12 Jan.2011 - Check Out Your Own Backyard

2010 has come and gone, we’ve heralded in the New Year, and I've made it in one piece ...... just.

After the giant-roller-coaster-of-a-ride that was 2010, spending May in Mexico, July in the Philippines, and August/ September in North America, I was just about weeping with exhaustion by the time Christmas Eve came around.... and greeting the New Year with a bang? Fuggedaboutit... Quiet dinner. At home. With Peter. And the Dog.

Speaking to a group of women at a W.I.S.E. function prior to Christmas, I told them that... “ Travel helps us to reconnect with the Self. It allows us to distance ourselves from the stresses of everyday life in order to recharge the batteries and get a fresh perspective on life.”... jeepers, did I really say that?? .... better practice what I preach!

But plane travel? Nope... hopping on yet another plane right now has as much appeal as a Shane Warne text (sorry, Shane, just needed to stress a point).

Thankfully, I met Tania Beck from Red Roo Adventures at the W.I.S.E event. Red Roo Adventures offer walking tours that showcase the very best of Sydney’s national parks and beaches, sharing local gems that are off-the-beaten-track and away from the rat race. Loved the name, loved the concept.

“Hmmmm....”, I thought. ”Time to check out my own backyard.” .... and so I did. No sense in letting the grass grow under my feet!

I dropped Tania a line before the year was out, and last Saturday, I finally went along to Red Roo’s “Beach to Bush Bash”.

A full day’s walking tour, we started from the town of Bundeena, just 50 minutes from the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, and we trekked through the bushland of the Royal National Park, along the coastline, and Jibbon Beach, viewing ancient engravings on the sandstone rock by the founding Dharawal Aboriginal people. After a visit to Stanwell Park and a delicious picnic lunch, we marveled at the spectacular views as we trekked along the Seacliff Bridge, an amazing balanced cantilever bridge located in the northern Illawarra region of New South Wales, linking the coastal villages of Coalcliff and Clifton. After a day’s trek under a cloudless blue Sydney sky, we ended our journey with a well-earned "cold one" at The Scarborough Hotel.

I do wonder why more Australians don’t check out their own backyard. Is it because traveling within Australia offers poor “brag” value when compared to overseas destinations? Have we become blase about the stunning beauty of our rugged coastline, pristine beaches and pounding surf, ancient land and bush, and clear skies?

When budget, or time, doesn’t allow for longer overseas trips during the year, wouldn’t it make sense to travel locally, more frequently?

All I know is that after an amazing day of trekking through bush, secluded beaches, and getting a good dose of fresh air and sunshine, I returned home tired but clear-eyed, recharged, and with a fresh perspective.

* To view the video of our walking tour, "Beach To Bush Bash", Click Here!

Safe Travels,

More Red Roo Adventures Walking Tours

* Harbour Foreshore (Sydney Harbour)

* Northern Beaches - Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous

* Beach to Bush Bash- Bundeena and the Royal National Park

* Resolutely Off The Beaten Track - West Head and Ku-Ring-Gai Chase Nat'l Park

Click Here To Contact Red Roo Adventures.

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Here's What's Happening In Our Own Backyard.

Queensland Floods:

The Queensland floods have been far-reaching, drawn-out and devastating. Three-quarters of the state has been declared a disaster zone. But we can all help in flood relief efforts.

CLICK HERE TO HELP: The Salvation Army has now launched a Flood Appeal to help direct financial aid to flood-effected Queensland communities. Make sure you select " Flood Appeal" button on the upper right hand corner of the Home Page.

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