We woke up in Sydney today and decided to go for a bit of a drive. Our first destination was Featherdale Wildlife Park. While the drive itself wasn’t particularly scenic, the park more than made up for it.

(Dana Knight photography)

A mother wallaby had a tiny baby who kept hopping in and out of her pouch. The playful joey also enjoyed jumping around people and following them with great enthusiasm. It approached us several times, displaying such curiosity. Such a small creature, but so full of life.

We both had the chance to cuddle the joey, and for me, that experience alone made the drive worthwhile. Everything else was a bonus. My heart was full.

Mama wallaby also received some pats.

(Dana Knight phtography)

Beyond our delightful encounter with the mother wallaby and her playful joey, we were captivated by the wide range of animals the park had to offer, like this Southern Cassowary.

(Dana Knight photography)

We strolled through the lush surroundings, where we saw koalas lounging in eucalyptus trees.

In the aviary, vibrant birds flew overhead and landed nearby, showcasing their brilliant plumage.

I was captivated by the vibrant colours and sounds of the rainbow lorikeets. Although we have many of them in our park at home, they are usually quite flighty. However, these birds were more accustomed to people, making them much easier to photograph.

Dana also captured a great picture of the Noisy Pitta.

We enjoyed the playful antics of the kangaroos in the open enclosures. We couldn’t help but smile at their adorable behaviour. Some were enjoying a midday siesta.

The wombat’s endearing, chunky appearance and gentle demeanour melted my heart.

In summary, our visit was brimming with joy, learning, and a profound admiration for Australian wildlife.

We headed southeast from the park towards the coast, arriving at Sublime Point Lookout.

Stunning 180-degree vistas, the lookout showed the sea, the rainforest, and the 17 beaches that stretch along the coastline to Wollongong.

It provided the ultimate vantage point to admire the Illawarra escarpment, plains, and coastline in all their natural splendour.

Facing north, I encountered an incredibly moving moment. At first, I thought the plaque was a tribute to someone’s memory. However, upon closer inspection, I was able to read the inscription:

“Mightier than the thunders of many waters, mightier than the waves of the sea, The Lord on High is Mighty!” Psalm 93:4 God is always greater than all of our troubles. MB

Standing at such a magnificent location like that lookout, gazing at the powerful waves of the sea, deeply touched me. In that moment, my soul resounded with the words: “The Lord on High is Mighty!”

We opted to descend and explore the vista from a different perspective.

Traversing the Sea Cliff Bridge was a breathtaking experience for us. As we drove along this marvel of engineering, we were treated to panoramic vistas of the Pacific Ocean stretching out before us. The rugged cliffs rose majestically on one side, while the open expanse of the sea greeted us on the other.

The bridge’s unique design, gracefully winding along the edge of the cliffs, seemed to defy gravity as it hung suspended above the ocean.

As we journeyed across the bridge, we felt a sense of freedom and exhilaration. Every turn provided a new perspective of the stunning coastline, leaving us in awe of the beauty of our surroundings.

The Scarborough Hotel was a delightful stop on our coastal journey. Perched atop the cliffs overlooking the ocean, this historic establishment offered not only spectacular views but also a warm and inviting atmosphere.

We chose to sit outside at the back of The Scarborough Hotel, drawn by the promise of fresh air and the soothing sound of the ocean waves crashing below.

The expansive views of the sparkling ocean and rugged coastline were truly mesmerising, providing the perfect backdrop for a memorable dining experience.

It was a perfect blend of delicious food, breathtaking views, and warm hospitality, leaving us with cherished memories that would last a lifetime.

Content and happy with our day, we drove back to our cosy Airbnb.

Our travel map for today: