The Whitsundays were well worth the detour and couple of days less in Sydney.
Gorgeous weather had preceded me (again, unprecedented given the month before!) and it had all the hallmarks of a tropical paradise - without the price tag!
Stayed at Backpackers by the Bay which is small enough to feel homey but large enough to house some long termers as well as passers through. Clean, airy and brightly painted along a sea-life theme it was a great experiences and the pool, BBQ, hammock and bar areas really add to the perks! The tour guides and the taxi guy all commented on it being the best backpackers as well - it really was only 5mins to the main esplanade but far enough way that you didn't get the noise - or a lot of drunk students.
The shuttle from the train dropped me off right outside the door - and also filled us in on the supermarkets and internet places as we travelled.
The train down from Cairns (The Sunlander) was not up to The Ghan's standards but still comfy - and for the large part of the day - uncrowded. They did have a carriage one up from mine called 'Sapphire' that had less seat (ergo more space and newer) but not sure how you got those tickets. There was a club carriage with more of a semi-circle sofa seating thing going on and movies playing, as well as the buffet car further along.
First morning got picked up at a leisurely 7:30am for my Ecojet safari. It was a complete blast. There was only me and another couple (sharing a ski) so it was probably a little faster and hairier than usual :) The only slightly disappointing thing was that, due to the tide, we couldn't get up the river where the crocs were - or we couldn't get back. Fair point I feel. We did get to travel a good length of the coast, bouncing the waves, zipping over the flat bits and going to some rally gorgeous secluded spots. Had a run in with a local beach bum 'Crayfish Ken' who's been squatting on some Crown land for about 20years and feels he owns the beach but apart from that (quietly sad and amusing at the same time) moment it was a fabulous morning.
Pottered round in the afternoon and attended a free digeridoo lesson and then learned about Opals and spent an indulgent 1/2 an hour looking at the sparkly wonders. I ended buying a ring - not sure if I got a deal or not but the colours and depth of the blues are fantastic.
Next morning was off to Salty Sea Dog Kayaking before catching the flight to Sydney. Nearly couldn't do it because the time of the ferry to the island was earlier and the shuttle for that would have been at my hostel before I would have returned. Salty Dog however are on the same pier as the ferry so in the end it didn't matter.
A point I was so glad I'd checked because it was a relaxing and beautiful morning spent in a very quiet way exploring a couple of the closer island and 'White Rock'. When you look at the Whitsunday's on a map - or even on Google Earth, you cannot prepare yourself for the actual experience of being among the islands. They are tall and covered in lush green forest, some with coves and Bays. Due to this the whole area feels a lot 'closer' than you would imagine by looking at the map - you also feel surrounded - but in a nice way. The Kayak's were 2 person and I was paired up with a guy from America who'd left his hungover mated sleeping and come out for some exercise. Very handy he was :) We got to float in the cove for a bit and watch turtles surfacing for air, paddle over loads of coral and peer through the clear waters at the colours and life going on there.
To be honest, I'd been a bit spoiled for the snorkelling and life underwater by my GBR experience, but the whole morning spent between the islands and in the silence was wonderful. If I ever go back I'm definitely going to try one of the multi-day trips where you get to camp on the islands as you go.
Caught the Ferry over the Hamilton Isd, which doubled as great way to see most of the islands and get some great photos. Have you ever played Wii Sport Resort? Hamilton Island IS that island - complete with Golf Buggy carts to travel everywhere and a giant Golfball on a tee. Had a little chuckle to myself and took a couple of photos as proof before heading into the small airport and settling down for a 3 hour wait for the delayed plane to Sydney.
Monday 9 August 2010
Tuesday 3 August 2010
Scuba baby yeah!
Managed to get a lie in in Alice and then went into town for some needed souvenir shopping. Ended up with a didgeridoo that's wending it's way back to England as we speak. Yet another random instrument to add to my repertoire. All I've got to do is learn to rotary breathe and it'll be sweet.
I don't think that school is in any danger of a didgeridoo orchestra any time soon though.
Flew to Cairns with the Austrian couple who'd been on the tour and then found my way to Northern Greenhouse. This hostel definitely deserves it's status as one of the top 5 in Australia - it's fantastic. I was in a girl's only dorm. 3 bunk beds, en-suite bathroom, sink, balcony, Wardrobe and Fridge Freezer. In the communal area there's free Internet, a massive kitchen, tables, lounge area, pool and parking. It's a stone's throw from the esplanade but far enough away that it's fairly quiet. Loved it.
Also, as Pro-Dive correctly informed me, it's only a couple of blocks from the 24-Hour Medical centre and 2 doors down from their shop. As instructed I dumped my bags (by which I mean I literally went in removed them onto my bed, grabbed my wallet and left straight away) and headed to the medical centre. I was worried as I had only just about got rid of the worst of the cold and was serruptisiously blowing my nose whilst sitting in the waiting room - mostly by going to see what fascinating things the pharmacy had! Passed everything I needed to - discovered I need to lose at least 3/4stone to be at my target weight (project for when I get back?) and went straight to Pro-Dive wear they checked everything thoroughly and then kitted me out with my BCD, fins, mask & snorkel.
Went for a stroll along the esplanade and found a pizza for $9 (Dominic's) and ate it whilst devouring some surfing time at a local internet place. The guy in the booth next to me asked me where I got it and then left about 3mins later!
Next morning I was at the shop for 6:10 (after discovering that I had failed to alter my alarm to Adelaide time and having a small coronary on looking at my watch) and once everyone had arrived and been checked in we were driven out to Scuba Pro II.
I wish I could describe how awesome my time onboard was but it would take ages (and it's not like me to rattle on....*hm*) so I'll try to keep it brief.
My instructor was Chris, brilliant teacher and made me and the other newbie to the 5-day learning group feel welcome and included. The whole crew were so personable and approachable, you felt safe at all times and everything was done with great attention to detail. The boat was clean and very practical. I ended up with my own room on the top deck which was nice although barely anytime was spent in there. Max was our chef and the meals were healthy and filling - he manged to bake a cake everyday as well as everything else :)
We were really lucky with the weather and the sun shone and the sky was blue the whole way through the time on the reef. I completed my 4 training dives by the 2nd day and then was free to dive with my Buddy (Dutch guy named Luit) on the other dives. Important thing to remember when doing training dives in the sea - when you have to clear your mask of water, don't open your eyes, salt stings.
My ear was not a happy bunny on that first free dive and some water got in making me exceptionally dizzy so we surfaced and I had to be 'tired diver' towed to the boat. That night was out night dive. I wasn't going to try but in the end though I'd kick myself if it turned out to be fine - which it did! And besides, who doesn't want to jump into the dark (not that it was really that dark with all the lights on) when they've been feeding the grey reef sharks off the boat beforehand and they're still hanging around to see if their luck's in? Next morning ear went bad again so decided on snorkeling for the next 2 to give it a rest. I had started my Adventure Diver but as I'd not filled in the book it didn't matter, my night dive still counts though :)
The Great Barrier Reef is very like Uluru in a way - so much to see it's really hard to take it in. On our training dives we did skills with a swim around in between and then skills at the end - so taking in what I was looking at was tricky. I do remember the Moray Eel with it's scary looking head and looooong body. The Christmas tree coral that were blue and looked like festive trees - until you ran you hand past them and they shrunk back into the rock. Diving and snorkeling I saw, amongst other things: Nemo's, Dori's, Red Bass, Trumpet Fish, Lion Fish, Parrot Fish, Napoleon Wrasse, Fusilier Fish, Butterfly Fish, Sea Cucumbers, Giant (and I mean GIANT) Clams, Banner Fish, all sorts of colourful coral, Humbug Fish, Goat fish - and most excitingly, Flat Worm (doesn't sound exciting but hard to find and sooo pretty) Blue Spotted Rays, a White tipped Reef Shark, and....a TURTLE!!! The turtle was so special. I spotted it and could hear it munching away when I was snorkeling. Then it came up to the surface for air and we swam along next to it for a bit before it disappeared back down. So beautiful :)
I can't wait to come back some time and explore more. I will definitely be coming with Pro-Dive, they made the whole thing so relaxed and there was the right balance of rest and Diving.
After lunch on the last day we headed for shore and then got dropped off back at the store, pottered next door to the hostel to settle in and then headed out to meet everyone for a meal at 'Rattle & Hum'. Good Times:)
I don't think that school is in any danger of a didgeridoo orchestra any time soon though.
Flew to Cairns with the Austrian couple who'd been on the tour and then found my way to Northern Greenhouse. This hostel definitely deserves it's status as one of the top 5 in Australia - it's fantastic. I was in a girl's only dorm. 3 bunk beds, en-suite bathroom, sink, balcony, Wardrobe and Fridge Freezer. In the communal area there's free Internet, a massive kitchen, tables, lounge area, pool and parking. It's a stone's throw from the esplanade but far enough away that it's fairly quiet. Loved it.
Also, as Pro-Dive correctly informed me, it's only a couple of blocks from the 24-Hour Medical centre and 2 doors down from their shop. As instructed I dumped my bags (by which I mean I literally went in removed them onto my bed, grabbed my wallet and left straight away) and headed to the medical centre. I was worried as I had only just about got rid of the worst of the cold and was serruptisiously blowing my nose whilst sitting in the waiting room - mostly by going to see what fascinating things the pharmacy had! Passed everything I needed to - discovered I need to lose at least 3/4stone to be at my target weight (project for when I get back?) and went straight to Pro-Dive wear they checked everything thoroughly and then kitted me out with my BCD, fins, mask & snorkel.
Went for a stroll along the esplanade and found a pizza for $9 (Dominic's) and ate it whilst devouring some surfing time at a local internet place. The guy in the booth next to me asked me where I got it and then left about 3mins later!
Next morning I was at the shop for 6:10 (after discovering that I had failed to alter my alarm to Adelaide time and having a small coronary on looking at my watch) and once everyone had arrived and been checked in we were driven out to Scuba Pro II.
I wish I could describe how awesome my time onboard was but it would take ages (and it's not like me to rattle on....*hm*) so I'll try to keep it brief.
My instructor was Chris, brilliant teacher and made me and the other newbie to the 5-day learning group feel welcome and included. The whole crew were so personable and approachable, you felt safe at all times and everything was done with great attention to detail. The boat was clean and very practical. I ended up with my own room on the top deck which was nice although barely anytime was spent in there. Max was our chef and the meals were healthy and filling - he manged to bake a cake everyday as well as everything else :)
We were really lucky with the weather and the sun shone and the sky was blue the whole way through the time on the reef. I completed my 4 training dives by the 2nd day and then was free to dive with my Buddy (Dutch guy named Luit) on the other dives. Important thing to remember when doing training dives in the sea - when you have to clear your mask of water, don't open your eyes, salt stings.
