Australia Spring Break: Koalas, Beaches & Luxury Stays 🐨🌊✨

The second our plane landed in Sydney, my Australia Spring Break adventure was officially on. I was on a mission. This wasn’t just a trip — this was a road trip — which meant cute outfit change in the airport bathroom before we even got the rental car. Priorities, right?

First Stop: The Grounds of Alexandria

If you don’t know, The Grounds of Alexandria is hands down the most Instagram-worthy café in Sydney. It’s like a magical garden and a fairy-tale movie set had a baby — but with amazing food. The coolest part? They completely change the garden’s theme a few times a year. One month it’s like stepping into Alice in Wonderland, another time it’s Snow White, and you never know what’s next.

While you wait for your food, you can wander around taking photos with flowers, vines, and themed props everywhere. Basically, it’s impossible not to get bad pics here.

I ordered the breakfast tacos — 10/10, so filling, and perfect fuel for a day of exploring.

Fun Fact: The Grounds opened in 2012 on the site of an old pie factory, and now it’s one of the most famous cafés in all of Australia.

Next Stop: Port Macquarie – Koala Mission 🐨

After brunch, we hit the road to Port Macquarie — my first time here, but my nana had visited during the Australian wildfires a few years ago. She went to the Koala Hospital and even adopted me a koala named Paul. Sadly, Paul didn’t survive his burns 💔, so this trip we were going to adopt again.

We checked into Rydges Sails, which honestly was just… okay. The pool was small, the food wasn’t great, and the place could use a glow-up. But here’s the thing — in small towns, you can’t always expect luxury hotels, and that’s part of the adventure.

Then I noticed something strange… painted koala statues. Everywhere.

Turns out, we had stumbled onto the Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail — a self-guided hunt for nearly 100 life-size koala sculptures, each painted by a different artist. You can grab a free map and try to find them all.

This became my main mission. I found about 90% of them, and if we’d stayed longer, I totally could’ve found them all. The best part? The hunt led us to shops, restaurants, and hidden spots we never would’ve discovered otherwise.

Of course, I also went back to the Koala Hospital. When you “adopt” a koala, you don’t actually take it home (sadly). Your adoption fee goes toward their food and medical care. I couldn’t pick just one, so my nana let me adopt three: Trish, CW, and Casper. Koala squad assembled.

Foodie Finds in Port Macquarie 🍔🦐

We tried a few places while in town, and wow. First up — Burger Urge. Not even kidding, these were some of the best burgers I’ve ever had, and the milkshakes? Unreal.

And because you can’t go to Australia without eating all the seafood you can, we went to Whalebone Wharf. It’s a historic waterfront restaurant serving fresh local seafood with amazing river views. Bonus? They had a Hello Koala statue right outside — so I got delicious food and another koala checked off my list.

Fun Fact: Whalebone Wharf has been operating for over 40 years and is considered one of Port Macquarie’s most iconic dining spots.

On the Road Again – Gold Coast Bound

After two nights, we hopped back in the car for our next stop: the Gold Coast! I love a good road trip — the snacks, the naps, the random surprises along the way.

First surprise: The Big Banana in Coffs Harbour. This is one of Australia’s “Big Things” — giant roadside attractions that are kind of a big deal here. Obviously, I had to stop for a photo.

Second surprise: My mom convinced my nana and papa to detour to Moonee Beach Nature Reserve. Finding it was not easy (we definitely took a few wrong turns), but it was worth every second.

Why? Because there were kangaroos. Roaming freely.

Like, hopping across the sand, chilling in the grass, hanging out near the rocks — it was insane. The ocean views were gorgeous, the kangaroos were everywhere, and I never wanted to leave.

Quick tip: Watch where you step. They’re animals… and animals leave “presents” behind. Also, they’re wild, so we kept a safe distance. But seeing kangaroos in their natural habitat, with waves crashing behind them? Pure magic.

Fun Fact: Kangaroos are excellent swimmers! They use swimming as a way to escape predators and can move surprisingly fast in the water.

Byron Bay – Calamari Goals and Ocean Views

After our 45-minute hike around the reserve, it was back in the car until my stomach started growling — hangry mode: activated. My mom had her heart set on a little surfer town called Byron Bay, and I’m so glad we stopped.

We had lunch at Balcony Bar & Oyster Co., and the first thing I spotted on the menu was calamari. If you know me, you know I always order calamari to see how different places make it — different breading, seasoning, everything. This one? So good we ordered a second round. I also got the kids colada carafe (don’t worry, it’s just a tropical mocktail), but note to self: it’s a lot for one person. Definitely share it or come super thirsty.

Gold Coast Luxury – The Langham Life

By late afternoon, we arrived at our planned hotel, the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort… and, well, let’s just say it wasn’t the vibe. It needed major renovations, was dirty, smelled weird, and my allergies were not having it. So, my mom and nana did a quick switch, and we moved to The Langham Gold Coast.

Please take me back right now.

We stayed in their Two-Bedroom Ocean Skyline Residence, and it felt like our own luxury apartment inside a hotel — full kitchen, washer and dryer, giant balcony with sweeping ocean views, and yes… we could still order room service.

The hotel was stunning — gorgeous design, super attentive staff, excellent food, and the buffet. Oh my gosh. They had everything. Perfect beach access, Instagram-worthy photo spots, and an oceanfront setting that was just unreal.

The only thing missing? A little more recognition for younger guests. No special kids’ amenities or welcome treats. But that’s something they could easily improve, and honestly, everything else was a huge yes from me.

Brisbane – Mocktails & Marriott Life

After three nights in the Gold Coast, we headed to Brisbane for two nights before flying to Cairns. We stayed at the Brisbane Marriott and dropped off our rental car. My grandparents have lifetime titanium status at Marriott, which means… executive lounge access!

