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Gold Coast Instagrammers share top travel destinations: Northern Lights, Lady Elliot Island

THEY have a VIP pass to capture the most precious places on the planet. We asked the Gold Coast’s top travel Instagrammers to share the destinations that stole their hearts.

Turtles at Mon Repos Beach

THEY have a VIP pass to capture the most precious places on the planet. We asked the Gold Coast’s top travel Instagrammers to share the destinations that stole their hearts.

NARELLE & TIAH BOUVENG @alittleatlarge

LAKE LOUISE, CANADA

I had always dreamt of staying at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise in winter and waking up in a cocoon of luxury with that incredible view out across the frozen lake and landscape. It was a family dream trip (there are five of us) to celebrate my son finishing Year 12 before he set off to uni.

Narelle & Tiah Bouveng in Canada. Photo: @alittleatlarge
Narelle & Tiah Bouveng in Canada. Photo: @alittleatlarge

We had all wanted to stay at this property and had driven across the Rocky Mountains from Vancouver to make it happen. We knew they did incredible ice-art installations in winter, but we did not know they had built a life-size frozen castle. My youngest daughter Tiah was four at the time and was completely mesmerised. It was one of those moments that I think she will remember forever — her own Frozen princess moment. I may have had a twirl or two as well.

FOLLOW IN MY FOOTSTEPS:

Take your time. Stay as long as you can in Lake Louise and Banff as it is spectacular in winter. Invest in really good-quality boots, a three-quarter length jacket and heaps of hand and feet warmers. It was minus 15, but we were able to get out and about because we had good quality warm clothes and could pop warmers in our boots and gloves to keep everyone happy and comfortable.

LAUREN BATH @laurenepbath

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Although I travel all over the world, the most special place I have ever been to is right here on our doorstep. From the excellent indigenous tourism offerings on offer, such as Australian indigenous Experiences and the Karijini Experience, through to the incredible landscapes and modern tourism products, there’s something in WA for everyone to love.

Lauren Bath's photo of a whale shark from her top travel destination, WA. Photo: @laurenbath
Lauren Bath's photo of a whale shark from her top travel destination, WA. Photo: @laurenbath

I recently travelled to Exmouth for the first time and experienced the whale shark season in Ningaloo. I stayed for three nights at the gorgeous Sal Salis and went on-board Live Ningaloo to swim alongside these giants of the sea. I also managed to see the reef from the air with Ningaloo Aviation. I was blown away by the natural beauty and world-class tourism operators and I walked away with so many new favourite images.

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If you want to do a specific part of Western Australia it pays to do your research. Whale shark swimming in Ningaloo is only a short season and it gets busy, so you’ll need to choose your dates and book all of your experiences in advance. If you want to hit the gorgeous Kimberley Region avoid the wet season and if you’re planning a trip to the Pilbara be sure to time it with the Karijini Experience.

PIP HARWOOD @seagypsea_photography

AITUTAKI, COOK ISLANDS

I was booked for a shoot for Air NZ, Tourism Cook Islands and Billabong Womens Australia. This photo was taken during a day of shooting on location in the lagoon off the main island of Aitutaki. It was such a stunning island and the clearest water I have ever shot in … I just couldn’t resist a sneaky shot.

Pip Harwood of @seagypsea_photography at Aitutaki, Cook Islands.
Pip Harwood of @seagypsea_photography at Aitutaki, Cook Islands.

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Take LOTS of sunscreen!

JEWELS LYNCH @jewelszee

NORWAY

Norway is a bucket-list destination for a million reasons, but this trip was particularly special for me because it was the start of my relationship with Olympus Australia, who I now proudly partner with. Myself and two colleagues were sent to Norway to test out the newly released OM-D E-M1 MII.

The Northern Lights in Norway. Photo: @jewelszee
The Northern Lights in Norway. Photo: @jewelszee

We had the most amazing itinerary, which included staying in red fishing cabins in Lofoten, seeing orcas in Tromso and, of course, the Northern Lights. This is my very first glimpse of what I can only describe as pure magic. It may not be my best photo, but it is really special to me anyway.

FOLLOW IN MY FOOTSTEPS:

Travel with integrity, compassion and gratitude. Travel to open your heart and your mind. Travel for all the right reasons and you will be rewarded with the most memorable experiences.

JULES INGALL @julesingall

LADY ELLIOT ISLAND

We are living in a crazy, busy world with so much pressure and stress, but at Lady Elliot Island there is very limited phone and internet service and only a handful of guests, so you can shut yourself off from the world. It is fairly basic, but so tranquil and relaxing. The other reason I love it is that being able to swim among coral with turtles, rays, reef sharks, billions of fish, dolphins and such a huge array of sealife somehow puts the world back into perspective. You leave the island relaxed, refreshed and amazed.

Julia Ingall's photo of a turtle at Lady Elliot Island, Queensland. Read why she loves this place most.
Julia Ingall's photo of a turtle at Lady Elliot Island, Queensland. Read why she loves this place most.

I have been to LEI several times, but this photo was taken as part of a Canon photography workshop. We spent a lot of time in the water swimming with, observing and photographing the animals. There were so many turtles and they were extremely friendly and happy to swim side-by-side. I also had the opportunity to witness baby turtle hatchlings making their way from their nests down to the water. It was one of the most incredible things I have ever seen.

FOLLOW IN MY FOOTSTEPS:

LEI isn’t a luxury resort, but it is one of the best underwater experiences I have ever had. Be prepared to spend a lot of time underwater. There are two sides of the island: the lagoon, which is very shallow and home to most of the turtles, and the west side, home to the lighthouse and Coral Gardens swimming and diving spots. Make sure you experience both.

GARRY NORRIS @garry_norris

THE HASHEMITE KINGDOM OF JORDAN

I was invited along on a trip with friends and struggled to decide if I should go or not because of the tension in the region. I shouldn’t have been concerned. The country was amazing and I felt safe for the entire adventure. The Jordanian people are some of the most hospitable people I’ve met anywhere in the world, and they will do anything to make your stay memorable.

Garry Norris’ shot of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Photo: @garry_norris
Garry Norris’ shot of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Photo: @garry_norris

This shot is from The Lost City of Petra. This place was magical at night. Imagine following a 1km path deep into an ancient gorge then emerging at the Treasury facade, which is lit by 1000 candles — truly remarkable. Make sure you check when the night activity is on because it is only a couple nights a week, so book early.

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Try to arrive early in the morning to explore Petra by day. There is so much to see, but one of my favourite things was the hike to the top of the canyon to see The Monastery. There are about 800 carved stone steps to give your legs a good workout or you can get a donkey to take you to the top. The view when you finally make it is simply amazing. Take a break on your way to the top with the Bedouin people and have a sweet tea. It’s offered as a welcome drink everywhere and it will give you the energy you need to continue. Immerse yourself in the culture, eat the food, chat with the locals, listen to the history and just enjoy your time in this ancient country.

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Original URL: https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/lifestyle/travel/gold-coast-instagrammers-share-top-travel-destinations-northern-lights-lady-elliot-island/news-story/8483212bdf9cb7f037476d3382630447