After exploring Kakadu National Park, Mataranka, Bitter Springs and Daly Waters, we started to head back north to Nitmiluk gorge outside Katherine. We can’t say we really enjoyed our time in Katherine. There was certainly a strong police presence and quite a heavy atmosphere, but as the gateway to Nitmiluk, it was the perfect place to get our supplies before heading to the gorge, and the gorge is truly amazing.
Victoria and NSW have especially been affected by long lockdowns. We know it has been tough for many. Our heart goes out to all our Victorian swap members, with COVID cases continuing to be high. You have endured the longest period of lockdowns. Please take good care of your mental health. Things will begin to get better, and you will be able to travel again very soon.
With restrictions easing over the next few weeks, now is the perfect time for Sydneysiders to rediscover all their city has to offer.
The Aussie House Swap office is based in NSW, so we have been counting down the days until the magic date of 11th October where restrictions have started to ease. NSW is now slowly beginning to open up again, and after the current transition period, from 1st December, all NSW residents will be able to eat out at restaurants, go to the gym, meet friends at the pub, visit museums and travel. Travel! Oh, how I have missed you.
While following the latest COVID-19 health advice to remain as safe as possible, we can now start to move around more, seeing family and friends and enjoying our local area. With interstate travel still seemingly a while away, now is the perfect time for Sydney residents to get out and rediscover all their city has to offer. You can be a tourist in your own backyard and learn why so many visitors love exploring the NSW capital.
Check out a new exhibition at an art gallery and then enjoy a drink at the pub, or a meal out at a new restaurant you haven’t tried before. When they are open, go and see some live theatre and support the local arts industry that has been so badly affected during this time. Get a picnic rug and head to the beach, or a park with friends. It’s a time to get out and enjoy the simple things in life that we perhaps took for granted before they were taken away.
If you live in Regional NSW and are keen for a city adventure, start planning a house swap holiday in Sydney for early 2022. Sydneysiders will be keen to swap homes with you so they get to enjoy a much-needed road trip, and you can head to the big smoke and enjoy free accommodation.
We wish everyone who is able to travel, safe and happy adventures. For everyone who can’t, hang in there for a bit longer. At the end of the day, we are all Australian and hopefully before long we will be able to travel freely around the country again. In the meantime, enjoy being with family and friends and stay safe.
