The Penultimate Day - Apollo Bay

The penultimate day of the holiday sees us wake up in lovely accomodation in Apollo Bay. As we drove straight from the airport we didn't have time to pick up breakfast provisions so I took the opportunity to have brunch in Apollo Bay.

Winter season here still but the town is pleasantly buzzing with locals and tourists. I get a nice feeling from the place. It reminds me of North Devon; parts of the landscape remind ROsie of Scotland. Either way it is warmer than the two and has yellow flowered Banksia trees in the gardens and Parrots picking through the grass in front of the shops. The sea is a piercing blue here with magnificent waves, and despite regular reports of Southern Wright Whales in the area over the past 2 weeks we learn that there are no sitings currently. More the shame.

Brunch was excellent and we then explored the many lovely shops, picking up a few special items on the way. Once we felt we had thoroughly done the towns shops justice we headed out on a day of exploring in the car.

Following the tourist map we headed west through Marengo on the great ocean road. Our first stop was Shell Beach. I was interested to see what the beach had that you didn't see in the perfect arc of Apollo Bay. On the way down to the beach we walk though part of the Otway National Park. Pristine Forest of massive tall Gums and in deep gulleys, towering tree ferns. Jokingly Rosie walked ahead on the lookout for snakes and Izzee was supposed to be looking skywards for Koalas. However Rosie was the first to spot one high in the treetops fast asleep. They are native here. Down to the beach and we were mesmerised by the sea's huge powerful waves. We picked about in the rock pools and collected a few pretty shells. On the way back up to the car we spotted another Koala this time chomping away on a gum tree. We realised that if you came across relatively fresh koala poo on the floor you were likely to find one if you looked straight up.

We travelled on the ocean road but then truned off inland heading into the heart of the forest. The road turned into a dirt track but nevertheless it was worth it to get immersed in the native forests; huge tree ferns everywhere. Soon the forest turned into plantation relfecting the long timber history in the region.

Afternoon snack was had at the Otway Fly treetop walk but we decided to miss out on the experience; we had seen and driven through the forest in it's wild form and the girls were non plussed about an aerial walkway.

So I decided to head for the 12 Apostles; it is a fair drive away and I was not sure it would keep the girls interested. I was quite wrong......

The 12 Apostles National Park is rightfully a tourist honey pot in the area. Even in the depths of winter is was teaming with people. The first view of the coastline is had at Gibsons Steps. Here you can get down to the beach and experience the majesty of the cliffs and the incredible power of the sea. Nowhere else had we seen such huge waves. The beautiful honey coloured cliffs glowed in the afternoon sun. On we went to the main visitor centre with it's helicopter business next door and a mdern toilet block strikingly designed using rammed earth walls. A well designed and landscaped walk took us under the main road and out to the promontory lookouts. All the pictures you see of the 12 Apostles don't do judtice to the raw power of the sea pounding against these stacks of rock in the ocean. An equally impressive view can be had looking rest through wave after wave of breakers onwards towards Princetown. There is nothing between here and Antarctica so the waves are guaranteed to be big.......

We also visited the blowhole and the inlet where the waves shoot inlanbd via narrow passages eroded out of the rock. So the trek was still well worth it.

Back in time for tea in Apollo Bay Hotel.

Mount Buller Snowboard Extravaganza

Trip to Buller

Got the Ski Express from outside the National Gallery. soon we were out in the suburbs and then into more sparsely populated low rolling cattel country. Scenery became progressively more hilly and interesting, passing thruogh, numerous small villages and hamlets. Tome it is reminiscent of parts of Wales but with Gum Trees....along the way I spot balck headed Ibis, Coockaburras sitting on telephone wires and large flocks of White Cockatoos.

Pleasant ride all the way to Mansfield where we get our first view of Mt Buller in the distance. Roads get more windy as we enter the Alpine National Park that surrounds the mountian. absolutely stunning with huge Gum Trees and Wattles, Tree Ferns and tumbling streams.

Day 1

Apart from the fact that the laundry bag fell apart on the journey we arrived at the coach stop after a really good ride. A four wheel drive taxi took us up to thye hotel which turned out to be around the corner. We quickly checked in. For the first time Boarder, kitting up can be a bit daunting but the staff were friendly and effective. So there we were all kitted out; Rosie had her lift pass and she was off exploring the slopes whilst me and Izzee focussed on learning to get up on our boards and heel slide down the slopes under some control. It's surprising how much you can learn in an hour or so. We returned hot and sweaty to the room; Rosie indicated that the slopes so far were good.

