Last day: to THE BEACH, Bondi ! The walk there from Cougee had been recommended, and we were not disappointed. Perfect hike to close the trip !

After the "peak time" on Heron Island, we thought we were "ready to go home". But we had planned a few days at the end for anything we missed, and a few special activities. We were glad we did. This time we were staying at a wharf area near the bridge where the old buildings are being wonderfully refurbished. Ours was the Pier One Marriott", at an interesting location on Dawes Point. The views never end ! First we had to see a show at the Opera House. Of...

One primary reason I chose Heron Island of many, many possibilities was that it's possible there to experience the reef without snorkeling. I'm a miserable snorkeler. Here, at low tide , being very careful where not to step, one can just walk out around the reef and see things. Of course, not as much as going deep, but still a most unique experience. Unfortunately, my IPhone camera doesn't go underwater, but this gives an idea. There was much, including colorful ...

Our first evening, we enjoyed the astronomy talk, with a good telescope and great dark skies here for seeing Venus, (what we'd been told was the Space Station, lol) , Jupiter, Saturn. It was my first time to see the rings ! And we just enjoyed the bird noise all night. First full day, after 2 days of transit, it was time for a walk. The island is less than a mile long, with the path ending at the beach. At first we were with a guide identifying trees, etc., ...

The other "must see" for us in Australia : The Great Barrier Reef. We were literally on the reef at Heron Island. This Island wasn't formed broken off from land or volcano. It built up from coral. It is less than a mile long. No crowds. Lodging was enjoyably rustic, almost camping. Tens of thousands of birds here. Awesome noise continuous, and plenty of guano. Ocean life very close-by, and easily visible from the walkways and the beach.