Australia has millions of kangaroos; they cull some annually to protect balance. By contrast, harming a couple of birds can get you deported. That says both how many roos there are and how strong animal protection is.

I adore dogs—can’t help staring. Owners are friendly and often invite a pat, which makes my day. Strangers also smile and say hi. I’d look behind me first to make sure they meant us—so awkward! Once, a neighboring car made funny faces and shouted cheerfully—people are so warm.

The flowers here are gorgeous—bold reds, pinks, whites, and greens blend like a secret garden.

So vibrant! I love these pale purple blooms—everywhere along streets and in yards.

Blue sky reflected in the water, green leaves and shadows, a simple bridge—sunlight adds depth. It’s just an ordinary street, yet every turn is a view—it’s all in how you frame it.

Slightly overexposed into the sun, but it feels like a bath of light. I’m fascinated by the quirky plants here.

Branches stretch skyward; light filters through leaves in dappled patches. With a vacation mindset, the quiet feels perfect—not dull—just right. I try to “record” with my eyes as I walk.

It was too bright, so we ducked into a restaurant. I forgot the name; they’re famous for pork knuckle. Pictured: red wine beef stew with mash and a pancake—names translated loosely—but tasty!

Pork chop with a fantastic sauce—five stars! Most dishes come with mash and greens.

The famous German pork knuckle was just okay—I prefer our braised version. Probably more novel to Westerners.

Only later did I notice the tips of this tree’s leaves were dusted white—was it blooming?

We headed to a nearby strawberry farm. The storefront looks like a smallholding; step outside and it’s not obvious where the fields are…

Inside they sell jams of all sizes and flavors—not just strawberry.

Kids are out in the sun from early on—outdoor life starts young. That rosy-cheeked cutie—adorable.

We picked strawberries under blazing sun without hats—bad idea. It’s like back home but with wider views. You pay for a plastic box, then pay by weight after picking. “Taste test” two or three, they say—but no one really polices it. One old fellow picked, ate, and grinned, “it is so good.” Most people were disciplined—there were lots of ants…

We nearly got heatstroke, but those big sweet strawberries back home were worth it. PS: our green outfits—great combo! Adelaide University

A must-see: The University of Adelaide, where Xiaoya studies. The law school (if I recall) is the standout—graduates are top-tier. The campus architecture is cohesive and historic, with a quiet, scholarly atmosphere.

The study rooms and the library are open to the public—unique in Adelaide, with shared resources. The study space even has a kitchen, and the furniture is eco-designed.

Surprisingly, there are nap areas, overnight spots, and TVs—like a hostel-style study hall. You could practically live there during exams.

In Adelaide, high-rises mean you’re in the city. Neat rows of houses? That’s the suburbs.

Leaving campus, Xiaoya asked me to guess what was behind a low wall—I joked, a cemetery? So discreet?

At the corner, a tiny sign on a tiny door—turns out it was the Adelaide government. So low-key!

“Play Me, I’m Yours!” This street piano rotates around corners of the city. It’s badly out of tune and missing a few black keys—but it adds charm.

Loop around campus and you’ll find a river with black swans resting—so close it made me think of Swan Lake.

Outdoor sports options are everywhere—no need to hunt for facilities. Love those ripples.

Pigeons are everywhere—by the sea and in the city—well-fed and plump. At lunchtime they’ll gather on the lawn to watch students eat. Those big, glossy eyes—instant melt.

The curves of river and bridge create a lovely frame.

On a big lawn, a dog kept trying to chase a flock of birds; after failing twice, he trotted back to the owner.

He then marched toward us—curious but cautious—before plopping down to rest.

Heading toward a church, a small path made me hear the Wedding March in my head—imagining a couple walking the red carpet toward the altar, family on the lawns witnessing a solemn moment. Weddings should be dignified, not a variety show.

The tree at the entrance feels deeply grounded.

This angle flattens the church into a clean silhouette. Why are so many churches Gothic?

The carousel-like pavilion makes for a great silhouette.

Back at Xiaoya’s place, the sunset turned the sky into a painter’s palette in seconds. Botanic Garden in Adelaide

After Melbourne’s gardens, Adelaide’s were still a delight. Xiaoya says autumn is best—reds everywhere and carpets of leaves. I can picture it and already want to return. We see green so often—how about a red world?

Without a map, we just photographed curious plants to look up later.

Are these maples? If I had magic markers, I’d turn all this green to red in a stroke!

See the “hidden star”? That dry, camouflaged butterfly. There were many—like a butterfly garden—which also implies lots of caterpillars… cue the shivers.

Best surprise: wild kangaroos. Tracy pointed, “Look, a roo!” I thought she was joking—until I saw one staring back. It went back to grazing, and we crept closer for photos—then noticed two more in the bushes—probably a family.

Summer means fewer flowers; spring and autumn are more floral. It’s good to leave a few regrets—reasons to return.

This gradient red tree might be the last splash of red—stark against the green.

This giant branch makes a natural arch—perfect for silhouettes.

The grasses allegedly hide big rats and tons of ants. I charged in wearing flip-flops—within minutes I was itching and hopping. Wear sneakers, long pants, and a hat for walks!

Second wild roo of the day—bigger and hungrier—never lifted its head.

This fortress-like “tower” turned out to be someone’s house—lucky owners with sweeping views in serene isolation. To be continued… Glenelg Beach

This long-delayed post finally continues. The beach name escaped me—Xiaoya reminded me: Glenelg. The sand isn’t powdery, and the water is a deeper blue rather than crystal turquoise. We arrived around 7–8 pm for sunset—prime time, with gorgeous blue-to-gold gradients.

What I love most about Aussie beaches are the piers stretching into the sea—countless magazine photos made me promise I’d see them in person. They didn’t disappoint.

