Welcome to Tell Me When to Pack.
When to pack? Right now! Get the laundry out of the dryer and the roller bag out of the attic. I’ve waited a long time to visit Australia and the time has come.
To celebrate your presence on the first journey via this blog, I’m promising a mystery gift to one of you. It’s a mystery because I myself don’t know yet what it is. It’ll come back with me from Australia.
All you need to do is leave a comment on this post. That’s all. But I’d love your thoughts related to this trip, in the spirit of fellow-travelers. Some conversation topic ideas:
- What would you want to do if you were in Sydney or Brisbane?
- What gift would you like me to bring back from Australia?
- Is there anything in particular you hope I’ll post about while I’m there?
- Do you live in Australia?
Remember, if you subscribe, you won’t have to wonder when the next post is up. Links are on the right side of this page.
And last, but it should have been first: Huge thanks to Matt Heerema, Web Team Leader at Desiring God, without whom I’d still be staring blankly at blog layout options. I still don’t have to know what to do next because Matt did it.
Do you need to stay in the cities? A trip into the wild (safari company type thing) might be an adventure, given the incredible scenery in the bush. I love hearing people’s stories – backgrounds, interests/hobbies that are different in different parts of the world, the varied ways of worshiping the same God.
I suppose the Newsboys would be too hard to get in your suitcase to bring back, huh? If you can’t bring them, how about a local cookbook? I collect them on my travels – I can’t always get the ingredients once I’m home, but it reminds me of meals shared with new friends.
I was in Australia many years ago and just passed through Brisbane; so, I never got to see the Gold Coast. If I ever get the chance to visit Australia again, that’s where I’d like to spend some time.
Australia! Magical name and magical place and would love anything from there!!! Love your writings and love mysteries too! God bless and safe travels!
So happy for you! I look forward to hearing more about your trip. A blog friend of mine was recently there and her pictures were absolutely beautiful. Also, Jerry Bridges seems to have always enjoyed his journeys Down Under. Be sure to exercise your legs on such a long flight. Some even recommend compression stockings to avoid deep vein thrombosis (DVT): http://www.webmd.com/dvt/news/20060420/compression-stockings-cut-fliers-dvt
Have a blessed and wonderful trip!
Experience the Australian cities during the major art festivals and marvel at the local and international artists in theater, dance, visual art and music and enjoy culinary delights, drinks and more. Mingle during the Sydney Festival on the streets with the locals or enjoy the Melbourne International Arts FestivaI because I always want to see the art that’s different. Love going around and snapping pictures of things people would not see in the states! Anything different or unusual.
Brisbane: Laze in the lush gardens of the South Bank, browse the markets and then swim in the lagoon. Take a bicycle tour through the botanical garden in the city and abseil the Kangaroo Point on the cliffs. Take a ride on the river with one of the paddle steamer or take a high-speed ferry to the bustling neighborhoods Bulimba and New Farm……A gift? A story about someone you met and no doubt helped!
I’ve never been to Australia so I have no idea what I would do there. I know if I took my 4 year old with me, she’d want to see the kangaroos with little joeys in their pockets.
Australia is known for some very specific and extraordinary things. A great gift to bring back for me would be a handmade boomerang or something of the like. It is a testimony to the life & culture that is only found there. If I were to travel to Australia, one of my “must dos” would be to see Uluru (Ayers Rock) at sunrise and at sunset and to explore that area. I hear it’s really beautiful in the outback! I love photography so I’d hope that you would share as many photos as possible too!
I’ve always wanted to go to Australia! I would try to mingle with the locals as much as possible, then try my hand at kite surfing.
. Have a fun trip!
Noel, this is such a great idea. I look forward to your observations and insights because you have an honest and God-centered view of life.
If I were in any large city in Australia I would want to leave to go visit Indigenous people groups. And, somehow I’d try to work in NZ too.
BTW, thank you for your article about deep friendships. It really touched me.
Have a wonderful trip!
1) I would like to visit Hillsong Church.
2) A word from the Lord concerning my future would be great.
3) I would love to hear something amazing concerning what God is doing down there.
4) No, I am not from Australia.
Noel; have a great trip! I hope you can bring back something kangaroo or koala related, I always think of those two animals when I think of Australia. Safe travels,
Hey Mrs. Noel!
I am a college student at LSU. I studied abroad in Australia and went to Hillsong and the University of Sydney. I lived in Sydney for six months so I’ll contribute to the “what would I do in Sydney” phase. It’s a wonderful place and I’m sure that you’ll enjoy every minute of it. Please note – if there were ever an opportune time to use extra skymiles and fly First Class, this 14 hour flight is it!!
1. There’s something called the Bondi to Bronte beach walk – it’s one of the highest on my list. Walking along the coast and seeing the Pacific and God’s beautiful creation at the height of it’s glory is one of the fondest memories I have from Aus.
2. Certainly, you’ll want to go to Taronga Zoo and take the cable car/sky car – it’s worth the money to see the Sydney Harbour from the air. We left at sunset and so the cable car coming down gave me the pictures of a lifetime.
3. You’ll want to check out the various Hillsong campuses, especially the Hills campus where their main arena is.
4. The Botanical Gardens in the city are amazing.
5. There’s a place called Max Brenner’s in the city and it is filled with wonderfully delightfully chocolatey goodness. You’ll want to take a trip out west to the Blue Mountains and hike there. It’s beautiful!!!
6. I’ve heard Cairns is beautiful if you have the chance to fly up there.
7. Try kangaroo!!!! Roo stew
8. Take the ferry to Manly – it’s a beautiful side of Aus that many people don’t realize is there. You can rent bicycles and cycle the area – it’s gorgeous!
As far as the gift to bring back, there was a set of journals in Hillsong’s bookstore. They were white, and in pink script on the front it said “He calls me Princess.” I had my eye on them the entire six months I was in Australia, but I simply didn’t have the extra funds to buy them. So, if you were to bring back something, I’d say bring back the one thing that you can’t take your eye off of or stop thinking about. You’ll regret it if you don’t!