This lounge was one of the good ones — great food all day, comfy seating, and friendly service. We explored within walking distance, which meant shopping and food for me.

Best find? Corbett & Claude — they have a mocktail menu just for fun, non-alcoholic drinks. I got the “Malibu Barbie,” which was pink, pretty, and delicious. Paired it with their homemade cheese pizza and I was in foodie heaven.

Even though Brisbane is a big city, I liked the vibe and would love to go back to explore more.

Cairns – Finding Nemo (Sort Of) 🐠

Next up, Cairns! Time for the Great Barrier Reef. Fun fact: before this trip, I had just finished starring in my local production of Finding Nemo: The Musical, so I was extra hyped to “find Nemo and friends” in real life.

Instant ocean vibes hit the moment we landed — the airport baggage claim even has fake sea creatures “spitting out” your luggage. Quirky but cute.

We rented a house for this part of the trip, and it was fine… but I’m a hotel girl through and through. As for Cairns itself — the town was okay. There were shops and restaurants, but it didn’t wow me like I expected.

I did try snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef, but I lasted maybe 10 minutes. Why?

Too many people kicking me in the water.
I’m not a huge ocean swimmer anyway.
Jellyfish. Everywhere. The guide kept saying they were the non-stinging kind, but no thank you. I was surrounded and noped out so fast.

So no “just keep swimming” for me this time — but I’d like to try again one day on a private tour in a different part of the reef.

Kuranda Koala Gardens – VIP Wildlife Time

The real highlight of Cairns? Kuranda Koala Gardens. Guys… I got to hold a koala! In a lot of Australia, it’s illegal to hold koalas, and apparently Cairns is stopping it too — so I got in just in time.

We had VIP passes, which meant:

Entry to the bird sanctuary (where you can feed them — but their claws hurt when they land on you).
Feeding a cassowary — one of the most dangerous birds in the world! They can literally kill you with their feet and talons.
Unlimited time with the animals, which was amazing because it wasn’t crowded and we never felt rushed.

The gardens also had wallabies, reptiles, and more. It felt like a mini zoo in a rainforest village, with markets nearby to explore afterward.

10/10 recommend if you’re in the area — it was interactive, fun, and felt really personal.

Fun Fact: Koalas sleep up to 20 hours a day because eucalyptus leaves don’t give them much energy.
Fun Fact: The cassowary is nicknamed “the world’s most dangerous bird” — it can run up to 31 mph and jump nearly 5 feet in the air!

Back to Sydney – Crown Towers Stay

Our Australia Spring Break was coming to an end, but we had two nights left in one of my favorite cities — Sydney. This time, we stayed at the Crown Towers Sydney in their deluxe room (room tour is on my YouTube — click here!). The moment we walked into the lobby, it felt glamorous — all high ceilings, shiny marble floors, and huge flower arrangements that looked like they came straight out of a magazine.

It’s in Darling Harbour, which is definitely the more family-friendly side of Sydney, and I loved being able to walk outside and see the water sparkling, ferries cruising past, and families enjoying the boardwalk. The location? Perfect.

But here’s the thing… the hotel itself was stunning, yet the people running it kind of ruined the magic. The staff just weren’t friendly. I’ve stayed in a lot of luxury hotels, and when you’re somewhere fancy, you want to feel welcomed — like you belong there. Instead, it had this very stuffy, “we don’t love families” vibe.

Fun fact: Taylor Swift stayed here during her Eras Tour, so clearly this place has potential. But it almost felt like they wanted to keep that celebrity-level exclusivity by not being warm to regular guests — especially families.

The breakfast buffet? Absolutely delicious. I’m talking fresh pastries, tropical fruit, made-to-order eggs — the works. But instead of letting us sit and enjoy it, the staff basically rushed us out, like they were flipping tables at a busy café. No slow, relaxed breakfast vibes here.

It’s frustrating because this could be an incredible family hotel. It’s in the right location, the building is gorgeous, the rooms are spacious, and the views are next-level. I really hope they figure it out and make it feel more welcoming, because with just a little shift in attitude, it could go from “pretty but cold” to “pretty and unforgettable.”

Darling Harbour Food Crawl 🍜🍦🍝🥤

Since this was my first time staying on the Darling Harbour side, I had to try all the restaurants:

Lotus Barangaroo – Amazing Asian food, huge portions, and so good. They stay busy, so definitely make a reservation. Bonus: outdoor seating is perfect for younger kids who need to move around.
Rivareno Gelato – Gelato. Enough said. But heads up: it’s a major hot spot and the line can be out the door. Totally worth it, though.
Bottega Coco – Excellent food, slow-ish service, but the staff nailed their recommendations. When a restaurant isn’t busy, slow service is kinda annoying… but the food saved it.
Wild Sage – Coffee shop perfection. I had the best smoothie here, complete with an orchid garnish. I’m officially starting a movement for pretty drinks to be everywhere — kids and teens love them.

So many restaurants, so little time… but you know me, I’ll always make time to tell you where to eat.

Spring Break Wrap-Up

This trip was amazing. I got to see new parts of Australia, meet more wildlife (hi, koalas and kangaroos!), try incredible food, and explore places I’d never been before. I can’t wait until I can say I’ve been to every Australian territory — three down, just two to go!

I love Australia so much. It’s one of the most family-friendly destinations with so much to see and do. Honestly… if you haven’t been, are you even living?

Anyway, friends… it’s back to reality (and school, sigh) for me.

Until the next check-in… XOXO, Harper 💖

Want to see Sydney at its most magical? Check out my New Year’s Eve in Sydney blog — fireworks over the Harbour Bridge, epic food, and all the tips for the best spots to watch the show!