We were going into Sydney on the ferry that is nearby but the staff were on strike for four hours so we decided to walk. Not that far but it did mean that we could walk over the Sydney Harbour Bridge with more great views of the Harbour and the Opera House.
Drove up to Palm Beach at Pittwater which is another huge inlet and is north of the city. M&C have a friend that lives on the other side of the inlet and the only way to get there is by a little ferry. There are no cars and no roads and very few houses but a delightful spot with lots of animals and bird life. Had coffee and Tim Tam’s ( the Ausie equivalent of a Penguin bar )with Rob and Cherie. Cherie is an artist and she has just had a very nice article published in a country style magazine about their lifestyle, house and her art.
This “Goanna” was on the wall at the back and was about 1m long.
Kookaburra in the tree. Great noise they make.
On the ferry back. A little windy and Er needed protection.
Back to Sydney and stopped off at Centenial Park and meandered around the lake. A bit like Hyde Park and close to the city.
Little”white” swan. Apparently they are all black in OZ
Onward to some more of M&C’s friends that live near Bondi for another walk to the Southern Head with nice view back towards the city.
Went off to Bondi beach where there is a “Sculpture by Sea” exhibition along the coastal footpath.
Called in at the Sydney Fish market to shop for dinner. Amazing place. Lots of restaurants to eat the fish as well. Thought we would go one lunchtime and share the crab and lobster platter.
Fish market with people eating outside
Back to the city early evening for a wander round the old wharf areas of the ” Rocks” and had to succumb to a beer.
Under the Bridge. Yes that is rain.
Gosh how could I forget to show a snap of the famous Bondi Beach. How impressive is that !! ??
Arrived on time at 10.00 in the sunshine with Martin and Chris at the airport to meet us.
After a light lunch at their place took a ferry to Circular Quay passing a few of the sights of Sydney on the way.
Took another ferry to Manly which is within the Harbour but 30 minutes “cruise” away.
Strolled over to the Manly Beach on the ocean side where the surfers hang out
After the indulgence of ice creams we set out on a 10 km walk along the “Manly Scenic Walk” which was at least in the direction back home.
Caught the bus home and arrived in the dark suitably k—-d
Great first day in Sydney.
We have a full day ahead of us before we meet Andrew again tonight for dinner at our side of town. He will be a little later than before because he has to put his ” Mag” to bed for which he is the Editor.
Took a short tram ride towards the city and hopped off at the Botanical Gardens. Walked through the delightful and very informative gardens and crossed the river “Yarra” to the Olympic Park. ( yes another one)
Home of Melbourne cricket ( The MCG) but the ” Collingwood” Ausie Rules team also play here.
They happened to be training next door and we got some insight to the team and the game from their coaches that were standing near by. By all accounts quite a coup as most Ausies wouldn’t of dared talk to the coaches. We were just naive and just asked what was going on. Collingwood were the runners up in the AFL this year and have a normal match gate of about 75000 fans.
Next, to the main city centre and the Docklands area.
The very attractive Flinders Railway Station
Typical Tram
Great Italian meal tonight after meeting Andrew.
We loved Melbourne and wish we had more time to explore but we are off again tomorrow on the 8.30 flight to Sydney for the next leg to stay with Chris and Martin for a week. I wonder what they will have in store for us?
First day in sunny Melbourne which started a bit cool but ended up very warm and balmy.
We are staying in South Yarra which is quite an affluent part of town with loads of restaurants and cafes but within easy reach of the city by metro or the very delightful tram and only takes about 10 minutes.
First event of the day was a trip to a local food market within walking distance. Lots of lovely goodies but no point in buying as we are only here a couple of days and will be eating out.
The Prahan Market
From here we took our first tram ride. The trams are in the main the rickety, clickety clack types similar to those in Milan but are delightful. We ended up at Kilda Beach and had a bite to eat.
By this time we had been in contact with Irene’s nephew Andrew and had arranged to meet him at Flinders station at 4.00 on the steps outside . Nothing that unusual but Irene has not seen Andrew for 40 years but there was instant recognition.
Walked through the city to his place in Fitzroy and strolled along Brunswick Street which is quite Bohemian and East End Londonish, again lots of cafes,pubs and restaurants of all nationalities. Very vibrant. Loved it. Went to a Greek restaurant for dinner.
We have left Port Douglas and the heat and arrived in a very pleasant, sunny Melbourne. Took the Skybus from the airport and then after a quick phone call to the apart/hotel we took their advice and took the train/metro to South Yarra station. Arrived with no problems, we must be improving. Hoping to hear from Andrew in the next hour so we can find somewhere for a bite to eat. Melbourne has a really pleasant feel to it. We thought the jerseys had to be put to the bottom of the case, but perhaps we’ll need them here in the evenings. Wifi is by the hour here, so we will log on each day, but won’t be on all the time until we reach Chris and Martin in Sydney. Apartment is really nice, all mod cons, balcony/terrace, even though we are on the 7th floor, lounge, separate bedroom, kitchen, laundry facilities, we could live here! Quite centrally placed for the cafes and markets of the city. Will use the trams tomorrow to get a feel of the city.
Our apartment sun deck with Astro Turf.
