It would be fair to say I started this journey with a little trepidation, not helped any by Bill Bryson who points out in his book Down Under that there are more things that will kill you in Australia than anywhere in the world. Of the world’s ten most venomous snakes, all are Australian. Five of its creatures are the most lethal of their type in the world – the funnel web spider, box jelly fish, blue ring octopus, paralysis tick and stonefish! I am pleased to say I didn’t see any, how close I came is another matter.
I have learnt a whole new language, not Aboriginal but Australian, some examples:-
Arvo -afternoon, bonzer- great, fair dinkum – true, g’day – hello, good onya -well done, ripper – great, barbie – barbecue, bottle O – off licence, servo – petrol station, doona – quilt, dunny – toilet, stubby holder – thermal cover for your tinnie. I have also learnt that a sign outside a pub which says “No pokies” is not a racist slur but just means they don’t have any slot machines! My favourite saying is “to chuck a u-ey” (to make a u turn) and I will be using this at every available opportunity.
Did you know that Australia has the wettest rainforest and the driest desert and that the Aborigines are the oldest culture in the world?
During the course of the holiday I have travelled around 35,000 miles and taken nearly 800 photos – thank goodness I don’t have to take them into Boots on Saturday to get printed. I have seen a total of 10 full length feature films on flights.
I have travelled by car, plane, coach, railway, cable car, tram, heritage train, harbour boat, ferry, dhow, helicopter, supersonic elevator and hydrofoil.
In short a wonderful holiday meeting up with old friends and making new ones, some great experiences although I hope to soon forget the ride out to the Great Barrier Reef, which makes me nauseous and sway thinking about it. A bonzer trip x
Today toured around the city, seeing the downtown area, out by the sea and marina and the famous Burj al Arab, then going down the man made Palm out into the Gulf. I don’t think I realised just how big it was with highways, tunnels, monorail and many houses, apartments, restaurants. Also had a lovely ride up the Dubai Creek on a traditional dhow.
Went out in the evening with my great nephew Shane and girlfriend Fran, I know it is hard drive to believe I have a great nephew but even harder to believe his daughter is my great, great niece! It was a wonderful meal on the 68th floor of the Marriott Marquis with views over the city.
Along the creek
Some of the many mosques
Burj al Arab
Atlantis on the Palm
At the crescent of the Palm
Dubai Mall in the evening
Shane and Fran sharing dessert
Shane and his great aunt Dorothy! Not sharing her dessert!!
Went down to the Dubai Mall – shops, shops and more shops! All the designer shops imaginable, they even have a kids designer section – baby Dior, children’s Chanel, toddler Versace, spoilt brat Burberry (made that one up). I felt I had done a marathon by the end. I then went up the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. I got talking to the woman behind me who was from Scarcroft, if this trip has taught me anything it is what a small world it is.
Later had dinner by the lake with my godson Simon and girlfriend Catrin and watched the dancing fountains.
Well this is my last day in Melbourne and last day in Australia. My old friend Michael came down to Luke and Claire’s and we went out for lunch. It is 44 years since I saw Michael, a very long time!!!!
Then bath time with baby Patrick and his happy smiley face – have got in quite a bit of practice which should come in useful
Dubai here I come ….
Luke and Claire’s house in Rosanna – very glad the roses are white
Michael with baby Patrick
We left Barwon Heads this morning to drive back to Melbourne for a Borkowski family barbecue.
When my friends Linda and Michael left the UK 44 years ago for Australia they had no children, now they have four grown up sons, all with partners and a few children between them!
Claire and Luke held a barbecue so I could meet all the boys.
Tex likes yoghurtBaby cousins – about 6 months between them.Brothers with their boys – Mark with Tex, Luke with Patrick and Matt with CodySettling Patrick down, have become quite an expert
Drove up the Great Ocean Road towards Lorne where we had lunch at the Grand Pacific Hotel, the scenery was great and brave souls were surfing in the sea. That stretch of the road is famous for its surfing.
Then home for a birthday “barbie” including a taste of kangaroo!
Grand Pacific Hotel
Linda and Patrick
Claire and Luke
Me, surfing the waves- ok maybe not!