Went for a quick burger which turned out to be really good; wholemeal bun and lots of fresh salad. Non of your mac'd rubbish. Walking around the village reveals a fun place aimed firmly at the youf....cool supermarket with good stuff in it, ace restaurants and bars; nothing stuffy.

Day 2

Main lesson day; Izzee and me had two lessons today; beginner and beginner 2. Andi in the morning taught us (excellent) and mad Nikki in the afternoon (not to everyones taste). By the end of the lessons we had learnt lots and were ready to try it out. Rosie had spent the day trying out the different slopes and came back with lots of opinions. Had dinner at Pat's Cafe. on the way back from Pat's my right knee started to hurt and by bed time I could hardly move it.

Day 3

A full days of trying out our new moves for Izzee; up to the doctors for me; a bruised right knee tendon. I resumed in the afternoon where we stayed mainly on Burnt Hut run and had lots of fun, feelin more and more confident. Dinner at the Noodle Bar.

Day 4

Izzee and I decided to spend the morning practicing our moves from day one then after lunch have the intermediate lesson. At the same time Rosie would have an advanced lesson. We had Tino as a teacher and he was excellent.We started off on Bourke St then off to Shakey Knees then across to Burnt Hut then down to the bottom of Grimus chairlift and up to the Summit. Down Summit run (black level at the bottom) then off down Wombat. Most of this was in whiteout conditions and by the time we got to the top of Wombat I had had enough so I shouted to Izzee that I wouldn't go down and wait for them at the top of the wombat chairlift. They were quite a while and I was tempted by some apple pie in Koflers cafe nearby.....Once they re-appeared we traversed across towards the top of the holden express chairlift and back down to the top of the Blue Bullet. There Tino informed us we were all solid level 4's which was worth all the exhaustion I was then feeling. I was so knackered I couldn't even get to the bottom of the blue bullet so walked the bottom half.

We had tea at Pat's Cafe.

Day 5

Feeling exhausted today after the intermediate lesson yesterday. I decided to give the morning a rest and chill out in the Hotel. Once I had sorted the girls out with lessons and such I retired back to the room. The level 5 lesson they attended turned out to be really good for them and they came back enthused. We all went out after lunch on to the slopes and had a good, but tiring afternoon. Had dinner at the Koorona Bar; quite a rough looking place but the main bar in the village.

Day 6

Last day of skiing and the journey back to Melbourne to pick up a car at the airport.

For whatever reason, I wasn't feeling sore this morning. So we had breakfast, checked out and jumped on our ski's. I had agreed to meet the girls at the top of the burnt hut run, so up the blue bullet, down shaky knees, up the emirates chairlift and then traverse across to the top of the burnt hut run. After a few runs I spotted the girls coming down below the chairlift. They had been up to family run and then ski'd down from there. We had maybe 8 or so runs down the slope; me just practicing my basic intermediate level moves, the girls meanwhile were keen to practice their freeestyle moves; doughnuts, flips and jumps. We had a great morning, weather variable but it didn't deter us. We finished at 1.30pm and then changed into our travel clothes, returned our ski clothes and waited for the bus.

The journey back was good; video entertainment and pleasant countryside. Airport was busy but checking out the car a breeze and soon we were on the road towards Apollo Bay.

Day 7. Last day in Melbourne

Found the city very impressive. Clean, vibrant full of interest and relatively affordable. Amazed by the ethnic diversities and all the 1st generations have aussie accents like nowhere else. Great food at reasonable prices; great galleries and an awesome botanical garden......

Got the tourist bus around town and realised we had seen most of the main areas of the city. Dropped us off at the botanical gardens. Had a wonderful time walking around. Can't believe what grows next to each other here - not seen the combinations anywhere else in the world and the gardens are the best I have seen anywhere. Glorious weather and humerous bus drivers. Everyone so friendly.

Got the bus back to the square and walked around the Ian Potter centre where there is an excellent collection of modern austalian (including aboriginal) art. Then walked back thruogh town and picked up some final purchases.

Day 6. To The Coast

Decided at the last minute to go on one of the day tours from the city. Chose the Penguin Parade which goes to Philip Island South East of Melbourne via a tourist farm with an animal petting area and a Koala rehabilitation sanctuary.

Had lunch at the nice cafe at the Ian Potter Centre then got on the full coach with many different nationalities.

The driver turned out to be a very jolly and talkative type. As we drove along the highway towards Dandenong huge grey clouds loomed to our right. This brought much needed rain (the area had ben suffering a drought for 12 years) but also much colder weather from the antarctic. Never mind there is still lots of sun. After driving through a few farming villages (cattle farming predominant here) we came to our first stop Warook Cattle Farm. It was good for the girls to come face to face with some marsupials.

