Australia Travel #4 Nelson Bay Dolphin Cruise

A Day of Ocean Views and Unexpected Moments

My second day in Australia began with a deep, uninterrupted sleep.
After the exhausting first day, I practically collapsed into bed.
But the next morning, I woke up refreshed and ready for another full day of exploring.

Breakfast at the hotel was simple but satisfying.
The grilled tomatoes were surprisingly delicious, and as always, I made sure to eat a hearty morning meal—
a must for fully enjoying a day of sightseeing.

We stayed at the Holiday Inn, and although it wasn’t luxurious, it was clean, cozy, and comfortable.
Even during this short 3-night, 5-day trip, returning to the hotel each evening felt strangely familiar—almost like coming home.

Heading to Nelson Bay — A Different Kind of Highway Rest Stop

Our destination for the day was Nelson Bay.
On the way, our bus stopped at a highway rest area.
Naturally, I pictured rest stops like the ones back in Korea—full of food courts and convenience.

But the Australian highway rest stop was nothing like that.
It was basically a truck stop, with a small convenience store and a vast parking lot filled with transport trucks.
Very minimal, very simple—definitely not the kind of rest area Korean travelers might imagine. ^^

Arriving at d’Albora Marinas — Time for the Dolphin Cruise

We finally arrived at d’Albora Marinas, where our dolphin-watching cruise would depart.
After the minor disappointment of seeing only five sleeping kangaroos the day before,
I hoped today I would at least see a lively pod of dolphins.

Walking toward the marina felt exciting—
almost like becoming a child again, knowing I’d soon be out on the open sea.

The blue sky was clear, the water calm, and the yachts lined up at the pier looked dazzling under the morning sunlight.
I couldn’t help imagining what it might be like to live in Australia, owning a yacht and sailing out whenever I wanted. ^^

Boarding the Dolphin Cruise — The Unforgettable Red-Haired Crew Member

Once on board, the boat slowly pulled away from the dock.
One person immediately caught everyone’s attention:
a crew member with bright red, rooster-like hair.

He seemed to be part of the safety staff, constantly checking the passengers and surroundings.
His striking hair color and calm demeanor made him surprisingly unforgettable.

Ocean Calmness: The Magic of “Sea-Zen”

Worried about the harsh sunlight, I bundled up tightly.
But the shimmering sunlight reflected across the ocean was absolutely breathtaking.

Just like “mountain-zen,” I realized there is such a thing as “sea-zen”—
the peaceful trance that comes from staring into the endless waves.

Watching a yacht cut through the water in the distance made the moment even more picturesque.
It was the kind of view that washes stress away without effort.

And Then… the Dolphins (Sort of)

Finally, the moment everyone had been waiting for:
dolphin time.

“Please… don’t let this be like the kangaroos yesterday.”

But my hope didn’t quite pan out.

Instead of a pod of dolphins jumping through the waves,
we saw only two or three dolphins, briefly showing their backs before disappearing again.

No big show, no playful jumping—just a few quick appearances.
And that was it.

After that, the dolphins never returned.
So in the end…

I spent more time enjoying the ocean than watching dolphins.
Still, the vast sea was beautiful enough to make up for the disappointment.

Did the Law of Attraction Cause It?

A Funny Thought

I couldn’t help thinking back to the kangaroo experience.
Maybe my small worry—“What if we don’t see dolphins either?”—
invited that very outcome.

A strange coincidence, but amusing in its own way.

Jet Skis, Ocean Spray, and Pure Freedom

Even without a dolphin show, the ocean scenery was stunning.
Jet skis cut through the waves, boats left white trails of sea spray behind them,
and the expansive coastline created a peaceful and refreshing atmosphere.

For a moment, I forgot about everything happening back on land.
It was one of those rare times when the mind truly relaxes.

Wrapping Up Day 2 — A “Sea-Zen” Experience Instead of a Dolphin Show

Although the dolphin cruise ended with fewer dolphins than expected,
the sight of the Australian ocean was more than enough to make the trip worthwhile.

After enjoying a delicious lunch,
we moved on to the next destination of our Australia journey.

Stay tuned for Australia Travel #5! 😊