16th February 2007 - Melbourne
Today we travel to Australia - we can't believ that the South-East Asia leg of our trip is over already but are both looking forward to the change of pace and scenery that Australia will bring. Got to Melbourne with no problems; after the 10-hour bus journeys a 6-hour flight is a doddle. On arrival at Melbourne we get the Sky Bus to the city and then a free transfer to our hostel (Nomads Industry) which was great. The hostel is a bit like being in a Halls of Residence but we have a good size double room and it is quiet so will be fine for a few nights. 17th February 2007 - Melbourne We spend a quiet day in sunny Melbourne. It is a bit of a strange city as it is very spread out and the area that the hostel is in is very quiet and all the cafes are shut. We visit the Victoria markets this morning then head down to the shopping area for a few cheap t-shirts. We treat ourselves to a trip to the pictures on the evening to watch 'Blood Diamond' which we both really enjoyed.
18th February 2007 - Melbourne Had a good lie in today as we are both a bit jetlagged from the time difference between Cambodia and Oz. We eventually find a nice cafe for breakfast but then have to wait an age to get our food. It is very hot (around 38 degrees) and Daniel is very grumpy! This is not helped by the multitude of flies that constantly buzz around your head. We have a nice afternoon however and go for a walk through the Botanical Gardens which are not only very beautiful but also free! 19th February 2007 - Port Fairy Today we pick up the camper van and are both looking forward to leaving Melbourne and getting out on the open road. The camper is rather on the small and old side but will do. Daniel did well driving it, especially as we both couldn't stop laughing.
After navigating our way back to Melbourne to get our bags and do some food shopping we head out. We drove west along the highway to Port Fairy, a rather quaint fishing town which forms the start of the western side of the Great Ocean Road. It is very quiet and no one is around. The high streets we have passed so far are really old fashioned: a cross between and small American Main Street with a 1950's English seaside town, complete with Milk Bars. 20th February 2007 - Lorne via The Great Ocean Road We had a lovely day driving down the Great Ocean Road which is as beautiful as it sounds. We stopped off at a couple of the sites where the water has corroded the limestone cliffs including the Grooto and Twelve Apostles. Much of the area is Aboriginal land and you have to be very respectful as you visit it - you are not even allowed to take a seashell home.
We camped in the town of Lorne which is very pretty but very expensive! There are cockatoos that live in the campsite trees that screech like they are being mudered. It is like overnighting in Jurassic Park and you get not the most pleasant early morning wake up call! More thumbnails ...
Latest Comments (1)
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Bet you enjoy driving there... (reply)
Mar 9, 2007 02:33 EST by gileshinton
Wow - I can remember Sydney - if Melbourne and the surrounding area are anything similar, I'm hoping you find that it's the most pleasant country to drive in in the world I reckon!
Everyone signals (even BMW drivers), they're all polite - I didn't see a single case of roadrage over a 500 mile drive. Glad to hear you're both still doing well.
Dan will be amused to hear I've bough... show all
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