Where to begin? So much has happened since I last updated you. The world just keeps spinning — and we can’t do anything to stop it.
There was lots to prepare before my parents would set feet on Australian soil. I still had to buy some things for the truck, like a waterproof tarp and more butane gas. I just wanted to get it as close to perfect for my parents. I felt like that was the least I could for them.
First of all, the time with my parents was wonderful. It was so good to see them again — to catch up, explore, travel, and experience new things together. I’m not saying those three weeks went by smoothly, though. Oh no. By now, everyone should know the dynamic between my mum and me — we need our space from each other every now and then… before someone gets killed.
(Very dramatic, I know. But also kind of true.)
Naschi and Svenni arrived on the 25th of February — with two backpacks and two suitcases. So yes, they travelled light. After long hugs at the airport, we made our way up to the Central Coast. For the first four nights, I had them staying at work, in a beachside villa. Luxurious, right? I wanted to treat them — especially for their first few days Down Under.
I was still working during that time, so they had space to relax, swim, and go for long walks on the beach — which they fully took advantage of.
Of course, my German parents also had to meet my Australian parents, Denise and Ian. It was a lovely evening — although by the end of it, I realised I don’t want to become a translator. I was mixing English and German like a good old gin and tonic.
I had a long route and intinerary planned for the next two and a half weeks, but we ended up cutting a few destinations — which, in hindsight, made everything better.
Our first stop: Katoomba, in the Blue Mountains. I honestly don’t think I’ve ever been camping with my parents before — this was definitely a first. (Feel free to correct me if I’m wrong.)
Well… it didn’t start off great. For the three nights we stayed there, it poured with rain. One night was so bad that my tent got completely soaked, and I ended up sleeping in the backseat of the truck. Of course, my parents had the rooftop tent — that wasn’t even a question. Even though Svenni struggled a bit with this height
Despite the weather, we made the most of it: misty views, bushwalks, sunsets — and getting chased by leeches. Very exciting.
One night, Willow came to visit and officially met my parents. We all went out for Korean BBQ — a first for them, and definitely not the last.
After three very wet days, we headed south to the Snowy Mountains. One thing high on my list was hiking Mount Kosciuszko — Australia’s highest peak at 2,228 metres. My parents, however, had had enough of the rain, so we treated ourselves and booked a trailer on a farm called “Penderlea.”. And honestly — what a treat.
It was perfectly located between Thredbo and Jyndabyne, hoch gave us lots of possibilities for activities.
We had the whole place to ourselves. Peaceful, quiet, beautiful. We went hiking, lounged in the sun, made campfires, and I introduced my parents to Monopoly Deal — preparing them for when they’d meet Ollie and Jo in Sydney.
I still chose to sleep in the rooftop tent. Not necessarily because I had to — but because I think I’ve outgrown sharing a room with my parents.
Hiking Mount Kosciuszko reminded me how much I’ve missed the mountains. They look completely different here compared to Canada — but just as beautiful in their own way. It was a twenty-three kilometre loop, which my parents did really well – considering the pace that I was pushing and pulling them along.
On the morning of our rest day, we were greeted by Günther (the caretaker of the farm), who casually welcomed us with a “Guten Morgen, wie geht’s?” — like any good Australian who grew up in Austria would. The world really is a small place.
From the (snowless) Snowy Mountains, we made our way back to the coast.
And it felt so good to be by the water again.
Travelling in the off-season turned out to be a blessing — it made finding campsites and accommodation on the same day easy. We stayed in some incredible spots and met some lovely people along the way.
Also, on a side note, mama did really well with all the bird life down here. She even thought that some of them were quite cute, while others looked like they‘re homeless.
And also, they both drove Betty and they did great. It took them maybe ten minutes to get used to it and after that they were pretty fine driving on the left side of the road. Very proud!
Narooma was probably the highlight. Right by the ocean — I’d wake up, open the tent, and watch the sunrise from my sleeping bag.
Denise had recommended a boat tour there — snorkelling with seals. Say less. I was in.
It took a bit of convincing for my mum, but on Wednesday morning, we found ourselves at the wharf in Narooma, pulling on wetsuits and listening to instructions on how to behave around seals.
And wow.
This might have been one of the coolest experiences I’ve had so far. I already loved snorkelling — but being in the water with seals, watching them move around you, getting so close… that’s something else entirely.
My parents loved it just as much as I did.
After seven days along the south coast, we headed back to the city — Sydney.
For those final nights, we stayed in a small beachside cottage in Manly. Such a beautiful location.
On the first day, we explored North Head, learned about Quarantine Bay, and took a slightly… adventurous route back along the cliffs. I didn’t want to walk the same way twice. My mum didn’t love that decision — but hey, it keeps things interesting.
That evening, we met up with Ollie and Jo — fish and chips, Monopoly Deal, lots of laughs. A perfect night.
The next day, we took the ferry into the city. Opera House, Botanical Gardens, Parliament, St Mary’s Cathedral, The Rocks — all the classics. After about six hours of city life, we’d had enough. The noise, the crowds… we were ready to head back to Manly and the beach. Much better.
That night, I left my parents to themselves and spontaneously bought a ticket to see Riley Green — one of my favourite country artists — live in concert.
Taking the ferry into the city at night felt completely different. Calmer. Softer. Even the Opera House looked more impressive under the lights. There’s something about cities at night — they feel more intimate. More enjoyable. At least to me.
Wednesday was supposed to be my parents’ departure day. But due to the conflict between Israel and Iran, their flight got cancelled.
That had been a bit of a dark cloud hanging over the trip for a few days already. Still, we tried to focus on the positive: two extra days together.
We went back to Forresters Beach, where Denise and Ian kindly took them in once more. And honestly, it was the perfect way to end the trip.
On Thursday, after work, Denise, my mum, and I went for a swim — probably the nicest one of the whole trip. The ocean had been quite rough along the south coast, so my mum hadn’t really felt comfortable going in before. That one swim meant a lot.
That evening, we had one last dinner together at the house.
And then Friday came. We packed the car, drove to the airport… and said goodbye.
Somehow, this one felt harder than usual.
They made it home safely — just via a different route. And who knows, maybe I’ll have to change my flight as well.
There‘s probably more from the trip to tell and show, maybe another time.
For now, I have one more week of work.
A planned camping trip with WIllow, Ollie and Jo. Maybe I‘ll head up north for a bit after that.
And then… my time in Australia slowly comes to an end.
Stay tuned for how this ends! So long, my friends.
marie louise travels 