Also, I would suggest you purchase a huge jar of chicken salt and put it in your suitcase to take home- it’s a great seasoning and they don’t make it in America. When I returned here, I missed it and didn’t realize it was only an Australian seasoning!!! The only way to get some here is to order it from Amazon!
I hope you’ll post about what He’s doing in your spirit as you’re there. He changed my heart while I was there and it was a beautiful process. I’d love to hear what He’ll be doing for you!
Enjoy your trip!
Jessica! How cool to be reading through the replies and see someone I know! I loved reading your ideas of what to do. I think the chicken salt is a great idea!
Our elder daughter has loved the books of Isobelel Carmody, an Australian writer, but not all are available here in the U.S. So if I went to Australia, I’d buy those and round out said daughter’s collection.
I’m looking forward to reading your impressions of Australia!
I also forgot to mention – if you enjoy coffee, try coffee from every cafe you can find! The coffee in Aus, for some reason, is so much better and will make you want to take it with you when you come home!
go for some campos coffee!
they’re around a lot of places. the original campos cafe is in newtown (super super close to Moore Theological College!) and i definitely recommend the coffee there 
some of the best! all of us sydney uni students go there all the time 
I remember LOVING Sydney. The Opera House, the bridge, the beach. Just a beautiful place.
If I had the chance to go to Australia, first I would look up my childhood penpal, with whom I’ve recently connected on Facebook after 25 years! Then I would go find a coolibah tree by a billabong and see if there is a jolly swagman around watching his billy boil and stowing a jumbuck in his tucker bag!
Have a great trip, Noel! I don’t know a whole lot about Australia so I will look forward to your observations.
I have never been to Australia, but the first thing my husband and I do when we arrive in a new city or country is begin to ask the locals for what restaurant & dish we MUST try while we are there. We usually end up in a hole in the wall place that no one knows about eating amazing food.
A neat gift brought home would be a pretty Christmas ornament that is specific to Australia. Enjoy your time!
Ahh Australia. I come from New Zealand, but currently living in Norway. I have only been to Australia once for a missions project. It is pretty nice, but I must say that New Zealand is so much better! (more than likely that is me being bias haha). A lot safer two in regards to dangerous animals…
New Zealand has one dangerous creature, the Katipo spider, but there has not been a report of a death since the 18th century.
In Australia you have to look out for all of these:
http://blog.hotelclub.com/the-10-most-dangerous-animals-in-australia/
(then again apparently traffic accidents in Austrialia kill more people a year than all of these animals combined… so watch out for crazy drivers!)
Have a good trip!
New Zealanders would love to see you and John make a trip some day.
I was in Sydney ten years ago when my aunt and her family lived there because of my uncle’s job. I desperately wanted to learn how to surf, and my aunt was going to pay for me to have lessons during my visit. But for some reason I felt like I should ask my mom if it was ok… She was thousands of miles away back in Texas, and I was twenty years old; so there is no logical explanation for my desire to ask her permission. But alas, I did, and of course she said no, that’s not a good idea. So that was it, I didn’t surf. If I was in Australia again right now, that would be the first thing on my list of todos.
Welcome to Oz!
Brisbane – go to the Mount Cootha lookout and enjoy the view
Sydney – ignore Bondi beach and come to cronulla beach a bit further south. Much better beach.
Look forward to seeing you at the Oxygen conference
Pastor Cameron
What a great opportunity! May God richly bless your visit.
What would I want to do? Attend the Opera. Swim off the beach. See Crocodile Hunter’s Zoo, and a kangaroo or two.
Bring back a digiridoo or other native musical instrument…or more than one! Especially anything flute related.
I hope you post about the colors, smells, tastes, sounds and textures. I love God’s art. In particular I “collect” accents…aren’t Australian accents wonderful?
I don’t live in Australia. Had an online friend who lived there once, but he decided he was an atheist after all, and left the forum of which we were members. I suspect that’s the case in a lot of Australia, and I hope you and your husband are able to glorify God by teaching and preaching the gospel there.
In Sidney? I’d go sailing on Sidney Harbour.
Praying for your trip, Noel. We will enjoy your daughter while she is here.
Wendy
God bless your visit. Shine for Him!
What would I want to do? Meet and enjoy the people, share meals with everyone, talk to moms with children.
Bring back: friendships, pics of folks at home, music, recipes.
I hope you post about the smells, tastes, conversations, passions
I don’t live in Australia, but my kids have been there with Teen Missions Inter’l and loved it. So I have a few souvenirs.
Try playing a didgeridoo while you are there. It is a wooden wind instrument indigenous to northern Australia. Our friends brought one home. I would want to see the kangaroos and koalas. We’ll be praying for your travels and that jet lag miracle.
Ditto on just about everything Ester said. I would also love a digiridoo or maybe one of their Aussie Cowboy hats. Sights, sounds, food, accents, pictures, lots of pictures I would love to hear about those. I have been corresponding with a friend for over 7 years now who lives in Bendigo South Wales just north of Melbourn. He works in a gold mine there. Perhaps you will have a chance to visit the area and you can tell me if he is as funny in person as he is on paper. Kidding.. I don’t expect that. But just saying that to mention in all my correspondence with two Aussies now one thing has been the same and that is their great humor and love for the Lord. You are going to have a wonderful time.
I was blessed to go to Australia twice when I was younger. 1st time was with People to People Student Ambassadors and we toured all over east Australia and parts of New Zealand. The 2nd time was with my husband on our honeymoon. We stayed in Sydney and at Kingfisher Bay Resort on Fraser Island-120 miles from Brisbane. I would try hard to be able to go back to Fraser Island because it is one of the most gorgeous places God has created on this earth. If only for a day. In Sydney I would visit all the touristy places-the Bridge, Opera House, the parks along the harbour, the Royal Botanical Gardens and maybe even go up Sydney tower. It is a beautiful city.
Australia is just beautiful and would hope that everyone had the chance to visit it. When we visited we brought back gifts for the whole family but can’t remember them all. Probably some t-shirts, postcards, picture frames-with picture of Australia on it. But the coolest was a boomerang. I loved collecting postcards.
