We've just looked at camper vans. Spoke to a few people about whats best to buy and how much different ones would be. We spoke to the hire company we had just used to get from Melbourne and he showed us one he had for sale. It was 9 year old Toyota Hiace hitop camper, white and he was getting it ready for it MOT. We said we'd have a chat and call back later.
We started to get thing ready for when Emma, Hannah's friend was arriving on the 21st. We looked at other accommodation for us as the hostel we were in was noisy. Hannah had not got a good first nights sleep as there was a large group of Irish yobs drinking, cheering and singing all night. We found out later that they are a team over here playing Gaelic football.
On the 20th we got a txt from Emma to say she had arrived in Cairns airport a day early. Hannah was excited to see her. Emma arrived and said she didn't want to stay in Sydney for the night as planned, coz it was grey, cold and raining. So we got her a room in the hostel with us and had a beer to celebrate her arrival. We got a car for the next couple of days to visit the Daintree and Cape Tribulation (oldest rain forest in the world). Also we have decided to buy our camper van, we pick it up on Wednesday.
Tuesday 24 July 2007
Monday 23 July 2007
Drivin to Cairns
So after Sidney bridge we drove to Gosford about an hour out. It was getting late in the day and the light had gone. It was about 6pm. Tourist info was closed with no help we stopped in a motel the night as we could find a camp site. We had pizza and relaxed from the drive. We spent the next few days driving about 6 to 7 hours a day doing about 650-700km. We stopped off in campsites in Tenterfield, which was up in the hills/mountains and we awoke to -5 temperatures. There was frost on the grass outside and the windscreen was covered in ice. Then stopped in Childers and nice small place. Then Mackay we found a nice beach side camp site for only $20. We were out walking around the campsite that night and found 2 possums following us around. our last night was at a really small place called Cardwell about 2 hours from Cairns. This village had a shop, petrol station, a few more shops and about 30 houses all along one street. It was really close to the beach and the camp site owners had just bought it last week. We arrived in to Cairns for lunch time and found a hostel with a pool as its now 20 degrees with the sun shinning. The things well take from our journey are we drove the length of the east coast of Australia in under 7 days, covering over 4000km and visited the states of Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. We saw the change of lush area to freezing mountains and then dry light brown fields. plus all the campers we meet along the way were really really friendly. Had a great time driving up.
Friday 20 July 2007
Journey from Melbourne to Sydney, on the way to Cairns
So since our last blog, we had got our camper van from Melbourne and started driving to Cairns. We had only 7 days to make and we did. We drove from Melbourne up the Hyme highway towards Canberra. We left a sunny day in Melbourne after several days of rain( nothing like the rain you lot have been having). We drove to a place about 1hour and a half from Canberra to camp for the night. We arrived after dark and the only other camp site had closed, its was 06:10. So we parked the van, hooked up the electricity and decided to go to KFC for dinner, but couldn't find it so we settled for McDonald's. Our reasons for eating there was 1. we found we only had 1 gas burner for cooking and we had driven for about 7 hours.
The next morning we were woken by the cockatoos and other noisy birds. It was about 6ish and still dark. At 7 we got up a bit cold this morning, we had a shower, got some brekky and set off to Canberra. We arrived about 10ish and visited Parliament, well we drove passed it and to a photo. Its a nice place to see but there is nothing other than nice building and gardens to see. So we carried on to Sydney. We got to Sydney just in time for rush hour on a Friday. Fantastic! We navigated through the heart of Sydney, coz we took the wrong turn and then found our selves on Sydney Harbour bridge. It was great to see and we had a peek at what we'll see when we visit Sydney properly after Xmas.
The next morning we were woken by the cockatoos and other noisy birds. It was about 6ish and still dark. At 7 we got up a bit cold this morning, we had a shower, got some brekky and set off to Canberra. We arrived about 10ish and visited Parliament, well we drove passed it and to a photo. Its a nice place to see but there is nothing other than nice building and gardens to see. So we carried on to Sydney. We got to Sydney just in time for rush hour on a Friday. Fantastic! We navigated through the heart of Sydney, coz we took the wrong turn and then found our selves on Sydney Harbour bridge. It was great to see and we had a peek at what we'll see when we visit Sydney properly after Xmas.
Tuesday 10 July 2007
Just booked a campervan to drive to Cairns 11th July 2007
So since Thursday we have Scott and Joanna back with us. They have started to unpack and get back to real life for them. We have not done that much. Its now Wednesday and we have just chilled out and planned our next adventure to Cairns.
Emma, Hannah's friend from repping is flying over to meet us for a Holiday in Cairns. So there will be the three of us doing:the great barrier reef (I really want to try some diving and Hannah's wanting to snorkel), we are wanting to sail around the Whitsundays island and if we have time with Emma here go to the further north point of Australia.
Sorry we have been a little behind but we are going to try and keep it as up to date as we can. WE are having a great time in Melbourne but we are really excited to be starting our trip to Cairns tomorrow. We have booked a camper van to drive to Cairns, its about 3200km around 40 hours in 7 days. This is going to be great. Its part of a relocation programme for the camper companies. They need it in Cairns and we get it for $1 per day fee and $200 fuel allowance to help us. We only decided today to drive tomorrow rather than flying. Just winging it.
Emma, Hannah's friend from repping is flying over to meet us for a Holiday in Cairns. So there will be the three of us doing:the great barrier reef (I really want to try some diving and Hannah's wanting to snorkel), we are wanting to sail around the Whitsundays island and if we have time with Emma here go to the further north point of Australia.
