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.
Showing posts with label Australia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Australia. Show all posts
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:)
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.
Wednesday, 21 July 2010
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.
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!
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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