I would love to hear all about your visit. The impression of the city, its people, what you learned.
No I don’t live in Australia but would love to visit it again if God allowed.
I hope you are blessed with the visit and cant wait to hear all about it. Also the photographer in me says take a ton of pictures. And I will be subscribing as I can’t wait to hear details.
I changed my mind I would like some Chicken Salt too, what a great suggestion Jessica – something actually from the earth there, to season our food with so one could actually taste a bit of Australia. Great idea. And, Wow – what a list of things to do you are getting. And things folks would love to have. This is exciting to read. I am envious of your trip. You are simply wonderful to share it with us. I am so looking forward to reading this blog. Blessings for your journey.
I would try and see some of the wildlife and scenery, but i wouldn’t do too much. I would like to mostly relax and go to the beach. I think you should bring back a kangaroo! I hope your trip rocks!
I know nothing about Australia, but hope to learn something from your posts.
I’ve never been to Austrailia, but would love to see some pictures.
Hope you have a great time.
I would hold a koala. They have color vision
Coty and I have now been together in North America, South America, Europe, Africa and Asia. A little song my sister-in-law taught us lists those continents first and then says, “Don’t forget Australia! What about Antarctica?” Don’t expect we’ll make it to either of those last two any time soon, so I know I’ll enjoy following your trip to Australia via this blog. What to do? See koalas? Visit the Opera House? Listen to Australian accents? I don’t really know, but I do know that the Australian Christians I have known have been warm, fun people. I’m sure you and John will enjoy your time there.
Dear Noel,
I hope that you post some funny and interesting travel stories while in Australia!
Have a fun trip, stay safe!
God bless,
Talitha
What a wonderful opportunity for you! I am a Kiwi (New Zealander) living on the beautiful Gold Coast which is an hour south of Brisbane. I am sure you will have a blast whatever you choose to do as it’s the friendly people here that will make the experience a memeorable one for you. Looking forward to hearing your husband on Thursday night
My dad brought back tea tree oil after a business trip to Australia. That’d be pretty sweet!! And easy to pack.
Dear Noel,
How exciting! About 10 years ago, my bride of 30 years and i got to travel there as part of my job. Here’s our recommendation for a memorable thing to do in Sydney (actually 2):
Go to the zoo and have them let you hold a koala bear!
Walk across the tippy-top of the Sydney Harbor Bridge!
Both are unforgettable. We are (very) 60-somethings, who have adopted and are raising our (now 12 year old) granddaughter, after raising 4 of our own. The Lord is merciful, and is allowing me another crack at parenting. Also starting on MDiv program at Regent University, after blessed 40 years in business. Psalm 71:18. (i read John’s book on retirement). May the Lord richly bless you!
Dear Noel:
I’m sure that what you would think of bringing back are stories to bless John and photos and mementos for your beloved children and granchhildren. As a pastor’s wife like you, little things are what thrill me – new vistas, novel furniture and furnishings and houses(not to forget the food). So I’m pretty sure that most of all, you look forward to sharing the love of Christ to brethren down under; it is meeting like-minded people with a different accent or kindred spirits, people who are “crazy” with God:devoted Christians who dedicate their lives and resources to His cause -meeting them makes the journey many times as thrilling and worthwhile.
I’m sure your bags will be overstuffed with Koala and kangaroo stuff toys/trinkets… Have a safe and happy trip
Hi Noel,
I came to Australia as an international student six years ago and never looked back – I live in Melbourne (which I’d have HEAPS to wax lyrical about if you were passing through!), but did make a trip up to Brisbane city in July and loved it. If you have to bring back anything, it’s pictures. Loads of them. The weather is glorious – which other city in the world experiences sunshine in winter, and rain in summer? And it’s winter there right now.
I’d say spend a day or two just trawling the city and discover the melting pot of cultures and sights it is; check out the botanical gardens, the huge park on the other side of the river, the heritage centres dotting the city, the breakfast – oh, the breakfasts! They are just amazing. My favourite from my last visit was this place called Cirque, it’s in New Farm, a little suburb within walkable distance just outside of the city. Also just on the fringe of the city is Fortitude Valley, Brisbane’s Chinatown – I’d say if you have to buy something, you’re most likely to find interesting trinkets there. (:
I’m sure you’ll love Australia. Thrilled for you! Have a great trip!
Welcome to Australia!
I’m sure you will!
Looking forward to hearing John speak at Engage in the Blue Mountains, Sydney. The mountains are quite beautiful themselves! I hope you get the chance to take some bush walks and see some of the waterfalls and all the spectacular views at various lookouts.
Enjoy your stay with us and thank you for all your ministry to us women in far flung places over the years. I’ve enjoyed all your writing – esp your book “Faithful Women & their Extraordinary God”.
Sarah xo
I’m an Aussie, living in Aus…. I’d strongly recommend that you shouldn’t make the city beaches or the Gold Coast the highlights of your visit. You can see man-made, heavily populated places anywhere in the world! The outback is amazing, and all flowering at present because of a good season. The outback stars remind us of our size, and how the Lord’s ways are higher than ours. The country-side is just too beautiful, but different wherever you go, the long unpopulated beaches are spectacular and the Great Barrier Reef is another awe-some sight…. I don’t know what to advise you to bring back, but there are some beautiful mugs in stores like David Jones and Myer which have Australian flora and fauna printed beautifully on them.
Noel,
I would want to go to Sydney’s Town Hall Square to see the replica of Arthur Stace’s “Eternity”. The story of this man and the lasting impact he made on Australia is interesting, and to see Stace’s one word evangelism written as he did all over Sydney for nearly 40 years would be inspiring! I would like a postcard with “Eternity” on the front and a message from you expressing what you thought of Arthur Stace. Ecclesiastes 3:11
Regardless of what you do or where you go, may God be glorified through you!
Hi, I’m currently a college student living in the United States.
I would love to visit the Hillsong church in Australia if I ever have the chance!
I hope you have a safe and blessed time there!
I’m excited to hear what God will do on your trip there!