Last day in Port Douglas so we travelled two hours north up the coast to Cape Tribulation and through the rain forests. The Tarmac road runs out at CT and it is a gravel road from there onward for 4×4’s only. Having crossed the Daintree river by cable ferry the road winds it’s way through the rain forests that literally go into the sea.
Ferry takes no more than about twenty vehicles but not a problem because there are very few cars on the road. This is a pretty remote part of Queensland.
A very rare and endangered bird roams this part of the world. It is called a Cassowarie and looks a little like an emu I think. There are signs all along the road to be careful not to run them over, if you ever see one !!
This is the funniest of them all though.
Came across a place called PK’s Jungle Village so we had a bite to eat.
Is this the place you stayed at Tom ??
Just another beach
That’s it from Queensland. Enjoyed it all especially the great climate.
Today we did the barrier reef, with a boat/ company called Calypso. We were very lucky as Port Douglas is quiet, there were only 28 on the boat, about 8 divers and the rest snorkelling. We went to Opal reef on the outer barrier reef, did 3 centres for diving in roughly the same area, but with different things to see. Paul and I obviously weren’t paying attention as we missed the shark and large turtle. However we saw plenty of beautiful fish and brightly coloured corals. It was a great day out. They picked us up at 8.40am and we got back at 6pm, after stopping for a beer on the way back. We met a great crowd of people and the crewe were great. All together a very successful day. BBQing tonight on our balcony. Got the wine in and the steak.
‘Im on his yacht
‘Er in a very fetching little number!
Typical reef. Doesn’t look much from above but beautiful below.
It took one and a half hours to reach the reef which is about 30k out. This makes it even more amazing as the coral is only a meter below the surface.
On the top sun deck on our back to Port Douglas
Two Spanish, two Aussies and four Poms including Me and Er.
Walked for another hour along the beach before breakfast. Not the real me getting up this early.
The stunning four mile beach taken from the high ground behind our apartment
Booked our trip to the Outer Great Barrier Reef for tomorrow leaving at 9.00 and returning about 4.30.
Had a lazy time today around the town with a spot of lunch again at the Marina. Calamari and a pot this time.
Port Douglas is a very pleasant all low rise town
Idyllic ??
Up bright and early to do a walk along the “4 Mile Beach” which starts about 50m from our building. Walked for about an hour and came back for some “brekkie”.
Drove north up the coast to Daintree village where we went on an hours cruise on the Daintree River looking for birds and crocs. Saw a couple of crocs but not clear enough to warrant a fot.
Mangroves all the way along banks.
Headed back towards home and detoured up to the Mossman Gorge and walked for an hour or so to the gorge and along the forest trail. Very steamy .
Back to base for a nice shower and a cuppa of green tea on the balcony where there is a nice breeze coming off the ocean.
Out on the town tonight for dinner I think.
Left for the airport early for our 10 am flight to Cairns.
Goodbyes from Ann, Dennis and Emma with a few tears.
Good flight hugging the east coast of Queensland with great views, it being a cloudless day.
On arrival found out our car hire company was not based at the airport so had to wait for 20 mins to get picked up and taken to the depot. No big deal.
Drive up the coast to Port Douglas very scenic and took about an hour.
After checking in to our apartment building went to find somewhere for a light lunch. Cone of prawns and a “pot” ( small beer) for two overlooking marina. Tis b——-y hot here!!
Did a little shopping for tonights dinner. Er did marinated chicken wrapped in bacon superbly cooked by Me on the BBQ on our balcony washed down with a well chilled Chardonnay.
Nighty night .
Last full day in Brisbane with the family. Everybody coming round tonight (14) for last supper of meat and potato pie prepared by Denis ( he always does this when United are playing important matches and the family comes). Irene is preparing her special caramelised orange trifle.
All went well and we all said our farewells with hugs and kisses.
Hottest day yet at 30 degs.
We drove north up the east coast to Noosa/Noosa Heads about an hour and a quarter drive from Brisbane. Noosa is quite a busy holiday area, lots of waterways lagoons etc and the beaches are of golden sands abounding with surf doods. We had a nice walk along the beach for an hour or so before a snacki sushi lunch.
Out of Noosa and drove up to a lookout point to view the Heads from above.
Heading for home we drove down the Sunshine Coast, very aptly named as it has been a beautiful sunny day.
Surfers Beach
Irene wanted to see wild kangaroos so we made a small detour on the way back to an area where they should be around. They were where they should be !
Après dinner and at the moment we are Skypeing Irene’s sister at the Red Lion pub that they have just taken over. All going well.
Last day with the relies tomorrow and all the family coming round for the last supper.
Y
Total blue skies and hot today.
Set off in the morning to “Mount Coot’tha” which is the high ground to the SW of Brisbane which provides stunning views to the city and beyond. Great viewing area with restaurants and cafes.
Irene’s niece, Emma, works in a tower block next to the “Gabba” cricket ground and has access to the Cricketers Club so we went for lunch. Very strict dress code. Men have to wear “pants” and definitely no ” thongs”. Very nice lunch with super views of the ground. No game or practice going on though.
View of the ground from the restaurant.
View of the ground from Emma’s 10th floor office
After lunch we got dropped off in the city in the bohemian West End district. Had a coffee in the Gunshot cafe and then walked to the river and visited the Art Gallery before training it back home.
Brisbane Art Gallery