Return to Australia 2014 part 1
We flew with Emirates in economy class to Melbourne via Dubai (flying time is around 20 hours) I been to Australia twice before but hadn’t been to Melbourne so I didn’t know what to expect. The only transport to the city is bus or taxi. We took the bus which takes around 30-45 minutes and runs 24/7 service.
Day 1
We stayed at Citigate Melbourne hotel for 4 nights in a city view room on bed and breakfast board. The hotel was great as it had a view of the river and the train station. The hotel is near the main attractions with lots of restaurants and bars nearby.
After our long flight from London, we just relaxed and had a little wander around the area.
Day 2
An early morning start for our Great Ocean Road Tour.
The scenery was amazing on this lovely coast road. The highlight of the trip for us was the 12 Apostles. The Great Ocean Road day tour is a full day trip spent exploring this truly majestic stretch of diverse coastline, taking in its amazing array of spectacular attractions.
The scenic Great Ocean Road journey in an air-conditioned bus is a highlight as you absorb some truly amazing coastal scenery, with new views being revealed around every bend. Experience the roaring surf, white sand beaches, rocky outcrops, and towering cliffs. The day trips make stops at numerous beaches, lookouts and other scenic spots allowing you an opportunity to take plenty of happy snaps and time to simply relax while enjoying the stunning views.
We visited an area on the Great Ocean Road day trip where the local koalas are particularly abundant, ensuring excellent koala viewing while enjoying a stroll amongst the sweetly-scented eucalyptus forest. We also met some of your favourite feathered friends, as numerous colourful local parrots at the Great Otway National Park home.
The tour's lunch stop is at the foot of the Otway Ranges in the beautiful town of Apollo Bay, Australia. Included was lunch that was provided in a local restaurant, with time allowed to explore the shops and the marina or to have a dip in the bay itself. After lunch, the Great Ocean Road tour takes you into the mountains, where you take a stroll in the Great Otway National Park. Wonder at the intricate beauty of the ancient rainforest and marvel at the region’s towering native hardwoods, some of the tallest trees anywhere in the world.
Then, onwards to Port Campbell National Park, where we were awestruck by the world-famous rock formations including of course the 12 Apostles, the sensational (but much underestimated) Loch Ard Gorge, and the collapsed London Bridge. A long day but worth it. I would suggest doing this trip as a self-drive as you have more time to explore places along the route. The tour lasted around 13 hours.
Day 3
Phillip Island Penguin Parade and Koala Sanctuary Tour (with lunch included).
The highlight was seeing the penguins come out of the sea and going to nest for the night. Leaving Melbourne, we journeyed through the Gippsland region directly to Phillip Island and made our first stop at Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park for a unique Australian wildlife experience. Here, we enjoyed a guided wildlife walk and had the opportunity to meet and hand-feed many species of native Australian animals. We learnt about iconic species such as kangaroos, koalas, emus and wallabies, as well as some of our lesser known favourites including quolls, owls, bandicoots and Tasmanian devils.
A visit to Point Grant and The Nobbies gave us an opportunity to enjoy views over Westernport Bay and Bass Strait, including Seal Rocks, home to Australia’s largest population of fur seals. Then, onwards to the main event, where just after dark every night the world’s smallest penguins waddle ashore after spending the day fishing out at sea.
We were truly enchanted as the stars of the show emerged from the surf and passed right before our eyes on their journey back to their homes. We got the best vantage point to enjoy the Penguin Parade and were kept toasty warm with a complimentary hot cuppa. After the parade, we had time to explore the Visitor Centre before beginning our journey back to Melbourne.
Day 4
Neighbours TV Show Tour.
Having come all the way to Melbourne, it would have been wrong not to go on a Neighbours TV tour! (Although we wished we went at the weekend as it seems that you see more on tour as the Studio is not busy.)
The bus driver was funny with his jokes and the highlight was taking a picture of character Saskia on the Neighbours set with her signed autograph and being on Ramsay Street.
After the tour, we visited our Travel Counsellors Australia Head Office in Melbourne, where I met my colleagues and they later showed us around Melbourne, as it was our last night. We were very impressed with the city and would certainly come back again as it has so much to offer including bars and restaurants, culture, and shopping.
Day 5
We flew Melbourne to Alice Springs with Qantas, in economy class.
We took the local shuttle bus from the airport to the hotel, the Ibis Styles Alice Springs Oasis Hotel, where we stayed for 2 nights. It was 15 minutes’ walk to centre...
...Read Part 2 to discover what we got up to next!