I think an item from the Hillsong store would be really cool to get!
God bless & have a wonderful trip!
I was in Brisbane yesterday. Its a beautiful city. Do a trip along the river. Go to South Bank and see the beach right in the middle of the CBD. Some great restaurants here as well. Go to Mt Cootha and have a coffee looking out over the view of the whole city. Try and fit in some markets and visit the koalas and kangaroos at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary only 10 minutes from the city. The Botantical Gardens are beautiful too… Its a lovely, hilly, leafy city, where no roads are straight and the river winds itself around the whole city… beautiful! Enjoy.
I’ll be there Thursday night…can’t wait.
My husband brought me back a beautiful black opal necklace. It is one of his favorite places he has ever been. Hope you have a wonderful blessed time.
I’d like you to bring back an Australian accent. I’m not sure how you can accomplish it, but that would be my one wish.
My husband and I have always wanted to visit Australia and New Zealand. I may have to live the trip through your posts.
I would love to taste the coffee from Australia.
I have never been to Australia, but it is one of those places I’ve always dreamed of visiting. I hope you have a fabulous trip!
I have ALWAYS wanted to visit Australia ~ I really like their accent, and I think kangaroos and koalas are neat animals. I think it would be wonderful to visit for so many reasons, and after reading Jessica Addison’s comment, I long to visit even more!!! Enjoy if extra for me!
I know they need the GOSPEL, and the grace and peace of YHVH in their lives – as we all do. May they be blessed by your visit, and may you be wonderfully blessed as well.
I’m very dull when it comes to travel. The only reason I ever want to go anywhere is for people. The places are often nice, sometimes even glorious, but . And even the people, beloved tho’ some of them be, can’t always inspire me to forsake my homebody ways. Close friends were stationed in the Netherlands for four years. I never visited. Other close friends are stationed in Naples. I’ve no plans to go. And my one Internet friend in Australia isn’t nearly close enough to tempt me to endure the trials of jetlag and the TSA.
I do, however, like gifts an awful lot, so count me in for the random drawing!
P.S. If they ever get around to inventing a Star Trek-style transporter, I shall amend my nontraveling ways.
I recently subscribed to Desiring God and have followed John’s tweets for a few months. I ended up here following a link in his tweet. We are members of a Church of Christ & have been for over 40 years. Our preacher has used some of John’s books in our Bible classes. Please tell John that his teachings are blessing me. I loved the 2 recent posts relating to his Dad.
I hope you have a wonderful trip & I look forward very much to following along on the blog! We don’t get to travel much. I say, Don’t miss a thing! I would love to visit Hillsong Church as some others have mentioned. I always love visiting churches when we do get to travel.
I would want to see some of the birds and butterflies that are unique to that part of the world. I would just love a note card or picture of any of them!
Why should you bring ME a gift?? That’s easy – I, too, have always wanted to go to Australia; unfortunate that we cannot go together. I’m sure we would have fun. What do I want you to bring me? That, too, is very easy….COFFEE!! Some wonderful brew from “Down Under” that they SWEAR is the best coffee in the world. I will be sure and judge it fairly!! Have a wonderful trip – I shall follow your blog posts with joy!!
If it were *me* I’d head south to Melbourne and have coffee with Nathan of nwbingham.com – but that’s just me
Also, I think an authentic boomerang would make just about anyone happy!
Safe travels! We’ll be praying for Jet-lag miracles and a moving Spirit!
Noel,
Godspeed! I will look forward to reading your posts.
Please post video of John’s talk, that is all we need!
My dad visited Australia many years ago now, and the pictures he took on Ayers Rock (and of the rough jeep that took him out there) are burned in my memory. Such rich reds. I’d climb that and marvel at God’s ability to make a mound.
What should you bring back? A creche, I’d reckon. And a book of local poetry . . . or at least, that’s what I always buy.
I’ve never been to Australia, but maybe one day! I saw a documentary on the people that live in the bush there…it was fascinating. Hope your trip is fantastic!
Came here from your husband’s Twitter…. I love your traveling spirit. Can you bring back something you stumble across randomly? Something you knew was waiting to be found by you.
Are there many Kazakhs in Australia? Try to meet Dr. John Dickson, an Australian who spoke about humility at the latest Global Leadership Summit. Enjoy being asked the question by Australians if you are Canadian or not. They would rather error on that side than upset a visiting Canadian who is mistaken for a person from the U.S. Bring back a koala bear. Cheers!
I’ll be praying for you and Pastor John as you travel — this will be a great way to guide my prayers. Starting tonight with the jetlag miracle prayer
. I’d want to see wallabys in the wild, I think Don’t know enough about either Sydney or Brisbane to want to see anything — my knowledge is limited mostly to Finding Nemo, and I suspect he’s not there anymore. Gift ideas — I’m cuirous about Vega-Mite, about which I’ve heard tons — virtually all negative. And I’d like to hear about what God is doing “down under” — but I suspect that’s what you’ll be posting anyway.
I read once about someone who toured on a bicycle around much of the outer edge of Australia. I think that’s what I’d like to do if I visited.
Bring back some UGS, they are expensive in the states and cheap in Austraila. Great to have in cold wintery Minnesota. And I heard they have a lot of flies, flies that are in your face, looking for moisture, many wear netting over their hats to keep the flies away. Bring a hat, in the fall it will keep your head warm and if the flies are still active you can purchase some net and keep them out of your face! Spend time on the ocean, delight in the greatness of our God. Enjoy
i would love something from australia…
Hi,
I’m just commently commenting a comment in hopes I win.
I’m in Australia right now! My friend Sarah and I are here for a year doing an internship at a tiny little church south of Melbourne. We love it so far. The people are kind, the beach is beautiful and the British influence is charming in its various manifestations. If I were to win this mystery present, I would want it to be a novel that you read while traveling, just a good story or biography or memoir. Have a wonderful time!
Casie
Oh, Australia!!!
We saved money for three years after we married and took a honeymoon trip to Cairns in north tropical Queensland. It really was the trip of a lifetime! We felt God lovin’ on us SO much while we enjoyed our time there.