Sorry we have been a little behind but we are going to try and keep it as up to date as we can. WE are having a great time in Melbourne but we are really excited to be starting our trip to Cairns tomorrow. We have booked a camper van to drive to Cairns, its about 3200km around 40 hours in 7 days. This is going to be great. Its part of a relocation programme for the camper companies. They need it in Cairns and we get it for $1 per day fee and $200 fuel allowance to help us. We only decided today to drive tomorrow rather than flying. Just winging it.
Pixar exhibition 5th July 2007
We went to see the Pixar exhibition in Melbourne today. Its a gallery and moving image presentation of all the things they have done. We saw lots of drawings and clay models of characters from Toy Story, Bugs Life, Cars, The Incredible and Finding Nemo. We saw what come of them might have looked like such as Sully from Monsters Inc. We just had a fun day being a kid.
Then to finish our day we went to watch "Knocked up" at the cinema. Its really funny and well worth going to see.
Then to finish our day we went to watch "Knocked up" at the cinema. Its really funny and well worth going to see.
Hobart to Melbourne 3rd July 2007
We had breakfast and drove to the airport. Checked in and went through security. We had for got to pack a bread knife that we'd used for making our pack up, so we through it away. The security guard was a really nice bloke he asked us what we'd been up to and where we had visited in Tasmania. Then talked with us for about 20 minutes about places we need to come back and see. Where he had been in England and Europe, but then said we better go before missing our flight. Nice bloke.
Got back to Melbourne about 2pm, so we had luch out and decided not to do much for the rest of the day.
Got back to Melbourne about 2pm, so we had luch out and decided not to do much for the rest of the day.
Straham to Hobart 2nd July 2007
So we started to headed back to Hobart in the south. We are going to pass Queenstown and Franklin river. As we drove towards Queenstown we mountain vegetation started to disappear as people had told us it will. This is because the area was a huge area for mining. Something about the sulphur rising up through the ground a killing everything. The town itself was a little village with old tin roofed shed like houses. Didn't stop long, we just drove around to see the area and filled up with petrol. We stopped at Nelsons falls next which was a short walk down a forest path. Before we reached the falls we could hear it. It was massive, with the spray of thousands of litres of water crashing onto the rocks near us. Took some pitcures and watched it for a while before going to our next stop, Frenchmans cap.
Here is a 5 day hike through forests, over rivers and fields of mud. So we decided without the right equipment we will just do the 20minute walk to the suspension bridge over Franklin River. This river is famous for the best and most dangerous water rafting in the world. We got the bridge and found a wire suspension bridge a bit like the 1 on "I'm a celebrity, get me out of here" challenges. So I filmed Hannah as she walked to the other side then joined her. She was a bit scared at the time but after she said she was glad she had done it. As a reward we drove to and stopped for ice cream in Hamilton.
Back in Hobart we found a nice 1920's family run hotel for the night. It was very nice and clean with a lot of the original fixtures and fitting. We watched the Diana concert on TV and went to bed. I heard a few strange noises in the night but didn't want to wake Hannah. In the morning in day light we chatted about the hotel might have a few ghosts, as Hannah had heard noisy floor boards and doors throughout the night too.
Here is a 5 day hike through forests, over rivers and fields of mud. So we decided without the right equipment we will just do the 20minute walk to the suspension bridge over Franklin River. This river is famous for the best and most dangerous water rafting in the world. We got the bridge and found a wire suspension bridge a bit like the 1 on "I'm a celebrity, get me out of here" challenges. So I filmed Hannah as she walked to the other side then joined her. She was a bit scared at the time but after she said she was glad she had done it. As a reward we drove to and stopped for ice cream in Hamilton.
Back in Hobart we found a nice 1920's family run hotel for the night. It was very nice and clean with a lot of the original fixtures and fitting. We watched the Diana concert on TV and went to bed. I heard a few strange noises in the night but didn't want to wake Hannah. In the morning in day light we chatted about the hotel might have a few ghosts, as Hannah had heard noisy floor boards and doors throughout the night too.
From Cradle Mountain to Straham 1st July 2007
Woke up this morning with about an inch of snow on the ground and decided to build a snowman before leaving the cabin. Hannah wanted to scrape the ice from the car windows and we went to check out. I spoke to a man we meet last night about a young couple in a green car. He said that the car had just done a 360 spin into the reception car park. I told Hannah and she said that the car had sped off, out of the car park. As we drove down the drive we saw the young couple walking back up the drive. As we got around the corner we saw their car in the ditch at the side of the road and the skid marks showing how it had skidded of sideways. Proper idiots. Hannah wouldn't let me take a photo, so we drove on to Lake Dove and did a few short walks around the area. We spotted 2 wallabies eating in the field as we walked around and I think I saw a wombat running for cover.
After the walks in the snow we drove on to Straham passing through a place called Rosebury. As we pulled up for supplies we saw on the general stores windows with posters saying"Do be ill in our town we can not look after you" so we thought its not to inviting here and the locals in the pie didn't say too much either. So we drove on to Straham. We found a nice place, cheap and warm in a static caravan for the night.
After the walks in the snow we drove on to Straham passing through a place called Rosebury. As we pulled up for supplies we saw on the general stores windows with posters saying"Do be ill in our town we can not look after you" so we thought its not to inviting here and the locals in the pie didn't say too much either. So we drove on to Straham. We found a nice place, cheap and warm in a static caravan for the night.
Birthday Boy 30th June 2007
Woke up with sore heads but that's OK its my birthday. Cos its the end of June I never had a bad weather on this day. Always sunny and BBQ weather. So we woke up to a frosty and misty morning. Got in the car and drove west towards Cradle Mountain. We drove down a road that changed into a track until we got to Liffey falls. We walked through the rain forest to where we saw a large cliff face with a nice waterfall. As its my birthday I climbed over a fence and on to the rocks near the falls for a photo. On our way down to the falls we saw a wallaby just standing on the path. Hannah was surprised to see it and jumped which scared the wallaby sending it jumping as fast as it could into the forest.
