Australia

Thurs -

Had to get up at some awful time this morning to go on my tour to Alice Springs. By awful, I mean 5:30am.

The bus was supposed to be at the hostel at 6:30am but turned up at 6:45am, by which time I was freezing....

There were 9 people on our tour, which meant plenty of space on the bus (a double seat each, no less!).

The suspects, in no particular order are -

Andy (the Driver)
Sabina (from Switzerland)
Elrik and Linda (from Holland)
James (from Worksop, in Notts)
Sarah (from Germany)
Ashley (from Ireland)
Michael (from Germany)
Kako (from Japan)

First off, we drove to Torquay (About 2 hour) for breakfast (which, was fine, but nothing to shout about).

The first 2 days of the tour are along the 'Great Ocean Road', which is supposed to be one of the most picturesque routes to drive in the world.

The first place we stopped was 'Bells Beach', which hosts the world surf championships sometimes. The waves might be great, but it's definitely NOT a beautiful beach. On the other hand, it does have a spectacular toilet block. Didn't do any surfing, didn't use the toilet...

After that, we got to the Ocen Road 'proper', and stopped to look at the (really) crappy sign that show's you where it starts. It looks rather like it's been made by some 1 handed 8 year olds, using only telegraph poles.

The next bit of road was pretty spectacular. Got a picture of a rainbow that I really liked ... I guess you can judge for yourselves...

We stopped at a small campsite where they have some wild (not angry, just free-range) koalas. They don't really do much other than eat or sleep, but I suppose they do look cute...

After a long stretch, we visited a rainforest reserve, where youget to walk on these metal platforms, 30 metres up in the trees. Got some photos of some, er, trees. Oh, and some moss.

The coolest thing was a part of the platform that sticks out, unsupported, from the rest. You can stand at the end of this platform, and rock it from side to side. Some people got scared, but I thought it was very funny...

Finaly, we went to the (pretty spectacular) 12 apostles. These are actually 13 (?) rock stacks, just off the coast. Normally, at sunset, these look spectacular. Unfortunately, it was too cloudy to get anyreally great shots. I got a couple of half-decent ones though.

We stayed overnight in a really nice little hostel, near the apostles. Another group (of 19) was also staying, and we all went to the pub to take part in a quiz. I won (mainly on my knowledge of the planets and StarWars), and got some free beer for my trouble.

Friday -

We all had an early(ish) breakfast, and left to go to Loch Ard Gorge, just 20 minutes down the ocean road.

It's the site of a shipwreck, the ship being the Loch Ard.

Only 2 people survived, and when you see the rough sea at the entrance to the gorge, you wonder how they made it ashore alive.

The next port of call was a rock formation called London Bridge. It used to be a double arch, but one spectacularly collapsed, stranding 2 tourists on the wrong side. When they were rescued, it turned out they were a boss/secretary having an affair. Needless to say, the news coverage alerted his wife, and it all ended in tears.

After the drama of London Bridge, we made our way to the Bay of Islands. Funnily enough, this is a bay, right, containing some islands. Crazy.

This was the last part of the ocean road, and we headed inland to the Grampians. They are are range of mountains (little ones, anyway) covered in Eucalyptus, and other native trees. A huge amount of the Grampians was burned in a forest fire in January, so lots of the trees look dead, but have started to sprout new leaves.

We did a couple of walks up to some viewing points, and a waterfall (the Mackenzie falls), which, to be honest, knackered me out !

Hope the pictures are worth it !

Ended the day in a cool lodge, basically in the middle of nowhere. You can see the stars really well, and I'll try and get some pictures of them later tonight.

Saturday -

Didn't get any star piccies, 'coz we stayed up playing poker/drinking last night. Oops.

We had to leave at 9am in the morning, which meant (in theory) a lie in, but I got up early to try and get some sunrise pictures. I didn't really get anything too good, though

After breakfast, we went to our last real stop on the tour - Hollow Mountain.

We did a walk/climb up the 300 metres of rocky paths, to get to the top. I found it pretty tough (being an unhealthy blob), but at least I made it to the top. We had a lovely 30 minutes at the top, telling a few jokes and taking in the view.

My photo's don't do the view justice, but I'll remember it (partly because of the stiff legs I have today!).

After we got back down, we had a 5 hour drive to Adelaide. Had a bit of a sing-along on the bus ... there was some good music, some bad music, and some Rolf Harris.

5 of us decided to share a room for the night in Adelaide (Michael, Me, James, Sarah and Sabina), and all went to the pub for a few beers with Andy (the driver), plus Kako and Ashley.

Andy, Michael, and Sabine wimped out (OK, Sabine was Ill, and Andy had to work the next day) at about 10pm. The rest of us went to a really cool little pub/bar with a couple of unsigned bands playing. The music was pretty good, really, especially the second group. Unfortunately I have no idea what either band were called. If they do make it big, I'll never know ...

