The Southern Ocean seems very clean. On none of the beaches did we find plastic rubbish – very different to what we have experienced in the Northern Hemisphere – no more beach pictures here as I already shared a lot …
Only 11% of the world population lives in the Southern Hemisphere. Apart from the big cities, towns are very quiet with lots of space, easy and relaxed. My favourite city has been Fremantle – think I mentioned this before…
Less globalisation? Yes, you can get your Starbucks and other chains but the cities and towns are full of independent businesses unlike UK city centres. Found that really refreshing – and I don’t mean the coffee they are serving 🤭
Love the Australian wildlife, certainly the cute ones. But there is a lot you don’t want to encounter: jack ants, copperhead snakes, tiger snakes … I have lost count how many times I saw ‘beware of snakes’ on a big yellow signs, leaving me with a feeling of unpreparedness as no clue on what to do in case. Something definitely to do better next time.
Walking a little used bush trail, Fergus thought I nearly stepped on a snake – one of my permanent nightmares.
Fleeting looking at the picture (taken from a safe distance), it could have been. After deliberation and discussion with some locals we concluded it was a King’s skink
Aussies have a great sense of humour. We have seen some very funny lines – maybe not the best pictures to use as evidence …
We were surprised by strict interstate rules on ‘importing’ goods from one state to the other – affecting basically all fresh fruit, veg and honey. It did catch us out and we had to leave some stuff behind …
Driving is easy – in and outside of town. Sometimes we were driving for miles without seeing another car – long, straight and empty roads. And we travelled a lot – best part of 4500 km.
The first Allied shots of both WWI and WWII were apparently fired from Fort Nepean on Mornington Peninsula.
- On 5 August 1914, the German ship SS Pfalz attempted to escape from Port Philip. Within minutes of being notified that war had been declared, order was given to the Fort Nepean to “stop her or sink her”. After the Pfalz ignored signals to halt, the B1 gun fired across her bow. The Pfalz then turned around and the crew was arrested.
- On 4 September 1939, within hours of war being declared, the A1 gun fired across the bow of a ship which failed to identify itself. The ship then identified as the Australian freighter SS Woniora!
The Travels of Birgit 