With Love from Australia

Posted on by Miriam

“Dear World,

Our international borders are closed and it’s anyone’s guess when they’ll reopen.

However, state restrictions are slowly easing and people are now able to explore beyond their own backyard.

Like many we dream and plan. We look forward to the day when we can rediscover and support the tourism industry and our local economy again.

Recently Tourism Australia launched Live from Australia, with a weekend devoted to travel experiences, broadcast and live streamed around Australia and the world.

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Here were a few of the highlights.

“Think Chris Hemsworth inspired morning workouts in Byron Bay, croc encounters with the Outback wrangler Matt Wright and dance parties with The Wiggles. Take a break on Phillip Island … be captivated by an underwater world on the Great Barrier Reef, learn the best kept secrets of an Aussie bbq from chef Hayden Quinn and soak up the serenity of an Uluru sunset, all from the comfort of your couch …”

Gotta love the magic of virtual travel.

The campaign is all about bringing a little bit of the Aussie spirit and optimism into the lounge room and lives of people around the country, and the world, while we’re stuck at home. Whilst the ‘weekend virtual event’ has now passed the wonder lust remains.

Can I reignite some desire to travel? Maybe tempt you into a virtual love affair.

“Happiness comes in waves”

Who can resist a secluded beach, alluring in any season. As well as boasting the world’s largest coral reef, our massive coastline links 10,000 jewelled beaches. It’s easy to find your own space amid our sultry shores.


Memory Cove, remote and sublime in the Lincoln National Park
Off the track on the Yorke Peninsula
Locals at Seal Bay on Kangaroo Island
Fancy escaping off the grid, maybe exploring some remote beaches and tracks? While camping is still not allowed in some states, we can now enjoy day trips, treks and favourite places close to home.

Further afield, mountain ranges await, rugged peaks like the Grampians in Victoria that hold ancient stories, a timeline of earth mysteries and invigorating trails of discovery.

Discovering Ancient Arkaroola on the Ridgetop Tour
The magic of the Flinders
Every state has its gems. From the timeless wonder of the Flinders Ranges and ancient Arkaroola to the majestic coastline of the west and the tip of Cape York.

In between, the Red Centre holds its own secrets amongst the dramatic red and blue expanse of the outback.

“Live colourfully”

Photographers will fall in love with the sublime light, like colours from an artists easel.

At Mungo National Park, along the Great Ocean Road and amidst national parks that are slowly re-opening, there are whispers of the past and hopes for the future.

In forests and bushland live unique wildlife. Now, more than ever, we need to protect and help preserve their habitats.

While humans have stayed away, there’s little doubt the wildlife have continued to play.

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Roos have made their home on the beach at Cape Hillsborough
A local at the Prom. Did you know that wombat poop is square shaped?

Nature has definitely kept moving.

And iconic vistas are still here, standing as though a test to time.

Of course there’s more to Australia then epic landscapes and wide open spaces.

Big cities with vibrant personalities and bright lights are slowly coming to life again.  A buzzing coffee culture and a sumptuous food and wine scene is waiting to welcome adventurous foodies.

Yes, we’re a land of abundance. In fact, there’s a lot more here than meets the eye.

Melbourne city

Here’s a few lesser known titbits about this vast land.

Melbourne’s tramway system is one of the largest in the world with over 500 trams rocketing over 250kms of track. It also has the highest number of cafes and restaurants per number of people than any other city in the world.

Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, is one of the oldest rocks on Earth. This stunning sandstone formation with a width of 8kms at its largest point, evokes a magical aura as its colours change during the day.

Did you know that over 2.5km of Uluru is underground? Amazingly, around 2.5kms of the rock is connected to the Olgas, where the rock emerges again 16 miles away.

Uluru and the Olgas in the distance, connected by forces we can’t see
The pristine hut scene at Dove Lake in Cradle Mountain National Park 

Our island state Tasmania has the cleanest air in the world. Take a deep breath and relax, it’s easy here as you explore the island’s many beautiful places, including Cradle Mountain and Freycinet National Park.

For wine lovers there are over 60 wine regions across Australia, with wine produced in every state. Cheers to a great red and a gourmet cheese platter.

Fancy a long drive? The Nullarbor Plain is home to the longest straight road in the world at 146kms along. Just point and drive.