The farming area locally is slowly being sold to building developers as Melbourne suburbs crawl outwards in all directions. It has also suffered from the drought to the extent that farmers are going out of business.

On to Philip Island. The landscape is flat green fields and hedge rows of Monterey Pine and local species...it must be quite windy at times. Just before Phillip Isalnd we go up onto the small hills that form the southern end of the dividing range that go all the way up the east coast. Here the landscape is reminiscent of parts of north wales near the coast. The Island is a popular weekend retreat and is full of holiday homes as well as a F1 racing track.

The Koala centre is focussed on rehabilitation so has few additions apart from the Koalas and local wallabies. However the Koalas are easily seen and the rangers are very informative. Local birds are very decorative and include parrots.

On to the cold windy coast and the Penguins. They come out of the sea at dusk and scurry across the beach towards the dunes. The beach gets up to 4000 visitors a night in the summer. Tonight was a quiet afair. Unfortunately no cameras or videos so nothing to show. They started arriving in their 'rafts' (groups) about 6pm. Hoever tonight was a relatively quiet afair and we only saw a maximum of about 50 oenguins come to shore. Summer numbers go up to 600 a night. Walking back to the coach takes you thruogh the dunes where they nest in holes in the sand.

Back on the coach and to Melbourne.

Day 5. Underwater

The de rigeur Hoggmascall rise mid morning followed by a nice walk through town to the circular tram. Jumped on it as far as the Melbourne Aquarium and spent the afternoon in there with the Penguins and the fishes. Very good large marine feeding show with sharks and the biggest rays I have seen in my life.

Jumped back on the tram to the DFO centre next to the Southern Cross Station. Our favourite bargain hunting area. Got a rather gorgeous French Connection cotton thin jumper for myself believe it or not. It was the only thing I tried on that looked good and was an absolute bargain.

Walked down to the docklands afterwards and it was now dusk. Very impressive new buildings going up all around. Pushed through the crowd at the Etihad Stadium waiting to watch the Melbourne footie match (they lost 2-0) and back on the circular which took us to the newest part of the docklands. It will be impressive once fininshed but it is hard to imagine any more development in this already heavily developed area.

Day 3 - Eduacshun........

Jumped on the tourist bus mid morning and dropped of at the Victoria Market - the biggest in Melbourne. It is a big mixture of classic market clothing stalls, tat, tourist stalls (some of it OK-ish) and fresh produce - lots of it. Came cross a very impressive large organic veg area with lots of great stuff for sale. It had some great varieties too, including local tasty types and some of the heirloom varieties I grew. Then we walked into one of the older brick markets into the deli selection. A great looking place preserving the original signs and architecture.

After a brunch stop we gently walked over the the National Museum of Victoria; a very contemporary building. Housing the IMAX cinema as well. The museum was really excellent with smallish exhibitions but extremely well laid out often with live exhibits. The forest gallery for example was a large plot of real forest in a aviary structure that sticks up and is visible all over the city. Full of huge tree ferns, Gum trees and Acacias. The birds were very pretty. Izzy and I were particularly fascinated by the bower birds, who's males make elaborate nests on the ground to attract females. They collect brightly coloured articles to adorn the nests and his were full of acacia flowers and blue bottle tops. Izzy offered him my bottle top and he took it straight away.

Also very good galleries on dinosaurs, sea creatures and creepy crawlies......so now we know what the deadly spiders look like. We also checked out the Pompei exhibition....so, so.....

We rounded the day off with a trip to the IMAX cinema. A very good 3D film on reefs around Indonesia and Australia.

We walked back towards the apartment and had dinner at a Balkan Steak House that had a super Tuesday offer. I had the biggest T bone I have ever seen, Isabelle had a very chunky Fillet and Rosie a huge fillet kebab Balkan style (with Pitta, salad and mint yoghurt). Mmmm

Day 2. Sleepy still

Girls still feeling the effects of the journey over here - a bit of Jet lag despite only 2 hours difference. Got up late and went out for brunch. As we're in the CBD there's loads of cafes serving good quality food and at 11.30am sort of time it's full of suits out for lunch. So there's lot's to watch time go by to.

