The STRONGER Tour: Kicking Off in Perth with New Gear

A New Chapter, A New Camera

You know, I thought my YouTube days were done. After my health scare, I sold off my cameras, convinced I’d never film again. Why bother, right? Life felt too fragile to fuss with vlogs. But then, this STRONGER tour sparked something in me. I’m heading to places I’ve never seen—Seoul, Busan, Tokyo—and I want to capture every moment, not just for me, but for you all, to share this journey of resilience. So, I dove back into the world of filming gear, and let me tell you, I’m like a kid on Christmas morning with my new setup!

First up, the DJI Action 5 Pro. This little beast of an action camera is my new best friend. Why’d I pick it? For starters, it supports a 1TB memory card—that’s massive for an action camera! I can record hours of footage without sweating storage. Plus, it’s got 30GB of internal memory, so I’m covered even if I forget my card (let’s hope that doesn’t happen). The real game-changer, though, is its AI-powered low-light feature. I’m planning to film bustling night markets and neon-lit streets in Asia, and this camera’s ability to make low-light shots look crisp and vibrant is unreal. It’s compact, tough, and ready for anything I throw at it—perfect for a clumsy guy like me!

But wait, there’s more. I grabbed the DJI Multifunctional Stick, and it’s a total lifesaver. This isn’t just a selfie stick—it’s got a built-in battery that keeps my camera juiced for 7 hours of continuous shooting. No more lugging around a bag of batteries and chargers! It’s like DJI read my mind and said, “Here, mate, travel light.” I’m all about simplicity on this trip, and this stick delivers.

For audio, I’m rocking the DJI Mic Mini. This tiny wireless microphone is a dream for vlogging. It clips on, syncs effortlessly, and captures crystal-clear sound, even in windy Perth or crowded Seoul streets. Its compact charging case means I can keep it powered on the go, and the noise-canceling tech ensures my voice cuts through the chaos. Trust me, you’ll hear every quip and heartfelt moment loud and clear.

And then, there’s the DJI Nano Drone. This pocket-sized marvel fits in my jacket and shoots stunning 4K aerial footage. It’s so easy to fly, even a tech-challenged fella like me can get cinematic shots of Japan’s mountains or Korea’s coastline. With a 31-minute flight time and obstacle avoidance, it’s perfect for grabbing epic views without weighing down my backpack. This all-in-one travel pack—camera, stick, mic, drone—fits in my pocket and has me itching to hit the road!

Testing the Gear with Bella in South Perth

Before I take this kit overseas, I wanted to break it in at home. So, I grabbed my furry sidekick, Bella (the world’s laziest but most lovable dog), and headed to South Perth for a little test run. The result? A short vlog of our walk along the Swan River, which I’ve embedded below. But first, let me set the scene.

South Perth is a gem of a suburb, hugging the southern bank of the Swan River (or Derbarl Yerrigan to the Whadjuk Noongar people). It’s just a hop across the water from Perth’s CBD, offering killer views of the city skyline, especially at sunset when the skyscrapers glow golden. This area’s got history—settled in the 1830s, it was once farmland before morphing into a posh residential spot. Today, it’s all about riverside parks, trendy cafes, and the Perth Zoo, a favorite for families. The foreshore’s a magnet for joggers, cyclists, and dog-walkers like me and Bella, with paths winding through lush lawns and shady trees. It’s peaceful yet vibrant, the perfect place to test my gear and soak in the calm before my big trip.

The Boorloo Bridge: A Mega Marvel

If you haven’t heard about the Boorloo Bridge, let me introduce you to Perth’s newest icon. Officially opened on December 22, 2024, by Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti, this isn’t just a bridge—it’s a love letter to culture, engineering, and the Swan River. Spanning from Victoria Park via Heirisson Island to Point Fraser in Perth’s CBD, it’s a dedicated path for pedestrians and cyclists, making river crossings safer and more scenic for thousands daily.

What makes Boorloo Bridge so mega? Let’s start with its design. Built as two s-shaped bridges meeting over Heirisson Island, it mimics the sinuous slither of the Wagyl, the rainbow serpent from Noongar Dreamtime stories. This isn’t just aesthetic—it’s functional, raising the bridge high enough for boats to pass while minimizing environmental impact. With only three permanent pylons supporting both spans, the cable-stay design keeps the sacred Swan River (Derbarl Yerrigan) pristine. The pylons themselves are pure art: two are shaped like wannas (digging sticks), honoring Whadjuk Noongar woman Balbuk, who fiercely protected her Country against colonial development. The third is a koylie (boomerang), symbolizing Yagan, a warrior who resisted colonization in the 1830s. These nods to Noongar culture make every step across the bridge feel like a walk through history.

The bridge’s location, 90 meters downstream from the Causeway, was chosen to protect local flora and fauna while boosting connectivity. The surrounding area’s been spruced up with landscaping, artworks, and cozy seating spots, perfect for a breather with a view. And the lighting—oh, you’ve got to see it! From sunset to midnight, 17,000 LED lights transform Boorloo Bridge into a dazzling spectacle, rippling with colors that dance across the river. I captured it in a second video below, shot with my DJI Action 5 Pro’s low-light magic:

Why This Matters