*TimTams (chocolate cookies) are a cheap and easy treat to bring back for lots of small gifts! So delicious!
*Snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef is a breathtakingly beautiful experience if you get the chance.
*Would love to visit a Hillsong Church.
*Don’t miss the kangaroos! We went to a place where you could hang out with them similar to a petting zoo. I just HAD to know what those strong tails felt like! Now I know! It was surreal to be alone among so many of them at dusk just as the park was about to close. Just the honeymooners and the kangaroos… what an amazing memory!
Have a LOVELY trip and get lots of kicks out of that awesome accent and lingo!
Well I have no idea what is even in Australia to be brought back…so the gift would truly be a mystery to me! Have a wonderful trip. Looking forward to reading about it.
I would spend my time trying to pick up a perfect Australian accent…!
Do whatever you want knowing is pleasing to God and always share with your dad everything about your love for Jesus. I do not need a present and if I had one I would give it to your dad who help me as an older brother.
God bless you!
Thanks for the stories.
I am sorry because I did not read and thought you were Mr. Piper’s son.
My desire for you is that our Lord will bring you back safe and sound to your family and for Him to keep you from evil always.
Hello Noel,
Welcome to Australia! What a blessing it is to have you and John ministering in our country!! I hope that it’s a great time for you down under. I’m an Aussie and have lived in Brisbane for all of my life. My top suggestions would be Mount Cootha (preferably night – the lights are beautiful) & Southbank as this is very close to the Convention Centre. My all time favourite chill out spot is ‘Sandgate’. This is a beautiful place to go for a long walk along the water, to read a book, and to enjoy the slower pace. I would definitely suggest going to ‘Doug’s fish & chips. They are the best I have ever tasted. I’m sorry to say that it doesn’t look like the weather will be too nice over the next few days!! Thanks so much for your faithful ministry. So encouraged by your book, ‘Faithful women & their extraordinary God’. Blessings, m
Love your new site! I, too, am a home school mom with wanderlust! However, the Lord has not yet afforded me the opportunity to do much traveling, so for now, I will just have to enjoy your travels!
I would take in as much of the natural beauty of the country as possible because I am always amazed at God’s creativity and diversity. Also, I would check out the arts. I hear that in both citites there are many opportunities to enjoy symphonies, theaters, and museums.
I’d love to hear about any missionaries you might encounter while you’re there. Perhaps instead of a gift to bring back, you could bless them with a gift! I hope you have a wonderful trip! God bless you.
I don’t know much about what to do in Australia, but the comment suggesting snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef sounds compelling. I love the ocean. Enjoy your time down under!
I visited Perth 2 weeks after the Trade Center tragedy. It was a bit scary to fly at that time, but I was determined. The country is amazing. So many wonderful things to experience, but I especially enjoyed the people. They need the Lord, but it seemed to me had a great sense of relationships, and less of a need for possessions.
“You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me.” Psalm 139: 5
I’m rejoicing in God’s blessings to you!
Thank you for sharing your adventures!
Npel – safe travels and I would love to hear about the “divine appointments” He arranged in advance for you on this trip – from those on the plane to taxi drivers to hotel staff to shopkeepers to waiters to tour guides – I agree with the person who said, “Bring back what you can’t keep your eyes off of”.
The movie Soul Surfer just opened up in Australia, it would be interesting to hear what impact that wonderful movie is having on people. May God use you in many incredable ways on your journey.
Blessings,
Bill
Well, I have never been to Australia, but I do love mountains, so if I went there then I might go see the Blue Mountains and maybe visit the town of Katoomba and see the Three Sisters at Echo Point. I hope you have a great time there. God bless!
~Hannah~
Hello, my husband and I live in a south-west suburb of Sydney. We have only lived
here for 1 year, as we moved from the Sunshine Coast in Queensland (about 1 hour
drive north of Brisbane), because my husband took up his first pastorate down here
My recommendation in Brisbane is you go to Noosa or Coolum
Beach on the Sunshine Coast.
In Sydney, to go west for a 45 minute drive to the blue mountain range.
Ps- my husband is so looking forward to attending Oxygen pastor’s conference with your hubby.
I wanted to come and do the session with you but I have to look after 3 boys under 4 and our youngest is 4 months. Maybe another time.
Enjoy God, enjoy Australia
Love
Linley
I am eager to learn from you about a place I’ve always wanted to visit.
Char
Wow, what a great response! Nice to hear people’s thoughts and desires for my lovely country Australia! I’m from the Sunshine Coast, an hour from Brisbane, and will be seeing you in Brissie as well as Sydney. My husband and I are really looking forward to the conference. I’d love to give you a gift to take home! Something from an Aussie:) I’ll put something away, and if we make contact somehow – I’ll pass it on. God knows. My prayer for this Nation is that it might rise up as The Great Southland of the Holy Spirit, and fulfil its God given destiny. You both are a part of that in coming here for ‘such a time as this’. Thanks mate for taking the trip. Bless you guys. X
Congratulations on your new blog! Australia and the Scottish Hebrides are on my traveling radar for some day because I love the “wild-ness” of both places! Hope you get to get out of the cities and meet people and see the striking landscapes. I’m a horse lady so if I were there I would try to find a horse to ride as it is my favorite way to see the countryside
Read a previous comment about a cookbook and think that would be a great idea to get the ‘flavor’ of being there. Hope you have a fantastic trip and thanks in advance for posting pics so we can enjoy too!
Also, since you know what it is like to be mum to 3 boys, you and John
are invited to our place of mayhem for dinner. Not joking either.
Love your sis in Christ
Linley
I’m not from Australia, but I have a good friend that is now living there with your husband and baby girl, who desperately needs to hear more of the gospel
I’d use her as my tour guide! Aside, from that, and if I had the time and money, I’d also be tempted to hop over to PNG to visit missionary friends deep in the jungles.
For something to bring back, if I was going, I’d scour around all the second hand shops for different pieces of my china pattern. It was made in England in the early 1900′s, and it seems that all the rare and unusual pieces were sent over for the market in Australia.