Later went popped into a couple of Aboriginal Galleries neaby. I was suprised at the diversity of styles; much greater than I had anticipated. There are some really impressive pieces on show/for sale costing up to $78,000......that was a really good figuritive piece by a very well known artist that has since stopped painting. I eyed a very impressive smaller but simialr piece by a related artist depicting a Barramundi - only $700. A good buy if you ask me. Isabelle liked a style that reminded me of the floral painting on narrow boats - all petal-like with different colours. It looked very impressive on a large scale piece. They were selling smaller ones for between $250 and $400. Unfortunately I couldn't take any photos.

We sauntered on down to the main shopping area on Bourke street for the bra buying task. It proved fruitless; I expected to get really good service in Myers and Peter Jones; the main Aussie department stores, but the staff seemed only half interested and the woman who measured Izzy didn't seem to know what she was doing. So we left empty handed.

We took some nice photos of the old shopping galleries here which have been nicely preserved which are very pleasant to walk around and had a cup of tea there. Then we found a big crafts shop where Rosie made the most of a bead sale. Izzy got some masks to decorate and I found some Batik appliers for Billy.

We ended up at federation square close to dusk where the darkening light brought a different feel to the architecture. Unfortunately the contemporary Australian art gallery there, the Ian Potter centre, closed at 5pm which is a shame - don't understand why they close so early. However just outside it was an ace pub specialising in Auzzie beer. I tried two varieties that were both excellent whilst the girls read and doodled. Also next door was an excellent glass art gallery by Australian artists - I was very surprised at the variety and level of quality.

Got back to the apartments and decided to go for a Korean BBQ at the White Tomato restaurant opposite. The girls loved the novelty of having a BBQ on the table. The smoke was taken away by an extractor that hovered over the table. The restaurant was full of Koreans which seem to have a large community here. We loved the chewy beef that was cooked for us - 4 different cuts with different tastes and textures. Very different to UK cuts and close tot he Japanese cuts and breeds that have heavy fat marbling throughout the meat. Back to the apartment and not too full; BBQ was excellent value for money.

Day 1; Into the Heart of Melbourne

Arrived at Quest on Bourke street around midnight and Melbourne was bumping, bars and clubs a plenty near the apartments. Checked in smoothly and settled into our nice 1 bedroomed apartment. Girls in the bedroom - me on a comfy foldout. Nice kitchenette for tea and snacks and a good bathroom with jacuzzi and washing machine. Good choice.

Had a nice Sunday morning lie in then went walkabouts at lunchtime. Nice weather in the mid teens and the city was pleasantly busy.

Walked over to the federation square complex where locals were celebrating horses birthdays....!!!! with a championship stallion the guest visitor. Seemed to be an annual local event. Not sure if the girls were totally taken by the squares architecture but I liked it a lot.

Had lunch at the Southgate Centre - Minestrone, Pizza and pea and ham risotto outside on the terrace watching life go by. All very impressive. Then off to the Sunday crafts market beneath the terrace.

We were very impressed with the range of crafts. All had to be made in Australia which was a very nice point. Very good quality and range of iterms from textiles, leather items, jewelry, picture frames, etc., etc. Got quite a few quality items; many of them presents so no details!

More walking to discover the National Gallery and other local landmarks, then back to the Central Business District (CBD) for casual shop browsing. Most shops open on Sundays so it was a nice laid back experience. Lots of nice people interested in you and with a comment and opinion to share. Very nice.

Got back to the apartments about 6pm nicely tired.

Back out at 8pm to the local pub for tea huge portions we couldnt finish but nicely washed down with a pint of Speckled Hen!

Back to the apartment via Chinatown and Little Greece nicely finishes off the first day.

Photos to come

Journeying to Oz

Air Asia might be OK for short haul but what about long haul? Walking up steps to a huge A330 is definitely a different experience to jumping onto an A320. Good seat inside and hi tech infotainment. Only big difference to the usual operators is that you pay for everything....food, drink and entertainment. Having said that all was good and it was quite nice not to watch TV. Both flights were late to leave but we arrived in Melbourne 15 minutes early to light drizzle and ten degrees; rather pleasant for the middle of night.

The day before we leave packing entry

Night before, and after the trauma of booking this trip there is a certain air of excitement around packing. If I can just get my head around the packing list and remember to get everything we need to take. Luckily as there's me and the girls only,the packing is a bit more laid back

Also...last minute...found some clothes courtesy of Glynis & Vince and Debbie and Richard - thanks goes to them. I have got Rosie to Label all of Debbies with a little bit of red wool in an attempt to keep control of who's who....we will see.

Anyway I will finish packing once I can get into the bedroom....

Melbourne will be cold this time of year so we are lucky to be able to borrow Scottish standard clothing.