My ear was not a happy bunny on that first free dive and some water got in making me exceptionally dizzy so we surfaced and I had to be 'tired diver' towed to the boat. That night was out night dive. I wasn't going to try but in the end though I'd kick myself if it turned out to be fine - which it did! And besides, who doesn't want to jump into the dark (not that it was really that dark with all the lights on) when they've been feeding the grey reef sharks off the boat beforehand and they're still hanging around to see if their luck's in? Next morning ear went bad again so decided on snorkeling for the next 2 to give it a rest. I had started my Adventure Diver but as I'd not filled in the book it didn't matter, my night dive still counts though :)
The Great Barrier Reef is very like Uluru in a way - so much to see it's really hard to take it in. On our training dives we did skills with a swim around in between and then skills at the end - so taking in what I was looking at was tricky. I do remember the Moray Eel with it's scary looking head and looooong body. The Christmas tree coral that were blue and looked like festive trees - until you ran you hand past them and they shrunk back into the rock. Diving and snorkeling I saw, amongst other things: Nemo's, Dori's, Red Bass, Trumpet Fish, Lion Fish, Parrot Fish, Napoleon Wrasse, Fusilier Fish, Butterfly Fish, Sea Cucumbers, Giant (and I mean GIANT) Clams, Banner Fish, all sorts of colourful coral, Humbug Fish, Goat fish - and most excitingly, Flat Worm (doesn't sound exciting but hard to find and sooo pretty) Blue Spotted Rays, a White tipped Reef Shark, and....a TURTLE!!! The turtle was so special. I spotted it and could hear it munching away when I was snorkeling. Then it came up to the surface for air and we swam along next to it for a bit before it disappeared back down. So beautiful :)
I can't wait to come back some time and explore more. I will definitely be coming with Pro-Dive, they made the whole thing so relaxed and there was the right balance of rest and Diving.
After lunch on the last day we headed for shore and then got dropped off back at the store, pottered next door to the hostel to settle in and then headed out to meet everyone for a meal at 'Rattle & Hum'. Good Times:)
Wednesday 28 July 2010
The Rock Tour
After a lovely morning watcing the world (now definitely more Red) whizz by I stepped off onto the ground in a warm & sunny Alice Springs.
Stopped by the Rock Tour office to check in for tomorrow and then headed over the bridge to Alice's Secret.
The first thing that struck me about Alice is the Aborigones. After the tour I learned that they live out on the river bed and surrounding bush (mostly in tents from what I could see) and then they have a school and communtiy centre that they use. There were a lot of middle aged and older dressed in 'normal' casual clothing and just sitting, wandering around and generally seeming quite without purpose. It gave me an odd feeling and as the days went on here I began to understand more of their culture and more about why things are the way they are now. I did see some younger guys heading out to play basketball - an you wouldn't really have been able to distinguish them from the white guys (they refer to each other as black & white over here - no anonimity meant).
The hostel I was staying in had been taken over by new owners and didn't have my booking - however all was sorted very quickly and it's a nice quiet place. Went for a wander into town and had Camel for tea. Very tasty - like beef.
Next morning I was up at some un-earthly hour (again!) and waiting outside with an Austrian couple, for the Rock Tour mini-bus. It arrived complete with trailer with the Swags on top (these were to be our beds for the next 2 nights) and, after picking up a few others we set off.
It took somewhere in the region of 4 1/2 hours to get out to the Red Centre proper. We passed the time sleeping, reading and listening to Sam's (our guide - Little Sam/Kiwi Sam) impressive iPod playlist.
I also listened to the whole of Bleak Expectations Seasons 2, although had to remind myself that there were others around and laughing out loud to myself was probably not the best way to convince people I was sane!
Kings Canyon was the first stop. Walked up 'Heart Attack Hill' and then along over the top admiring the stunning views of the flat land, the gorges on either side and learning loads about the geology and cultural significance of the place. Sam's knowledge is incredible and he certainly has a deep respect for the local Aborigones. He taught us about the different plants and that most of them have 2 uses - food & medicinal. He showed us fossils that indicate that this area was once underwater and about how the are was formed. Also taught us how to cathc an emu - just in case.
Stopped to watch the sunset over Mt Connell and the Salt Lake.-
Back in the bus and off to our campsite for the night. Stopped to collect firewood out in the scrub and then onto their campground. Campground consists of a firepit, an area with a plastic shelter in case it rains, and a dunny in a shed.
We all pitched in to cook an amazing meal of Chiili, roast vegetables & rice. All cooked used the coals from the fire that I was a marshal of.
Settled down to sleep around the fire in our swags staring up at the beautifully clear night sky. Rained in the night so we moved under the shelter but other than that amazing!
Next morning up at 5:30am and on our way to Kata Tjuta (The Olgas). These HUOGE Boulder looking formations are actually made form much smaller rocks stuck together with mud. We did the Valley of the winds walk and at times it really lived up to its name - even though we had a stunning blue sky again - so blue infact it was almost painful to look at it against the glowing Red Rocks. Again Sam explained to us about the vegetationa dn the loval beliefs. This place is sacred because they belive that these rocks are the heads of their ancestors. It is also a sacres place for men - women could be killed for coming here. He also showed us how the ochres are made for the body paints and explained, both goelogically and mythically, how Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Mt Connell and the Salt Lake were formed. Truly and amazing thing to hear and take on board.
After lunch (and some fun with a Red Bull ant nest and a golden Orb spider in the toilets - which clearly though it had the best deal of any spider in Australia, having spun a web covering the entire toilet block) we headed over the main event - Uluru.
First we ducked into the cultural centre to get in the mood and then out to the rock. Sam sat us down and talked us through our option of climbing. We were divided into people who didn't want to climb because they knew it was disrespectful, and people who didn't know you could climb it. This was good and made things much easier! Sam explained that climbing is not good for 2 reasons. One might even venture 2 bloody good reasens.
1) It is disrespectful to the local people. Uluru was used almost as an entire home to them up until about 100yrs agoand today is still the most sacred site. 13/14yr old boys would go walkabout. This means they go into the bush, by themselves, and have to survive fior 3-4 YEARS. When they return they are considered to be ready to become men and be intitiated into the tribe. They come back from walkabout and meet their grandfather at the foot of the climb. He talks to them and explains a few things - then they have to do the climb and walk around to a cave (the actual Uluru) and under go initiation to became a man.
When you rock up in an air conditioned bus with lots of water, and then, because it's a hard climb and you've eaten, need to go to the toilet up there that is highly disrespectful. Not only that but all the 'stuff' (including sanitary items) left up there are not brought down and so as the rainwater has run off it has contaminated the 2 waterholes making the unuseable. It would be as if someone went into a church and decided that the altar was a perfect place to uload.
2) It's unsafe. They really don't do Heath & Safety out there and when you see how steep the climb is, how high the rock is and how easily you could slip - and the only thing to hold onto is an old link chain fence, you really have to be an oddball to want to go up. The last person to die there only did so a month ago - just slipped and fell. People die from heart attacks from the exertion in the heat as well. If someone dies the Aborigines believe it their fault - their law says that if something happens to someone on your land it is your fault, therefore they have to perform a massive ceremony and it upsets them deeply.
All in all I can't see why anyone would want to go up there. If they want to see lots of flat nothing from a great height - go to Kings Canyon, it's not much shorter.
[/rant]
We did a short walk to several caves and sites, Sam again explaining the significance of each one and some more about the symbols and folklore of the local people.
Then we headed off to the sunset watch point. Sam cooked us dinner while we took many photos and enjoyed some chill time. Slept in swags again but at a regular campsite. I had a cold by this point (and was beginning to panic about diving....) so me and others who suspected rain opted for the laundry room. About 5 mins after settling down the rain started and everyone else swiftly followed!
Next morning we went back to the rock and did the base walk unaccompanied. Every time you turned a 'corner' there was something Else to see, a changing rock face, a small waterfall, a differently formed cave, different stages of vegetation, holes in the rock like Swiss cheese - so much it was hard to take it all in.
After this it was tine to head off. We dropped a few folks off at the airport and hostels and then headed back for the long drive.
That evening we had a quick meet up in the pub, but by this time I was feeling pretty bleugh with cold-ness so went home for a long sleep. Not until taking a shower with a Red Back watching me though!!
Stopped by the Rock Tour office to check in for tomorrow and then headed over the bridge to Alice's Secret.
The first thing that struck me about Alice is the Aborigones. After the tour I learned that they live out on the river bed and surrounding bush (mostly in tents from what I could see) and then they have a school and communtiy centre that they use. There were a lot of middle aged and older dressed in 'normal' casual clothing and just sitting, wandering around and generally seeming quite without purpose. It gave me an odd feeling and as the days went on here I began to understand more of their culture and more about why things are the way they are now. I did see some younger guys heading out to play basketball - an you wouldn't really have been able to distinguish them from the white guys (they refer to each other as black & white over here - no anonimity meant).
The hostel I was staying in had been taken over by new owners and didn't have my booking - however all was sorted very quickly and it's a nice quiet place. Went for a wander into town and had Camel for tea. Very tasty - like beef.
Next morning I was up at some un-earthly hour (again!) and waiting outside with an Austrian couple, for the Rock Tour mini-bus. It arrived complete with trailer with the Swags on top (these were to be our beds for the next 2 nights) and, after picking up a few others we set off.
It took somewhere in the region of 4 1/2 hours to get out to the Red Centre proper. We passed the time sleeping, reading and listening to Sam's (our guide - Little Sam/Kiwi Sam) impressive iPod playlist.
I also listened to the whole of Bleak Expectations Seasons 2, although had to remind myself that there were others around and laughing out loud to myself was probably not the best way to convince people I was sane!
Kings Canyon was the first stop. Walked up 'Heart Attack Hill' and then along over the top admiring the stunning views of the flat land, the gorges on either side and learning loads about the geology and cultural significance of the place. Sam's knowledge is incredible and he certainly has a deep respect for the local Aborigones. He taught us about the different plants and that most of them have 2 uses - food & medicinal. He showed us fossils that indicate that this area was once underwater and about how the are was formed. Also taught us how to cathc an emu - just in case.
Stopped to watch the sunset over Mt Connell and the Salt Lake.-
Back in the bus and off to our campsite for the night. Stopped to collect firewood out in the scrub and then onto their campground. Campground consists of a firepit, an area with a plastic shelter in case it rains, and a dunny in a shed.
