Justagirlfromoz

04/26/2026

It’s raining today but I wanna start the week with color.

04/25/2026

We're looking back almost 40 years to April 19, 1987 for —the day AC-9 became the last California Condor captured from the wild, completing one of the most ambitious rescue missions in conservation history.

With the entire wild population down to just 22 birds, the decision to bring them all into captivity was bold, controversial, and ultimately world-changing. Nearly 40 years later, the numbers tell the story: 600+ California Condors exist today, with more than 392 soaring free over Arizona, Utah, California, Oregon, and Mexico.

AC-9 himself became a cornerstone of the recovery, fathering 22 biological offspring, helping raise 2 foster fledglings, and living out his final years in the wild before passing in 2016. His legacy quite literally flies on.

Here's to the visionaries who made the call, the dedicated conservationists who saw it through, and the teams still working tirelessly every day to keep this recovery soaring.

📷 original newspaper from The San Diego Union-Tribune

04/25/2026

Side Adventure Saturday at one of the Gold Coast’s most iconic little pockets 🌊✨

📍 Currumbin Alley
💰 Cost: FREE (just bring your sense of adventure)

If you’ve ever wandered down to Currumbin Alley, you’ll know it’s more than just a surf spot — it’s a whole coastal experience. The rock formations here are seriously underrated… layered, textured, and constantly changing with the tides 🌊

These rocks are mostly made up of ancient volcanic basalt, formed from cooled lava flows millions of years ago. Over time, the ocean has shaped them into the rugged platforms you see today — perfect for exploring at low tide (just watch your step, they’re slippery!).

And if you look closely… you’ll spot tiny life everywhere 🐚
The rocks are covered in little sea snails, mostly periwinkles and nerites, clinging on between waves. They’re absolute pros at surviving the harsh splash zone, and honestly… kind of hypnotic to watch as they slowly move across the rock pools.

Of course, we can’t talk about Currumbin Alley without mentioning the surf 🏄‍♀️
This is one of the best beginner-friendly longboard waves on the Gold Coast. Smooth, rolling waves peel perfectly along the point — which is why you’ll always see a lineup here when the conditions are right.

Just around the corner sits the calm waters of the Currumbin Creek (Currumbin River), a total contrast to the ocean side. Glassy, peaceful, and perfect for paddling. I used to LOVE kayaking here before I moved to America — cruising past mangroves, spotting fish, and just soaking it all in 🛶
Safe to say… a kayak is definitely back on my list.

This spot is one of those places where you can do a little bit of everything — surf, explore, paddle, or just sit and watch the waves roll in. Slow mornings hit different here 🌿

👋 G’day, I’m Marcelle — your Aussie guide to America’s great outdoors! Always chasing epic hikes, hidden lakes, and bucket-list adventures so you can skip the research and dive straight into the experience. Now bringing you hikes and places to visit in my backyard too 🇦🇺

04/14/2026

If you’re dreaming of colourful cars stuck in the ground like Cadillac Ranch… but without the crowds — let me introduce you to its underrated cousin 👀👇

📍 Buggy Ranch
13651 I-40 Frontage Rd, Conway, TX 79020, USA

Just a short drive from Amarillo, Buggy Ranch flips the script with vintage Volkswagen Beetles buried nose-first instead of Cadillacs 🚗✨

🎨 Covered in ever-changing graffiti
🚶‍♀️ Way fewer people = more time to explore & take photos
💸 Completely FREE to visit

It’s quirky, colourful, and honestly… just as fun (if not better) than the original 🙊

💡 Tip: Bring your own spray paint if you want to leave your mark!

Sometimes the best adventures are just down the road from the famous ones 💛

👋 G’day, I’m Marcelle — your Aussie guide to America’s great outdoors! I live on the road full-time, chasing epic hikes, hidden lakes, and bucket-list adventures so you can skip the research and dive straight into the experience.

🇦🇺 Now bringing you epic spots in Australia too

04/11/2026

What a week. No hiking trails to tell you about but just wanted opinions after listening to conversations. The price of rentals on the Gold Coast are ridiculous. I’ve been looking around at small box like units for $750 for a one bedroom and that’s weekly. There are a lot of people along the beach with tents. Hearing people call them scum and other not so nice words really irked me. I know it doesn’t look pretty but with housing crisis what is one to do? Your thoughts?

04/06/2026

📍 Minyon Falls, NSW

Tucked away in the lush rainforest of Nightcap National Park, Minyon Falls is one of those places that absolutely stops you in your tracks. Dropping around 100m into the valley below, it’s one of the most breathtaking waterfalls in the region 🌿

🥾 The walk:
The Minyon Falls Loop is roughly 10 km return, with about 533m of elevation gain. It’s a moderate hike that takes you from the top lookout all the way down to the base of the falls — and yes, the climb back up will get the legs burning 🔥

🌳 The forest:
You’ll be walking through ancient subtropical rainforest, part of the Gondwana Rainforests — think towering trees, dense canopy, and that fresh, earthy smell that makes you slow down and take it all in.

🚗 How to get there:
From Byron Bay, it’s about a 40-minute drive inland. Head towards Federal, then follow Minyon Falls Road right into the national park. There’s a car park at the top with a lookout if you’re short on time, or you can take on the full loop track.

💛 A little something more personal…
This walk means a bit more to me at the moment. I’m taking part in Australia’s Biggest Bush Walk, raising money to help protect endangered Aussie wildlife.

For those who have already sponsored me — I’ll forever be grateful 🤍
If anyone else would like to support, you can find the link in my bio. Every little bit helps 🫶

👋 G’day, I’m Marcelle — your Aussie guide to my backyard here in Oz and the USA

03/29/2026

03/26/2026

Tucked away in the lush hinterland of Springbrook National Park, Purling Brook Falls is one of those spots that feels like you’ve stepped into another world.

The walk to the falls is a short but rewarding one — about 4km return if you do the full circuit. It’s graded moderate, with a few stairs and steady inclines, but nothing too hectic if you take your time. Along the way, you’ll wind through ancient rainforest, cross creeks, and catch glimpses of the falls from different angles before reaching the base — where that 100m drop really hits different.

Where to park:
Head to the Purling Brook Falls car park on Forestry Road in Springbrook. It’s an easy access point with signage for both the lookout and the circuit track.

Best time to go:
Late spring through summer is when she’s really showing off — especially after a bit of rain when the waterfall is flowing strong. Early mornings are magic if you want to beat the crowds and catch that misty rainforest vibe. After heavy rain, expect a bit of mud… but honestly, that’s part of the adventure.

Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, fresh mountain air, or just a peaceful reset, this one’s a must-do if you’re anywhere near the Gold Coast hinterland.

Now bringing you adventures from home — my Australia 🇦🇺