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With Every State and Territory, There Was a Story
Written by Raissa Almira, the third winner of the "Journey Chronicles: Celebrating Australia-Indonesia Bonds" Short Story Competition.
As I stepped into New South Wales for a brief transit on my way to Victoria in June 2022, I promised myself that this would not be my only visit to this state. While Victoria would be my home for the next 18 months due to my master’s study, I was determined to explore beyond its borders. First, however, I wanted to familiarise myself with my new home.
I was never a fan of coffee; that changed when I moved to Victoria. Every suburb I explored would have a cosy coffee shop tucked in a corner, and soon enough, my love for coffee blossomed. Victoria was not just Melbourne to me; it was the beautiful seaside Geelong, the insightful Dandenong with its pretty garden, the memorable Macedon in autumn, and so much more. Every weekend, free from assignments and part-time work, I would explore Victoria's suburbs. With each train or tram ride, my affection for Victoria deepened. As my exploration continued until graduation, I set my commitment to venture beyond this state.
The opportunity came when my dad, who was familiar with Australia through work, visited me. Although he had travelled extensively within the country, he had never visited the quaint Tasmania. So, we planned a father-daughter trip to Hobart. The peaceful, serene atmosphere and clear blue skies were immediately striking. Landing on a Saturday morning, we visited the famous Salamanca Market, enjoying the vibrant crowd. We tried various lavender-flavoured dishes, bought postcards, took pictures, and had an incredible time.
Inspired by our successful trip, I set my sights on New South Wales for a New Year’s Eve celebration at the Sydney Opera House. Along with close friends from Cambodia and roommates from Indonesia, we reserved a spot at the Botanical Gardens three months in advance for a clear view of the fireworks. Sydney’s hustle and bustle captivated me as a city girl myself. Beyond the unforgettable New Year’s Eve, the Blue Mountains left a lasting impression. My dad's stories of the Three Sisters when I was a child fuelled my curiosity about Australia, and seeing the Blue Mountains with my own two eyes and learning about their Aboriginal lore brought me to tears. I spent hours immersed in the rich culture.
During winter break, this experience emboldened me to take a solo trip to Adelaide, South Australia. Though lonely, it was a profound learning experience. Navigating the city using public transport and exploring Hahndorf alone, relying solely on Google Maps, was a journey of self-discovery. Adelaide, quieter than other cities, had a significant elderly population and many Aboriginal residents, making it a unique and fascinating trip.
After Adelaide, Queensland called me because of Robert Irwin, son of the late Steve Irwin. A fellow Australia Awards scholar from ANU joined me, and we are both fans of Robert. Though we missed meeting him, we enjoyed seeing many endemic Australian animals at the Australia Zoo and the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary on the Gold Coast, where I got to hold a koala—a highlight of the trip. Interestingly, different states in Australia had different rules when it came to cuddling a koala, and in Victoria, we were not allowed to hold one. Therefore, having this experience in Queensland left a lasting impression on me.
Next on the itinerary was a weekend trip to Perth with international friends from India and China. After a memorable birthday dinner, I took a solo trip to Fremantle before heading to Singapore, as the rest of the group went back to Melbourne. Despite having only six hours to explore, I appreciated Fremantle's preserved historical charm, a testament to Western Australia's dedication to heritage. Whenever I had a solo trip, whether it was a long or short one, I always learned a new thing or two about myself, and on this trip, I knew that I liked historical sites!
Each trip brought new perspectives, but my visit to Uluru was the most distinct. The red soil and sacred atmosphere, steeped in ancient tales, demanded respect for the elders and their land. With friends from Indonesia and India, we trekked Uluru, learning about its cultural significance and meeting the land's protectors. We also rode on camels during sunset and enjoyed the beautiful scenery.
As my time in Australia neared its end, I planned a final trip to Canberra with two of my close friends and fellow scholars. Travelling by bus and train, we enjoyed the scenic route through New South Wales, passing numerous farms. Canberra, which is well-maintained and clean, offered us a chance to visit Parliament House and participate in an open meeting to learn about Australian governance.
Each journey I took in Australia's states and territories brought new adventures and personal growth. My eyes opened wider, my heart expanded, and my mind broadened. Exploring Australia's beauty during my studies was undoubtedly the highlight of my time there. I embraced diverse cultures from diverse locations and brought home with me the soft skills of adaptability and open-mindedness.
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