We then drove on to Mole creek, home of the Solomons caves and Marakoopa caves. Large stalagmite and stalactite caves. Which we also home to the glow worms. Before we ventured in to the caves we stopped at a honey farm to taste the honey but it was closed because its Saturday. So we took funny pictures of Hannah and I with those boards you stick your face through a hole. So we were the queen bee, but with our faces. A bit of a laugh for us.
Inside the caves we saw loads of stuff, but the best thing was when we stopped in a chamber and the guide turned the lights off and the next thing we could see was thousands of green flashing lights about 5 meters above us, which were the glow worms. Really cool to see them.
The weather changed from the morning mist to glorious sun shine as we drove from Mole Creek to Cradle mountain. We had the window open until we reach the border of the mountains when it started to rain and then sleet.
We visited the tourist information for a place for the night and they gave us 3 places. The first was full and the second was really nice but cost about 80-120 pounds a night. Way out of our price range, but then we found a really nice place with cabins. They let was have a family cabin for the price of a normal one, as this was all they had left. We got inside to a freezing place, because all the windows were open and its started to snow. I've never had snow for my birthday before and loved it. We stuck on all the heaters and the cooking rings to warm up the cabin and then headed out to the local tavern for some food. Had a really nice meal with a massive log fire burning in the middle of the tavern to keep everyone warm.
After the meal we decided to drive back to the cabin as the snow was getting thicker and we had a reasonably steep driveway to get up without snow tyres on the car. We videoed the view from the car as we drove along the white road and as we tried to get up the drive. We got about half way up and we saw skid marks from other cars and decided to keep going but go get more grip we jumped up and down in our seats to make the car bounce. We got up no problem and stopped off at the reception's bar to get a few beers and a bottle of vine to take back to our cabin in the snow.
We then drove on to Mole creek, home of the Solomons caves and Marakoopa caves. Large stalagmite and stalactite caves. Which we also home to the glow worms. Before we ventured in to the caves we stopped at a honey farm to taste the honey but it was closed because its Saturday. So we took funny pictures of Hannah and I with those boards you stick your face through a hole. So we were the queen bee, but with our faces. A bit of a laugh for us.
Inside the caves we saw loads of stuff, but the best thing was when we stopped in a chamber and the guide turned the lights off and the next thing we could see was thousands of green flashing lights about 5 meters above us, which were the glow worms. Really cool to see them.
The weather changed from the morning mist to glorious sun shine as we drove from Mole Creek to Cradle mountain. We had the window open until we reach the border of the mountains when it started to rain and then sleet.
We visited the tourist information for a place for the night and they gave us 3 places. The first was full and the second was really nice but cost about 80-120 pounds a night. Way out of our price range, but then we found a really nice place with cabins. They let was have a family cabin for the price of a normal one, as this was all they had left. We got inside to a freezing place, because all the windows were open and its started to snow. I've never had snow for my birthday before and loved it. We stuck on all the heaters and the cooking rings to warm up the cabin and then headed out to the local tavern for some food. Had a really nice meal with a massive log fire burning in the middle of the tavern to keep everyone warm.
After the meal we decided to drive back to the cabin as the snow was getting thicker and we had a reasonably steep driveway to get up without snow tyres on the car. We videoed the view from the car as we drove along the white road and as we tried to get up the drive. We got about half way up and we saw skid marks from other cars and decided to keep going but go get more grip we jumped up and down in our seats to make the car bounce. We got up no problem and stopped off at the reception's bar to get a few beers and a bottle of vine to take back to our cabin in the snow.
Beer tour and walking in Cataract Gorge 29th June 2007
We were in the James Boag's brewery this morning at 10am. You my think it's a little early to start drinking, but our guide said its the best time to sample beer. We shown the production areas and what they use to produce there flavours. Then taken to the production line and shown the canning. We saw a bar in the centre of the brewery where the workers take their breaks. The guide said about 20 years ago the workers had morning, lunch, afternoon tea and late afternoon breaks, were they could drink as many beers as they liked. This was until work health and safety regulations came in and stopped all that.
We enjoyed all these parts of the tour, but the best bit was at the tour bar. The guide poured 4 different types of Boag's beers 1. Premium 2. St George 3. Boag Draught and 4. an English Ale(which was like a really fizzy bitter, but nice). Our favour ate is Premium, which is in London now. So we'll have to wait and see if its in pub at home when we're back.
We left the brewery a bit tipsy and went to a walk around the city park. This is where we saw Japanese monkey in the centre of the park. They were playing and some were cleaning one another. Some of them were really funny play chase me, chase me.
We left the park and went to Cataract Gorge just outside the city. This is a walk along cliff top walks following the river. We had a picnic next to a lake with the Alexandra suspension bridge just in front of us. After lunch we walked over the bridge and followed the zigzag walk back to the car. This is a walk for a hiker rather than us. It was really work and we started to sweat a little so for the first time since leaving Dubai we walked around in our T shirts.
At night we went for a curry and some beers to celebrate my birthday early as we were going to Cradle Mountain tomorrow and we thought there might not be anything other than cabins and walking available. So we had an OK curry and lots to drink then headed to a Irish bar for some more beer and watch a live band. Fell in to bed later. Great fun.
We were in the James Boag's brewery this morning at 10am. You my think it's a little early to start drinking, but our guide said its the best time to sample beer. We shown the production areas and what they use to produce there flavours. Then taken to the production line and shown the canning. We saw a bar in the centre of the brewery where the workers take their breaks. The guide said about 20 years ago the workers had morning, lunch, afternoon tea and late afternoon breaks, were they could drink as many beers as they liked. This was until work health and safety regulations came in and stopped all that.