And as far as posting, I know you’re going to tell us what God is doing over there when you see it, so I’m looking forward to reading!
Oh dear … my comment should say *her* husband. Not yours. I’m sure you’re quite certain as to where your husband is living. *blush*
I’m a half-Lebanese girl in Florida who loves to travel, and I would like to have a DVD of your pictures! Especially the nature and architecture shots.
I’ve never been to Australia, but last year my parents had a divine appointment with an Australian couple which has turned into a sweet family friendship. They met this middle-aged couple on an Alaskan cruise (of all places!) and hit it off immediately. They learned that the man’s son had died a couple years ago when a flash fire trapped him, his girlfriend, and her sister in a house in the middle of the dry outback, incinerating the house and those in it in less than an hour. The young people had just enough time to call and say good buy to their parents. The couple had never been religious, however, their daughter recently became a Christian and she had given her parents their first Bible just that year as a gift. The couple hadn’t taken much interest, but after getting to know my parents, they wanted to hear more about their testimony of faith, Christianity and the gospel. My mom and dad were able to share the hope of Christ with this truly precious couple who had endured much suffering, and yet had maintained much joy. Since that time, the couple has been exploring the faith. Now, we keep close contact with them, and if we ever visit Australia, they will be the ones we tour with
I’ll be praying that God provides you with divine appointments as glorious as this one on your trip!
Have a lovely time and post lots! It would be fun to have something from Australia to share with my homeschool kiddos
Go with God!
I have never been to Australia, but it is some place I have always wanted to go. I think I would like to see the Great Barrier Reef. It is is the world’s largest reef system. I will pray for you, that God would bless you and use you to be a blessing and an encouragement to the people of Australia.
Laura
Something off the barbie
God bless your trip and keep you safe!!
Hope you have a great trip and I am excited to hear about it!
Some of our close, special friends have lived in Australia for almost 9 years as the leadership for CCC Australia…
If I could sneak into your bag and hitch a ride…I would LOVE to go visit Ted & Ticiana Gordillo
I’d love for you to bring back Chris, my best friend in Melbourne, for a visit. I would love to reconnect face to face with her again.
As a quilter, I love the fabrics by designer, Denyse Schmidt. Her recent collections of Picnic, Fairgrounds had a special release in Australia only. I would love these, but I think they are getting hard to find in AU as well.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/natiel3/5780358267/
Have fun!
My boys and I are beginning a study of Australia today! We need your travel pictures!
Bring back an accent! Love to travel!
love that you get to travel! this doesn’t have anything to do with Australia, but thank you for writing this http://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/appetizer-feast/. blessings ☺
Australia what a wonderful place to visit, I would like to know what takes you there?
Whenever friends or relatives travel, I always ask for:
Tea,
Chocolate,
Key-chain or something from the country,
in your case – either a Boomerang or Aussi Hat or something like that… hehe
but the most fun and important thing is seeing the person come back with stories of how they were able to serve and be served – all to the Glory of God and furthering His Kingdom.
Love in Christ,
Noel,
I’m an American, living in Australia for 15 years, ten of those in Brisbane, married an Australian.
Favorite Brisbane things: riding the city cat down to New Farm, walking over to see the huge Morton Bay Fig trees.
A great place to see koalas, kangaroos, parrots… is Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary – can take a boat from downtown to there.
The Brisbane talks are at South Bank, which is a great place to walk around. If you like hot chocolate there is a Max Brenner’s fairly close to the convention center. Also art gallery, natural history museum, and lots of places to shop.
I loathe the Gold Coast, huge development on the water, only go there if you like Miami. I prefer the Sunshine Coast.
Our family takes a lot of holidays on Bribie Island, which is near where Bruce Winter lives. Can walk for miles on the beaches there or get fish & chips and watch the sunset.
I’m sure you will be inundated with people, but if you want to talk to an American, people at QTC knows how to get a hold of me. I use to work there until last month.
Enjoy your stay!
Robin
The animal and aquatic life in Australia always captivated me. It sounds like a pleasure to breeze through desert outback or to careen under the sea in the Great Barrier Reef.
Personally, I would bring back fragments of dried out coral from the reefs.
When I hear “Australia” I think of the Wiggles! I’m a mom of six….what can I say?
We were in Kunanurra a few years back working with HCJB – the land is sure different from Montana and we totally enjoyed our stay – we’d like to go back. Enjoy!
Hi Noel, It’s been really exciting to read of YOUR excitement at coming to Ausland. I live in a little place in Victoria called Baranduda! It is not far from the snowfields and right on the border of Victoria and New South Wales. I am a mother of 3, my husband Ray is pastor of Baranduda Community Church, and i am also a hairdresser. I am soooo excited to be heading to Oxygen in Sydney (6 hour drive for us) in 5 days time! I am looking forward to hearing from you in person and pray that as you encourage others you too will know His great love from hanging with your Aussie family in Christ.
. You gotta head out of Sydney though and head to Katoomba and check out the The Three Sisters, google it….breathtaking. Brisbane has the river and Southbank as mentioned by others.
.
Sydney and Brissy are great cities, although i also have to say Melbourne in my fav. Sydney holds a lot of our history as a nation, so i’m sure you will find that interesting. One of my favourite places in Sydney is The Rocks. Not far from the Opera House, and nestled in under the Harbour Bridge, it has a great “old” feel to it withinteresting places to explore. And yes, we have awesome coffee
Make sure you try Tim Tams, Vegemite and our awesome seafood for the full Aussie culinary experience….i reckon you’ll like at least 2 out of those 3
I would love to hear your post on anything from Aus, but in particular, how you see God moving and working in this country.
And if you are ever in need of some hairdressing services whilst in Sydney….
Enjoy and look forward to seeing and hearing from you at Oxygen
I love reading travel posts, so this should be very interesting – Australia is one of the places I would love to visit – will do it vicariously through you! As far as where to go? Enjoy God’s creation – Gold Coast, outback, koalas. Please bring back a didgeridoo – I can win it for my son who turns 16 in October!
