Table Of Contents

1. Access
2. Arashiyama Countryside
3. Arriving in Arashiyama
4. Finding your Way into the Grove
5. When to Arrive
   • The Bamboo
6. The Importance of Bamboo in Japan
7. Nonomiya Shrine
   • Marriage and Childbirth Shrine
8. Bamboo Grove Cemetery
9. Sagano Scenic Railway
10. Street Artisans
11. Modes of Transportation through the Forest
    • Additional Sights in Arashiyama

Access

We set off to Arashiyama by bus. There are multiple ways of getting to the Grove, and most people will opt for the train option since you avoid the chance of getting into any traffic jams, but the bus route for us was much faster from our destination, so always be sure to check before departing to see which route will be the fastest from your location. The bus does have a bonus aspect of seeing Kyoto and the surrounding countryside as you drive.

We took the #73 bus from outside Higashihonganji Temple. It cost just 230 yen for the entire journey. Remember on the buses in Kyoto you pay your far after you exit the bus, not when you get on. To get there by rail, you simply take a train from Kyoto Station and take the JR Sagano/San-in Main Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station. The ride takes 15 minutes followed by a 10-minute walk to the Bamboo Grove. The ride costs 240 yen.

Arashiyama Countryside

As you approach Arashiyama, the first thing you’ll see is that the flat vistas disappear for mountainous ranges. In the early 700-1100s, wealthy nobles would travel to Arashiyama to enjoy its natural landscape and escape the city. While it’s still true that people come here as an escape, now this place is for everyone, rich or poor. The word “Arashiyama” translates into “Storm Mountain”. The mountains here are covered in lush trees, and because of this, they are slightly dark, giving them their intimidating name. The mountains look down on the Ōi River, creating a picturesque view as you drive in.

Arriving in Arashiyama

Arriving in Arashiyama, you get off the bus and walk up the main street to enter the forest. Entering the forest by bus also gives you access to the less used entrance, and you’ll notice that there are much fewer people here than where the train station drops people off. The streets of Arashiyama in the early morning are relatively quiet. The main street of Arashiyama is quite touristy, so early in the morning not many people are out walking the streets. Arriving as early as you can is the best way to view both the city and the forest before it is overrun with sightseers.

Even the manhole covers here in Arashiyama reflect the natural surroundings.

Finding your Way into the Grove

The Bamboo Grove, take up over 500 meters of winding pathways. To get to the start of the path, head west from the train station. There are dozens of signs in English and Japanese to help guide your way. The entrance to the beginning of the bamboo grove is flanked on either side by thick concrete walls and it’s strange to this that this narrow, cold passageway will open up into a spectacular oasis. The grove is never closed and there is (currently) no admission to enter. But like Venice, who city council is now charging admission to enter it’s ever growing popular city center, this could change over time to help preserve the forest.

When to Arrive

Obviously everyone wants to be here when you’ll have a clear shot of the grove without anyone in the way. And while there are those precious few rare moments they’re very hard to find. Lots of people will tell you to come even before sunrise. And while that’s probably your best chance, even those super early risers have been disappointed to see that hundreds of other had the same idea.

My advice is to take the crowds as they come and not to stress about waking up SUPER early on what’s supposed to be a relaxing vacation. I actually found that later in the afternoon there were the least amount of people in comparison to the morning. It seemed like the tour buses were well on their way home as the sun began to set. But even with tourists aplenty there is still plenty to enjoy and ways to get those amazing shots!

If one area becomes inundated with people, quickly pass through the crowd, and suddenly you’ll see that the path opens up. The dense areas of individuals tend to be formed by bus tours, all walking through together, so if you pass by them quickly, you might find that space they just left is pretty empty. A lot of these tour buses also don’t spend too much time in the forest. They enter at the beginning of the path but never make it to the end. I found that if you walk to the very end of the grove you’ll find that by the end of the path, you’ll have the place to yourself at times.

The Bamboo

As you first walk into the forest, you’ll be immediately struck with the overwhelming quiet that the grove creates. You are enveloped by these towering emerald stalks, so tall they almost stop light from entering in. The bamboo itself is truly stunning. The stalks are so thick and bright green in the sunlight. The trunks creak ever so much when a big gust of wind passes through, and they make the eeriest, yet wonderfully delicate, noise. Like a old, worn floor when you walk across it in the night.

