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Where are we now?
Where are we now?
Our Travel Bucket List
Brisbane, Australia
WHERE ARE WE NOW?
My husband John and I are home-based in Brisbane, Australia, fresh off a five-week road trip through nine captivating destinations across Central Europe. We immersed ourselves in the landscapes, cultures, and stories of Germany, Slovenia, Montenegro, Hungary, Czechia, Poland, and Bosnia-Herzegovina, from Austria’s alpine charm to Croatia’s coastal magic. Join us as we share these unforgettable destinations’ beauty, history, and serendipity.
In the meantime, planning has commenced for our 21-day rail journey across Japan timed to the 2026 bloom of cherry blossoms. Watch this space for upcoming announcements as our itinerary evolves.
Suitcase Escapes is now Rae’s full-time passion project since retiring in early 2020. For John, it’s a part-time obsession squeezed between his 9-to-5 commitments. Australia is not just our home — it’s where our story began. As Dorothy once said, “There’s no place like home.”
🇦🇺 What’s in a Name?
Australia is often called The Lucky Country or The Land Down Under — and for good reason.
We live in Queensland, affectionately known as The Sunshine State, where we enjoy over 260 days of sunshine each year. It’s a place where everything feels brighter — perfect for outdoor adventures and soaking up the best of Aussie life.
Queensland is also home to 5 of Australia’s 11 World Natural Heritage sites, including:
- Fraser Island (K’gari)
- The Gondwana Rainforests
- The Great Barrier Reef
- Riversleigh fossil site
- The Wet Tropics (stretching from Cooktown to Townsville).
And then there’s our hometown — Brisbane. Australia’s third-largest city, it goes by many names:
- Brisvegas (a cheeky nod to its laid-back vibe)
- Brizzy (if you’re a local)
- The River City (thanks to the peaceful Brisbane River winding through its heart).
While most first-time visitors flock to Sydney for its iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge, or to Melbourne for its artsy laneways and world-class coffee, we believe Brisbane deserves a spot on your travel bucket list.
As lifelong Brisbanites, we’re proud to call this city home — especially now that it’s the future host of the 2032 Summer Olympic Games and home to Bluey’s World, a whimsical attraction inspired by the beloved Aussie children’s show.
So, before you jet off to faraway lands, ask yourself: have you explored the wonders in your own backyard?
Whether it’s the golden beaches of the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, lush hinterland rainforests, or the relaxed sophistication of city life — Brisbane delivers it all. Add in incredible regional food, friendly locals (like us!), and year-round sunshine, and you’ve got yourself a destination that’s as rewarding as it is welcoming.
AUSTRALIA
Australia has more than 10,000 sparkling pristine beaches around its shores and friendly wildlife you can get up close and selfie personal — from koalas and kangaroos to quokkas, wombats and platypi.
The “Land Down Under” is also globally famous for our wide-open spaces and deserts, aptly named “The Bush” and “The Outback”. Australia’s natural wonders — from the Great Barrier Reef, the World’s largest living coral reef system, to the red monolith, Uluru, in the Northern Territory, to the 135 million-year-old Daintree Rainforest in Tropical North Queensland, and more.
AUSTRALIA AT A GLANCE
Let’s also not forget our multicultural cities, over-the-top festivals, and friendly, laid-back people like us!
Australia is the perfect road trip destination to add to your must-see bucket list.
🇦🇺 Visiting Australia — The Land Down Under
While John and I are based here in Australia between our travels, we’ve put our heads together to create our top ten must-do experiences in Brisbane, Queensland, and beyond. We hope to welcome you to this side of the tropical equator sometime soon!
If you’re planning a visit to Brisbane, drop us a line — we’d love to catch up over a cold beer or a flat white and say a proper “gidday mate” to our fellow Suitcase 50+ Escapees and readers. Let’s make sure we’re not strangers anymore — head over to our About us page to learn more about who we are and where we’ve been.
And if you’re curious about travel from an Aussie perspective (with a cheeky twist), don’t miss our Travel Stories & Musings — packed with tales, tips, and a bit of down-under humour.
✈️ How to Get to Australia
Australia has 13 international airports, with Sydney (SYD) and Melbourne (MEL) serving as the main gateways to top destinations across the country. Direct flights from Los Angeles average 15 hours to Sydney and 15.5 hours to Melbourne.
Here in sunny Queensland, we’re lucky to have four international airports — Brisbane (BNE), Gold Coast (OOL), Sunshine Coast (MCY), and Cairns (CNS) — plus 14 regional hubs. While Brisbane and Gold Coast operate year-round for international arrivals, most long-haul flights land at Brisbane International Airport. Several airlines also offer direct services to the other Queensland airports.
The best part? Many of Australia’s top destinations are just a short hop from these airports — and whether you’re travelling on a shoestring or splurging on luxury, there’s a way to get there that suits every budget.
Brisbane city at blue hour.
Brisbane City and Storey Bridge from Wilsons Outlook.
Top Australian cities with direct international flight connections.
International airports at
the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Townsville and Cairns
the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Townsville and Cairns
WHEN & WHERE ARE WE GOING ABROAD?
Our 5 Year Plan
Where have we been abroad?
Last 5 Years (Excl. The World-Wide Covid Hiatus)