Got in about 1am (ish), after a short detour. Sarah decided there was a McDonalds just up the road from the hostel.

It was a bank.

Oh, how we laughed.

I think we had the noisiest room in Adelaide. There was some kind of fight outside at about 4am, involving lots of shouting and sounding of car horns. This lasted for about an hour. Everyone said Adelaide was so quiet - they obviously didn't stay here !

Sunday -

Sabine and Sarah were leaving today, so they had to get up and check out at 10am.

I got up as well, and the 3 of us went for a wander around Adelaide, and chilled out over coffee.

Sarah is extremely funny (despite the handicap of being German), and always has something to say.

Sabine is really lovely, I don't think our paths will cross during the rest of my 3 months here, but hopefully I can persuade her to invite me to Switzerland, or come to Manchester

Saw Sabine off at 1pm, and Sarah at 4pm.

I'm writing this at 5pm, so the rest of today is in the future tense - hope that makes sense !

Myself, James and Michael, plus Elrik and Linda are all doing the second part of the tour (Adelaide to Alice Springs). We have to set off at 6:30am tomorrow (Monday) morning, so tonight will be a quiet one.

Probably I'll hang out in the hostel. May sneak a quick beer in later, just to help me sleep, OK !

Monday -

Didn't really do a great deal on Monday. Got up late, went for a late lunch/dinner in a place in the Italian area of Melbourne (Lygon Street).

I sent a load of stuff home via sea mail (which takes upto 3 months), so if it turns up Dad/Les, just keep hold of it for time being. Ta.

It was a really busy little coffee shop/eatery (there was a queue for tables by the time I left), selling seriously wicked chocolate mousse and great (decaf) latte's.

In the evening, I went on a 'live' tour of Melbourne Gaol, which is one of the oldest surviving buildings in the City.

A group of you walk onto the floor of the cell block, in total darkness, appart from one candle in the middle of the floor.

Then, some guy dressed in prison clothes from the 1800's come out of a cell and takes you round the prison, with only the candle for light.

There are lots of interesting facts (21 people used to share a cell 12" by 18" during the gold rush), and a few chilling tales.

Finally, he talks you through the execution process, at the exact spot where 400 previous occupants of the prison were hung (including Ned Kelly) before a public audience.

Apparently, after a hanging, they used to decapitate the bodies and take 'deathmasks' of the deceased (god knows why). Anyway, some of these deathmasks are on display in the cells.

Tuesday -

Did some shopping today to prepare for my trip into the outback (insect repellant, sunblock, etc). Also bought a new bag, so I can scuttle the Titanic luggage I set out with.

Went out for a few beers with Steph and an interesting chap from New Zealand, who told us some good stuff about Thailand and Burma.

No 21st birthday party going on this time....

Wednesday -

Went on the free tour around the Victoria Parliament building (Melbourne is the capital of the state of Victoria, for those who don't know).

It was quite interesting, especially for a freebie !

We got to sit in the MP's chairs, and even the Speakers chair. Ahh, the power...

After that, I came to the pub to use the free internet access (which I discovered yesterday).

It's $4/hour for internet access at the hostel.

It's $5 for a schooner of nice Lager in the pub.

If use the internet for 2 hours, and drink 2 schooners, I'm only $2 worse off than using the hostel internet connection ... no brainer really.

I need to get an early night tonight, my tour picks up at 6:30am tommorrow. It lasts 10 days, and involves camping (outdoors, with NO tents). I may not survive. Should the worst happen, James, you can have my TV and the car.

The first couple of days of the tour are along the Victoria coastline, so my mobile may still work. After that, I expect it will be pretty sporadic. Anyhow, I'll update the blog when I can.

Sorry for lack of updates in the last few days.

You have to pay for internet access here, and I'm tight.

Here's about 4 days worth of nonsense ...

Thurs -

Didn't really do much today, just ambled around the Queen Victoria Market for a couple of hours.

They sell lots of really great fresh fish/meat/veg/fruit here, so I bought some prawns, some fresh pasta, some tomatoes, etc and did my first bit of 'home cooking'.

I prefer the eating-out option to be honest - less washing up, and pretty much as cheap over here.

Went for a few drinks with a nice Canadian girl called Claudie (that's a guess at the spelling - she pronounced it Klody, but she had a strong French accent).

Anyhow, she was going to be leaving for Darwin the following morning, so I got her number and said I'd give her a call when I got there.

Went to a free comedy night at a local venue, with a couple of the other folks from the hostel. There were about 6 acts on, but the funniest was actually the compere. Still, you can't beat it on value for money terms !

Fri -

Booked myself on a small group tour going from Melbourne to Alice Springs. That leaves on Thursday, so I have to entertain myself here for a couple more days than I expected.

I'll update my blog just before I go, because I'm not sure I'll be able to for the 10 days when I'm on the tour.