The Importance of Bamboo in Japan

While the Bamboo Forest is not only gorgeous to look at their importance to Japan spreads farther than just a pretty picture. Bamboo is one of the strongest plants there is. Standing up, so straight and tall, one wonders how that’s scientifically possible, They sway and bend in the wind and yet almost never crack. In fact, historically people would run into the bamboo groves when there was an earthquake since the root structure of the bamboo was so strong it would even withstand such a powerful force as an earthquake.

One of the most popular uses of this strong material was in building roads and in the construction of houses. You’ll still see many construction sites in Japan using bamboo as scaffolding to this day since it is so strong. Bamboo is used to ward off evil and people also write their wishes on strips of paper made from bamboo during large Japanese festivals. It’s used to create wind instruments and handicrafts. It’s also used as an important ingredients in many Japanese and international dishes as well as for many herbal remedies. There are so many things which incorporated bamboo within the daily life of a person in Japan and it’s important to keep this in mind when exploring the forest.

Nonomiya Shrine

Different parts of the path veer off giving access to the various other attractions that are housed inside the forest. The Tenryuji temple and Nonomiya Shrine serve as markers which flank either end of the path. Inside the bamboo grove, you’ll stumble upon the Nonomiya Shrine. This little Shinto shrine is where unmarried imperial princesses have journeyed to purify themselves before their marriage. The deities that are enshrined here include “Nonomiya Okami”; God of Health and Wisdom, “Shirafuku Inari Daimmyojin”; God of Conception, Smooth Childbirth, and Prosperous Business, “Shiramine Benzaiten” and most importantly for single women, “Nonomiya Daikokuten”; God for Matchmaking.

Good luck talismans are sold near the shrine to give good fortunes to the receivers. Their colourful embroidery is so striking and makes even the happiest person feel in “need” of a good luck charm.

Marriage and Childbirth Shrine

Many couples make their way here to pray for a good marriage with their partners. We were sure to stop momentarily to ring the bell, clap our hands, and bow to the shrine. A little more luck can’t even hurt

This shrine is also a place where married couples wish for a healthy baby and painless childbirth. So you’ll often happy couples holding hands or pregnant women writing their wishes on the ema boards near the front of the temple.

Bamboo Grove Cemetery

Beside the temple, there is a cemetery with hundreds of obelisk stones standing guard beside the gate. Each one represents either a person or an entire family, who are entombed below. Since it is law in Japan that a person is cremated after death, whole families are often buried together. Their living relatives will often come to visit their graves and place offerings when they do. These offerings are often things the people enjoyed in their waking life. You’ll see things like books, beers and even dishes of food laid out on top of the stones. It’s a wonderful tradition that makes it feel like those people are still with us. Coming out at night to dine, read or drink in the moonlight.

Sagano Scenic Railway

At the end of the woods, you’ll come across the Sagano Scenic Railway, which has also been dubbed “the Romantic Train”. It’s a retro-style steam train which runs along the Hozu River, giving viewers some fantastic views of Arashiyama as it chugs along. The station itself is stunning and makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

Street Artisans

Throughout the maze of bamboo, artisans pop up around every corner, selling various crafts made out of the pliable substance. They shape the bamboo into birds and animals with the most delicate touch.

Modes of Transportation through the Forest

Bicycle rentals around the grove are available is you want to cruise through the grove as well as explore the other areas around the forest. Bicycle rentals will cost you around 500-1500 yen per day depending on where you pick up your rental. There are also many rickshaws which will carry you and one other person through the pathways. These tend to be pretty expensive with prices ranging from 5,000 to 7,000 yen for a 20 mins ride for two people.

These will not only take you through the forest but the surrounding village as well. It’s comparable to prices of gondolas in Venice. Personally I think it’s much more enjoyable to watch these rickshaws run by than ride inside them but that simply because I’d prefer to save that money for a delicious meal. I found the best way to explore was by foot. Take your time. Listen to the wind blowing through the bamboos and soak up as much of the tranquility as you can.

Additional Sights in Arashiyama

To escape some of the busier moment in the forest I recommend heading over to the Okochi-Sanso Villa or the Tenryuji temple. Both of these places charge a small admission to enter but by charging a small amount to explore this both reduces and controls the traffic as well as helps preserve the environment.