We enjoyed all these parts of the tour, but the best bit was at the tour bar. The guide poured 4 different types of Boag's beers 1. Premium 2. St George 3. Boag Draught and 4. an English Ale(which was like a really fizzy bitter, but nice). Our favour ate is Premium, which is in London now. So we'll have to wait and see if its in pub at home when we're back.
We left the brewery a bit tipsy and went to a walk around the city park. This is where we saw Japanese monkey in the centre of the park. They were playing and some were cleaning one another. Some of them were really funny play chase me, chase me.
We left the park and went to Cataract Gorge just outside the city. This is a walk along cliff top walks following the river. We had a picnic next to a lake with the Alexandra suspension bridge just in front of us. After lunch we walked over the bridge and followed the zigzag walk back to the car. This is a walk for a hiker rather than us. It was really work and we started to sweat a little so for the first time since leaving Dubai we walked around in our T shirts.
At night we went for a curry and some beers to celebrate my birthday early as we were going to Cradle Mountain tomorrow and we thought there might not be anything other than cabins and walking available. So we had an OK curry and lots to drink then headed to a Irish bar for some more beer and watch a live band. Fell in to bed later. Great fun.
Monday 9 July 2007
Heritage Highway to Launceston, 28 June 2007
The heritage highway is follows the old coach road from Hobart ( the capital to the second largest city) Launceston. We followed the road through Oatlands, Ross, Campbell Town, Evandale and finally go to Launceston. Along the way we saw Georgian building built around the 1840's They were really small villages and Hannah said they looked like the model villages you see in theme parks. We also saw convict built things like the Ross Red brick bridge, built in 1836 and one convict was giving his freedom for his work.
We found a nice modern backpackers place in Launceston and decided to stay here for 2 nights as we wanted to do the Cataract Gorge, a brewery tour and see the city. So we spent the night planning our next couple of days before getting our diner and a few beers.
The heritage highway is follows the old coach road from Hobart ( the capital to the second largest city) Launceston. We followed the road through Oatlands, Ross, Campbell Town, Evandale and finally go to Launceston. Along the way we saw Georgian building built around the 1840's They were really small villages and Hannah said they looked like the model villages you see in theme parks. We also saw convict built things like the Ross Red brick bridge, built in 1836 and one convict was giving his freedom for his work.
We found a nice modern backpackers place in Launceston and decided to stay here for 2 nights as we wanted to do the Cataract Gorge, a brewery tour and see the city. So we spent the night planning our next couple of days before getting our diner and a few beers.
Port Arthur and the Convict trail 27th June 2007
Today we drove to the south - east of Tasmania to a place called Port Arthur. This is were the first of the convicts on second time offence's were sent to serve there time. It was a prison for second time males. They were treated like slaves for a industry of timber and later ship building. It started off with a total of just 300, of which were prisoners, the army and their families. The settlement was started by Lieutenant Collins in 1830 and was the British empires major penal settlement.
We took a guided walk around the ground that was really interesting and some of the places were eirey. After that we got a tour of the port area which showed us the island of the dead, the island for the graves of the convicts. As well as the island for the first British boys prison. It was the first time the British were to ever separate the boys from the men. They thought that the men were teaching the young boys their bad ways.
We then got of the boat and walked the old mill that was converted into a prison building for the best and worst behaved. The best behaved got the top floor with hamac type beds while the worst got a cell on the ground floor that was only big enough for a 1 bed and 1 shelf. We visited the army's area and the commodore's house. Then went on to the hospital and separate prison that was built later. The separate prison was built to house all the bad offenders that kept on re offending inside the prison. They stopped whipping these people and put then in solitary confinement from 3months to anything like 20 years. They decided that whipping didn't work so they started working on their minds. Which sent some crazy and they had to build an asylum from all this inmates then.
We found out that the Rev. house was the most haunted of all the building still standing. Hannah didn't want to go inside, but I thought come on. So I followed a woman in and it was a bit eirey as I could hear what sounded like monks singing. I walked around the house loosing the woman. I found a room that was playing the music and also telling a story of the Rev. and how he treated all the inmates badly and beating them. After leaving the room feeling as though someone was watching me I headed for the back door. As I got to the doorway that woman I followed in stepped into the door frame and scared the crap out of me. I told Hannah and she laugh at me and we then visited the church that has not been consecrated, because the commodore wanted a place for all inmate no matter what religion to pray.
After a really great day we went back the motel with pizza and relaxed eating watch TV. Planning on going up to Launceston tomorrow in the north of Taz. Going up the Heritage highway.
Today we drove to the south - east of Tasmania to a place called Port Arthur. This is were the first of the convicts on second time offence's were sent to serve there time. It was a prison for second time males. They were treated like slaves for a industry of timber and later ship building. It started off with a total of just 300, of which were prisoners, the army and their families. The settlement was started by Lieutenant Collins in 1830 and was the British empires major penal settlement.
We took a guided walk around the ground that was really interesting and some of the places were eirey. After that we got a tour of the port area which showed us the island of the dead, the island for the graves of the convicts. As well as the island for the first British boys prison. It was the first time the British were to ever separate the boys from the men. They thought that the men were teaching the young boys their bad ways.
We then got of the boat and walked the old mill that was converted into a prison building for the best and worst behaved. The best behaved got the top floor with hamac type beds while the worst got a cell on the ground floor that was only big enough for a 1 bed and 1 shelf. We visited the army's area and the commodore's house. Then went on to the hospital and separate prison that was built later. The separate prison was built to house all the bad offenders that kept on re offending inside the prison. They stopped whipping these people and put then in solitary confinement from 3months to anything like 20 years. They decided that whipping didn't work so they started working on their minds. Which sent some crazy and they had to build an asylum from all this inmates then.