If that’s too large for your suitcase, I collect cookbooks – recipes from down under might be very interesting.
Whatever you do, enjoy yourself and be blessed with traveling mercies from our Lord.
Mysteries are great! When you know what you plan to bring back maybe you could give some clues and let us guess. Have a great trip!
If I was in Australia, I’d like to take a boat out into Syndney Harbor. I’d also like to visit some of the missionaries our church supports in Cardwell.
If I was going to bring something back, I’d look for pottery.
Safe travels and God bless.
Talk to a lot of people…experience the people, not just the place. Get off the beaten track…go tongue non-touristy places. Have an amazing time!
I subscribe to Tell Me When To Pack via email and am excited to read about your Australia travels, or wherever the Lord may lead you.
Glad to be subscribed!
Would you please post photos of local art? thanks!
When my husband and I met at Bible School, we quickly discovered we both wanted to visit Australia and New Zealand. That was 39 years ago. We have received travel books as gifts from our children, we still talk about our up coming trip and I beleive we will make this happen. Enjoy every minute.
I am excited for you to be in Australia! I’ve always wanted to go. I don’t know what there is to do there but I would do as much as I could that I wouldn’t be able to do in the states. Enjoy your trip!
Hi Noel,
I am happy you get to be in Australia. I have never been there. It’ll be fun to hear what you’re experiencing there…..the local culture, food, customs, any funny things that happen to you while you are there.
I would like a kangaroo. Not a real kangaroo that is, but the one that lives in the imagination of all Americans who have probably never see one (and never will). The kind that is cuddly and cute and snuggly. If you could bring back one of those…. that would be great.
i’m australian.
keep an eye out for those kangaroos on the motorway…
Hey ms. Piper I retweeted you this morning, the joey upside down in the pouch wad very cute, never knew that!
Noel,
You and Pastor John are the cutest thing I have ever seen. My husband and I want to be you guys when we grow up!!! I hope we can, as a very happily married couple serving Christ, visit Australia one day!!!! I definitely think I would check out local cuisine and all of the precious animals! An awesome present would definitely be a cookbook or an awesome piece of handmade jewelry. Something unique to the culture would be great. I hope you guys had/have a refreshing time growing closer to Christ and each other. Thank you for being the woman behind the man, my husband and I are so blessed by your husbands ministry.
I’m a little late to the party. I was born in the States, but spent a large portion of my childhood in Melbourne and “still call Australia home”, as the song goes.
For Sydney, definitely take a ferry ride in Darling Harbor, preferably at night. Inexpensive + glamor = perfection.
For a pressie to bring home, the latest copy of Cookery the Australian Way. It’s the classic cookbook that most kids learn to cook from. With recipes for everything from sausage rolls to lamingtons, it’s the best.
And of course, you couldn’t go wrong with bringing back any of the amazing candy (lollies) or snack foods Australians love. Oh how I MISS Chicken Twisties and Burger Rings!!!
Am loving this blog. Yes, I subscribe.
So interesting to read all that you and Pastor John are doing. What a cool trip! Love the story about the coffee. Flat white? That would be me!
And loved that shot of you and the kangaroo. Sweet.
I suggest you go sailing and snorkeling while you are there.
Hi Noel-
I would take in all the beauty and then I would be curious to see if I could listen to Hillsong
somewhere over there and to check out what an Australian church service is like.
Hi Noel,
I think the greatest gift would be one we could all enjoy. What do I have in mind? A poem written by your sweet husband about your time in Australia. You can post it on your blog so we can delight in the stunning pictures he paints with his words. His writing is truly a gift. Thank you, Noel, for sharing your heart with us through this blog. Praying for safe travels! Because of Him, Chriselda
I’m thoroughly enjoying reading about your Australian adventures! I can’t wait to hear about what the Lord is doing through you and Bro. John while you are down there and what He is teaching you about Himself and His creation. You can send a cute Koala my way anytime!
I visited Australia back in 1998. I fell in love with the country right away! I would pick going to the Opera House for a concert, if I were to get the chance to visit Sydney again. I loved the Chinatown district, too! Enjoyed the diversity and my first time to try Laksa (Malaysian noodle soup). Yummy!
Three Sisters in Blue Mountains would be super worth the trek to enjoy one of God’s awesome creation.
I served in Australia as a summer missionary during college and loved it. I was in Tasmania – not your typical idea of Down Under but beautiful and diverse country. Sydney was awesome. Australia was were I learned people eat pumpkin as a vegetable and not just in pies! I have loved pumpkin in savory recipes ever since.
Since bringing a Kola back is probably not going to happen, how about a boomerang! I have always wondered if those things work!
I am so excited to see another blog by you, Noël! Your writing is so enjoyable! I smiled when I saw the topic of this blog because it made me think of the part in your other blog bio about the self-proclaimed naivete of thinking “nothing as good as seeing the world could happen after marriage,” (which for some reason has stuck with me). I saw the first picture of you and Pastor John smiling brightly, and it was great to see the beauty of experiencing travel and to see great blessing through it! Safe travels!
Hi Noel,
I am happy to go on this journey with you both; thanks for including me…BTW, I am glad that I am your both 1st and 2nd child via your blogs
Unfortunately, I often forget about Australia – not sure why. But if you were to bring something back from Australia, I would want it to be something uniquely Australian and something that would help people (like me) learn something about the people or land.
Appreciate all the local crafts and handiwork. There are supposed to be fabulous yarns and fibers available in Australia. Look for something either made with local yarns or pick some up to take home to remind you of your visit and God’s creativity in making our world.
I have always wanted to go to Australia. After seeing the Grand Canyon a couple of years ago I was just in awe that God created this! It expanded my mind and has made me even more curious to explore this whole planet created by Him.
I live in Belize and we have the second largest barrier reef in the world. Second to, you got it, AUSTRALIA! If I went to Australia I would want to snorkel through the largest barrier reef.
If I was in Australia, I would want to see the outback, visit with kangaroos and koalas; and see the Great Barrier Reef.
I would probably want some type of jewelry to be brought back.