Something for Arashiyama to consider for the Bamboo Forest itself is a small entry fee to enter the grove. This is something Venice is also implementing to help preserve their historical city center against day trippers who come in and don’t spend any money in the town itself. Arashiyama has a similar problem with bus tours who simply arrive at the forest, drop the tourists off, allow them a short time to explore the forest. Then, they pile them back on the bus without giving them anytime to explore the town and spend some money their to help the villagers support their hometown. I implore you if you are visiting the grove to make a time to explore the entirety of Arashiyama Village.

The bamboo forest is truly one of the most incredible nature wonders of the world and a MUST for anyone visiting Japan. Don’t miss out. Don’t get caught up with the crowds. Come with realistic expectations of how many other people want to see this incredible place. You most likely won’t have it all to yourself but how can you blame other for also wanting to see this wonder? Finding peace within this chaos isn’t something that comes easy, but when you do find it, that’s what makes the journey worth it.

The post Our Guide to Exploring the Natural Wonders of the Beautiful Arashiyama Bamboo Grove first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. Access
2. History
   • The Inari Kami
3. Torii Gates
4. The Power of Vermilion
5. The Main Hall, ‘Hoden’
6. Offerings Hall, ‘Haiden’
7. Ema Plaques and Paper Cranes
8. Omikuji
9. The Beginning of the Hike
   • Buying a Torii Gate
10. Okusha Hohaisho
11. The Inner Shrine
    • Inari Foxes
    • Fox Emas
    • Mini Torri Gate Emas
    • Omokaru Ishi
12. Kumatakasha
13. Headquarters of the Inari Shrines
14. Bamboo Forest
15. Fushimishinpo Shrine
    • Shrine of the Mountain Hawk-Eagle
16. Yotsu-tsuji
17. Kami-no-Yashiro shrine
    • End of the Hike
    • Tsujiura senbei

Access

To get to the shrine, you can take the JR Nara Line to Inari Station, a short 7-minute ride from Kyoto Station only costs 140 yen. When you arrive at the station, you immediately notice the vermillion painted columns all over the platform, to replicate the torii gates at the shrine so you’ll know you’re in the right place.

Walking over from the station and looking up at the mountain, it doesn’t seem like such a difficult hike, but the trek will take you at least 2-3 hours. Even more, if you’re like me and stop along the way to study every shrine and take a million pictures.

History

To understand the significance this place, we must first understand a little bit about Shinto Shrines in general. A Shinto shrine is places of worship for Shintoist. It is also where the kami (Shinto gods) dwell. Inside these shrines are stored objects of worship for the kami. Since different gods have influence over specific parts of life, people will often go to a certain shrine to pray for good fortune in the area of expertise for that kami. These include childbirth, marriage, health and getting good grades at school.

The Inari Kami

The Inari Kami, the god worshipped throughout the entire mountain and subsequent shrines, is the patron of businesses, merchants and manufacturers. For as long as there have been temples for the Inari Kami, people have come here to pray for success in their corporate endeavours.

Torii Gates

Early on after the temple’s construction, worshippers would donate money to ensure their wishes were granted by getting good favour with the kami. To demonstrate their donations, a torii gate would be built with their name inscribed on it. Soon, hundreds of people wanted the same good fortune and came to this now infamous shrine to buy their own torii gates, creating the tunnel of torii gates you see today. Some say there are over 10,000 gates along the path but others claim that the number is well over 30,000.

The Power of Vermilion

Many people wonder why the gates and temple are painted that very particular shade of vermilion. This colour is called shuiro in Japanese and is meant to represent the colour of the sun. The goddess Amaterasu, goddess of the sun, is the most important god in Shintoism and her name literally means shining in heaven. Reflecting elements of her in the architecture of these shines brings them closer to heaven itself.

The Main Hall, ‘Hoden’

The main shrine sits at the base of the mountain. Originally built on Inariyama hill in 711, it was moved to the base of the hill later one in 816 to protect it from earthquakes. The honden or main hall was built in 1499. It’s golden ornaments glitter like sunshine against the bright red painted structure. The main temple is the location of the shrines most precious and sacred objects. Dragon fountains beside the temple are provided so visitor can wash their hands and cleanse themselves before stepping into the sacred space.

Offerings Hall, ‘Haiden’

Opposite the Hoden, is the Haiden or Offerings Hall. Here, visitors can come and make their prayers and offerings. You’ll see hundreds of sacks of rice, sake, wine, beer and other consumer products. The owners of the companies who produce these items will often make a financial donation but also leave their products on display as a means of demonstrating their donation. Free promotion too for people will have respect for corporations who support their chosen Kami.

