An early start for Kim who took the great ocean road tour to see the sights including the 12 apostles. Myself I decided to explore Melbourne by foot and Tram. I wanted to tour the MCG but unfortunately was unable to as it was closed for an expo (Totally gutted). Instead I took the old tram 35 which circles the CBD area this is free and includes a commentary which for the tourists tells you about the many areas and the buildings it passes. All trams in the CBD are free to promote public transport. This is a great way to get around the city.
Melbourne marina
Melbourne CBDMy favourite area in Melbourne was the Docklands area with its shopping mall and the Docks itself with its high rise structures towering adjacent to the water. Littered with Bars restaurants and shops this a great place to spend the afternoon. From fish and chip booths to high end restaurants there’s something for everyone. During the evening we stayed local to our hotel on bourke. Visiting Clara bar and the Elephant and Wheelbarrow.
The later had a singer who was very good. Check out my YouTube videos @Kevinbrook8759 . https://youtu.be/BZ_CATBoxWQ?feature=shared
Another early start after breakfast we set of to Alice Springs by air from Melbourne. Flying Quantus a smooth 2 hour 30 minutes flight.
Arriving at Alice Springs the temperature in the outback was 38°. We visited the Flying Doctor service . The Outback School of the air and the original Telegraph centre. All very interesting and informative.
In the evening we had a rodeo bbq evening with excellent steaks scrumptious salads and copious amounts of wine and beer. We were entertained by the locals who chatted about life on the ranch over the years. And enjoyed a sing song around the camp fire. We were showed how to make bread laced with rum. We’ll yummy when we tried it. What another great day but a tiring one. Bed by 9.30pm.
Arriving in Uluru before sunset we had a tour of Ayres rock and a picnic with sparkling wine to view the rock in all its splendour as the sun set. We probably didn’t get the best experience as the clouds had set in first. But a picturesque scene none the less. A drive back to our hotel and a few pints sealed a wonderful day.
Our brief but fun time in the outback was over. We then headed to the local airport for our 3 flights to Cairns. Yes 3 . Sydney Brisbane Cairns. Arriving at around 9pm. It had been a long day for sure.
Cairns and the Great barrier reef. A scorching hot day and yet another early start saw us travelling by foot after breakfast to the marina where we picked up a large catamaran to the great barrier reef. A purpose built pontoon the size of about 3 football pitches awaited us. Water sports, snorkelling, swimming etc. A glass bottom boat, a submersible and a helicopter ride were on offer. We had lunch on the catamaran and enjoyed a relaxing and again informative day out in the ocean. Yet again a hot one! The trip to and from the reef was a tad choppy to say the least. Alot of the people on board required the use of the sick bags. Yuck.
We had booked a trip to the rainforest with a exciting cable car suspended over the forests curtain. 2 stops n route we learnt from the forest guides about the wildlife in the rainforest including a tree kangaroo! This trip is a must in Cairns. Deep into the forest is a small town called Kuranda This town relies heavily on tourists from the Sky train and the impressive railway which we used to return to Cairns. The railway is one of the most impressive for views I have ever been on. Its definitely got the wow factor.
Another early start and a flight this time with Virgin Australia to Sydney. At least the weather was still lovely in Sydney. Unfortunately though our hotel was undergoing renovations so no lounge bar or restaurant. As it was all sheeted of. We were not best pleased. The room was large and spacious and had obviously just been renovated too. We decided to venture out to the harbour which at first glance was impressive and very vibrant. We had an absolutely fantastic meal in a New Orleans style restaurant on the harbour side.
After a breakfast in a nearby coffee shop restaurant as ours was shut as explained. We all met up for a tour of Sydney including the impressive Opera House where we were treated to a guided tour inside which included listening to some of the artists performing their repertoire. We also went on a cruise around the harbour which gave us the opportunity to take some fantastic memorable pictures. Our trip with a fantastic group of people was concluded with a lovely meal on our last night.
While in Sydney we managed to squeeze in trips to Manly by ferry. A lovely stunning beach resort. A bus trip to Bondi Beach followed and a lot of walking in-between. Sydney is a large stunning metropolis and takes a few days to see it all.
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