The beautiful and breath-taking coastline of southeastern Australia is the location of Charlie and Sam’s latest adventure! The duo’s travels began when they boarded a helicopter in the Mount Gambier area. Eagerly anticipating what the day had in store, they settled into their seats and donned their head sets. A rumble arose from below, as the helicopter began to take flight. Ascending higher into the sky, The Crater Lakes came into view. As they began to fly east, the sheer exquisiteness of the terrain became evident. It wasn’t long until the chopper was gliding over Blue Lake. Given the time of year, the lake was eye-catching. Cobalt blue in colour, the water was vibrant and striking. Continuing east, Charlie and Sam soon found themselves above Umpherston Sinkhole. Also known as The Sunken Garden, Umpherston’s Sinkhole was created when the top chamber of a cave collapsed. Now, the floor of the sinkhole lends home to beautiful flora and fauna. From above, the walls of the sinkhole are plastered with vines, and the various greens of the floor vegetation are in contrast with one another. Leaving the first two landmarks of their journey behind, the pair settled into their seats as they headed for the coast.

Stretching 243 kilometres in distance, Australia’s Great Ocean Road hugs some of the most scenic coast lines in the world. As the helicopter approached the coast, Charlie and Sam eagerly anticipated the panoramic views as the road winds along cliff tops, up to breathtaking headlands, down onto the edge of beaches, across river estuaries and through lush rainforests. Flying eastward along Ship Wreck Coast, they caught a glimpse of Loch Ard Gorge. Charlie and Sam peered out the windows of the chopper and took in the stunning scenery. The helicopter seemed to move in a weaving pattern, as if to mimic the coastal rock patterns below. Advancing quickly, the Twelve Apostles were soon below them. Carved out of the headland by the fierce waves of the Southern Ocean; these limestone stacks rise majestically from the shore below. The helicopter circled the area as the pair enjoyed a bird’s eye view of these famous natural wonders.

Leaving The Apostles behind, the helicopter veered away from the coast in search of beautiful untouched rainforests. Hovering over Great Otway National Park, they could hear the roar of waterfalls below the lush rainforest canopy. Charlie and Sam imagined hundreds of koalas peacefully dozing in gum trees just beneath the awning created by the dense rainforest vegetation. Returning to coast, the duo was on the last leg of their journey. In the distance, perched on towering sea cliffs where Bass Strait and the Southern Ocean collide stood Cape Otway Lighthouse. The oldest in mainland Australia, this lighthouse has been providing mainland Australia with light since 1848. Approaching Apollo Bay Harbour, Charlie and Sam watched as the sun set on the harbour, and on their day.

Meet Charlie and Sam! An adventurous duo brought together by their passion for travel and love of delicious chocolate treats. With backpacks loaded to the brim and emotions of excitement on overdrive these two best friends set out on an Amazon adventure!

Walking into the rain forest was like entering a castle decorated with a flora and fauna motif; massive banks and rich vegetation sprouted in all directions. Walking palms and rubber trees lined the forest floor. The pair’s feet suctioned to the muck as they trudged along. The air was filled with an intense earthy smell, and the buzz of cicadas and rapid clicks of tree frogs could be heard all around. The dense forest canopy stretched high over their heads and melodic bird calls filled the air. Charlie pulled out her binoculars attempting to get a better view of the source of the sound which appeared to be perched high in a tree top above.

The ground was masked with lots of fungi and mushrooms, and rotting logs spawned oodles of new growth. Buttress roots were aplenty. As Charlie and Sam strolled along, they were humbled by silence at the magnitude of the rain forest, even though the atmosphere seemed to hum with life. A small snake was coiled up beneath the root of a tree. Charlie stopped a short distance back to admire the snake in its natural habitat, while Sam scurried forward, stepping gingerly as if not to alarm the fickle creature.

Climbing a tower, they prepared to traverse the forest canopy. From up here the rain forest appeared endless, seeming to blanket the landscape for miles. Before leaving the canopy platform it was evident how truly unique this experience would be. Stepping onto the canopy walkway the pair was rendered speechless. Mere words could not do the stunning landscape justice. The sounds, the smells, the sights, they all felt heightened from high above the tree tops. As they ascended further, Charlie and Sam soaked in the silence, savouring the feeling of being suspended in nature. Pastel colours began to paint the sky as the sun started to sink below the horizon. The evening mist rolled in and settled over the tree tops, camouflaging the branches below and making the toucan in the canopy barely visible. The perfect end to a truly exhilarating experience!