In Queensland, Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world. Drive (4WD only) along 75 Mile Beach, the sand highway that runs the length of the island. Venture inland to rainforests, rivers and pristine lakes.

Big, beautiful, bold Australia. There’s nowhere like it on earth.

The main highway on Fraser
Eli Creek
Then there’s the people.

Laid back, loyal, cheeky, tough, funny, irreverent and resilient. Always barracking for the underdog and willing to lend a helping hand.

We’re diverse. One in four of Australia’s 22 million people were born overseas. To borrow the phrase from our unofficial national anthem “we are one but we are many, and from all the lands on earth we come.” 

priscilla-queen-of-the-desert-2mtfa1ng.o0jYep that’s us. Multicultural and a friendly bunch, albeit a bit whacky. To give you an idea, there’s a strange obsession to drive around the country and photograph big things. Big bananas, giant mangoes, big pineapples and massive prawns, a giant koala and merino, a big bogan and the big golden guitar at Tamworth, just to name a few.

Is it any wonder one of our most loved movies follows a group of drag queens on a musical road trip across the Aussie outback.

It makes me want to hit the road with the music cranked right up.

Australia might still be closed for business but there’s a lot of love here. Keep us in your mind, we’re not going anywhere.

As quiet as it is right now, while we’ve been resting the world has never looked more beautiful. Let’s look after it as we move forward and into a new future.

Stay well and enjoy the journey, wherever in the world you are.

With love from Australia

Click on the image below for details on the livestream.

111 thoughts on “With Love from Australia”

  5. Hi Miriam, Great information on “Live from Australia.” We were in New Zealand for two months last year (a lifetime ago). Australia has been on our wish list. Virtual travel is a great option right now. Your photos are stunning and fascinating! Square shaped poop? I will fit this into tonight’s conversation. A great post!

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    1. Haha, now that’ll be interesting dinner time conversation!
      Two months in NZ sounds wonderful. Funny as it’s so close and I’ve never been there. Who knows, maybe one day!

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  8. This is exactly what I needed Miriam! So beautiful!

    My uncle had a big role in developing the Adelaide light railway service (the tram). He spent years living and working in Adelaide. My brother also spent a lot of time there.

    I was so looking forward to my trip, especially as last year I lost all of my photos. I think it’s amazing that the number of cases in Australia has been kept relatively low compared with Europe and the US. I understand how important it is to protect that.

    I am only tearful because I love my dear Goldfinch so very much…it’s hard not knowing when I will see him.

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    1. Hey Caramel, I just went back to your blog and re-read about Goldfinch. Sorry about your trip being postponed. Hopefully when this is all under control, down the track, you’ll be able to come back here. Hopefully my post helped, at least a bit.

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  9. wow bonza ad mate! I didn’t know about the series … I might just take a peek 😉

    It’s quite heartening to know I’ve visited most of those places you mention but always more to explore! Not getting your posts in my reader again .. WP &*%!

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  12. This sounds a wonderful live event Miriam and you have shared a wealth of knowledge and beautiful scenery of your beloved land..
    I am pleased at least you can now start to take short walks and hikes and get out in the big outdoors… So many wonderful places you have shared.. and I am sure you will soon be able to share your travels again with us all soon..
    And I learnt something new about Poo being square LOL… 🙂 At least the toilet paper run has subsided hehehe…

    You have to find humour… Sending LOVE and well wishes Miriam… Bless you for sharing so many positive places and helping keep spirits high..
    Love and Blessings Sue ❤

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    1. Hi Sue, yes I’m looking forward to sharing more places and travel eventually. Though the first place I’ll be going is to visit my daughter three hours away. I’ve missed her.
      Glad I could enlighten you re the square wombat poop, lol, we need to laugh don’t we. Though that early TP debacle just had me shaking my head in disbelief. Crazy times! So glad it’s all easing though I feel we still have a way to go. Take care Sue and thanks for dropping by. xx

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      1. Yes amazing what people think is important that they need so much of it.. Maybe its a’Sign’ of the state of why our Earth needs such a wake up call because of all the Poop! we have created… Made me think when the TP was the first to empty the shelves.. 🙂 The collective WC…. 🙂
        Yes I bet you miss your daughter big time… I am missing our granddaughter 🙂 even though we speak via video phone.. ❤
        Much love Miriam.. and thank you for all the love and beauty you share.. 🙂 ❤

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  13. It does help our emotional states to have the restrictions eased a bit, doesn’t it? And after this is over, I’ll never again take the ability to travel for granted. Now I’m more determined than ever to see other parts of the world. Thanks for these photos, reminding me why I want to visit Australia….and for your friendship! Stay well, and stay hopeful!