We all pitched in to cook an amazing meal of Chiili, roast vegetables & rice. All cooked used the coals from the fire that I was a marshal of.
Settled down to sleep around the fire in our swags staring up at the beautifully clear night sky. Rained in the night so we moved under the shelter but other than that amazing!
Next morning up at 5:30am and on our way to Kata Tjuta (The Olgas). These HUOGE Boulder looking formations are actually made form much smaller rocks stuck together with mud. We did the Valley of the winds walk and at times it really lived up to its name - even though we had a stunning blue sky again - so blue infact it was almost painful to look at it against the glowing Red Rocks. Again Sam explained to us about the vegetationa dn the loval beliefs. This place is sacred because they belive that these rocks are the heads of their ancestors. It is also a sacres place for men - women could be killed for coming here. He also showed us how the ochres are made for the body paints and explained, both goelogically and mythically, how Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Mt Connell and the Salt Lake were formed. Truly and amazing thing to hear and take on board.
After lunch (and some fun with a Red Bull ant nest and a golden Orb spider in the toilets - which clearly though it had the best deal of any spider in Australia, having spun a web covering the entire toilet block) we headed over the main event - Uluru.
First we ducked into the cultural centre to get in the mood and then out to the rock. Sam sat us down and talked us through our option of climbing. We were divided into people who didn't want to climb because they knew it was disrespectful, and people who didn't know you could climb it. This was good and made things much easier! Sam explained that climbing is not good for 2 reasons. One might even venture 2 bloody good reasens.
1) It is disrespectful to the local people. Uluru was used almost as an entire home to them up until about 100yrs agoand today is still the most sacred site. 13/14yr old boys would go walkabout. This means they go into the bush, by themselves, and have to survive fior 3-4 YEARS. When they return they are considered to be ready to become men and be intitiated into the tribe. They come back from walkabout and meet their grandfather at the foot of the climb. He talks to them and explains a few things - then they have to do the climb and walk around to a cave (the actual Uluru) and under go initiation to became a man.
When you rock up in an air conditioned bus with lots of water, and then, because it's a hard climb and you've eaten, need to go to the toilet up there that is highly disrespectful. Not only that but all the 'stuff' (including sanitary items) left up there are not brought down and so as the rainwater has run off it has contaminated the 2 waterholes making the unuseable. It would be as if someone went into a church and decided that the altar was a perfect place to uload.
2) It's unsafe. They really don't do Heath & Safety out there and when you see how steep the climb is, how high the rock is and how easily you could slip - and the only thing to hold onto is an old link chain fence, you really have to be an oddball to want to go up. The last person to die there only did so a month ago - just slipped and fell. People die from heart attacks from the exertion in the heat as well. If someone dies the Aborigines believe it their fault - their law says that if something happens to someone on your land it is your fault, therefore they have to perform a massive ceremony and it upsets them deeply.
All in all I can't see why anyone would want to go up there. If they want to see lots of flat nothing from a great height - go to Kings Canyon, it's not much shorter.
[/rant]
We did a short walk to several caves and sites, Sam again explaining the significance of each one and some more about the symbols and folklore of the local people.
Then we headed off to the sunset watch point. Sam cooked us dinner while we took many photos and enjoyed some chill time. Slept in swags again but at a regular campsite. I had a cold by this point (and was beginning to panic about diving....) so me and others who suspected rain opted for the laundry room. About 5 mins after settling down the rain started and everyone else swiftly followed!
Next morning we went back to the rock and did the base walk unaccompanied. Every time you turned a 'corner' there was something Else to see, a changing rock face, a small waterfall, a differently formed cave, different stages of vegetation, holes in the rock like Swiss cheese - so much it was hard to take it all in.
After this it was tine to head off. We dropped a few folks off at the airport and hostels and then headed back for the long drive.
That evening we had a quick meet up in the pub, but by this time I was feeling pretty bleugh with cold-ness so went home for a long sleep. Not until taking a shower with a Red Back watching me though!!
Sunday 25 July 2010
The Ghan
One oif the guys from the hostel gave me lift to the station. Checked my luggage in to a very chirpy man behind the Train counter (did I mention how friendly ALL Australians have been? They really are you know) and then a good hour hanging around trying not to be tempted by the cafe before boarding.
After some shuffling of other passengers I ended up with an empty seat next to me which was nice. Train travel id definitely the way to go. Loads of room, Seats that almost recline horizontalx and a buffet car so that you can recreate scenes from any 50's American film that features one if the mood takes you. Sadly I thought that a rendition of "Snow, Snow, Snow" from 'White Christmas' (it's always snowy in Vermont) would not go well with the red surroundings.
Watched the scenery change from green to red with scrub, a fantastic sunset and then settled back for a relaxing sleep.
After some shuffling of other passengers I ended up with an empty seat next to me which was nice. Train travel id definitely the way to go. Loads of room, Seats that almost recline horizontalx and a buffet car so that you can recreate scenes from any 50's American film that features one if the mood takes you. Sadly I thought that a rendition of "Snow, Snow, Snow" from 'White Christmas' (it's always snowy in Vermont) would not go well with the red surroundings.
Watched the scenery change from green to red with scrub, a fantastic sunset and then settled back for a relaxing sleep.
Saturday 24 July 2010
Adeladie here I come
A lie in, how nice.
Tiger airways to Adelaide. A cross between easyjet and Ryan air. Easyjet because they have a TV show and Ryan air because they are very cheap. They are also very strict so I was gald when I managed to keep my main sack under 15kg and my hand luggage at 6.7k (max is 7 - and they do not like it if it's over!). Tiny lounge with a lovely long walk over the tarmac to the plane. All said the flight was good, on time and the staff (as with all Aussies I've met so far) were highly friendly.
Didn't really pay attention when I booked my accomodation but it was out of Adelaide in Glenelg - whiuch actually turned out really well as it was right by the beach and very peaceful. Enjoyed some more Flake and Chips whilst watching the stunning sunset sat on the beach. There was a chocolate cafe in the high street so I finally gave into my curiositsy to try a hot chocolate with chilli & cinnamon. If you've ever read 'Chocolat' or 'The Lollipop Shoes' then you will know what I mean. If you haven't I definitley recommend them....unless you're on a diet in which case I'd lock them in a safe somewhere.
In brief, the chilli hits your mouth in the first swig and after that you can mostly taste the cinnamon and have a nice warm feeling with every mouthful, mostly though, it's chilli - weirdly nice.
The hostel was cool, 4 victorian houses joined together with kitchens, TV room and bar in the basement. Sweet.
Tiger airways to Adelaide. A cross between easyjet and Ryan air. Easyjet because they have a TV show and Ryan air because they are very cheap. They are also very strict so I was gald when I managed to keep my main sack under 15kg and my hand luggage at 6.7k (max is 7 - and they do not like it if it's over!). Tiny lounge with a lovely long walk over the tarmac to the plane. All said the flight was good, on time and the staff (as with all Aussies I've met so far) were highly friendly.
Didn't really pay attention when I booked my accomodation but it was out of Adelaide in Glenelg - whiuch actually turned out really well as it was right by the beach and very peaceful. Enjoyed some more Flake and Chips whilst watching the stunning sunset sat on the beach. There was a chocolate cafe in the high street so I finally gave into my curiositsy to try a hot chocolate with chilli & cinnamon. If you've ever read 'Chocolat' or 'The Lollipop Shoes' then you will know what I mean. If you haven't I definitley recommend them....unless you're on a diet in which case I'd lock them in a safe somewhere.
In brief, the chilli hits your mouth in the first swig and after that you can mostly taste the cinnamon and have a nice warm feeling with every mouthful, mostly though, it's chilli - weirdly nice.
The hostel was cool, 4 victorian houses joined together with kitchens, TV room and bar in the basement. Sweet.
Friday 23 July 2010
Dizzy Heights and the AFL
Met up with Emily in the city today. Had a great view of the city form the top of the Eureka sky deck (230m up) - which included being pushed out of the side of the building in a metal and glass box with panels that, once fully out, revealed the views form the side - and underneath! Not as scary as I would have thought but definitely all the more entertaining for the groaning and creaking sound effects played over the top :)
Exlpored the city some more accompanied by a shnazzy latte and waffle from DeGraves.
Main highlight of the afternoon was definitely the Melbourne Museum. Spent a large and diturbing amount of time in the BUGS section of the animal bit where they had live specimens of all those spiders you are supposed to avoid. Which was actually fascinating and very helpful for recognising if the thing currently making it's way towards you is harmless, will make you numb for a good long time or is capable of dropping you with a single bite.
So I got to see a Red Back (surprisingly small - and mostly black), some Orbs, a White Tail and a Funnel-Web. There were also lots of huge ants and many, very pretty and harmless, things pinned to crates - or arranged into lovely displays.
The Orbs, by the way, are kept in an open fronted dark room and are fed once a day from below. Apparently they only had an escape twice in the past 10 years. How reassuring.
Best quote:
"If alone when bitten by one of Australia's highly venomous Funnel-web spiders, first make peace with your God, then go to a hospital"
How reassuring.
Other sections of the museum included the living forest (a forest in the middle of the building but the ceiling is just a net - quite cool as they designed it so you could see under the water) a section on the human body and mind (included Aser's (?) room with a camera on delay so you go out and watch yourself get bigger and smaller) a section on early Australia an other bits and bobs, and a aection on the indeginous people of Melbourne. You could happily spend most of the day there exploring!
That evening D,A &D came into the city and I was taken to my first AFL game (which Ashton Kutcher was also attending). It was Hawks (Hawthorns) v Saints (St Kilda). Dee & A barrack for Hawks and D barracks for Saints, a theme echoed in a lot of the families and groups I saw with no apparent anonimity between either - apart from some good natured ribbing. Loved the game, it ended in a draw and got pretty suspensful with some disallowed goals due to too many people on the pitch, which sounds odd until you understand that the team don't only have the players on the pitch. Just one of the strange but fab things. It took me about 15mins to grasp the rules. If I had to describe it I would say that it cam about due to people wanting to play rugby but not quite remembering the rules - and making some of there own up. My favourite thing was probably the fact that it was the refs who did the throw ins and they have to do it backwards. They are just as fit as the players (and frankly that's a goood enough reason to spend 2 hours watching :)) and need need to be able to hurl that thing a good long way and high.
Amusing biut at the beginning when they have 3 members of the public on to try and kick goals. The competitors...A young boy, a fairly fit and definitley-serious-about-it Aussie, and an English guy called James who had no clue what was going on. I'll leave it up to you to decide who won......
Exlpored the city some more accompanied by a shnazzy latte and waffle from DeGraves.