Ema Plaques and Paper Cranes

In the main shrine, you’ll see ema plaques with wishes written all over them. Alongside the hanging emas are hundreds and thousands of paper cranes. Paper cranes in Japan have a very powerful significance. A little girl whose parents were killed in the bombing of Hiroshima channelled her pain into the creation of these tiny, paper works of art.

They were a symbol of her pain and giving them to the temple was an act of turning in her grief and stepping away from her suffering. These bright and colourful cranes are a symbol of people letting go of their grief and moving forward, to happier times.

Omikuji

In the shrine, you’ll also come across places to buy Omikuji. These are paper fortunes with predictions for your life written on them. But be warned, not all of them are good fortunes. If you receive a bad fortune, to counteract it, simply tie it onto the wire bands beside the shrine. This way, you leave the fortune behind.

The Beginning of the Hike

After wandering around the lower level temple, we headed for the stairs to begin our climb to the top! At the back of the main shrine, you come upon two rows, side by side, of Senbon Torii (thousands of torii gates). No matter which path you take, they both will lead you to the inner shine in the middle of the mountain.

There are said to over 10,000 torii gates lining the path, which creates a tunnel effect which you pass through. There are so many gates at some points that it completely obscures the forest around you. From the map, the trek didn’t look so hard, but as we watched that tiny red point move only slightly after almost half an hour of climbing, we knew this was no walk in the park.

Buying a Torii Gate

The smaller torii gates cost about 400,000 yen, and the larger ones can cost up to 1 million yen! They last about five years up here in the wilderness before they begin to deteriorate and need to be repainted or replaced. You’ll see lots of “wet paint” signs along the path as there is always a dozen or so in the process of being repaired.

When you first enter either side of the Torii gate trail, you’ll see it is crammed with tourists. The effect of the gates might seem a little distorted when full of people but as you continue to walk, more and more people drop off, having had their fill, and suddenly you’ll find yourself being the only one in these fields of bright orange wood.

Okusha Hohaisho

The first station you’ll come to is Okusha Hohaisho, the inner shrine of Fushimi Inari Taisha. This shrine was originally built for pilgrims who came and prayed to the mountain deities. The shrine was built in 1500 and has remained steadfastly the same throughout the years.

The Inner Shrine

The inner shrine was dedicated to the god of rice and sake by the Hata clan in the 8th century. Shintoists who come here to worship always follow a few rituals as they pray. The first thing they do is throw a coin into a box in front of the shrine and ring one of the suzu bells outside. These bells are thought to call the kami and let them know you’re here. They are also believed to repel evil and imbue positive energy.

Next, visitors will bow twice, quietly making their prayer to the kami, clap their hands twice and then bow deeply once more. Watching the deep concentration and devotion in their faces as made their prayers was a powerful and incredible thing to witness.

Inari Foxes

Throughout the shrine and across the pathways, you begin to spot hundreds of stone foxes. Foxes are scared to the Japanese. They were thought to be messengers for the Inari, and they are the representatives of the gods here on earth. Often you’ll see these foxes with different objects in their mouth. Each one of these items represents something significant for the gods. Keys represent the ability these foxes have to unlock a rice granary and bring forth sustenance. A scroll is meant to say the Fox is here to bring the recipient wisdom. A bamboo plant means a plentiful harvest and an orb symbolises spiritual power.

Fox Emas

In the inner shrine, you’ll see ema in the shape of foxes where visitors can write their wishes and draw a face onto the ema, making it all the more personal. Each one of the faces a unique representation of the wish maker.

Mini Torri Gate Emas

There are also miniature torii gate emas that you can buy to write your prayers on. You might not have 40,000 yen, but you can still have a torii gate with your name on it. Dan ended up buying a green copper bell up here from a priest who blessed it with good luck and told him to ring it anytime he wanted to ask the gods for a favour.

Omokaru Ishi

Beside the inner shrine, you’ll also fine the Omokaru Ishi. This is the site of the “light heavy stones”. Here, you place a coin in the box, make a wish and then pick up a stone from the pile. If it’s lighter than you thought it would be, your wish will be granted.