Great Ocean Road
Birthday dinner
Good job they didn’t put a sparkler on for each year, we would have set the smoke alarm off
The Dandenong Ranges to the east of Melbourne are the most lush of the wooded areas I have seen so far with their towering mountain ash (second only in size to the giant redwoods) and tree ferns. We visited some lovely towns like Sherbrooke, Olinda, Kallista and Sassafras. Enjoyed morning coffee, lunch and afternoon tea!!
Drove back down into Melbourne and went on the Colonial Tramcar for a 5 course dinner. It would be fair to say today has been about eating and drinking and enjoying the spectacular scenery.
Tracy, Linda and Dorothy out for lunch
The view from Sky High. Melbourne city and the sea on the horizon
Now at the end of my stay in Roma and went with Ann and Michael to a nursery out in the bush. There we were on a tarmac road which then abruptly stops and you carry on along a dirt track. Plenty of kangaroos around here but no emus.
Had tea and cakes at the nursery which had lovely plants. In the evening we all went out for dinner – everyone agreed the puddings were great!
Tomorrow is a travelling day – Roma to Brisbane, Brisbane to Melbourne so there will be little to report but a full itinerary when I get back to Melbourne.
Ann and Michael testing the comfort of the seats on sale in the garden centre
Still in Roma and a very pleasant weekend. On Halloween evening went to a friend of Mike and Ann’s to celebrate, made even more spooky with actual lightning, fruit bats and bull frogs croaking. Food included brains made from popcorn and marshmallows, bat wings (actually chicken) and enough sweets to keep the children high for the rest of the week.
On Sunday Mike and Ann entertained friends for lunch and even in Australia an apple crumble and custard goes down well!
Matthew dressed to kill!
I said to Matthew give your dad a little scar with the face paint. This was the result
A quiet day in Roma, spent a long time reading on the veranda of the house, then drove to the shops. The drapers is something to behold with just about everything you could want and an awful lot you wouldn’t. Rows and rows of materials, thousands of buttons, ribbons and other assorted haberdashery and if that wasn’t enough about a hundred boxes stacked up outside all needing to be moved back inside at the end of the day.
Roma is a town in Queensland about 320 miles from Brisbane with a population of around 7,000. I have come here to spend time with friends Mike and Ann and their son Matthew in their Queenslander style house.
A different place to anywhere I have so far been, with a small town feeling.
Roma is famous for its gas and oil exploration but has the largest cattle sale yards in the country.
Roma – cattle saleyards
A heron by the creek
Well would you believe it, I have been here four weeks and this is my first wild kangaroo – I was beginning to think they were a myth!
Got my bearings of the city by taking the loop bus (free), then had a coffee by the river at Eagle Street Pier. Took a very pleasant sail up and down the river on a city hopper (free) to the South Bank.
What a great place this is for families, lots of swimming and paddling pools, all beautifully landscaped and a man made beach with pool that has a sandy bottom, surrounded by bars and restaurants, a rain forest walk and river walk to the arts centre with theatres, museums, galleries. Had a mooch round the gallery (free) and a very pleasant lunch surrounded by a water garden and pieces of sculpture.
Came back on the city hopper (still free) and walked along the other side of the river to the botanic gardens, to Parliament House then back to the hotel.
Some nice boats moored on the river
Think I will have this one!
River walk with the bouganvilla and jacaranda
The man made beach and pool at the side of the river
Arrived in Brisbane this arvo, sorry this afternoon, have obviously been here too long, although my favourite is to “chuck a u-ey” (to make a u turn manoeuvre)
Saw a lot of the coast from the plane coming up, just miles and miles of golden sand at Surfers Paradise.
Quite warm here about 27° and had a walk around, very nice down by the river. Tomorrow I will explore taking a boat and looking around the south bank.
The Brisbane River
Another good view from my hotel room on the 23rd floor
Canberra day two
A lovely hot day, had breakfast on the balcony until it got a bit too hot! Went to the Telstra Tower with great panoramic views over the city.
From there we went to the Australian War Memorial a very interesting and moving tribute to commemorate all Australians who have died whilst serving their country. The Hall of Memory was particularly spectacular with its golden dome built from mosaics.
Then onto the Parliament Building and we sat both in the House of Representatives and the Senate. It was interesting to see all the different gifts that have been presented from many different countries over the years.
