Trips To Australia
2007 - The Wombats
Where do we start? What a team!
It all began at Greenline Coach Station, where we formed the Wombat team. Members from Devon, the Midlands and “up North”, all meeting together for the first time.
Who would have known that friends for life would be made over the next 16 days?
And this was where the fun started….
We all had lunch and got to know each other before departing for the airport. Suitcases of all sizes in tow. Passports ready. Excitement just begins….
When arriving in Sydney 24 hours later, the group was eager to get going. We were met by Daisy the Basset Hound to sniff the new arrivals for contraband.
Who did she sit down to and bark at?
“ I didn’t know there were oranges in their, my Nan helped pack my bag!”
After collecting our luggage we were met by Ray, our driver. He took us on a tour of the city, before heading up the coast to Newcastle YHA. The true voice of the Wombats was heard for the first time with everything from “ Bohemian Rhapsody” to “Build Me Up Buttercup” – And we worried about keeping them awake!
Arriving in Newcastle, the group couldn’t wait to get in the sea. (Bearing in mind it was one of the coldest weeks in 20 years) The rest of us stayed warm with hot chocolate in the café over looking the beach and bacon egg rolls for breakfast at the Bakehouse. The group couldn’t wait to see the new release of Harry Potter. Kate deafened everyone with a scream before sleeping through the rest. (Ah Bless her!!!)
Sarah dropped in to see us all, not missing the Hunter Valley vineyard tour. “ OH-MY-GOD!!! We taught the Wombats sophistication, drinking wine with ‘pinkies’ at 10am, before a round of aqua golf in the afternoon sun.
Before they got to relax, Mick and Steve arrived from CVA in 4 wheelers to take us to Conservation. Our new friends Ernie the Emu, Zoe the Kangeroo and Keith the Koala as well as wallabies and newly hatched Emus’s, met us at the Australian Walkabout Park, famous for its ancient aboriginal sites. During our stay, the group planted Eucalyptus trees for the rescued Koala’s; built and maintained pathways for visitors and repaired fences. Nick and Emma, the rangers, taught us aboriginal ways of life including plant and Herb medicines, historical stories and myths and legends. Some of the team got fully into the swing by painting their faces with natural ochre found by the aborigine’s. Ernie and Zoe were keen to join the Wombats for lunch everyday; stealing picnic food and teaching Ben to run- (which doesn’t often happened) The La Salle Camp for the week was “lush”. All the cabins had heaters (a luxury after Newcastle YHA!) Huge Kitchen facilities (great for some chefs in our team) a games room with table tennis and pool and even volley and tennis ball courts. Ben was even seen holding a tennis racket!!!
Two groups became the chefs cooking each morning and evening. We ate everything from BBQ to Mexican and lots and lots and lots and lots of Tim Tams!!!!!!! The girls (including Kate) played tricks on Ben, attempting to scare him by scratching his window with a stick. Shame they couldn’t muffle their giggles. They couldn’t frighten a baby!
All were in bed each night by 9pm shattered from all the hard work. During the mornings we traveled to the Wildlife Park, Mick and Steve took us on a tour of all the amazing coastlines and on the last day the group got some well-earned chill time before heading off to Sydney.
Sydney- WOW!!! The end of our adventure…..but so much more to do.
Arriving at Sydney Central YHA, the Wombats met the Skippies, Koalas and The Wallabies making 96 fundraisers for The Joshua Foundation. That very night we all “glamed up” and ate in style up The Sydney Tower where we could all try Camel and Kangaroo. This overlooked the Sydney nighttime Skyline (such a gorgeous setting) It was such an inspiration to see so many representatives of The Joshua Foundation altogether, who have earned some well earned fun in these spectacular surroundings.
The mood changed temporarily the following day when the Wombats met Hanke, a Holocaust Survivor who shared her life story at Sydney’s Jewish Museum. This amazing woman who will be remembered by us all for a long time reduced the groups to tears. This strong, brave lady touched us deeply with her life and put everything into perspective. After this, group pictures were took outside The Sydney Opera House with our auzzie fashion accessory; the corked hat!
The group cruised to Manley on the ferry for shopping and exploring- more beaches for the guys to enjoy. However, one of the highlights of the trip was the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb. Scared, nervous and excited all rolled into one! Then more of the same on the Sydney Oz Jet, which took us all on a jet power ride round the harbour. Screams, laughter, hysterics and soaked to the skin!!!
Could it get any better?………………..Oh Yes!!!
The Hard Rock Café! The finale of all the groups together. The Joshua Foundation took up half the restaurant and we showed the Auzzies how to party- we lived life to the full!
Our Final full day arrived and we said goodbye to our friends from the Koalas and the Wallabies, before heading off to Bondi Beach. More Swimming in the sea and at last!!! Some sun to bathe in.
Our Final Night together. More merriment, dancing, recalling and re-enacting stories from past days together. The final day arrived. Tears, hugs, promises to stay in touch forever. We all wanted to stay!!!…
On the flight home we all kept our spirits high and continued with the jokes and funny experiences we had encounted over the past weeks. It was here when we all could see how much our lives had changed. New experiences, new adventures and most importantly, friends made for life.
We are so proud of you all and what you have accomplished for yourselves and for The Joshua Foundation.
Your drive, determination and passion have got you here.
Continue being who you are.
Never Stop. Never Change and Live For Today.
Thank you for an amazing adventure together.
Love you all lots and lots
See you soon
Ben & Kate