Our Australian Adventure: Brisbane, Australia Zoo, and Beyond

Here at NIXIN Jewelry, our pieces are more than just opal jewelry—they're stories brought to life. They are physical reminders of moments in time, of the Earth’s most spectacular landscapes, and of the unique treasures we discover along the way. Earthly memories. That's why we're so excited to share the story of our family’s recent trip to Australia. It was a journey into the very heart of the country that supplies us with the world's most incredible gemstone. Over the next few weeks, we'll be sharing our adventures, starting here in the bustling city of Brisbane, where we began our exploration of Australia's wild and wonderful natural world.

Touching Down in Brisbane: 

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

After a 14-hour direct flight with Qantas, we finally landed in Brisbane. It was 5 a.m., and we were bleary-eyed but buzzing with excitement. We knew the best way to fight off the impending jet lag was to embrace the morning head-on. 

With the sun just beginning to rise, our very first stop was the world-famous Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, where we were immediately captivated by a wide range of animals. The kids were thrilled to pet a koala, walk among emus, and feed kangaroos and wallabies by hand. 

Other animals you can expect to see at the sanctuary include:

• Dingoes
• Cassowaries
  

• Wombats
• Tasmanian Devils
• Platypus
• Echidnas

The sanctuary is recognized worldwide not only as the oldest, but also the largest koala refuge. It was an incredible experience that highlighted the diversity and wonder of Australia's unique wildlife.

Exploring South Bank Parklands

After Lone Pine, we headed straight to the heart of the city's South Bank Parklands. This expansive area along the Brisbane River felt like an urban oasis with lots of attractions to explore including: 

• Streets Beach: A man-made beach perfect for an afternoon swim.
  
• The Wheel of Brisbane: An iconic Ferris wheel offering panoramic city views.
  
• Riverside Gardens: A labyrinth of lush gardens and walking paths.
  
• Children's Playgrounds: Offering a variety of play areas for all ages.
  

The kids loved the playgrounds and the massive Ferris Wheel, which we rode until dinner. Day 1 was the perfect welcome to a world on the other side of the globe.

A Walk on the Wild Side at the Australia Zoo

The next morning, we set off for the Australia Zoo, owned by the Irwin Family, and the legacy of the Crocodile Hunter. The drive was an adventure in itself, with a sudden, torrential downpour that made it impossible to see the road for a few moments. Just as quickly as it started, the rain vanished, leaving a beautiful, vibrant rainbow in its wake—a moment of pure magic that reminded us of the beauty of a natural opal's flash.

We had a special surprise in store for the kids: an exclusive early morning experience with the lemurs, prior to the zoo’s opening. As we arrived at the closed zoo, the kids were confused. The look on their faces when they realized the experience that awaited was priceless. We boarded a barge that took our family to Lemur Island where we were met by another family… of 4 lemurs. Comet - the most mischievous of them - was a family favorite. They were all very sweet, soft and had just a touch of ADHD.

Throughout the day, we saw a stunning array of animals from around the world. At the Australia Zoo, there are many enclosures where different animals are kept together - such as in the giraffe enclosure where you’ll find the long-necked beauties coexisting with zebras.

While these blended exhibits were fun to see, we all agreed, the joeys (baby koalas), tasmanian devils, lemurs and wombats were our favorite animal encounters.

But the Australia Zoo isn’t all animals. We spent about an hour at a gigantic trampoline where we got some serious air before the attending the infamous crocodile show.

Before departing, we made sure to visit the incredible Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital - a testament to the Irwin family's dedication to animal conservation - where we witnessed an echidna surgery in progress. We also learned that most of their patients are admitted as victims of auto accidents, with koalas being the most commonly hit animal, though there are other animals they also treat in their facility for a host of reasons:

All in all, it was an unforgettable day, full of unique experiences and a deep appreciation for Australia’s natural wonders, many of which inspire our designs. (yes - opal jewelry inspired from our Australia trip is already in the works!)

From the City to the Outback

That evening, after a full day of adventure, we headed back to Brisbane for a good night's sleep. Our next destination was the Australian Outback. Specifically, Lightning Ridge - a place both remote and full of mystery — and also home to the rare Black Opal. 

Stay tuned for the next post in our series, where we'll share our journey from the vibrant city to the rugged landscapes that bring us one of the world's most sought-after gemstones.

Key Takeaways from our Trip to Brisbane:

• Unique Wildlife Encounters: Direct interaction with native Australian animals at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.
• Urban Oasis: Overcoming jet lag at the sprawling South Bank Parklands with stunning city views.
• A Rainbow Reward: A magical moment on our drive to Australia Zoo after a sudden downpour.
• The Preamble for NIXIN Jewelry's Ridge Trek: The starting point of our journey to the source of the rare Black Opal in the Australian Outback.
  

For more on our brand's connection to the Australian gemstone, check out our post on Our Process - How We Make Opal Art. You can also explore our collection of Australian opal rings for pieces inspired by this magnificent stone.