Main highlight of the afternoon was definitely the Melbourne Museum. Spent a large and diturbing amount of time in the BUGS section of the animal bit where they had live specimens of all those spiders you are supposed to avoid. Which was actually fascinating and very helpful for recognising if the thing currently making it's way towards you is harmless, will make you numb for a good long time or is capable of dropping you with a single bite.
So I got to see a Red Back (surprisingly small - and mostly black), some Orbs, a White Tail and a Funnel-Web. There were also lots of huge ants and many, very pretty and harmless, things pinned to crates - or arranged into lovely displays.
The Orbs, by the way, are kept in an open fronted dark room and are fed once a day from below. Apparently they only had an escape twice in the past 10 years. How reassuring.
Best quote:
"If alone when bitten by one of Australia's highly venomous Funnel-web spiders, first make peace with your God, then go to a hospital"
How reassuring.
Other sections of the museum included the living forest (a forest in the middle of the building but the ceiling is just a net - quite cool as they designed it so you could see under the water) a section on the human body and mind (included Aser's (?) room with a camera on delay so you go out and watch yourself get bigger and smaller) a section on early Australia an other bits and bobs, and a aection on the indeginous people of Melbourne. You could happily spend most of the day there exploring!
That evening D,A &D came into the city and I was taken to my first AFL game (which Ashton Kutcher was also attending). It was Hawks (Hawthorns) v Saints (St Kilda). Dee & A barrack for Hawks and D barracks for Saints, a theme echoed in a lot of the families and groups I saw with no apparent anonimity between either - apart from some good natured ribbing. Loved the game, it ended in a draw and got pretty suspensful with some disallowed goals due to too many people on the pitch, which sounds odd until you understand that the team don't only have the players on the pitch. Just one of the strange but fab things. It took me about 15mins to grasp the rules. If I had to describe it I would say that it cam about due to people wanting to play rugby but not quite remembering the rules - and making some of there own up. My favourite thing was probably the fact that it was the refs who did the throw ins and they have to do it backwards. They are just as fit as the players (and frankly that's a goood enough reason to spend 2 hours watching :)) and need need to be able to hurl that thing a good long way and high.
Amusing biut at the beginning when they have 3 members of the public on to try and kick goals. The competitors...A young boy, a fairly fit and definitley-serious-about-it Aussie, and an English guy called James who had no clue what was going on. I'll leave it up to you to decide who won......
Wednesday 21 July 2010
Exploring the city
Had an hour in school with Dee this morning, good to know that no matter what side of the pond you're on all Primary school classes start with saying good morning, all staff rooms have roughly the same chairs, kids lose their planners and house points are awarded!
Caught the train into the city and stopped into Bunyip tours to see when I could get on the neighbours tour - "tomorrow? Fab!". So I had the rest of the day to mooch.
STopped at the amazingly well stocked, laid out and staffed Federation Square Tourist Information office. Don't be fooled by the empty looking glass room - the stuff is all downstairs - a theme I have found common in Melbourne, perhaps a worrying one! Picked up many leaflets and brochures, then put most back. Having scoured my Lonely Planet, and taken advice form Andrew, Dee and a few others I had a fair idea of what I wanted to do so decided to focus on that.
Decided on a few walking tours, stopping off to places on the way round. There's also a free - that;s right FREE - tourist bus service around the city which includes a brief but informative audio commentary on the way round. Also there's the brown city loop tram which is also FREE. Seriously, if you want a city that's very welcoming AND provides excellently for it's visitors with so many free and QUALITY attractions - this is the place to come!
Headed for Little Italy and Lygon Street first. Finally settled on Pappa Gino's and had a mound of pasta with a glass of vino and a coke for a respectable $20, then, fully stuffed headed over to the Victoria Markets. They were shutting up as I arrived (hopefully get to see it in full swing another day) but I could still see the scale of the thing! Walked back to Flinders Street and along to Fed Sq again to start my walk.
This walk took me South of the river through King's Domain and around the Botanic Gardens (again - all FREE). This included seeing the Melbourne Performing Arts Centre with it's Eiffel Tower-esque spire. Going inside the Shrine of Remembrance and witnessing a re-enactment of the 11/11 ceremony is oddly moving. Every year on remembrance day at 11:11am the sun shines through two tiny holes in the roof and a ray of light moves across the word 'LOVE' on the memorial stone. To demonstrate this on the hour and the half hour all year they play the last post and a small moving light creates the same ray. Having walked through the rest of the building and read the names outside on the memorials it was a somber moment even with only one other person there.
To break out of this reverie if you head out on the balcony you get the most amazing view of the city skyline...did I mention this is free? After this you walk through the Botanic Gardens, which must be packed in their summer time, but were still great to walk round and have lots to offer at this time of year. It was getting dark by the time I was nearing the end and the 'Tan' (Melbourne's answer to Hyde Park's Horse track) was beginning to fill up with runners - really, they do like their running here, I felt a bit guilty strolling along! I also managed to catch sight of a possum in a tree whilst walking back through the park. I was trying to be quiet - until I took a flash photo by mistake and it didn't even flinch!
I went back up to see one of the things I had passed on the way down - the Melbourne Bowl. It's an outdoor Concert venue with a permanent concrete stage and massive awning sheltering hundreds (if not thousands) of fold down chairs, right in the middle of the park. The acoustics and spectacle of seeing the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra play there must be electric. But what I found more striking was - there were no big fences, no really obvious security - and yet, there was no visible vandalism, no hordes of teenagers loafing around with 'nowt to do. It really seemed like something the whole city was proud of and no one wanted to spoil it.
Caught the train into the city and stopped into Bunyip tours to see when I could get on the neighbours tour - "tomorrow? Fab!". So I had the rest of the day to mooch.
STopped at the amazingly well stocked, laid out and staffed Federation Square Tourist Information office. Don't be fooled by the empty looking glass room - the stuff is all downstairs - a theme I have found common in Melbourne, perhaps a worrying one! Picked up many leaflets and brochures, then put most back. Having scoured my Lonely Planet, and taken advice form Andrew, Dee and a few others I had a fair idea of what I wanted to do so decided to focus on that.
Decided on a few walking tours, stopping off to places on the way round. There's also a free - that;s right FREE - tourist bus service around the city which includes a brief but informative audio commentary on the way round. Also there's the brown city loop tram which is also FREE. Seriously, if you want a city that's very welcoming AND provides excellently for it's visitors with so many free and QUALITY attractions - this is the place to come!
Headed for Little Italy and Lygon Street first. Finally settled on Pappa Gino's and had a mound of pasta with a glass of vino and a coke for a respectable $20, then, fully stuffed headed over to the Victoria Markets. They were shutting up as I arrived (hopefully get to see it in full swing another day) but I could still see the scale of the thing! Walked back to Flinders Street and along to Fed Sq again to start my walk.
This walk took me South of the river through King's Domain and around the Botanic Gardens (again - all FREE). This included seeing the Melbourne Performing Arts Centre with it's Eiffel Tower-esque spire. Going inside the Shrine of Remembrance and witnessing a re-enactment of the 11/11 ceremony is oddly moving. Every year on remembrance day at 11:11am the sun shines through two tiny holes in the roof and a ray of light moves across the word 'LOVE' on the memorial stone. To demonstrate this on the hour and the half hour all year they play the last post and a small moving light creates the same ray. Having walked through the rest of the building and read the names outside on the memorials it was a somber moment even with only one other person there.
To break out of this reverie if you head out on the balcony you get the most amazing view of the city skyline...did I mention this is free? After this you walk through the Botanic Gardens, which must be packed in their summer time, but were still great to walk round and have lots to offer at this time of year. It was getting dark by the time I was nearing the end and the 'Tan' (Melbourne's answer to Hyde Park's Horse track) was beginning to fill up with runners - really, they do like their running here, I felt a bit guilty strolling along! I also managed to catch sight of a possum in a tree whilst walking back through the park. I was trying to be quiet - until I took a flash photo by mistake and it didn't even flinch!
I went back up to see one of the things I had passed on the way down - the Melbourne Bowl. It's an outdoor Concert venue with a permanent concrete stage and massive awning sheltering hundreds (if not thousands) of fold down chairs, right in the middle of the park. The acoustics and spectacle of seeing the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra play there must be electric. But what I found more striking was - there were no big fences, no really obvious security - and yet, there was no visible vandalism, no hordes of teenagers loafing around with 'nowt to do. It really seemed like something the whole city was proud of and no one wanted to spoil it.
The S.E.S
Today was mostly a planning, sitting in front of the computer, booking and phoning day.
The evening, however, was totally different! Both Andrew and Dee are members of the S.E.S (State Emergency Service) and they took me down to the station to show me around and explain about what they do.
Now, I may get some of the following wrong as it was a lot of info and I was still fairly jet lagged - but I think this is the gist. Depending on which state you are in the Emergency services work differently. In Victoria you have the Police, Ambulance, CFA (County Fire Authority) and the SES. They all work independently of each other. The police deal with the usual things they would in the UK and the Ambulance the same. The difference comes with the SES and the CFA.
Both are services work on a beeper system similar to the lifeboat service in the UK. They are all trained in different areas but with some skills that overlap - causing friction on certain occasions but generally getting the job.
The CFA handle fires (including bush fires) and the SES who deal with Rescues. This mostly means car wrecks but can also rescuing people and animals (Andrew rescued a dog from a septic tank once!) who are stuck/in trouble. They showed me the vehicles they have, the equipment they use (the cutters are powered by hydraulics and are capable are chomping through anything except maybe the axle of a car) and how the organisation works. I got to see photos of training and also some of the incidents they have attended. These have included cars so badly mangled that you couldn't even recognise it was a vehicle and a car that went into a petrol tanker killing the family.
The SES also do community awareness stuff such as free coffee/tea stops and danger awareness for long distant driving, supporting and awareness raising for bush fires and many other things.
And the most amazing thing? It's all voluntary. Every single member of the SES and CFA give up their time to do training (and train to the same standards as paid workers in other countries) and all carry a beeper so that as soon as the call goes out they have to stop and go. The members at Andrew & Dee's included, amongst others priest, a woodworker, a policeman and a student.
An eye opening and humbling experience!
The evening, however, was totally different! Both Andrew and Dee are members of the S.E.S (State Emergency Service) and they took me down to the station to show me around and explain about what they do.
Now, I may get some of the following wrong as it was a lot of info and I was still fairly jet lagged - but I think this is the gist. Depending on which state you are in the Emergency services work differently. In Victoria you have the Police, Ambulance, CFA (County Fire Authority) and the SES. They all work independently of each other. The police deal with the usual things they would in the UK and the Ambulance the same. The difference comes with the SES and the CFA.