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    1. Thanks so much Ann. I don’t think any of us will take the ability to travel for granted once this is all over. I know I sure won’t! And I’m sorry for the late reply, I only just found your comment! Take care and stay well my friend. xx

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  14. You’re a wonderful advertisement for your country, Miriam. 🙂 🙂 I’m minded to think that we’re too keen to hop on a plane and head for the latest ‘must be seen’, and look where it’s led us! But Australia is a big country and you have so many beautiful parts making the whole. Many thanks for sharing.

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    1. Thanks Jo. I think international travel will be off the cards for a while yet. Which doesn’t bother me at all. As you said, Australia’s a big country and there’s still plenty I haven’t seen. Stay well 😊

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  15. I like to travel in “real life”, but when that is not an option virtual travel is a great alternative. “Live from Australia” looks like it’s going to be a fun event. One day I’ll make it to Australia, for real.

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  16. Thank you for the tour, Miriam, of a place I know I will not see in this lifetime. When I came upon Red Centre my heart literally stood still. I don’t know what it is about this image, but it moved me to the point I was holding my breath for its beauty. I so enjoyed this post!! Bless you! xo

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    1. I wish I could literally transport you there Amy, to the Red Centre that is. It truly is special, an almost spiritual place that takes your breath away. Maybe in your next lifetime. 🙏❤️ xx

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    1. Thanks Sue. Ironically we lost reception last night and I wasn’t able to tune in. Oh well, our country will always be waiting for us when we’re ready to venture out again. Have a great weekend. xx

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    1. Hi Heather, great to hear from you and no surprise to know you’re already sold. Hope you’re well and life is good in your neck of the woods!

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  22. Cara amiga and mate!!! Ahhh you are such a SUPERB guide to the fabulous and much beloved treasure chest of wonders that is Australia. I loved all about your beautiful post – the gorgeous photos and your seductive way of describing the myriad of miracles that your continent has to offer. Thank you SO much for this my friend. Btw, I did take a photo with a giant thing, too – the giant prawn in Ballina! Lol I hope that makes me part Aussie 😉 I miss Australia so much my dear, thank you for helping me keep my connection to it alive while I am in Europe… also, I did NOT know that the wombat´s poop is square-shaped. hehehe. And thanks so much for letting us know about the virtual Australia travel experience – I had a quick look at your post on Friday and spent some glorious hours traveling Down Under via FB yesterday. SUCH good vibes!!! Loved it and want to watch all the videos eventually… Hope you are well my lovely, sending so much amore y abrazos to you in gorgeous Melbourne xoxox 💖💖💖💖

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    1. Ciao Maria, cara amica, so lovely to hear from you. I’m glad you had a chance to tune in and catch some of the Aussie experience online. You did better than me actually! We lost reception Friday night and then were away for the rest of the weekend visiting my daughter. It was the first time we were able to do that in over two months so it was a very special weekend.
      Ahh, so you’ve seen the big prawn. Yep, I’d say that qualifies you as an Aussie lol 😁 Glad my post was able to rekindle some of your nostalgia for our fair country. Hope you’re keeping well my friend and your spirits high at a time when our world is changing so much. Thank you for your kind words, your Amore and hugs. Sending you much love back my friend together with warm hugs and loads of good wishes and positivity. xxx 💕🌸🙏

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      1. Ciao ciao bellisima, yes the videos showcasing Australia´s amazingness are really outstanding. Really just the vibes people would need right now! That “She´ll be right” spirit is just the best… sigh! So happy tohear you had such a wonderful weekend with a lovely family-reunion. Thank you for your beautiful wishes and words my friend, I do feel these times bring up a lot, but I look at everything through the lense of furthering healing and returning to greater wholeness… So grateful for beautiful souls like you my friend!! Lifting us up and shining a gorgeous light of love and inspiration into the future! Mucho amor, amore, love, cuddles, and smiles my gorgeous! 💖💖✨✨✨