View from the tower overlooking Canberra and Lake Burley GriffinAnother view over the cityThe mosaic dome at the War MemorialThe Wall of Remembrance – a name for each soldier lost in the second World WarOne of the stained glass windowsThe Parliament BuildingThe coat of armsThe House of RepresentativesThe much prettier Senate!The only copy of the Magna Carta in the southern hemusphereEnjoying a glass of wine on the balcony overlooking Lake Ginninderra
Canberra
Left Sydney this morning for the country’s capital, Canberra.
Was met by Caroline and Alvin – if you go back to my blog in Adelaide you will see Caroline’ s mum and dad, Sue and John. I first met Caroline and Alvin in Shanghai when Caroline was working there, then again last year when they were in Harrogate.
We had a walk around the lake near their apartment then went to have a glass of fizz at a very nice bar then to a lovely Turkish restaurant.
Sydney sky tower, NSW Art Gallery and the Botanic Gardens
Last full day in Sydney and more walking. As the sun was shining decided to go up the Sky Tower, 250 metres in the air. Was good and clear and took lots of photos.
Walked through the city to the Art Gallery which had some great aboriginal art but unfortunately I was a day early for “The Greats” exhibition.
Then walked through the Botanic Gardens which were wonderful with fabulous tropical plants, spring/summer flowers and great birds. The ornamental lake was full of eels! Came back on the ferry just as a cruise liner was pulling out of the harbour.
Some views from the towerLooking toward the sea
Fancy a swim in this pool?Ah yes, the famous Italian artist!NSW Art GalleryPretty coloured poinsettaSome pictures from the botanic gardens
A rainy and windy day in Sydney so some indoor activities. Firstly I caught the ferry from Darling Harbour to Circular Quay and joined a conducted tour around the Opera House. We were told all about its history and the many problems of its construction. We saw inside the studio, and two of the other theatres. Apparently John Bishop was on last night but our Aussie guide couldn’t understand a word he said!
As the rain had temporarily stopped I walked into the city and shopping area, through the arcades and into some very nice department stores, then had a drink in Cockle Bay Wharf.
Then onto the National Maritime Museum which had all things nautical from Captain Cook to the present day. It was a wonderful museum with so much to see.
The outside of the main theatre
Looking out from the largest shell
The ceiling in the main auditorium
The Strand Arcade
The Harrods of Sydney
The stores inside the Queen Victoria Building
Bit different to the birds you see in our city centre
Cockle Bay Wharf – on the side of the water, lots of bars and restaurants
Cockle Bay Wharf
Inside the Maritime Museum
Only the Aussies could have a regatta for boats just made of beer cans!
Not quite the day I expected as the ride out to the pontoon on the Reef was very choppy and like many of many fellow travellers my breakfast saw the inside of a paper bag, so glad I didn’t go for a full English!
Couldn’t really face the two hour sail back so booked a ride in the helicopter. Many went snorkelling and diving but I did very little, saw the fish from the underwater walk and when they fed them off the side.
Big fish
Little fish
Little fish and a bit of coral
A reef
Fish feeding time
This big fish is Wally
The ride home was a great improvement and we got to see turtles, mantarays and even a wedding on a tiny sandy island
Some of the reef from the air
Great place to have a wedding
Beautiful coastline
More reef
Blue Mountains and Afternoon Tea
Drove out of Sydney to the blue mountains passing the Indian Pacific train as it was arriving. We firstly saw the Jamison Valley and the Wentworth Falls, then Megalong Valley before arriving into the town of Leura. Leura was a very pretty Art Deco inspired town with lovely little boutique shops and nice houses with English style gardens, all the rhododendrons and azaleas were in flower.
Then we drove onto Echo Point and saw the rocks called “The Three Sisters”, these have formed due to erosion but the Aboriginal legend is far more romantic and says the three sisters were turned into rocks by their father to protect them from a monster who wanted to eat them and then he couldn’t turn them back again.
We had a wonderful afternoon tea at the Hydro Majestic in Medlow Bath, a very beautiful hotel with stunning views.
Jamison Valley
Wentworth Falls
In the pretty town of Leura
More of the hills
The Three Sisters
Walk through the trees
The girls table for tea
No, we didn’t manage to finish it all
The entrance to the hotel
Affectionately called “The cats alley”, the ladies lounge
An early start for a tour around the city. Obviously several views of the bridge and opera house and across the water to Luna Park, through the shopping district, through the Botanic Gardens, up to Watson’s Bay, then Bondi Beach. After a paddle in the sea and walk along the lovely golden sand we boarded a boat in Circular Quay and had a very nice lunch all around the harbour.