Both are services work on a beeper system similar to the lifeboat service in the UK. They are all trained in different areas but with some skills that overlap - causing friction on certain occasions but generally getting the job.
The CFA handle fires (including bush fires) and the SES who deal with Rescues. This mostly means car wrecks but can also rescuing people and animals (Andrew rescued a dog from a septic tank once!) who are stuck/in trouble. They showed me the vehicles they have, the equipment they use (the cutters are powered by hydraulics and are capable are chomping through anything except maybe the axle of a car) and how the organisation works. I got to see photos of training and also some of the incidents they have attended. These have included cars so badly mangled that you couldn't even recognise it was a vehicle and a car that went into a petrol tanker killing the family.
The SES also do community awareness stuff such as free coffee/tea stops and danger awareness for long distant driving, supporting and awareness raising for bush fires and many other things.
And the most amazing thing? It's all voluntary. Every single member of the SES and CFA give up their time to do training (and train to the same standards as paid workers in other countries) and all carry a beeper so that as soon as the call goes out they have to stop and go. The members at Andrew & Dee's included, amongst others priest, a woodworker, a policeman and a student.
An eye opening and humbling experience!
Phillip Island
Wake up - my legs and ankles are back to normal - breathe sigh of relief.
After much faffing by me, Dee and I set off for the day to Phillip Island. The Island is attached to the mainland by a bridge - however it is very much shaped (and named) like the Isle of Wight. A fact obviously not lost on the recent locals as the burned out shell of the 'Isle of Wight' pub attests. It feels like a slightly bohemia/surfer vibe very much focussed on the laid back. They have massive motorbike rave there every year (a bit like the Isle of Man) and that sees the island packed out with people.
I had my first taste of shark (called 'flake') which was very tasty - almost tangy and better than fish due to the lake of bones! Headed to the wet and windy beach to take in the sea air and a stroll along the short pier, that comes complete with fish measuring plates so that you don't keep fish that are too small.
We went back inland to the animal park we'd passed on the way and spent a fun couple of hours getting acquainted with the residents. You're given a free bag of animal pellets on entry which certainly helps with the wallabies & kangaroos. Saw a Cassowary bird (sort of a cross between an emu and a prehistoric colourful turkey), Koala's (one of which was awake - they spend about 90% of the day asleep Dee says so was cool to see one chomping!), an Echidna, Wombat, Dingo's, several HUGE birds of prey, Emu's. Pelican's, various colourful varieties of bird and some rescued cockatoos. Also saw some Whistling Ducks (so called because they....wait for it.....whistle - I know, weird, but cool to hear!) which probably explains where the infamous wine got it's name.
After that we headed for what is, arguably, Phillip Island's main attraction - Penguin Parade.
Informative visitor centre keeps you busy, fed & watered before heading out of the doors and down the boardwalk to watch the Little Penguins come in from a day's/13 day's swimming and feeding. The little guys and gals surf in in batches of about 10, then to & fro and the beach for a while trying to decided if they got the time right, due to the floodlights on the beach, and the location right, due to the hundreds of large things in funny clothing staring at them. Eventually they seem to think all is good and waddle up the dunes, again in a more than leisurely fashion, to their waiting mates/chicks for a noisy reunion. dee and I decided it was either joy or nagging but whichever it was noisy and a wonderful scene to behold as these little things no higher than your knee waddle up and under the boardwalks. Some of them getting so far that there are warning signs in the car park asking you to check under your car lest some poor hen-pecked penguin has decided to join the ranks of the 19% divorce rate amongst their population, and your car seems preferable to their burrow.
After much faffing by me, Dee and I set off for the day to Phillip Island. The Island is attached to the mainland by a bridge - however it is very much shaped (and named) like the Isle of Wight. A fact obviously not lost on the recent locals as the burned out shell of the 'Isle of Wight' pub attests. It feels like a slightly bohemia/surfer vibe very much focussed on the laid back. They have massive motorbike rave there every year (a bit like the Isle of Man) and that sees the island packed out with people.
I had my first taste of shark (called 'flake') which was very tasty - almost tangy and better than fish due to the lake of bones! Headed to the wet and windy beach to take in the sea air and a stroll along the short pier, that comes complete with fish measuring plates so that you don't keep fish that are too small.
We went back inland to the animal park we'd passed on the way and spent a fun couple of hours getting acquainted with the residents. You're given a free bag of animal pellets on entry which certainly helps with the wallabies & kangaroos. Saw a Cassowary bird (sort of a cross between an emu and a prehistoric colourful turkey), Koala's (one of which was awake - they spend about 90% of the day asleep Dee says so was cool to see one chomping!), an Echidna, Wombat, Dingo's, several HUGE birds of prey, Emu's. Pelican's, various colourful varieties of bird and some rescued cockatoos. Also saw some Whistling Ducks (so called because they....wait for it.....whistle - I know, weird, but cool to hear!) which probably explains where the infamous wine got it's name.
After that we headed for what is, arguably, Phillip Island's main attraction - Penguin Parade.
Informative visitor centre keeps you busy, fed & watered before heading out of the doors and down the boardwalk to watch the Little Penguins come in from a day's/13 day's swimming and feeding. The little guys and gals surf in in batches of about 10, then to & fro and the beach for a while trying to decided if they got the time right, due to the floodlights on the beach, and the location right, due to the hundreds of large things in funny clothing staring at them. Eventually they seem to think all is good and waddle up the dunes, again in a more than leisurely fashion, to their waiting mates/chicks for a noisy reunion. dee and I decided it was either joy or nagging but whichever it was noisy and a wonderful scene to behold as these little things no higher than your knee waddle up and under the boardwalks. Some of them getting so far that there are warning signs in the car park asking you to check under your car lest some poor hen-pecked penguin has decided to join the ranks of the 19% divorce rate amongst their population, and your car seems preferable to their burrow.
Guilty Pleasures
Spent the morning on another walking tour around Melbourne. Mostly to the West of the CBD and exploring Fitzroy park. Great morning to do it as (for almost the only time that week) the sun came out and I strolled with my Hazelnut Latte through the green, the fairy tree, the model village, the street full of amazing (and occasionally political) grafitti.
Then I headed for my wonderfully cheesey afternoon spent visiting the sights of 'Neighbours'.
It was so much fun and, once I'd let go of the nagging embarrasment (lasted until we got on the bus!), I had a fabulous afternoon :) The guide was named Jerry (an Irish guy who'd been in the country for ages) and he clearly loved what he was doing which was very infectious - even for the Dad in front of me who was there to take the photo's of his wife and daughter who were the fans. The bus only holds around 15 people so the whole thing is quite a personal experiences. We had a family with small children, a few couples, friends and folks just travelling alone - they also came form all over the world - about half from Australia. Apparently the rumour about no Aussies watching it is false then....
We stopped off at the school where they used to film (and have changed location twice since then due to various reasons) then to the backlot of the studio, where we got to run around taking photos of the 'magical' bus stop, Grease Monkeys, Carpenters Mechanics and the new (not even on Australian screens yet) Erinsborough Motors. Alan Fletcher cam out to say "hi" and was very gracious and enthusiastic about seeing us, posed for photos, signed things and was generally a down to earth and top bloke :) After that we were whisked away to th street itself and reminded of some of the strange anomolies that happen there - like the fact that noone ever turns right out of the end of the road (Health & Safety!), and again got to run around taking photos and there were anecdots and explanations of filming aplenty. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys Neighbours (especially the ones who won't admit it ;)) as a brilliant afternoon.
After the excitement I headed back to Fed. Square and had a mooch round the Moving Images Exhibition. Yet another triumph in design and information - it contained so much and (you guessed it) was free, I could easioly have spent another couple of hours there. It has displays about the development of the moving Images in all areas - film, TV and Computer Games. With some 'Spotlight' sections focussing on Australian individuals, loads of interactive stuff (including old and new games consoles) and looks at the future there was something for everyone and loads for a geek like me - even if seeing an N64 under a perspex cover was a bit disturbing!
Then I headed for my wonderfully cheesey afternoon spent visiting the sights of 'Neighbours'.
It was so much fun and, once I'd let go of the nagging embarrasment (lasted until we got on the bus!), I had a fabulous afternoon :) The guide was named Jerry (an Irish guy who'd been in the country for ages) and he clearly loved what he was doing which was very infectious - even for the Dad in front of me who was there to take the photo's of his wife and daughter who were the fans. The bus only holds around 15 people so the whole thing is quite a personal experiences. We had a family with small children, a few couples, friends and folks just travelling alone - they also came form all over the world - about half from Australia. Apparently the rumour about no Aussies watching it is false then....
We stopped off at the school where they used to film (and have changed location twice since then due to various reasons) then to the backlot of the studio, where we got to run around taking photos of the 'magical' bus stop, Grease Monkeys, Carpenters Mechanics and the new (not even on Australian screens yet) Erinsborough Motors. Alan Fletcher cam out to say "hi" and was very gracious and enthusiastic about seeing us, posed for photos, signed things and was generally a down to earth and top bloke :) After that we were whisked away to th street itself and reminded of some of the strange anomolies that happen there - like the fact that noone ever turns right out of the end of the road (Health & Safety!), and again got to run around taking photos and there were anecdots and explanations of filming aplenty. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys Neighbours (especially the ones who won't admit it ;)) as a brilliant afternoon.
After the excitement I headed back to Fed. Square and had a mooch round the Moving Images Exhibition. Yet another triumph in design and information - it contained so much and (you guessed it) was free, I could easioly have spent another couple of hours there. It has displays about the development of the moving Images in all areas - film, TV and Computer Games. With some 'Spotlight' sections focussing on Australian individuals, loads of interactive stuff (including old and new games consoles) and looks at the future there was something for everyone and loads for a geek like me - even if seeing an N64 under a perspex cover was a bit disturbing!
Monday 19 July 2010
Outward Flight
So, jet lag is firmly being squashed - although the fact that's it's winter and getting dark at 5pm is NOT helping at all, never mind, it's now 6:20 on Monday and tiredness has not begun so must be getting somewhere!
Just to warn you that I won't be putting any photos up in the posts (as it takes too long) and have decided to use Trip WOW 's amazing slideshow feature to upload some of my favourite doings. There's a small thumbnail of it up at the top of the sidebar and it will open up in it's full glory when clicked.
So the flight....
Arrived at Heathrow after a rather frantic dash out of school and to the train (which included an OCD run back up the stairs to check I'd locked the door and a lovely Moroccan taxi driver checking I'd got my passport and tickets) followed by an almost un-eventful (there was nearly an event when a smell of burning enveloped the train, after 15mins the driver decided to stop and see if it was something serious.....apparently not) couple of train rides.
