Category: Critters

The Netherlands Countryside

by hiddengem2020, posted in Canals, Country side, Critters, Food, Gardens, Markets, Music, Relaxation

Let’s start with Day One shall we? My story begins on June 20th 2024 the first morning I woke up alone in another country.

Okay, sure, my trip technically started on June 18th when my partner Iain dropped me at the airport. But the next 48 hours were basically hell and not worth talking about. All I will note for any prospective travellers out there, is to make sure you check the minimum passport validity for each country you are passing THROUGH, not just the ones you’re travelling to. It’ll save you a lot of stress!

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Cape Schanck and the Hot Springs

by hiddengem2020, posted in Beach, Critters, Food, Monuments, Relaxation, Roadtrips

When the rest of Melbourne stands still to watch horses suffer for gambling money, where do you go? As far away as possible I hope! My family and I took a trip down the Peninsula on Cup Day, for some quality bonding in the sun. 

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Arthur’s Seat

by hiddengem2020, posted in Beach, Critters, Gardens, Wine

Ever need to escape to a fairytale land? Somewhere that you don’t have to think about work or studying or your life going pear shaped. Where just for a moment you don’t belong to anyone but yourself.

Needing to feel like a child again, I took myself and my best friend to the Enchanted Adventure Gardens at Arthur’s Seat. It was a perfect winter’s day, the freshness of last night’s rain filled our lungs and the clear skies provided a warm sun to combat the biting chill of the air.

Join me on my Enchanted Journey

The little town of Rutherglen

by hiddengem2020, posted in Art, Community, Critters, Food, Roadtrips, Rural, Wine

Continuing the theme of “escape to the country”, I took a little time off work over the long weekend to return to my favourite relaxation station. One of the smallest and oldest towns I’ve visited in Australia, it’s an easy way to avoid responsibilities.

Oh you need me for something? “Sorry, I’m in Rutherglen this weekend. “

“Oh damn, where?”


Works every time!
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Healesville Sanctuary

by hiddengem2020, posted in Critters, Food, Zoo

I had a friend visiting from Perth last week, so we took her twin two-year-olds on a trip to the Healesville Sanctuary. Only for educational purposes, of course! No, we adults had as much fun as the little ones, wandering through the newly refurbished park. Since the last time I visited as a kid, it has really upped its game in terms of aesthetic, with gorgeous statues and signs all around.

Keep going!

In Cairns | Day 4

by hiddengem2020, posted in Aquarium, Cairns, Critters, Waterfalls
Marine Touch Tank, Cairns Aquarium


AQUATIC ADVENTURES. – – – X

Joined the massive queues at the tourist trap known as Cairns Aquarium today. While waiting in line a cheery doorman went along encouraging us to stay, with exuberant thank yous and fishy facts.

“Every fish you’ll see today is native to Cairns and surrounding regions”

– Smilee McGee
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In Cairns | Day 3

by hiddengem2020, posted in Cairns, Critters, Food, Roadtrips, Waterfalls
Lake Barrine Teahouse

THE LANDS OF TABLE. – – – – X

I slept in today, not emerging from my bed until after 10, but my brother was even later so I needn’t have worried about keeping the plans of the day at bay. We had a dizzying drive to the Tablelands ahead, and after many nauseating bends we arrived at a volcanic crater turned oasis.

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