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        1. Aww, you always make me smile bella. Thank you for shining your own light, so very brightly. Yes, “she’ll be right”, it’s not a bad mantra to have and live by at the moment is it. Big hugs and much love to you my beautiful friend. Stay well, always hopeful and smiling. xxx 💕🙏

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        2. Thats so nice to hear my friend 🙂 So happy to make you smile, you bring much joy to my life also my dear! Thank you for gifting me with this wonderful feedback on shining my light, it means so much!! Big hugs, so much love, blessings of health and happiness to you my lovely!! Sei unica!! 💕🙏xxx

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  24. Thanks for the grand tour of some of our most boastful landscapes, especially Uluru or Ayers Rock. There is ancient wisdom in this area… the Red Centre that has begun to intrigue me … I think we have yet to see what this Giant Rock really is and the ancient magic it holds. I can imagine this swirling energy and grounding feeling. Really enjoyed your post. Sending loads of hugs 🦋🌈

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    1. Thanks Zoey, it really is an incredibly spiritual place, with an energy that defies words. So glad you enjoyed my post, and grand tour of our beautiful land. Big warm hugs back xx 💕😍

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  25. I love your site. My thanks for sharing such a good post. I was looking for thoughts on this topic last Thursday. I will come back to read more and inform my coworkers about your site. Do you know how “CompanySecretaryAustralia” is feeding young children during the COVID-19 pandemic. You can also help, search for it.

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  26. Ahhh…thank you for the beautiful virtual trip, Miriam. Australia is just breathtaking!! I am looking forward to the day when we can travel again. Sending you much love, my friend. I hope you are all safe and well. xx

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    1. Thanks Amy and yes, I think we’re all looking forward to that day. All’s well here, restrictions are slowly easing but it’s small steps in terms of getting back out there. Hope you’re well too. xx

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  27. What a much needed virtue Aussie tour, Miriam. Your photos are surely inviting and you make a fantastic tour guide with interesting info. We haven’t forgotten our Australia travel plan. At the meantime, thank you so much for the link for live streaming. I know what we’ll have for entertainment this weekend. Thank you so much! ❤

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  29. Dear friend Miriam, your words and photos in this post warmed my heart – our Great Southern Land full of spirit and beauty calling to us. Thank you for sharing the magic. Sending wombat hugs. Lily 🌳🌞💙💛

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    1. Hi Lily, you know how much I love my travel and this beautiful country so this one was a joy to write. And it was a bit of a reminisce too I’ll admit. Hope you’re doing well my lovely friend. Look forward to eventually catching up again. xxx 💕 P.S Love those wombat hugs, sending you a bunch too! 🥰😁

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  30. Fantastic idea. You live in a magically, beautiful place. I especially love the lighting in the photo of Red Centre. Sending you love and wellness across the seas. Keep shining your light.
    Ali

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  31. What a great idea of Australian Tourism to start promoting Australia’s wonders. We definitely intend to make a visit once we retire and this virus is under control. What a beautiful country. I’m not a city gal and there is so much natural beauty to see. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Thanks so much for stopping by Diana. Yes, I’m sure you’d love it here, there’s so much natural beauty. In the meantime enjoy your own backyard and stay well. xx

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  32. Fantastic round up of an amazing country. We travelled from Cape Tribulation down to Brisbane last year, and I’m keen to return and keep going! Favorite spot had to be Fraser Island, loved getting woken up in the morning by the sound of giant lizards!

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  33. Pingback: With Love from Australia — Out an’ About – Truth Troubles

  35. Thanks dear Miriam for this virtual tour of a beautiful Australia. Hope in the future will get to visit your country. It has so many wonderful places to see and admire. Thanks for your valuable share, Miriam ♥️♥️♥️♥️

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  38. It’s been amazing to see how people and organisations have been handling this time Miriam and this is another fabulous way to see our great country!!! Love it 🙂

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    1. Hi Deb, yes, thank goodness for virtual travel and the internet. It’s allowed all of us to step out of our lounge rooms hasn’t it. And you and I both know how amazing Australia is! 😊

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  39. Australia is an amazing country Miriam. You are a terrific ambassador. I hope to visit Perth, Melbourne and Sydney… some fine day to see my cousins. Meanwhile, I guess staycations will be the norm for many this year.

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    1. Yes, I think so Brigid. Thank goodness for our blogs where we can virtually travel to each others beautiful countries. Take care and thank you for your lovely comment!

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