Spent 3 hours mooching round and then boarded the first flight - destination Hong Kong
SLEPT: 4 Hours
WATCHED: 4 episodes Glee, 4 episodes The Big Bang Theory
ATE: Beef stew w/veg
Pork Congee (Pork in very watery rice)
SPOKE TO: Great Chinese Guy - Lecturer in Industrial Engineering in Hong Kong, Bristol & London. Flies with Cathay Pacific a lot and gave me tips about getting snacks etc - also about how to get out into HK when at the airport.
When I disembarked I was slightly concerned to see my name on a board at the end of the gangplank under 'Adelaide'. Turns out my next flight was a 2 parter but they were wondering if I would like to leave on an earlier plane that went directly to Melbourne. Great Customer Service but I couldn't see Dee being thrilled by the thought of picking me up at 6:20am so I declined and ventured on.
For the first time ever my lower legs & ankle swelled up (and took 'til waking up at Dee's on Sunday to go down) which was fairly disconcerting but they didn't hurt so felt no reason to worry....much....
Got out into HK via Airpot express and then free bus transfer to a hotel by Harbour. Hot & Humid despite it being 7pm and dark, loads of people around admiring the stunning light show created by the skyscrapers and buildings on the other side of the harbour. Managed to scare some Spanish and Chinese by slipping down some steps whilst trying to get into a photo from my 'gorrila-podded' camera but other than that no major incidents.
Got the ferry across to HK Island. Ferry costs HK$2.50 (25p). In order to have the change I had to buy a smoothie that cost HK$32 (GBP 2.50) - odd? Ferry was a H&S inspector's nightmare/dream come true but got me to other side whilst enabling new views of the harbour.
Got the Airport Express back from HK Island and then onto the next flight.
SLEPT: 3 Hours
WATCHED: 1 episode Big Bang Theory, Meet the Robinsons, Date Night (v.funny) and Invictus (brilliant performances)
ATE: Past w/chilli tomato sauce. Yoghurt, Fruit, Pastries.
SPOKE TO: Lady travelling with her family. They were form Adelaide but had spent 4 years, in the not too distant past, living in Sutton Coldfield.
We all had to disembark at Melbourne. Suffered a major case of de-ja-vu when re-boarding to same seat as the same people were sitting to my right and I'm fairly certain it was exactly the same plane!
D&A picked me up at the airport - very grateful to see them :) It was about 30min drive to their house in Pakenham and got see some of Melbourne's impressive structures (including the 'millenium wheel' that had to shut about 4 days after opening due to a heat wave making the metal buckle!) from the ring road before heading out.
The first thing I noticed was that almost all the houses are 1 storey - giving the impression of a much wider and open space. Also they are built in several specific styles all next to one another, this is not just restricted to the estates either. D & A's is really open plan with 3 bedrooms and 3 sitting areas with a great island in the kitchen area.
They have a black lab named 'Jetta' and a rainbow lorakeet that can whistle & talk called 'bird'.
Dee cooked Kangaroo steaks for tea and while we ate a kookaburra squawked - couldn't get more idiosyncratic! I also saw my first spider - not sure if it was 'something that could kill me' but Dee was taking no chances and it ended it's life under a shower gel bottle.
I managed to stay awake until about 7:30 when I finally gave in and crawled into bed. Am attempting to conquer jet lag quite quickly by forcing myself to stay awake......
Just to warn you that I won't be putting any photos up in the posts (as it takes too long) and have decided to use Trip WOW 's amazing slideshow feature to upload some of my favourite doings. There's a small thumbnail of it up at the top of the sidebar and it will open up in it's full glory when clicked.
So the flight....
Arrived at Heathrow after a rather frantic dash out of school and to the train (which included an OCD run back up the stairs to check I'd locked the door and a lovely Moroccan taxi driver checking I'd got my passport and tickets) followed by an almost un-eventful (there was nearly an event when a smell of burning enveloped the train, after 15mins the driver decided to stop and see if it was something serious.....apparently not) couple of train rides.
Spent 3 hours mooching round and then boarded the first flight - destination Hong Kong
SLEPT: 4 Hours
WATCHED: 4 episodes Glee, 4 episodes The Big Bang Theory
ATE: Beef stew w/veg
Pork Congee (Pork in very watery rice)
SPOKE TO: Great Chinese Guy - Lecturer in Industrial Engineering in Hong Kong, Bristol & London. Flies with Cathay Pacific a lot and gave me tips about getting snacks etc - also about how to get out into HK when at the airport.
When I disembarked I was slightly concerned to see my name on a board at the end of the gangplank under 'Adelaide'. Turns out my next flight was a 2 parter but they were wondering if I would like to leave on an earlier plane that went directly to Melbourne. Great Customer Service but I couldn't see Dee being thrilled by the thought of picking me up at 6:20am so I declined and ventured on.
For the first time ever my lower legs & ankle swelled up (and took 'til waking up at Dee's on Sunday to go down) which was fairly disconcerting but they didn't hurt so felt no reason to worry....much....
Got out into HK via Airpot express and then free bus transfer to a hotel by Harbour. Hot & Humid despite it being 7pm and dark, loads of people around admiring the stunning light show created by the skyscrapers and buildings on the other side of the harbour. Managed to scare some Spanish and Chinese by slipping down some steps whilst trying to get into a photo from my 'gorrila-podded' camera but other than that no major incidents.
Got the ferry across to HK Island. Ferry costs HK$2.50 (25p). In order to have the change I had to buy a smoothie that cost HK$32 (GBP 2.50) - odd? Ferry was a H&S inspector's nightmare/dream come true but got me to other side whilst enabling new views of the harbour.
Got the Airport Express back from HK Island and then onto the next flight.
SLEPT: 3 Hours
WATCHED: 1 episode Big Bang Theory, Meet the Robinsons, Date Night (v.funny) and Invictus (brilliant performances)
ATE: Past w/chilli tomato sauce. Yoghurt, Fruit, Pastries.
SPOKE TO: Lady travelling with her family. They were form Adelaide but had spent 4 years, in the not too distant past, living in Sutton Coldfield.
We all had to disembark at Melbourne. Suffered a major case of de-ja-vu when re-boarding to same seat as the same people were sitting to my right and I'm fairly certain it was exactly the same plane!
D&A picked me up at the airport - very grateful to see them :) It was about 30min drive to their house in Pakenham and got see some of Melbourne's impressive structures (including the 'millenium wheel' that had to shut about 4 days after opening due to a heat wave making the metal buckle!) from the ring road before heading out.
The first thing I noticed was that almost all the houses are 1 storey - giving the impression of a much wider and open space. Also they are built in several specific styles all next to one another, this is not just restricted to the estates either. D & A's is really open plan with 3 bedrooms and 3 sitting areas with a great island in the kitchen area.
They have a black lab named 'Jetta' and a rainbow lorakeet that can whistle & talk called 'bird'.
Dee cooked Kangaroo steaks for tea and while we ate a kookaburra squawked - couldn't get more idiosyncratic! I also saw my first spider - not sure if it was 'something that could kill me' but Dee was taking no chances and it ended it's life under a shower gel bottle.
I managed to stay awake until about 7:30 when I finally gave in and crawled into bed. Am attempting to conquer jet lag quite quickly by forcing myself to stay awake......
Saturday 17 July 2010
Arrivals..
Just a quick note to say I arrived safe and sound. Met some very helpful people along the way, had an incident with an automatic tap, and observed some very interesting conversations.
Am currently in Melbourne at Dee's house desperately trying to stay awake past 8:30pm so jet lag isn't too much of a problem. Have already tasted Kangaroo and encountered my first spider (genus unknown) so things are looking exciting!
Managed to get out of Hong Kong airport for a quick trip into the city - photos to follow.
More tomorrow!
Am currently in Melbourne at Dee's house desperately trying to stay awake past 8:30pm so jet lag isn't too much of a problem. Have already tasted Kangaroo and encountered my first spider (genus unknown) so things are looking exciting!
Managed to get out of Hong Kong airport for a quick trip into the city - photos to follow.
More tomorrow!
Wednesday 16 June 2010
A Whitsunday Quandry
I manged to find the underwater housing for my digital camera on eBay - whoop! For about £50 cheaper than anywhere I could have got it over here, so that's one thing of the list.
One of the last activities I'm trying to sort out is what to do on my full day in the Whitsundays.
I am torn bwtween these 2:
Whitehaven Express - $140
Cruise to Island with walk to see lookout point onto Whitehaven Beach
Cruise to Whitehaven beach. Spend time there and have BBQ
Cruise to bay for snorkelling
Possibly some whale watching.
OR
EcoJet Safari - $299 (or possibly less if I meet up with 2 others/they have a space on a ski)
3 hour Jet ski tour around Northern bay (not near Whitehaven)
Chances to see secluded beaches, rivers, jungly stuff and ski through them.
Only 15 people tour with stops for snorkelling etc
Lunch back at the resort
Whitehaven seems to be the place to go and definitley something you want to see, however some of the reviews for other tours say stuff about rough sea and bad weather - which wouldn't really affect the jet ski but wouldn't be much fun on the boat!
Apparently the BBQ is good stuff and you definitely get to the beach.
The Jet ski is expensive too - although if I do manage to share a ski that would be better - but maybe then I wouldn't get to drive it.
I really like the idea of the excitement and adventure of the jet ski, getting closer to the nature, and seeing places people usually don't see.
Hmmmmm......
One of the last activities I'm trying to sort out is what to do on my full day in the Whitsundays.
I am torn bwtween these 2:
Whitehaven Express - $140
Cruise to Island with walk to see lookout point onto Whitehaven Beach
Cruise to Whitehaven beach. Spend time there and have BBQ
Cruise to bay for snorkelling
Possibly some whale watching.
OR
EcoJet Safari - $299 (or possibly less if I meet up with 2 others/they have a space on a ski)
3 hour Jet ski tour around Northern bay (not near Whitehaven)
Chances to see secluded beaches, rivers, jungly stuff and ski through them.
Only 15 people tour with stops for snorkelling etc
Lunch back at the resort
Whitehaven seems to be the place to go and definitley something you want to see, however some of the reviews for other tours say stuff about rough sea and bad weather - which wouldn't really affect the jet ski but wouldn't be much fun on the boat!
Apparently the BBQ is good stuff and you definitely get to the beach.
The Jet ski is expensive too - although if I do manage to share a ski that would be better - but maybe then I wouldn't get to drive it.