Kumatakasha

After visiting the Omokaru-Ishi, you can continue on the pathway up the hill or take a short detour off the path to visit some of the sub-shrines located just to the south of Kumatakasha. The Kumatakasha is where you can get a great view of the tunnel of torii gates from outside of it. From afar you can more greatly appreciate how densely packed those gates really are.

Headquarters of the Inari Shrines

The temple you’ll see right off this path is a very sweet little temple in the middle of a private bamboo forest. This site is the headquarters of the Inari shrines across Japan. Every Inari shrine from across Japan is represented here via a small sub-shrine. Some no bigger than an apple basket. You could spend hours here looking at all the different sculptures and miniature shrines. There are said to be over 10,000 here, but we didn’t come close to spotting that many.

The large shrine here is marked with a shimenawa which is a straw rope with white zigzag paper strips along the top to marks the boundary between the physical realm and the sacred realm. There was a very kind priest in the shop beside the temple who tried to help explain what the colourful kimonos along the perimeter of the shrine were. Each one was a wish and with a small donation to the shrine, we decided to make one was well. Seeing as our next step in our life was to hopefully get our own house, we wished for that. You were supposed to make the wish in elements of threes, so we went with, “health, happiness and home.”

Bamboo Forest

After walking through the shrine garden, we headed out the back to explore the bamboo forest. There were no signs, or directions and not a soul had ventured in with us. Leaving a super crowded area and heading into an empty one certainly felt like we were breaking in somewhere we weren’t supposed to be. We had visited the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove the day before and fought through hundreds of the people to view the forest. Here, we had our own private viewing garden. The bamboo might not have been as lush and tall but it was equally as beautiful.

Fushimishinpo Shrine

Hidden at the back of the forest is Fushimishinpo Shrine. Beside this shrine are hundreds of O-Tsuka, stone monuments. These may look like tombstones, but they are a monument donated by Shintoists. People who believe in Inari gods will give them names, place the names of the stone monuments and leave them in places like these shrines.

You come down a few steps to find a covered set of small shops and a few restaurants. Because these shops are only open during the busiest months, they were all closed when we arrived. These restaurants feature locals street food like fried tofu, said to be a favourite food of foxes. We peeked inside a few of the shops and were surprised to find that some of the doors were left open. We got a little spooked out and hurriedly, headed back to where we could hear more than just the sound of our own voices.

Shrine of the Mountain Hawk-Eagle

As you continue to hike up the path, you come across a large lake beside the Kumataka-sha shrine. This is the Shrine of the Mountain Hawk-Eagle. Along the lake, above the shrine, there are a few small tea shops (which again were closed while we visited) but there are also a few vending machines here where you could buy various overpriced bottles of water, soda or coffee. Legend has it that if you face the lake and clap your hands, you will hear an echo come back to you. Listen carefully for which direction the echo returns as it says that if you follow in that direction, it will lead you to someone who has lost their way.

Yotsu-tsuji

After the lake, you’ll see the pathways become almost empty. People have all but given up on the journey and yet here you’re barely halfway up. Before the first lookout point, I ran into a man feeding cats at the top of the hill. As he brought out the food, dozens of cats emerged from the forest. It was a haunting image to see when you’re walking through this forest all alone. At about the halfway mark along the path, you’ll come upon Yotsu-tsuji. This small shrine has an incredible view of Kyoto below and the trail of torii gates.

Kami-no-Yashiro shrine

At the summit of Inariyama Mountain, you’ll finally come to the Kami-no-Yashiro shrine, 233 meters above sea level. Up at the top shrine, you’ll find omikuji fortunes which are notorious for being extremely accurate – for some people, it is the entire reason they make the hike up to the summit.

The walk back down the hill is a much easier journey. You can choose to descend on the opposite side you came up so you have some different things to look at.

End of the Hike

Dusk was settling on the mountain, and our stomachs were grumbling. At night, many of the pathways are lit up, and the tourists have significantly dwindled. We wish we could have stayed longer and see the trail when it is all aglow but we were exhausted from our journey and decided to head home.

As we left, we ran into a few women in their finest kimonos leaving the temple. It was magic hour and seeing these alluring dresses as the sun began to set was one of that one-of-a-kind moments.

Tsujiura senbei

As you leave the shrine and head back to the station, you pass some sweet shops. The most famous treat being sold here is the tsujiura senbei, a fortune cookie from the 19th century.Snack carts sold a myriad of street food, infusing the entire lane with sweet and savory smells. Roasted dango was another popular dish found all over the streets here. It was being uniquely prepared as the dango rested around hot coals in the centre of an urn where they are slowly turned to give them an even char.