We found out that the Rev. house was the most haunted of all the building still standing. Hannah didn't want to go inside, but I thought come on. So I followed a woman in and it was a bit eirey as I could hear what sounded like monks singing. I walked around the house loosing the woman. I found a room that was playing the music and also telling a story of the Rev. and how he treated all the inmates badly and beating them. After leaving the room feeling as though someone was watching me I headed for the back door. As I got to the doorway that woman I followed in stepped into the door frame and scared the crap out of me. I told Hannah and she laugh at me and we then visited the church that has not been consecrated, because the commodore wanted a place for all inmate no matter what religion to pray.
After a really great day we went back the motel with pizza and relaxed eating watch TV. Planning on going up to Launceston tomorrow in the north of Taz. Going up the Heritage highway.
Landing in Hobart, Tasmania 26th June 2007
We got to the airport with no problems, I was asleep within 2 minutes on getting on the plane, Hannah said. She said she went to sleep too as we were up at 5am. That's the earliest we have been up since being home in the UK.
We landed in Hobart on time and the airport is tiny. With only 1 carousel for the baggage and a policeman and his sniffer dog check all the passengers as we waited for our bags.
Got our car from AVIS, some directions for the city centre and tourist info. Then drove off in our bright yellow compact Hyundai Gets car. We got the tourist info with no problems and went inside. The girl behind the desk was not too helpful but gave us a little information for our trip around Tasmania. She gave us a few hostel names and numbers so we thought we'd get our accommodation sorted for tonight before anything else.
The first place we saw was nice overall, but the bed looked old and its slumped in the middle. So we said we would get back to her and ran out of there. We drove around looking at the others from the outside and decided to leave it until later and go have some fun. So we drove to the Putter's mini golf course and spent a few hours playing. Hannah won the first, an indoor course with crazy holes that once you pottered the ball it went was sucked into a tube an sent to the next hole. Really good fun. I won the second game but only because I fluked 2 holes in 1.
We tried the YHA around the corner to the golf, for a room. When we got there the reception was closed but the woman running it saw us and came over. She looked pretty ill and seemed nice enough. We told her we were looking for a room for the night and could we see it(as we have done in the past). She then started saying "I'm not wasting my time showing you the room, inthis cold, bad weather. I've been ill for three weeks. Its a YHA, you either want it or you don't). So thinking have rude is she we said no thank you and walked straight out. We found a nice motel around the corner from that and stayed there for about 12 dollars more a night.We went out from some food that night and had a really nice curry, just down the street. Then went to bed, ready for the convict trail tomorrow.
We got to the airport with no problems, I was asleep within 2 minutes on getting on the plane, Hannah said. She said she went to sleep too as we were up at 5am. That's the earliest we have been up since being home in the UK.
We landed in Hobart on time and the airport is tiny. With only 1 carousel for the baggage and a policeman and his sniffer dog check all the passengers as we waited for our bags.
Got our car from AVIS, some directions for the city centre and tourist info. Then drove off in our bright yellow compact Hyundai Gets car. We got the tourist info with no problems and went inside. The girl behind the desk was not too helpful but gave us a little information for our trip around Tasmania. She gave us a few hostel names and numbers so we thought we'd get our accommodation sorted for tonight before anything else.
The first place we saw was nice overall, but the bed looked old and its slumped in the middle. So we said we would get back to her and ran out of there. We drove around looking at the others from the outside and decided to leave it until later and go have some fun. So we drove to the Putter's mini golf course and spent a few hours playing. Hannah won the first, an indoor course with crazy holes that once you pottered the ball it went was sucked into a tube an sent to the next hole. Really good fun. I won the second game but only because I fluked 2 holes in 1.
We tried the YHA around the corner to the golf, for a room. When we got there the reception was closed but the woman running it saw us and came over. She looked pretty ill and seemed nice enough. We told her we were looking for a room for the night and could we see it(as we have done in the past). She then started saying "I'm not wasting my time showing you the room, inthis cold, bad weather. I've been ill for three weeks. Its a YHA, you either want it or you don't). So thinking have rude is she we said no thank you and walked straight out. We found a nice motel around the corner from that and stayed there for about 12 dollars more a night.We went out from some food that night and had a really nice curry, just down the street. Then went to bed, ready for the convict trail tomorrow.
Getting ready for Tasmania 25th June 2007
Started packing for tomorrow and headed into the city to change my running trainers. I've already been for a run in them, but they are a little small. So going to see if they will change. They did and we went to get our airport bus ticket for the morning. We fly at 08:30, so going to get there for 7am.
At home finished packing and got an early night, as we are up at 5am.
Started packing for tomorrow and headed into the city to change my running trainers. I've already been for a run in them, but they are a little small. So going to see if they will change. They did and we went to get our airport bus ticket for the morning. We fly at 08:30, so going to get there for 7am.
At home finished packing and got an early night, as we are up at 5am.
Over the weekend
Saturday we didn't do that much due to the late night and celebrations. We just watched a bit of TV. Al the TV over here is either like watching a shopping channel with loads of product placement in the programmes or sales pitches and the rest is US channels.
Sunday we didn't do anything as we are saving our money for Tasmania on Tuesday.
Saturday we didn't do that much due to the late night and celebrations. We just watched a bit of TV. Al the TV over here is either like watching a shopping channel with loads of product placement in the programmes or sales pitches and the rest is US channels.
Sunday we didn't do anything as we are saving our money for Tasmania on Tuesday.