Under the Bridge
The Opera House
In the Botanic Garden looking across the water with the sun in my eyes!
St Mary’s Cathedral with a flowering jacaranda in front
Left lovely, sleepy Cairns at lunchtime for Sydney but not before I took a picture of the dreaded fruit bats, one tip would be not to walk under the trees where they are perched. When they are flying they are as big as crows.
Arrived Sydney in the afternoon – another change in time! Just enough time to unpack then walk across to Darling Harbour and have a quick pizza and a pint of Perroni down by the water. It cost 23 Oz dollars, I would say cheap at half the price.
Very lucky to have a great view from my bedroom window. Tour of the city and lunch in the harbour tomorrow.
The evil fruit bats
Not a bad bedroom window view
A lovely town by the sea but unfortunately no golden beaches just mangrove swamp as we are in the tropics and just to prove it when it rains it rains! But because we are in the tropics the birds, plants and wildlife are so different, though I have to admit not so keen on the fruit bats flying around at night. Lots of good places to eat on the Esplanade from Chinese to Turkish. A well deserved rest day today before Sydney tomorrow. Still swaying from that boat out to the reef!
Today we visited the town of Kuranda, via the scenic railway, built in 1887 to transport the gold from the hills. It travels from the coast through the rain forest. Kuranda is a bit of a hippy town but very pretty. I walked through the town, along the river and went to the Butterfly House.
We took the skytrain back down into Cairns, a gondolo cable car that crosses 4.7 miles crossing over the rainforest canopy, the tallest tower being 133 feet. The views from the gondola were absolutely amazing.
When we reached land we visited the aborigine centre and saw native dancing, learned their culture and origins. Also learned how to throw spears and boomerang – I was a champion spear thrower.
Waiting for the train
The train rounding a bend en route to Kuranda
Stoney Creek Falls
The pretty station of Kuranda
Some of the lovely butterflies in the Butterfly House, many of which you see walking around outside
Not quite the day I expected as the ride out to the pontoon on the Reef was very choppy and like many of many fellow travellers my breakfast saw the inside of a paper bag, so glad I didn’t go for a full English!
Couldn’t really face the two hour sail back so booked a ride in the helicopter. Many went snorkelling and diving but I did very little, saw the fish from the underwater walk and when they fed them off the side.
Big fish
Little fish
Little fish and a bit of coral
A reef
Fish feeding time
This big fish is Wally
The ride home was a great improvement and we got to see turtles, mantarays and even a wedding on a tiny sandy island
Some of the reef from the air
Great place to have a wedding
Beautiful coastline
More reef
The Olgas
This morning we went back into the National Park to see The Olgas, a more sacred site than Uluru to the aborigines. Kara Tjuta in the aboriginal language translates as 36 heads and consists of 36 domed structures, it is possible to walk between the strucures
A very hot day, sad to leave that cool pool behind in Alice. Drove to Ayers Rock, stopping first at a camel station, then lunch at an aboriginal reserve. Arriving at Ayers Rock just after lunch. Everyone was glad to have bought the fly nets to wear over our hats, they are persistent little b’ s, it was around 34°, so the pace was slow. Ayers Rock – stunning, full of magic, mystery and history. We stayed until sundown, seeing the ever changing colours of the rock and enjoying nibbles and a few glasses of sparkling wine.
The camel station
Self explanatory!
Ayers Rock
One of the caves in the rock with the wall paintings
Spent day round the pool and gardens and very nice it was too. Took a picture of a few of the local birds, the only trouble is they don’t keep still long enough!