Fushimi Inari-taisha is truly one of the man-made wonders of the world. Finding time to come here and make the entire journey is highly recommended. The best time to come is early in the morning or as the sun sets at night since the crowds are the lowest and the light is stunning. Although we did find that even with heavy crowds, the further you get up the mountain the less and less people there are around you. So put in the effort and you’ll be rewarded with the most incredible sites.

The post The Ultimate Guide to Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Shrine first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Sydney – Day One

Congratulations — you’ve arrived in Australia! Most flights from North America arrive early in the morning. Sydney is usually people’s first stop since it is both the most notable city in the country as well as the cheapest one to fly into. The day of your arrival is a good chance to take it easy, but still, push yourself to move around and try to fight the jet lag. Drop off your stuff at the hotel or Airbnb, take a shower (an essential part of waking up after a long flight) and go for a relaxing walk or bike ride around the city. The best place to start off is at Circular Quay.

Circular Quay is the most picturesque harbour in Sydney. Nearby you’ll find the Sydney Opera House, historic waterfront shops, views of the Harbour Bridge, and lots of ferries puttering about. If you have the energy, jump on a boat and take a one-hour harbour tour. It will give you an idea of the size and scope of this great city.

Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

If you don’t feel like a ride on the water, opt for a stroll around the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. Opened in 1816, it is considered the oldest scientific institution in Australia and one of the most important historic botanical institutions in the world. The gardens span 30 hectares along the water and are the perfect place to take in all the new Australian sites and sounds.

Another great way to get a highlight tour of Sydney is to rent a bike. I’ve heard that some light cycling is the best way to combat jet lag. Pick up a bike from one of the dozens of companies around Circular Quay and noodle around the city, exploring whatever catches your eye. Before you know it, you’ll need to call it a day. Try to push yourself to stay up as late as you can, but an early bedtime will give your body the rest it needs for a great second day in the city!

Sydney – Day Two

Start your morning off with a visit to the Sydney Fish Market. This spot has an excellent patio along the water and you can taste local oysters for only $1. Despite the low price, it’s some of the best seafood in the world. They have plenty of local specialities and the view is unbeatable. Going in the morning is ideal since it gets incredibly busy during the day.

Since it’s only your second day on the other side of the world, let’s try to take it easy. Take the Metro over to Bondi Beach. What better way to get acquainted with the Australian way of life than to relax on a beach? The morning is the best time to arrive since it’s not as hot and you can nab the best spot on the sand. Don’t miss a chance to swim in the ocean pools, as well as, you know, the actual ocean. If you’re feeling up for it, you can also take a surf lesson. Walk up to any of the surf shops along the opposite side of the water to get a spot in the next class. Day-of reservations are almost always available except during extremely busy season. Best to go when they first open to secure your booking.

After lounging on the beach and perhaps grabbing a quick bite to eat, take the Bondi to Coogee Boardwalk hike. It’s more of a walk than an intense hike, but easily one of the most scenic routes you can stroll in the city. Lasting approximately two to three hours (depending how many stops you make and how fast your pace), the path along the coastal boardwalk takes you through stunning ocean views, secret beaches, cliffside parks, the famous Waverly Cemetery, as well as various cafes and restaurants if you need a pit stop. At the end of the walk, Coogee beach is the perfect spot for a spectacular dinner with a view.

Sydney – Day Three

If you have kids or are interested in Australian flora and fauna, checking out the Taronga Zoo is a must. To get there, you can take the ferry across the water (which provides remarkable views of the harbour). It’s one of the most beautiful zoos in the world. The layout and design of the space is fabulous. Officially opened as a zoo in 1916, this spot still has much of its historical landscaping and architecture, making it feel like you’ve stepped back to when the English settlers first came to this sunburnt country. It’s a great opportunity to learn about the various animals in Australia — the good, the bad and the ugly.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

After the zoo, take a walk across the Sydney Harbor Bridge, an icon of the city. It is over 48 meters wide and 134 meters tall. There are two ways of getting across. The simplest and FREE way is simply to walk along it. While this might seem tedious, it is an excellent way to see the city on all sides and is notably less precarious. But if you’re brave enough (and don’t mind forking over $150) you can climb to the top of the bridge. In addition to the cardio workout, you will also be given a guide that will tell you all about the history of the bridge and Sydney itself. While my preference is to save the money, there are plenty who have loved this experience, so it’s really up to you!