You probably won't be able to reach my mobile during the second half of the tour, either.

The tour itself sounds pretty decent. We do the Great Ocean Road (between Melbourne and Adelaide), then up towards Alice, via a few points of interest (Coober Pedy - a mining community where everyone lives underground, the actual centre of Australia, Uluru, and the Olgas).

I've also managed to pick up a free sleeping bag from someone who's just on their way home. Apparently I'll need it during this tour. Oh dear. Anyone know how to use a sleeping bag ?

Something else I've decided to do is to 'rationalise' my luggage.

I'm sending various bits and bobs home via 'slow mail', which will take about 3 months ! It'll get home after I do, probably.

I think I'm going to dump my Death Star sized suitcase, and get something smaller (a hatchback, perhaps).

Maybe I'll be able to sell the suitcase as a small fishing vessel. It's certainly big enough!

Sat -

Got a free ticket to the Aussie Rules Football game at the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground) today, through the hostel.

Went with about 25 other folks from the hostel.

It was a good game (local team St Kilda beat no-hopers Richmond 174-71), and the MCG is a pretty nice stadium.

Afterwards, went for a few beers with one of the girls who was out for the footy. A nice lass from Preston called Steph. She's working in Melbourne for the YHA, so she gets a free room at the hostel.

We ended up (accidentaly) crashing someones 21st birthday party in a local pub.

I'm sure there were no 'private party' signs on the door when we went in, but after about an hour, the place was full of people in suits, plus us 2 in jeans.

I think we really twigged when they started handing round the nibbles, sometime later.

No-one seemed to mind too much (I don't think), and we kept getting served, so we just played dumb, and got drunk !

Sun -

Went on a trip to Philip Island to see the 'Penguin Run'.

Every night, 'Little Penguins' (they are only about 10 inches tall) congregate in the surf, and then cross the beach en-masse to reach their burrows in the hills behind.

This all happens just after sunset, so you have to get there about 5:45pm, and wait about 15 mins for the action.

The penguins gather into groups of about 10, and then have a go at crossing the beach. Sometimes they make it, sometimes one chickens out, and they all scurry back into the sea.

Unfortunately, you can't take photos (it's dark, and any flashes would scare the penguins), so you'll have to rely on my description.

Before that, we went to a nature reserve to see wombats (including Molly, who farts when stroked ... bit like me really), koalas and kangaroos.

They're all rescued animals, and are pretty tame (you can hand feed the 'roos).

Good day, overall.

Hi folks.

Here's what I've been upto in the last couple of days...

Tuesday -

Checked out of my hostel, but they let me leave my stuff there during the day.

My train to Melbourne didnt't leave until 8:30pm, so I had some time to kill.

Decided to go to Bondi beach, and do the walk down to Coogee (it was recommended by the girl who was working on the hostel desk).

Very nice beach at Bondi (as you might expect), but it was also really quiet (even though it was a nice day).

The walk to Coogee was pretty, running along some cliffs, and through a few other bays with nice beaches.

Sat around for acouple of hours on the beach with a (decaf)coffee or two, and wandered back to the hostel to get my stuff.

Train left on time, journey was 11 hours, but didn't get much sleep, and arrived this morning at 8am pretty kn*ckered...

Wednesday -

I'm in a proper YHA hostel, which is a bit too big to be really friendly. Most of the people here are 15 year olds, or 50 year olds. Maybe the crowd will improve during the next few days.

Anyhow, I have managed to get a free ticket to the Aussie rules footy at the Telstra Dome on Saturday, through the hostel. No idea what the rules are, who's playing who, or if it's a big game. Doesn't really matter if it's free, does it ?

Oh yeah, also went up the Rialto Observation Deck, which gives you a good view of the Melbourne skyline. It's definitely less impressive than Sydney from a distance. However, once you get to street level, there are more nice old buildings, and it doesn't feel so 'built-up' as Sydney.

Sunday -

Got in at 5am this morning.

That sounds good, but I'm a mere amateur compared to Eve and Gavin, who got back at about 11am !! Heroic stuff...

Took advantage of Phil and Martins whale watching voucher today.

Fortunately it was nice and sunny.

Unfortunately I had virtually no sleep, and a hangover.

Eve decided to come along, which turned out to be a bad idea, as she got pretty seasick.

I had a great time, however. The sea air sorted out my hangover, and we got to see some humpback whales really close up.

They didn't really do anything exiting, just a bit of swimming, diving and blowing spouts.

Monday -

Didn't do much today, just booked my train to Melbourne (tommorrow night) and a few days in a hostel there. Decided to do the other things around Sydney when I come back here at the end of September. Hopefully the weather will be more enticing then.

I think the drinking/jetlag is catching up with me, 'coz I'm really knackered today.

Actually looking forward to spending 11 hours on a train, doing nothing but reading and sleeping!

Rich.