I really like the idea of the excitement and adventure of the jet ski, getting closer to the nature, and seeing places people usually don't see.
Hmmmmm......
Friday 4 June 2010
2 Flights booked...1 to go
Have managed to book my flight form Alice Springs to Cairns. One of the most important to do early as there are only about 3 flights a day doing that route directly and REALLY need to fly that afternoon or it mucks up the scuba etc. Booked with Qantas.
Went to book the flight I found from Hamilton Island (out of the Whitsundays) to Sydney and found a cheaper one operated by Jetstar than the one I found previously by Virgin Blue. Quite a bit cheaper even with the extra AUS$10 so I can have luggage so feeling pretty smug. it also leaves 5mins later than the the other one and gets in earlier...loving the logic.....
All this thanks to the great website "I want that flight"
Salty Sea Dogs Kayaking finally replied to my email and it turns out their website is out of date. They now do tours everyday so am all booked up for the morning before I leave - and they assure me ll have no trouble catching the ferry to get to the island on time. Fingers crossed :)
Monday 3 May 2010
Scuba sorted
Next on the "big money" list has been sorted - I'm booked onto my 3day/2night Ocean Referral Course in Cairns, whoop!
I looked around at a few courses but one of the few that did the PADI referral (instead of their own version) were these guys - Pro Dive. The Referral course means that you can do all your class and pool work in one location and then complete your actual dives somewhere else. I did consider taking longer for the course in Cairns but it would have taken up almost a week of travelling so thought it would be better to do it this way.
I been spending a lot of time recently on tripadvisor.co.uk (so much time in fact I have a link in my top tool bar) and there were some great things said, lots of photos and even a video on this website - it's written by a couple who are taking a break from their careers and having a year of adventure - well worth a look.
The diving is the single most expensive thing of my entire trip (apart from the flight!) but definitely up there on my top 5 list-of-things-to-do-ever so worth it I feel. I then followed that up by investigating a good place to do the classroom and pool work here and have found a place in Bristol (Subaquaholics) that runs the classes on Wednesday and Thursday nights. It'll take me 5 weeks to complete so will be starting that quite soon to allow for work/illness/car not starting and will keep you up to date with progress.
I've also been scouting round for accommodation in Cairns for the night before and the night after my trip. There are quite a few to choose from depending on what you're after. I basically want to avoid being in a huge studenty-party scene (I'm 29 people, I need sleep!) but still want chilled out & laid back.
Originally I was hoping to stay at Traveller's Oasis which came highly recommended by just about everyone (Lonely Planet make it their 'our pick') but who, sadly, cannot accommodate you unless you are staying for 2 nights consecutively. I used the booking system before they sent me a very nice email explaining it. It's their busiest time apparently so understandable.
My next choice was the Northern Greenhouse, one of the 'Greenhouse Backpacker' group. After my previous experience I emailed them first and got a very speedy response saying that it was fine to stay for the 2 separate nights so have booked in. The only problem is I do miss the airport transfers; however I've since discovered the airport is only 10-15mins outside of town so I can't see that being a huge problem (famous last words????).
Next things to sort are accommodation in Airlie Beach (Whitsundays) and out how I'm getting from Melbourne to Adelaide. There's a couple of 3 day tours that look good but I'm not sure about the timings, Flying is the other option, which means I'll have to sort out some exploring of the G.O.R (Great Ocean Road) by myself. Fortunately I'm staying with my friend Dee when I'm in Melbourne and we're hopefully going to be able to do cool stuff together (her family have a beach house on Phillip Island - there's penguins!!!) as well as getting some ideas for other things. Although, obviously, the 'Neighbours' tour is still at the top of the list :)
I looked around at a few courses but one of the few that did the PADI referral (instead of their own version) were these guys - Pro Dive. The Referral course means that you can do all your class and pool work in one location and then complete your actual dives somewhere else. I did consider taking longer for the course in Cairns but it would have taken up almost a week of travelling so thought it would be better to do it this way.
I been spending a lot of time recently on tripadvisor.co.uk (so much time in fact I have a link in my top tool bar) and there were some great things said, lots of photos and even a video on this website - it's written by a couple who are taking a break from their careers and having a year of adventure - well worth a look.
The diving is the single most expensive thing of my entire trip (apart from the flight!) but definitely up there on my top 5 list-of-things-to-do-ever so worth it I feel. I then followed that up by investigating a good place to do the classroom and pool work here and have found a place in Bristol (Subaquaholics) that runs the classes on Wednesday and Thursday nights. It'll take me 5 weeks to complete so will be starting that quite soon to allow for work/illness/car not starting and will keep you up to date with progress.
I've also been scouting round for accommodation in Cairns for the night before and the night after my trip. There are quite a few to choose from depending on what you're after. I basically want to avoid being in a huge studenty-party scene (I'm 29 people, I need sleep!) but still want chilled out & laid back.
Originally I was hoping to stay at Traveller's Oasis which came highly recommended by just about everyone (Lonely Planet make it their 'our pick') but who, sadly, cannot accommodate you unless you are staying for 2 nights consecutively. I used the booking system before they sent me a very nice email explaining it. It's their busiest time apparently so understandable.
My next choice was the Northern Greenhouse, one of the 'Greenhouse Backpacker' group. After my previous experience I emailed them first and got a very speedy response saying that it was fine to stay for the 2 separate nights so have booked in. The only problem is I do miss the airport transfers; however I've since discovered the airport is only 10-15mins outside of town so I can't see that being a huge problem (famous last words????).
Next things to sort are accommodation in Airlie Beach (Whitsundays) and out how I'm getting from Melbourne to Adelaide. There's a couple of 3 day tours that look good but I'm not sure about the timings, Flying is the other option, which means I'll have to sort out some exploring of the G.O.R (Great Ocean Road) by myself. Fortunately I'm staying with my friend Dee when I'm in Melbourne and we're hopefully going to be able to do cool stuff together (her family have a beach house on Phillip Island - there's penguins!!!) as well as getting some ideas for other things. Although, obviously, the 'Neighbours' tour is still at the top of the list :)
Wednesday 28 April 2010
Back on track....so to speak
After some deep thought and weighing up the options I have finally decided on an East Coast plan - huzzah!
As I can't fly the day after I've finished diving (not until the afternoon anyway - and there are no flights then) and there was nothing in particular I wanted to do - except the night markets which I can do regardless - I decided that I might as well spend the day travelling to Airlie Beach (Whitsundays).
It's roughly an 11 hour journey - by train or bus but, for some unfathomable reason, nobody runs an overnight service of any variety. There's a gap in the market if ever I saw one. Still, I had the choice between train and coach and picked the train as it worked out about the same price but will hopefully be a pleasanter experience. Just hoping that the earlier journey to Alice Springs won't have put me off!
It gets me into Airlie (well Prosperine and then onto Airlie by coach (1hr)) at around 9:30pm, not much time to get my bearings but good enough to find my accommodation and sleep.
This has all meant a fun evening looking at the Day Tours I now actually have time to do. I have also decided to take the mid-afternoon flight to Sydney the next day to give me time to do something in the morning.
The 'something in the morning' is Sea Kayaking. When I was looking for day things that started late this cropped up as a possibility. It's run by Salty Sea Dog Kayaking and they do a half day tour which gets you back at 12:30. Which gives me time to pick up my bags and get the ferry to Hamilton Island for my flight to Sydney.
I'm trying to pick between a a few of the full day tours at the mo. Here's the three front runners:
Reefjet Whitehaven & Whitsundays
Big Fury Island Tour
Mantaray All in One Day
Going to do some scouting around for reviews etc before making a final decision. They all avoid visiting resorts which is good, and you get to see a lot of the islands, plus they all offer free accommodation transfer and I'll be back in time to enjoy a meal, a stroll and some of Airlie's night life to boot:)
I've had fun trying to find travel to and from this area. Some airlines fly out and not in. Some go from Hamilton Island (where there is a big resort - but most of the tours go from the mainland and require a 45min ferry ride) 1 flies into Airlie beach and the another flies into Whitsunday Coast - which is actually nowhere near the coast and is otherwise known as Prosperine (where the train arrives) confusing huh?
All this has means a night missed in Sydney so I'll be ringing STA/the hostel and telling them of my new arrival ASAP.
I feel a lot less stressed now. Which is a good thing as, above everything, I want this holiday to be relaxing and fun - I'm totally excited at the minute just planning it!
P.S I started my packing list....is that too early?????
As I can't fly the day after I've finished diving (not until the afternoon anyway - and there are no flights then) and there was nothing in particular I wanted to do - except the night markets which I can do regardless - I decided that I might as well spend the day travelling to Airlie Beach (Whitsundays).
It's roughly an 11 hour journey - by train or bus but, for some unfathomable reason, nobody runs an overnight service of any variety. There's a gap in the market if ever I saw one. Still, I had the choice between train and coach and picked the train as it worked out about the same price but will hopefully be a pleasanter experience. Just hoping that the earlier journey to Alice Springs won't have put me off!
It gets me into Airlie (well Prosperine and then onto Airlie by coach (1hr)) at around 9:30pm, not much time to get my bearings but good enough to find my accommodation and sleep.
This has all meant a fun evening looking at the Day Tours I now actually have time to do. I have also decided to take the mid-afternoon flight to Sydney the next day to give me time to do something in the morning.
The 'something in the morning' is Sea Kayaking. When I was looking for day things that started late this cropped up as a possibility. It's run by Salty Sea Dog Kayaking and they do a half day tour which gets you back at 12:30. Which gives me time to pick up my bags and get the ferry to Hamilton Island for my flight to Sydney.
I'm trying to pick between a a few of the full day tours at the mo. Here's the three front runners:
Reefjet Whitehaven & Whitsundays
Big Fury Island Tour
Mantaray All in One Day
Going to do some scouting around for reviews etc before making a final decision. They all avoid visiting resorts which is good, and you get to see a lot of the islands, plus they all offer free accommodation transfer and I'll be back in time to enjoy a meal, a stroll and some of Airlie's night life to boot:)
I've had fun trying to find travel to and from this area. Some airlines fly out and not in. Some go from Hamilton Island (where there is a big resort - but most of the tours go from the mainland and require a 45min ferry ride) 1 flies into Airlie beach and the another flies into Whitsunday Coast - which is actually nowhere near the coast and is otherwise known as Prosperine (where the train arrives) confusing huh?
All this has means a night missed in Sydney so I'll be ringing STA/the hostel and telling them of my new arrival ASAP.
I feel a lot less stressed now. Which is a good thing as, above everything, I want this holiday to be relaxing and fun - I'm totally excited at the minute just planning it!