If you still have some time and want to visit another beach, ride the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly Beach. It’s got golden sands and a refreshingly cool ocean breeze. This charming coastal town is ripe with trendy restaurants and cafes. A great place to shop if you’re looking for some Australian inspired fashions or a pair of Havaianas sandals (or as the Aussies say, “thongs”.)

Blue Mountains and Jenolan Caves – Day Four

The Blue Mountains are about 2 1/4 hours away from the centre of Sydney, but well worth the trek. You can take the train out to Katoomba Station or rent a car for the day. The range is comprised of various mountains, plateaux, and escarpments. The most iconic formation is the ‘Three Sisters’ which towers over the lush, green Jamison Valley. Take time to walk along the lookout and then head down the stairs to hike along the basin. You’ll see some of the most beautiful waterfalls that provide the much-needed water to keep those trees so green!

After grabbing something to eat in Katoomba, head over to the Jenolan Caves. Made of limestone, these are considered the most ancient discovered open caves in the world. The calcite formations inside are one of the biggest draws. They can be bright white and look almost like marble carvings. One is shaped like the closed wing of an angel (incredible to see such a thing formed by nature). During your guided tour, the calcite structures are artistically lit up to accentuate their beauty. In the middle of the caves, your guide will turn off all the lights for one minute so you can appreciate the overwhelming silence and darkness which naturally kept all these shapes hidden for generations.

The Hunter Vallery – Day Five

The Hunter Valley is known for its award-winning wineries and quiet countryside atmosphere. It’s only a two-hour drive north of Sydney, so you can rent a car and make a day of it! There are hundreds of wineries to visit and really, it doesn’t matter which ones you try. They each have their speciality. Unless you’re a sommelier, you’ll have a great experience wherever you go.

Audrey Wilkinson Winery is known for being the most picturesque winery in the valley. Brokenwood Winery is a must for chardonnay lovers. Krinklewood Biodynamic Vineyard has one of the most exquisite gardens and an ancient cellar. Meerea Park Wines has a unique sandstone tasting cottage and unusually spicy reds. If you’re feeling indulgent and want to stay overnight, many of the wineries feature accommodations and luxury spas.

Fraser Island – Day Six and Seven

It’s time to say goodbye to New South Whales and head up north to Queensland. Fly out to the small, seaside town of Hervey Bay. From here you can rent a 4×4 and catch the ferry over to Fraser Island. Before you leave, be sure to stop by a grocery store and stock up on food and drinks for your camping adventure on the island. There are a few restaurants on Fraser, but they are either mediocre or somewhat costly. Plus having the freedom to eat anywhere your heart guides you is part of the fun! On the Ferry ride over, be sure to keep your eye out for whales since many can be spotted on this stretch of water.

K’gari (the aboriginal word for Fraser Island) is the largest sand island in the world! Yes, that’s right, the entire island is made of sand. But unlike what you might expect, it is incredibly lush! The island is filled with rainforests, eucalyptus woodland, mangrove forests, peat swamps, dunes, and green shrublands.

Accomodation on Fraser Island

On Fraser Island, you can book pre-assembled tents so you won’t have to rent or buy camping equipment. Sunset and sunrise are unreal, so planning a meal on the beach around that time is fantastic. They talk about the island having dingos aplenty, but no one I knew ever saw one. There are spiders though, so be sure to check your shoes before putting them on! Despite its natural beauty, many people don’t make it out here. At times you feel like you have the entire place to yourself. Your own private island.

Spend your days visiting the Maheno shipwreck site, swimming in the champagne pools, hiking the sands to picturesque Lake McKenzie, fishing along the Seventy-Five Mile Beach, and floating down Eli Creek, the island’s natural lazy river.

Townsville/Magnetic Island – Day Eight and Nine

Try to head out early in the morning and catch a short flight from Fraser Island up to Townsville. Many people opt to visit the famous city of Cairns, but I prefer Magnetic Island. It gives you that small town/island experience. Take the ferry from Townsville over to the island where you can stay at one of the world’s best hostels or some impressive Airbnb’s.

