Around the World in 80 Days: George Jerjian in Australia

Caxton Card | Second Around the World Stop: Sydney

George Jerjian continued his Caxton card -powered journey in Australia, swapping safari plains for wine valleys, beaches, and coral reefs. With internal flights, planned stops, and a passion for conversation, Australia proved both practical and profound.

George arrived in Sydney fresh from his South African leg. “I was part of that round-the-world trip... so it was British Airways, Qantas, Japan Airlines – that family of airlines.” His Caxton card handled payments smoothly throughout.

He explored the city’s iconic spots, including the Opera House and Circular Quay, before heading into the Hunter Valley wine region. George visited Hanging Tree, Sadlers Creek and Cypress Lakes wineries: “It’s not just the wine, it’s also the people,” he noted. One of the wineries renamed their prosecco-style sparkling wine “Oz Secco” to get around trademark restrictions. George was delighted by the humour.

In Sydney, George admired the city’s sleek transport network. “The trams were fast, clean, new, and highly economical compared to London prices.”

Lunch at Icebergs in Bondi was a standout: “A stunning setting. Great food, great wine. I had a great time for several hours.”

He then walked the Bondi to Coogee coastal path, reflecting and chatting with a young French traveller. “He was one of 100,000 young French people who come to Australia every year on working visas. That stayed with me.”

Finally, he flew to Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays: “I wanted to be in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef – not spend half my trip getting there.”

Top Destinations

• Sydney – Home base with iconic views and efficient transport.

• Hunter Valley – George visited Hanging Tree, Sadlers Creek, and Cypress Lakes wineries.

• Bondi Beach – Iconic coastline where George dined and walked.

• Hamilton Island – Reef access without the transit hassle.

Top Tips

• Stay flexible: George dropped Uluru and Perth to focus on quality over quantity.

• Use public transport: “Sydney’s system was surprisingly affordable and clean.”

• Book internal flights early: George used a multi-stop ticket to keep things efficient.

• Choose location over luxury: Hamilton Island offered reef access with minimal transfer.

Top Recommendations

• Lunch at Icebergs, Bondi: “Great food, great wine, great view.”

• Do the Bondi to Coogee walk: “You meet people, you talk, you reflect.”

• Visit the wineries: “Oz Secco made me smile. That kind of imagination stays with you.”

• Fly into Hamilton Island: “Flying in over the Whitsundays was unforgettable.”

Watch George's Take on Australia

Watch the replay and get all of George's recommendations first hand.

Why Use a Caxton Card in Australia?

From airport lounges to wine cellars, George used his Caxton card  for everything. It made contactless payments simple, avoided currency fees, and worked across airlines, taxis, wineries and hotels. No need to exchange cash or stress over rates.

Start Your Own Journey

Inspired by George’s travels? You can go deeper with his insights on purpose, retirement, and reinvention.

Read the book – The Odyssey of an Elder is George’s story of transformation, travel, and second chances.
Take the course – Learn how to unretire with meaning through George’s Dare Method.

And wherever you go, make sure you’ve got a Caxton card in your pocket – the better way to spend abroad.

Next up: New Zealand – a land of rolling hills, Maori wisdom, and one unforgettable swim with 200 dolphins.