Aussie rules footy
Spent most of the day doing odd jobs such as washing clothes for Tasmania, going for a jog and getting ready to head into the city to meet Scott's friends. We meet them as we were going to watch our first footy match at the MCG stadium. There were about 46,000 people there to watch Richmond V Melbourne. As we were going with Lucy, she's a Richmond fan we became Richmond supporter's. They are at the bottom of the league and not won a game for ages. So we looked forward to a thrashing. I had one of Scott's other friend next to me, teaching me the rules and telling me Richmond are rubbish. We drank some beer's, eat some footy food a "fourNtwenty" pie and chips and watched as Richmond won 124 to 98. Had a really great time. Both sets of fans, all sit next to each other and its nice and friendly, with everyone giving each other a bit of banter.
After the match we all thought we better celibrate with a few drinks. We left the pub at about 2ish we think. We have a McDonald's about 200 meters from our house, so as we passed it on our way home, we saw it still open and tried to going inside. The doors were locked and they told us to go throught the drive thu. So me and Hannah are standing between a car and a van to get served a milk shake, to only get there and they are cleaning the machine. So we got burgers and fries. Not very healthly but really tasty at 3am.
Spent most of the day doing odd jobs such as washing clothes for Tasmania, going for a jog and getting ready to head into the city to meet Scott's friends. We meet them as we were going to watch our first footy match at the MCG stadium. There were about 46,000 people there to watch Richmond V Melbourne. As we were going with Lucy, she's a Richmond fan we became Richmond supporter's. They are at the bottom of the league and not won a game for ages. So we looked forward to a thrashing. I had one of Scott's other friend next to me, teaching me the rules and telling me Richmond are rubbish. We drank some beer's, eat some footy food a "fourNtwenty" pie and chips and watched as Richmond won 124 to 98. Had a really great time. Both sets of fans, all sit next to each other and its nice and friendly, with everyone giving each other a bit of banter.
After the match we all thought we better celibrate with a few drinks. We left the pub at about 2ish we think. We have a McDonald's about 200 meters from our house, so as we passed it on our way home, we saw it still open and tried to going inside. The doors were locked and they told us to go throught the drive thu. So me and Hannah are standing between a car and a van to get served a milk shake, to only get there and they are cleaning the machine. So we got burgers and fries. Not very healthly but really tasty at 3am.
Back in Melbourne
Thursday 21/06/07. All we did was chill out after our trip and look at some of the photos on scott's computer. There's too many to put on the blog so we are looking at getting a few for you lot to look at. We are a bit behind with the blog, but once we are up to date will through a few photo on it too.
Visited the Victoria Market today. Its the largest market with fruit, veg, clothes, shoes and anything else they can get away with selling. Started planning our trip to Tazmania as we go on Tuesday.
Thursday 21/06/07. All we did was chill out after our trip and look at some of the photos on scott's computer. There's too many to put on the blog so we are looking at getting a few for you lot to look at. We are a bit behind with the blog, but once we are up to date will through a few photo on it too.
Visited the Victoria Market today. Its the largest market with fruit, veg, clothes, shoes and anything else they can get away with selling. Started planning our trip to Tazmania as we go on Tuesday.
Sunday 8 July 2007
End of the Great Ocean Road
After a great day yesterday we had a good nights sleep and headed for Port Fairy, our last spot off the Ocean road. This was a little town and we only visted the main walk way next to the water because of the pictures in our tour guides. The weathe was a little bad, a spot or two of rain. It was nice and peiaceful in the village. Only a few fishermen were out and about, fixing their boats and stuff.
We started home back to Melbourne, but stopped first at Tower Hill. A active volcano and nature reserve. We spotted some wild Emus and Kangaroos.
So now started to drove home.
After a great day yesterday we had a good nights sleep and headed for Port Fairy, our last spot off the Ocean road. This was a little town and we only visted the main walk way next to the water because of the pictures in our tour guides. The weathe was a little bad, a spot or two of rain. It was nice and peiaceful in the village. Only a few fishermen were out and about, fixing their boats and stuff.
We started home back to Melbourne, but stopped first at Tower Hill. A active volcano and nature reserve. We spotted some wild Emus and Kangaroos.
So now started to drove home.
The Great Ocean Road Form Port Campbell to Warrnambool
Back tracked down the road to Gibson Steps on the Ocean Road. We walked down the step to the beach which gave us our first brilliant views of the Twelve Apostles. With the morning lighting them up from behind. Hannah loved the beach and she watched the waves crashing on to the beach. The sea was starting to move inland. So we got our first pictures of the Twelve Apostles and made our way to the back. The Twelve Apostles are line stone stacks standing upright in the sea. They were once part of the mainland but sea, time and the weather have eroded from the land. Both of us are fascinated by them. At our next stop was the Twelve Apostles visitors centre. We got some really good pictures and spent a lot of time looking at the Apostles, at where some had fallen down and just at the land scape.
We got to Loch Ard Gorge. This is where 1 of the many ship wreaks happened along the coast. Its the most famous because there were 52 people on board by only 2 survived, Tom Pearce and Eva Carmichael, both aged 18. The locals at the time wanted them to marry. But Eva left to go home back to Ireland. I really enjoyed Loch Ard Gorge. I really got in to the local history. The story says that the compass was faulty an d the ship hit a small island off the coast and the 2 survivors washed up in the gorge. Tom climbed out to get help for Eva and had to walk about 5 miles bare foot. We walked around the area of the gorge, went to the cemetery. But only 4 other bodies were found from the wreak. They now lay in the cemetery with a remembrance area for all lost on that day. We saw where the boat may have hit the island just off shore.
Then we looked at all the different rock formations and the cliffs. The locals have named a few such as the Blow hole, Razor back and Thunder cave all for the right reasons. Water blows out the blow hole, the weather has made a sharp looking razor on the rocks and the waves wash into Thunder cave on a stormy day and the locals say its like thunder.