While on Magnetic Island, you can visit a koala sanctuary and have brunch alongside these pretty creatures. You can also opt for a hike up to visit the old WWII forts. Check out the Arthur Bay Lookout trail where you can see wild koalas along the path. Horses make their home here and you can book a tour here which will take you into the waters on horseback. A unique and thrilling experience.

Visiting the Great Barrier Reef

You can also catch a boat from the Magnetic Bay harbour. It will take you two hours out into the ocean to go scuba diving or snorkelling and see the most amazing fish and coral reef. Queensland is where the reef is the most stunning. I got hugely seasick on the ocean waters, but even despite that, the snorkelling was one of the best experiences in my life. If you are afraid of being that far out in the ocean, you can always just snorkel off the beach on one of Magnetic Island’s many offshore reefs. The fish aren’t as big and the coral not as bright, but it’s still an incredible experience.

While on the island, there are these little “cars” that you can rent. There’s a local bus that can get you around just fine, but it isn’t super frequent, so these open roof cars are a great option and fun to drive. They can help you get out to the remote spots much faster than the bus.

Daintree National Park – Day Ten

Whether you’re staying on Magnetic Island or in Cairns, make a point to take a day trip out to visit the Daintree Rainforest. It’s a bit of a trek to get out there, but well worth the travel time. You can either rent a car for the day or join one of the many tour buses which leave daily from Cairns. The Daintree rainforest is a national park and is part of the Wet Tropics of Queensland. You can visit the Mossman Gorge amd take a refreshing swim in the waterfall basin. There is also a retro cable ferry which will take you over the oldest parts of the rainforest. If you’d rather keep your feet on the ground, opt to take a stroll along the boardwalk to see if you can spot native wildlife relaxing in the treetops.

Melbourne – Day Eleven

Fly from Cairns back down to Melbourne to see the state of Victoria. The reason I suggest doing this is that you’re much closer to Syndey (most likely your return airport) on the tail end of your trip. Melbourne is a bustling city and a great contrast to the laid back living on Magnetic Island. The best way to see Melbourne is by bike. You can explore so much of the city in a short period. The architecture in the city ranges from old world to neo-modern, changing at every corner. The most impressive building is the golden yellow Flinders Street Ballroom.

Melbourne Street Art

Be sure to wind your way down side alleys and hidden corners to check out the impressive street art that Melbourne is well-known for. Great food is plentiful here and if you’re sick of camp grub, now is your chance to make a reservation at one of Australia’s top restaurants for an unforgettable culinary experience.

Victoria, The Great Ocean Road – Day Twelve, Thirteen, and Fourteen

After a day of city living, it’s time to hit the road one final time. This time to travel to the Great Ocean Road. You can easily do it on a one or two-day bus tour from the city which is relaxed and carefree. While the bus is the simplest way of seeing the Great Ocean Road, it is not the most personal. You can feel like cattle being shipped on and off the vehicle with the rest of the herd. I would opt for renting a car or campervan (a popular option) and driving it yourself. You can choose the pace, the destinations and, best of all, stay at some of the most picturesque campsites in the entire world. Most driving routes recommend 72 hours which I think is a good estimate to fit everything in without running yourself into the ground.

Twelve Apostles

You’ll drive to see the iconic Twelve Apostles, a collection of limestone stacks off the shore of the Port Campbell National Park. Stop off at a Kangaroo preserve to feed the big and little fellas. Make a point to take a walk into Mait’s Rest rainforest. If you have kids or love animals, stop off at The Nobbies on Phillip Islandwhere you can see hundreds of tiny penguins. This breed of penguins can only be found in Australia. The little critters have made homes along Phillip Island where you can see them hopping in and out as they bring food in from the ocean.

Sitting on the edge of Victoria’s limestone cliffs at sunset is the perfect way to spend one of your last nights in Australia. Time to reflect on your favourite moments, your most memorable culinary treats, and those one-of-a-kind experiences you’ll talk about for years to come.

This itinerary is a great way to get you started. Feel free to customise it based on your travel wishes. The overwhelming size of the country often makes people feel just as overwhelmed in the planning, so it’s nice to have a starting point. Wherever you go and whatever you do, you’re bound to have one of the greatest times of your life. Don’t stress about missing out or not making it to a particular place. Leaving something behind just means more of a reason to return.

Share your favourite Australian destinations with me!

The post Discover the Best of Australia in Two Weeks: Your Ultimate Itinerary for a Memorable Trip first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.