Our hotel, thought it might appeal to any Neighbours fans
In the red centre of Australia and named after the waterhole near which a staging post for the overland telegraph line was built in the 1870’s. It is quite a small place but it gets lots of visitors each year. It is the first place where we have seen any number of native Aborigines
The Ghan train was named after the Afghanistan Cameleers who blazed a trail through the red centre in the 1800’s. We took part of the journey from Adelaide to Alice Springs, a total of 1560km, taking around 26 hours. After check in and boarding we soon found our way to the free bar and then lunch, watching the changing scenery out of the window, whilst at dinner the staff pull down the beds and of course leave a chocolate on the pillow. To say the single cabins were snug would be an understatement! After very little sleep we all got up to watch the sun rise in the Bush. The staff lit log fires and fed us on coffee and bacon and egg sliders (bacon and egg in rolls). Back on the train for a quick snooze, get our things together then brunch. I had panna cotta with crushed hazelnuts and peach compote followed by locally smoked salmon on a cheese brioche slice and chive and creme fraiche sauce – delicious.
One of the 30+ carriages
In the bar
The dining room
My cabin
Sunrise in the bush
Tasting some WineA wonderful day yesterday with friends Sue and John who have lived in Adelaide for over 20 years
They picked me up at the hotel and we drove out to Glenelg for coffee. Glenelg is a seaside resort with a lovely beach and marina, after a short walk around we drove along the coast passing through Brighton and Hove to Port Noarlunga, then we drove into the McLaren Vale wine growing region and the Coriole Vineyards. It was a beautiful setting overlooking the hills and vales, very reminiscent of Yorkshire and our waiter came from Harrogate! We tasted a few wines then had lunch on the terrace. Lunch was a series of tasting platters to share and was delicious. We left driving back through the hills.
Sue and me at GlenelgJust tasting a few reds!Some of the very pretty garden at the Coriole Vineyards
Went out last night for dinner with my friend Linda, who I will see again when I come back to Melbourne. We went to a nice restaurant on the south bank of the river, great place with restaurants and bars looking over to the city
Morning walk around Melbourne then onto the National Gallery of Victoria to see the Catherine the Great Exhibition. Wonderful exhibition of Italian,Flemish and English paintings, Sevres porcelain and collectibles
View down the Yarra River
Just like being in Leeds – one of the old arcades – this is the Royal Arcade
A favourite mode of transport – the tram
Stained glass ceiling in the National Gallery. Lovely building.
Spent the afternoon visiting the native animals. Firstly we went to a heritage museum to see some sheepdog trialling and sheep sheering then onto the koala reserve and finally the penguin parade. The Little Penguins spend all day at sea fishing then when it gets dark they all come ashore and walk across the beach and up the hill to their burrows – quite a sight – by that time the birds of prey have all gone leaving the seagulls standing guard. They try and frighten the penguins so they regurgitate the fish in their crops. The penguins are no more than a foot tall and so sweet
The sheep wasn’t too happy about losing his winter coat
Local wallaby
Lazy days
The waves crashing at Phillip Island
Waiting on the beach for the little penguins
Not my photo – not allowed to take pictures but these are the little penguins coming up the beach
Left Singapore in the afternoon and arrived in Melbourne at 7.00 am. As our rooms were not ready we had a quick coffee and danish then a tour of the city. I think all we wanted was forty winks and a shower. Melbourne really hot, though it did cool down a little by late afternoon. Strange to see the spring bulbs flowering.
Shrine of Remembrance near the Botanic Gardens
View to the city from the Botanic Gardens
Botanic Gardens
Botanic Gardens – topiary bushes
Why has she posted pictures of a road? Well, and I know this will appeal to mainly my male friends, but I have just done a circuit of the grand prix track in Albert Park, albeit I did it on a coach not an F1 car but we managed to post a record time (the slowest). The bottom picture being the start line.
Went for a Chinese banquet with some of my fellow travellers to a restaurant on the Singapore river, then through Chinatown with all the brightly coloured lights and a street market on Bugis Street, once renowned
for its “lady boys” – walked around looking for Adam’s apples on all the pretty girls as the tour guide said that was the best way to identify them!!!
Then something off my tick list of things to do – a Singapore Sling in Raffles
After visiting the orchids we had a little tour of Singapore. There is a smog in the city which is coming here from Indonesian farmers burning their lands. The humidity is oppressive and it is one shower after another
Temple of Sri Srinivasa in Little India
One of the colourful bazaars in Little India
Me looking a little bedraggled at the Merlion statue on the river
Clark Quay is one of five quays built on the Singapore River. There are lots of restaurants, stores, street vendors, entertainment and cruises up and down the river.
This is where I had delicious crispy chilli chicken