In the afternoon we saw rock formations called The Arch, London Bridge and the Grotto. All were spectacular to see. Then drove to the bay of Martyrs and the bay of Islands. At the bay of Islands we got a few pictures that once home we are going to get produced and framed. So you'll have to wait and see those.
We had a really great day today, but to finish off the day we went to a night-time show of the ship wreak Loch Ard. Its called "Shipwrecked". Its all about the experience of being on the ship and they play part of the scenes on a movie screen. But the best bit as that we were taken outside, to a model village called Flagstaff. Then seated in front of a lake. The next bit was to experience the stormy seas and the wreak itself. The water from the lake is sprayed into the air and the movie is played on the water spray in front of us. An EXCELLENT night. We both really loved it.
Back tracked down the road to Gibson Steps on the Ocean Road. We walked down the step to the beach which gave us our first brilliant views of the Twelve Apostles. With the morning lighting them up from behind. Hannah loved the beach and she watched the waves crashing on to the beach. The sea was starting to move inland. So we got our first pictures of the Twelve Apostles and made our way to the back. The Twelve Apostles are line stone stacks standing upright in the sea. They were once part of the mainland but sea, time and the weather have eroded from the land. Both of us are fascinated by them. At our next stop was the Twelve Apostles visitors centre. We got some really good pictures and spent a lot of time looking at the Apostles, at where some had fallen down and just at the land scape.
We got to Loch Ard Gorge. This is where 1 of the many ship wreaks happened along the coast. Its the most famous because there were 52 people on board by only 2 survived, Tom Pearce and Eva Carmichael, both aged 18. The locals at the time wanted them to marry. But Eva left to go home back to Ireland. I really enjoyed Loch Ard Gorge. I really got in to the local history. The story says that the compass was faulty an d the ship hit a small island off the coast and the 2 survivors washed up in the gorge. Tom climbed out to get help for Eva and had to walk about 5 miles bare foot. We walked around the area of the gorge, went to the cemetery. But only 4 other bodies were found from the wreak. They now lay in the cemetery with a remembrance area for all lost on that day. We saw where the boat may have hit the island just off shore.
Then we looked at all the different rock formations and the cliffs. The locals have named a few such as the Blow hole, Razor back and Thunder cave all for the right reasons. Water blows out the blow hole, the weather has made a sharp looking razor on the rocks and the waves wash into Thunder cave on a stormy day and the locals say its like thunder.
In the afternoon we saw rock formations called The Arch, London Bridge and the Grotto. All were spectacular to see. Then drove to the bay of Martyrs and the bay of Islands. At the bay of Islands we got a few pictures that once home we are going to get produced and framed. So you'll have to wait and see those.
We had a really great day today, but to finish off the day we went to a night-time show of the ship wreak Loch Ard. Its called "Shipwrecked". Its all about the experience of being on the ship and they play part of the scenes on a movie screen. But the best bit as that we were taken outside, to a model village called Flagstaff. Then seated in front of a lake. The next bit was to experience the stormy seas and the wreak itself. The water from the lake is sprayed into the air and the movie is played on the water spray in front of us. An EXCELLENT night. We both really loved it.
Saturday 7 July 2007
The Great Ocean Road going through Otway National Park
This morning was stormy, windy and cold. We headed into the great Otway national park. We walked up to Marriners Lookout which had great views looking down over Apolloy Bay. We spotted a fox at the top of the hill looking at us, wondering what those two stupid people are up to on top of a hill in bad weather. Later we missed the turning for Marriners Falls (sorry Sue we missed it, but is was raining anyway).
Our next stop was Cape Otway Lightstation built in 1848. Just as we got to the top of the light house up the 78 steps the sun came out and showed us the breath taking views. Hannah said she could have stayed all day, just looking out to sea. We chatted to the man at the top of the light house, asked him loads of questions and found out he was the light house keeper. His great grandfather just clean the light house without any ropes or anything to stop him falling off.
Then we stopped at Johanna Beach, where the Rip Curl Pro comp. is held when Bells Beach is too small. It was raining so no surfers today. We decided to have lunch here before going into the forest, inland.
In the forest we saw Hopetown falls got a picture of it but didn't walk down to it. We saw the great Redwoods were the trees are like giants. Our next stop was a walk through the rain forest to Triplet Falls. It was sheltered from the rain with an eirey feel. The trees parted to show us a three tier waterfall. Got some fantastic photos of Hannah and I in front of the falls. Decided to miss out the Otway Fly Tree Top walk as it was late in the afternoon and it was raining again.
We tried to find "Wreak beach" in search of an anchor in the sands, but gave in as the road started to disappear.
It was starting to go dark and we decided to stop at "the Twele Apostles" centre. We walked out to the look out and watched the little penguins coming out of the sea for the night. The poor things.....the sea was so rough it kept taking them back out to sea as they were trying to get out. Some were just playing in the sea or waiting for there mates.
It was getting really cold so we drove it to town and ended up in a hostel dorm room for 6 people, but there was only the 2 of us in the room. It was cold so we got the duvets from the other beds to keep us warm. The town was so quiet, when we went out for a pizza and the pub closed at 8pm.
This morning was stormy, windy and cold. We headed into the great Otway national park. We walked up to Marriners Lookout which had great views looking down over Apolloy Bay. We spotted a fox at the top of the hill looking at us, wondering what those two stupid people are up to on top of a hill in bad weather. Later we missed the turning for Marriners Falls (sorry Sue we missed it, but is was raining anyway).
Our next stop was Cape Otway Lightstation built in 1848. Just as we got to the top of the light house up the 78 steps the sun came out and showed us the breath taking views. Hannah said she could have stayed all day, just looking out to sea. We chatted to the man at the top of the light house, asked him loads of questions and found out he was the light house keeper. His great grandfather just clean the light house without any ropes or anything to stop him falling off.