P.S I started my packing list....is that too early?????
Tuesday 27 April 2010
Brain ache
So after having a rethink of the scuba location - and doing some research - have decided that really its going to be better doing my course in Cairns. Because, despite the excellent looking h20 sportz there really isn't a lot of choice to do the referral course (in fact they were almost the only PADI certificated one I found!) which also include the extra dives etc.
Instead I've been looking at delaying my arrival in Sydney by a day and flying to the Whitsundays to spend a day exploring round the islands and spending some time on the amazing beaches.
I did look at Fraser Island for a while (STA recommended it, along with some other people) but, as I only really have a day I'd rather spend it out in the sun on the water than in a 4WD.Although there were some cool safari-type trips available exploring the flora & Fauna of Fraser, the Whitsundays has one out for sheer beauty and the timings of the trips (which will mean I can fly in early stay one night and fly out early the next day).
Am now I'm ploughing through the websites trying to find an ideal day trip - that leaves late enough for me to catch it if I fly. However trying to find an alternative to that - hopefully a bus goes overnight!
There are some fantastic looking trips for great prices, trying to go to some of the more out of the way places - like Hook or border island, as wells getting to walk along the amazing Whitehaven beach (98% silica you know!) I'll put some options up when I've sorted out the travel and narrowed down the choices....
Instead I've been looking at delaying my arrival in Sydney by a day and flying to the Whitsundays to spend a day exploring round the islands and spending some time on the amazing beaches.
I did look at Fraser Island for a while (STA recommended it, along with some other people) but, as I only really have a day I'd rather spend it out in the sun on the water than in a 4WD.Although there were some cool safari-type trips available exploring the flora & Fauna of Fraser, the Whitsundays has one out for sheer beauty and the timings of the trips (which will mean I can fly in early stay one night and fly out early the next day).
Am now I'm ploughing through the websites trying to find an ideal day trip - that leaves late enough for me to catch it if I fly. However trying to find an alternative to that - hopefully a bus goes overnight!
There are some fantastic looking trips for great prices, trying to go to some of the more out of the way places - like Hook or border island, as wells getting to walk along the amazing Whitehaven beach (98% silica you know!) I'll put some options up when I've sorted out the travel and narrowed down the choices....
Wednesday 7 April 2010
Diving rethink
Ever since I started planning this trip I have been set on the idea of diving the Great Barrier Reef (or GBR to those in the know!) and Cairns seemed the ideal spot to do this. I've done all the research found the best referral course I can and all seems set to go as this is the month I've penciled in to pay for it.
However, I've spoken to quite a few folks recently and the general opinion seems to be that if you can't hang around for long then you're better off visiting the Whitsunday's rather than just cruising around the Northern part.
So I've decided to do some looking into diving further south, in particular, closer to Fraser island as this is one of my 'secondary' places I would like to visit - mostly to see what all the hype is about and see if I can spot a dingo...or a shark!
The other option I'm thinking about is changing my arrival date in Sydney and spending longer heading down the coast (at present have 5 nights booked in Sydney - 3 of which were included in my flight!) and then I can do a bit of both. Hmmm, tricky decisions that need to be made this week.
Right, back to the web and the lonely planet it is then.
However, I've spoken to quite a few folks recently and the general opinion seems to be that if you can't hang around for long then you're better off visiting the Whitsunday's rather than just cruising around the Northern part.
So I've decided to do some looking into diving further south, in particular, closer to Fraser island as this is one of my 'secondary' places I would like to visit - mostly to see what all the hype is about and see if I can spot a dingo...or a shark!
The other option I'm thinking about is changing my arrival date in Sydney and spending longer heading down the coast (at present have 5 nights booked in Sydney - 3 of which were included in my flight!) and then I can do a bit of both. Hmmm, tricky decisions that need to be made this week.
Right, back to the web and the lonely planet it is then.
Friday 26 March 2010
Ridin' the Rails!
wOOt!!
FINALLY managed to book my train ticket from Adelaide to Alice Springs. The trick?
Trusty old credit card - apparently the fraud features aren't quite as responsive as the ones on your bank account!
I have my seat number and everything - wonder if that's on seat guru :)
Next up - booking the Scuba. More details on that later. For now am feeling chipper and about to head into town for a colleagues leaving do - she's sailing off on her boat to cool adventures - very nice :)
FINALLY managed to book my train ticket from Adelaide to Alice Springs. The trick?
Trusty old credit card - apparently the fraud features aren't quite as responsive as the ones on your bank account!
I have my seat number and everything - wonder if that's on seat guru :)
Next up - booking the Scuba. More details on that later. For now am feeling chipper and about to head into town for a colleagues leaving do - she's sailing off on her boat to cool adventures - very nice :)
Tuesday 2 March 2010
Alice accomodation
In the ongoing saga of the train ticket - I rang the helpline, they are very helpful! However they aren't able to book the internet saver fare so they suggested I email the reswebhelp and tell them the issue. So I have duly done so and now await the reply......
I also booked my Alice Springs accomodation, I had emailed form the website on Saturday and it said they'd reply within 24hours. So I rang this evening (Tues morning there) as I hadn't heard anything and they'd only just got the email - speedy internet! However all is fine and I'm now booked into the place that I told the tour company I would be staying at so feeling pretty smug :)
I looked around a few places there - most of the ones suggested in Lonely planet - and some that came from the list of pick-up points on The Rock Tours website, and have decided on Alice's Secret Traveller's Inn. Highly recommended in the lonely planet and also small, good as I'm trying to avoid a heavily studenty-party-groupy atmosphere!
Hehehe....really feels like its going to happen!
I also booked my Alice Springs accomodation, I had emailed form the website on Saturday and it said they'd reply within 24hours. So I rang this evening (Tues morning there) as I hadn't heard anything and they'd only just got the email - speedy internet! However all is fine and I'm now booked into the place that I told the tour company I would be staying at so feeling pretty smug :)
I looked around a few places there - most of the ones suggested in Lonely planet - and some that came from the list of pick-up points on The Rock Tours website, and have decided on Alice's Secret Traveller's Inn. Highly recommended in the lonely planet and also small, good as I'm trying to avoid a heavily studenty-party-groupy atmosphere!
Hehehe....really feels like its going to happen!
Saturday 27 February 2010
Tour Confirmed :)
wOOt! Just got the email through to say I've been booked on the Rock Tour - Yey!
Tried to ring the train company - despite what it says on GSR website - they are not open on a Sunday!
Tried to ring the train company - despite what it says on GSR website - they are not open on a Sunday!
Booking the Rock Tour
Hopefully accomplished this morning. After all the faff trying and failing to book the train it seems that booking the Rock Tour is no hassle and provokes no 'fraud line' calls at all. Result!
The tour I have booked goes from Alice and back to Alice - although I did have to tell them where I wanted to be picked from, which caused more delving around (think I've found somewhere - tried to go with one of the places for a later pick-up!). Checked around with a few companies online and in Lonely Planet including:
Wayout back - cool 'cos eco & 4x4 - but pricey
and have decided to go with The Rock Tour. Yes, it's the cheapest but it's also recommended in Lonely Planet and, apart from a difference of direction, most of the tours that involve camping under the stars and hiking are fairly similar. I'm not out for comfort whilst travelling this area - I want a real and raw experience.
Am awaiting an email back form the hostel I want to stay in in Alice and then I need to to work out exactly how I'm supposed to pay for the train ticket!
Rest of the plane and now for train.
So, it's pay day and I've paid off the rest of my plane ticket/Sydney accomodation so now onto my train ticket form Adelaide to Alice Springs.
I made my way to the GSR website (from my one note link) and on to the booking page. Good, the online deal was still there! Filled in my details, pressed confirm...and.....nothing - apart form a note saying there ahd been a problem and it had been declined..hmmm.
So I hesitantly tried again, messed up my phone number, and then tried again - and still it came back with declined.Nuts.
Well, I thought, so much for that. I was going to ring but the office would be shut.
Then I checked my phone and there was a missed call and an automated message claiming to be from Barclays Fraud Line. Flippin' eck.
So I spent the next 10mins online trying to work out iof the number was genuine - with no real help. So in the end rang barclays through the usual number to try and confim if it was the real deal. I just love the way when you're freaked out about Fraud stuff they then make you give almost ALL your account details in order that they can check if it was indeed a genuine phone number - WHAT??? Surely they know the b****y number of their own fraud line regardless if I'm speaking to 'Kevin' in India and the fraud line had an English accent.
Anyway, finally confirmed that it was in fact genuine and had to confirm that yes it was me who tried to purchase that ticket. She then tried to 'sell' me new products and apparently had no idea that I'm NOT paying full whack on my interest and I CAN use my Debit card abroad. I very politely corrected her on these points and then she all but hung up on ME. Makes a change!
The long and the short of it (after trying again to purchse one and receinving yet another automated call) is that I obviously can't purchase a ticket over the internet (worries me for booking everything else now!) so am now trying to come up with an alternative. I really want to book it ASAP as a lot hinges on getting that train - especially as it only runs twice a week! Maybe my Dee could book it for me.....
I made my way to the GSR website (from my one note link) and on to the booking page. Good, the online deal was still there! Filled in my details, pressed confirm...and.....nothing - apart form a note saying there ahd been a problem and it had been declined..hmmm.
So I hesitantly tried again, messed up my phone number, and then tried again - and still it came back with declined.Nuts.
Well, I thought, so much for that. I was going to ring but the office would be shut.
Then I checked my phone and there was a missed call and an automated message claiming to be from Barclays Fraud Line. Flippin' eck.
So I spent the next 10mins online trying to work out iof the number was genuine - with no real help. So in the end rang barclays through the usual number to try and confim if it was the real deal. I just love the way when you're freaked out about Fraud stuff they then make you give almost ALL your account details in order that they can check if it was indeed a genuine phone number - WHAT??? Surely they know the b****y number of their own fraud line regardless if I'm speaking to 'Kevin' in India and the fraud line had an English accent.
Anyway, finally confirmed that it was in fact genuine and had to confirm that yes it was me who tried to purchase that ticket. She then tried to 'sell' me new products and apparently had no idea that I'm NOT paying full whack on my interest and I CAN use my Debit card abroad. I very politely corrected her on these points and then she all but hung up on ME. Makes a change!
The long and the short of it (after trying again to purchse one and receinving yet another automated call) is that I obviously can't purchase a ticket over the internet (worries me for booking everything else now!) so am now trying to come up with an alternative. I really want to book it ASAP as a lot hinges on getting that train - especially as it only runs twice a week! Maybe my Dee could book it for me.....
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