Have a great time! I am enjoying your updates – especially the recipe for the biscuit!
My younger ones and I studied Australia a little bit last year in school, such an amazing continent, truly evidence of our amazing Creator, from the great barrier reef to the animals…the marsupials and monotremes. Not to mention the accent!
Enjoy your time there.
Dear Noel, thank you for share your trips, It’s a pleasure read about. Enjoy…
What would I do if I were in Brisbane or Sydney? I would want to meet the local people and find out what their lives are like. I would want to visit a church and see what the concerns for the community are from the perspective of the people who live there. We have not traveled abroad much, and Mike has much more than me, but that is always what I want to know. What is God doing wherever I am, because He is always at work somehow! Thanks for once again letting me travel through you!
Australia would be awesome… if you can’t stuff a kangaroo in your bag, I guess I would bring a boomarang back with me as a gift. A real one, not a plastic toy one.
I like traveling with you because you think of interesting things to tell about. I visited New Zealand once and walking by a middle school I observed scores of young people dressed identically in shorts and shirts and sailor hats with the brims down to protect them from the sun. On closer look I noticed that they were all barefoot. It surprised me.
Hello Mrs. Piper,
My husband and I were in Sydney a couple years ago for business and then traveled to Cairns for a long weekend. I would highly recommend two kangaroo related activities, just for relaxation and enjoying the variety of God’s world. We were able to find a park/zoo that allowed us to pet and feed kangaroos. It was just plain fun to be up close with such foreign and famous animals. And even after that warm fuzzy experience, I still suggest giving kangaroo a try at a restaurant! It’s a nice lean red meat, much like bison or venison.
I have no idea about what I would see, or what I would want you to bring back, I am so in the dark about Australia I still think of kangaroos and “Throw another shrimp on the barbie” when I think of this beautiful country. Show us more, please Noel!
WOW!
So I’ve been reading through these posts and am sooo wishing that Ralph and I could take a trip to Australia! What a great resource for ALL of us to have ( just in case we get to go !)
Your writings and resources have sure blessed me…..:)
I’d love to have one of those mugs with the pretty Australian
flora, or some Australian coffee, or a book about Arthur Stace and his ‘Eternity’ work (I had never heard of him). I’ve learned so much about Australia just from this post!
I am forwarding the blog to a “girl” who now lives in Austrilia but grew up in our church.
I thank you for posting all the pictures of your trip. For those of us that may never get to experience a trip like that it is fun seeing you friends in those cool places. Thank you for the ministry you both do you have been an inspiration to me wife and Dr Piper has taught me oodles and gobs. Love you both.
Yummy recipes and fun food stories!!!
One of my most dear friends in the world is from Australia. We have given our car GPS an Australian accent in honor of her. A dream trip would definitely be to have Beth take me to her home! Enjoy every minute Down Under!
Blessings.
I am enjoying reading about your adventures in Australia. Your pictures are always so much fun to view.
What an exciting trip! I have had a pen pal from Perth, Australia since I was 10 yrs old (I’m now 46!). We’ve written off and on over all these years, and even spoke on the phone once. The best gift to me would be if you could find her and smuggle her to the US so we could meet face to face and give each other a big hug!
Dear Mrs.Piper
Hello. This is A-Hyun Yoon, commenting from South Korea. : )
First of all, thank you for sharing your lovely stories with people all over the world and giving us a chance to leave comments here.
I am very excited to read stories from your travel and also to leave a comment.
Well, since this is my first time commenting, I will introduce myself a bit.
I am a senior at Ewha Womens University majoring in psychology.
I am a part of Jesusfamily church, located in Seoul, Korea.
I’ve read pastor Piper’s books and yours. Especially, I was helped by FAITHFUL WOMEN AND THEIR EXTRAORDINARY GOD. While I was reading the book, I was so inspired and graceful that there are many christain women who I can learn from. But at the same time, I was a little ashamed that I’d never heard of Esther Ann Kim who was introduced as Korean.
I sincerely thank you for introducing us great lives of christian women including Esther Ann Kim.
I often visit your blog- noelpiper.com (which I think is wonderful
both design and contents)- and learn how wonderful christian life could be.!!
So, Thank you again for being another faithful woman living in extraordinary God
Have a great trip and I’ll be hoping to read more of your stories
-though I’ve never met you…. with love A-Hyun-
Thank you, A-Hyun Yoon. I believe that in the Korean language, you can find even more material by or about Ahn I-Sook than we have here in the English language. If I found out more information from some Korean friends here, I will let you know. Also, did you know that a number of my husband’s books are translated into Korean? Here are distributors of his materials in Korea: http://www.su.or.kr/ and http://www.lifebook.co.kr/final/index.asp?dp=main
Blessings,
Noel
If I were in Australia, one thing I would really want to do would be to taste any and all foods that are specific to Australia. Like the stuff that locals actually eat!
I lived there for a bit in college. Go surfing…and take John with you!
Make sure you eat some TimTams…I could eat my weight in those.
And like a comment above, I absolutely love Australia but if you are that close, visit New Zealand too! Both hold a special place in my heart and I can’t tell you how happy it makes me to see the gospel spread Down Under!
Wow! Down Under! I’ve definitely always wanted to visit.
I’m not sure you’ve read all of the comments posted, it seems staggering to work your way through!
I would at least try and take a tour of the Opera House in Sydney, the architecture is pretty intriguing.
I am not sure, I love foods that you can’t find in the states, so maybe some rare food item. I also love your idea of finding nativity scenes, if you stumble upon an Aborigine set, that would be cool too!
Well, I’m not sure the nature of your journey, but I’d love to hear about brothers and sisters you may meet while there.
I am not from “Oz.”
Well I couldn’t have given any trip advice bc I’ve never been but I hope you got to absorb some beautiful & unique creation & maybe snapped a few pics to share with us all!
some of my closest friends are australian, so the first thing that springs to mind as to what i’d like to do in sydney or brisbane is visit friends! but there is a plethora of beauty to see in that grand country (which up to this point i have only been able to see in photos), and i hope you can be richly blessed by its grandeur!