Then we stopped at Johanna Beach, where the Rip Curl Pro comp. is held when Bells Beach is too small. It was raining so no surfers today. We decided to have lunch here before going into the forest, inland.
In the forest we saw Hopetown falls got a picture of it but didn't walk down to it. We saw the great Redwoods were the trees are like giants. Our next stop was a walk through the rain forest to Triplet Falls. It was sheltered from the rain with an eirey feel. The trees parted to show us a three tier waterfall. Got some fantastic photos of Hannah and I in front of the falls. Decided to miss out the Otway Fly Tree Top walk as it was late in the afternoon and it was raining again.
We tried to find "Wreak beach" in search of an anchor in the sands, but gave in as the road started to disappear.
It was starting to go dark and we decided to stop at "the Twele Apostles" centre. We walked out to the look out and watched the little penguins coming out of the sea for the night. The poor things.....the sea was so rough it kept taking them back out to sea as they were trying to get out. Some were just playing in the sea or waiting for there mates.
It was getting really cold so we drove it to town and ended up in a hostel dorm room for 6 people, but there was only the 2 of us in the room. It was cold so we got the duvets from the other beds to keep us warm. The town was so quiet, when we went out for a pizza and the pub closed at 8pm.
The Great Ocean Road from Lorne to Apollo Bay
Hannah didn't sleep very well last night because 1. she kept thinking about the spider 2. the bed sheets smelt of TCP 3. Neil was snoring and 4. she needed a wee in the middle of the night and was too scared to go until she woke me up to tell me she was going to the toilet (which is located outside and round the corner).
We were both woken to squawking but this time really loud at 7am (it was raining). Later we went to the shops for supplies and saw about 15-20 cockatoo's on someone's balcony. We think they must have been feeding them.
Made our pack up for the day and went in seach of waterfalls in Lorne. Found Erskine falls, it was a rainy day so we wrapped up and walked down to the waterfall which was beautiful. Got some photos and the hard part was walking back up all the steps. We started to make our way on to Teddy's Lookout, as we both needed the loo we stopped at Blanket Leaf picnic area. Found the toliets and Hannah said remmber to lookout for spiders. Then inside I heard Hannah say she could'nt see the bottom of the toilet (we were only in a cublical style wooden hut toliet in the forest) and it really smelt. Next time Hannah needs the loo in the rain forest she's said shes going behind a bush. We found out later that the toliets in the forest are called drop toliets. They are pits in the ground with a toliet over the top.....a drop toliet.
At Teddy's lookout the views were great looking out to the forest with steam rising out of them and to the otherside the Ocean.
We had some lunch in Lorne and watched the surfers ride the waves. Then went to Kennett River in search of Koalas. We were dissapointed on the way up the road as we only saw 2. So we turned around and started to see more and more. In fact we saw over 40 Koalas, sleeping, eating and just chilling in the trees. Koalas sleep for over 20 hours a day and eat the other 4 hours. We could have sat there all day watching them. The last Koala we saw was about 2 meters away from us and Hannah said she was soooooo cute. We named it "Cutey" and it posed for lots of photos.
We carried along the Great Ocean Road, the views were amazing and the waves crashed against the beach. We arrived in to Apollo Bay were we visted the tourist infomation to find some where cheap to stay. As we drove around one of the places looked like a garden shed so we didn't stay there. We ended up at "the Surfside" backpackers right on the beach. It was cheap and clean and as far as we're aware there's no cockatoo's to wake us up.
Hannah didn't sleep very well last night because 1. she kept thinking about the spider 2. the bed sheets smelt of TCP 3. Neil was snoring and 4. she needed a wee in the middle of the night and was too scared to go until she woke me up to tell me she was going to the toilet (which is located outside and round the corner).
We were both woken to squawking but this time really loud at 7am (it was raining). Later we went to the shops for supplies and saw about 15-20 cockatoo's on someone's balcony. We think they must have been feeding them.
Made our pack up for the day and went in seach of waterfalls in Lorne. Found Erskine falls, it was a rainy day so we wrapped up and walked down to the waterfall which was beautiful. Got some photos and the hard part was walking back up all the steps. We started to make our way on to Teddy's Lookout, as we both needed the loo we stopped at Blanket Leaf picnic area. Found the toliets and Hannah said remmber to lookout for spiders. Then inside I heard Hannah say she could'nt see the bottom of the toilet (we were only in a cublical style wooden hut toliet in the forest) and it really smelt. Next time Hannah needs the loo in the rain forest she's said shes going behind a bush. We found out later that the toliets in the forest are called drop toliets. They are pits in the ground with a toliet over the top.....a drop toliet.
At Teddy's lookout the views were great looking out to the forest with steam rising out of them and to the otherside the Ocean.
We had some lunch in Lorne and watched the surfers ride the waves. Then went to Kennett River in search of Koalas. We were dissapointed on the way up the road as we only saw 2. So we turned around and started to see more and more. In fact we saw over 40 Koalas, sleeping, eating and just chilling in the trees. Koalas sleep for over 20 hours a day and eat the other 4 hours. We could have sat there all day watching them. The last Koala we saw was about 2 meters away from us and Hannah said she was soooooo cute. We named it "Cutey" and it posed for lots of photos.
We carried along the Great Ocean Road, the views were amazing and the waves crashed against the beach. We arrived in to Apollo Bay were we visted the tourist infomation to find some where cheap to stay. As we drove around one of the places looked like a garden shed so we didn't stay there. We ended up at "the Surfside" backpackers right on the beach. It was cheap and clean and as far as we're aware there's no cockatoo's to wake us up.
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