Sunset sprints—chasing the last light. You won’t be stingy with shutter clicks; hopefully one or two keepers emerge.

This color palette is my favorite. We sat on a bench watching stars pop out as the sky faded. You don’t need a reason to visit the beach—just go when you feel like it. That’s the magic. Victor Harbor

This Victor isn’t Sydney’s Victoria Harbour—it’s about 70+ km from Adelaide, a bit far and tricky to find. Bridges feature prominently here—a long causeway links town and island—with a horse-drawn tram. The sea is stunning: crystal-clear, with bands of color. On the way out, it was calm, breezy, and bright.

I don’t get the horse tram—this massive horse pulling so many people feels unfair. Please consider skipping it.

These natural blues and greens are my favorite to shoot.

Don’t just look ahead—turn around sometimes. You might be missing beauty right behind you.

The weather flipped fast—blue sky on one side, a wall of dark clouds approaching.

From the breakwater we could feel the swell rising—a storm brewing.

Within ten minutes the gale hit—hair everywhere. Seeing both calm and fury in one day made the trip.

The ocean turned wild—spray exploding—like standing at a cliff’s edge.

It was high summer, yet fields were tawny—almost wintry.

After circling the island, we rested while I climbed higher for a shot of the causeway. The blue had faded; everything fell quiet.

Meet the pudgiest seagull I saw in Australia.

On the drive back, I snapped this through the window—“the clouds and rain parted, pouring down a little warmth…”

For a moment, flocks of parrots streaked across the sky. Dolphin Cruise

We ended up on an Adelaide “dolphin” cruise that was really an estuary boat ride. Dolphins surfaced briefly, far away. It’s a very kid-friendly, relaxed trip.

Lots of factories and mudflats along the banks—scenery repeats a bit.

But kids love the big boat—enough said. West Lakes

We have West Lake in Hangzhou; Adelaide has West Lakes—a very different vibe. It’s a wealthy area with villas lining the water—flowers, lawns, and a calm lake: enviable living.

Some houses have front-yard tables for sunning, chatting, and picnics. Earning is for living better, not for stress and empty show. Henley Beach

Another Adelaide beach—popular for wedding shoots. White on green—lovely. The sand is fine and soft, with a long shoreline—beautiful.

The water is crystal clear—if it hadn’t been a bit chilly, I’d have swum.

Each wave leaves patterns on the sand—rings and grids—soft underfoot.

My sharpest seagull shot—this goofy fellow isn’t dumb at all. Suddenly I thought of “Stray Birds.”

After many landscapes, I crave portraits and animals. Dogs on beaches always steal my attention.

This sunset was different from the earlier one—but still gorgeous. Before leaving Australia, I most wanted one more look at the sea.

Right as I pressed the shutter, a flock of gulls flew through. The sea was the highlight of this trip. Each beach has its character; you might tire of them after many, but I still love going. I’ll be back to relive these seared-in memories. Animals

Australia means kangaroos and koalas. We drove to a wildlife park where you can hand-feed roos and pet koalas. Hundreds of free-roaming roos—many napping under trees; others crowd around visitors for food. This cheeky one grabbed the feed bag and buried its head.

Candid of a handsome guy with a koala. These chubby koalas wedge between branches, munching nonstop. Their fur is so soft—claws look sharp for gripping trees.

Big bum lifestyle: eat, sleep, repeat. No predators, no aggression—peaceful but lacking “pursuit,” perhaps.

Alpaca sighting at last—hilarious face and huge eyes. It stared at the feed bag, chewing at turbo speed—adorable. They can spit, but this zoo resident behaved.

That chew rate is many times a roo’s—like a motor.

This duck looks like a sculpture.

Even the crocodile seemed too fat to move—barely bothered to snap at meat. Time for a diet?

Lastly, this longing roo face mirrors my wish to stay longer and learn more about Australia. Travel never ends—this trip’s end is the start of another. (The End) After a long wait, here are some crab-catching photos from Adelaide.

Crystal-clear water and fine weather. First time crabbing—I carried a bucket and net, scanning the shallows. Suddenly a crab with raised claws appears by your feet—drop the net over it and scoop. Some crafty ones slip away…

Sunset silhouettes

I bought this color dress in Australia on sight—perfect for the beach. Next are a few film shots and a brief itinerary. 12.20–12.21 HK to Adelaide on Cathay Pacific, return ticket a bit over RMB 7,000—Häagen-Dazs and red wine with the meal, nice. 12.22 Adelaide Glenelg Beach for sunset 12.23 Hahndorf German village for my birthday—pork knuckle and great pork chops 12.24 Adelaide crabbing at an unknown beach 12.25 Fly to Melbourne—only Chinatown open for food 12.26 Melbourne Boxing Day shopping 12.27 Melbourne Botanic Garden, MCG, Captain Cook’s Cottage 12.28 Great Ocean Road 12.29 Puffing Billy and cake-shop street 12.30 University of Melbourne and Brunswick St restaurants 12.31 Art Gallery and New Year’s Eve countdown 1.1 Fly to Brisbane—Art Gallery, CityCat for city views 1.2 Fly to Cairns—wander the town 1.3 Palm Cove beach 1.4 Trinity Beach 1.5 Kuranda rainforest 1.6 Outer Reef 1.7 Town stroll and local eats 1.8 Fly back to Adelaide, rest 1.9 … 1.10 Adelaide Botanic Garden—wild kangaroos 1.11 Victor Harbor and Urimbirra Wildlife Park—lots of roos and koala cuddles 1.12 Dolphin boat and West Lakes 1.13 Adelaide shopping 1.14 Henley Beach Adelaide’s Seas

Great Ocean Road

Brisbane