It's true that you can have to much of a good thing & with Asia (as you might have guessed from the blog's posted,) we were just on the cusp of becoming apathetic towards travel. However touching down in our home from home of Australia signified the opportunity to take stock & reset before the next thrilling - once in a lifetime experience - commenced!
If that sounds like a disservice to Australia,(seeing it just as a place to relax,) then its not meant to be, as it's truly excellent in its own right! But the knowledge that we would be meeting up with old friends, staying in the one place for more than a day at a time & not having to pack away our belongings every morning before setting out was delightful! Oh yes, these are massively understated pleasures that only the well-worn traveller can fully appreciate! So, whilst I can't believe I'm actually going to repeat the words of such travellers (that I once criticised) but honestly "travelling really takes it out of you"!
Stepping from that plane into the freezing cold morning air of Melbourne was a real shock to the system compared to the warmth of Asia, but being greeted by the familiar smile of that loveable petrol headed rough Julien & his crazy pooch "Soot" more than made up for it! Still piece and tranquillity didn't last long as having climbed into Julien's monsterous V8, we engaged warp factor 9 & roared off down the ashpalt to Kingsville (West Melbourne) for a brief power nap!
Dazed & confused, we were dragged into the city centre for a whistle stop tour of the main attractions (incl. the Realto tower) before a boozy 'french' lunch in Williamstown & met up with Juliens better half - Sussan. Ready to collapse, we managed to negotiate a chilled first evening in Oz & settling in front of the goggle box with a glass of local Yarravalley wine & a home cooked meal of Kangaroo. (ed. yep, we actually had to recall how to cook after months of eat outs!!)Strange how these basic pleasures can be so good at times, but truly enjoyable none the less!
Spending the following few days exploring Melbourne at a more sedate pace, we caught up with another old friend (Anthony Skeets) in Federation square over a few beers before heading over to Juliens parents to catch our first glimps of wild 'Roo's and the bush.
Left: the wild roo's we didnt eat! Right: Crossing points are a little different down under!
With gratis car provided (thanks again Sussan) we then headed West in search of our own smooth Asphalt & the Great Ocean Road. Stopping of at Bells beach, Apollo bay & the 12 apostles (well actually 8 now!) for suitable tourist picks, we made Warambool before nightfall & were greeted by the sights of several Southern Right Whales basking in the late evening sun but yards from our position! So chalk up another amazing experience for that one! (ed. and sorry from me to those who I texted with over-excitement!!)
Left: The Start of the Great Ocean Road. Centre: Bell's Beach. Right: The apostles .
Above: Warambool Whales.
With miles of road ahead we chose to leave the coast & head North towards the Grampian's (Great Dividing Range) & the small town of Hall's Gap. It's a picturesque place in the middle of arid bush that's called home by around 300 locals & 6000 or so tourists that descend on the place every season. (ed.. thats the sort/quantity of seasonnaire work I dont ever want again!!) Thankfully our arrival just before the start of the main season ensured we had a pic of several beds although we chose to check into the eco friendly (ed. and our first.. and possibly only) YHA. ( ed. the image you get of YHA's IS correct in this case, as although a very comfortable place - the other 'residents' were as you imagine - but missing the leather elbow pads and frumpy skirts - I thought I was in social services again!! lol)
Above: McKenzie Fall's near Hall's gap
From Hall's Gap we returned East to Melboure via Ballarat (an old goldmining station,) & onto Phillip Island. It's a hell of a long way (even our 'local hosts' questioned if it was an excessive drive for one day,) but the sight of several hundred little pengiuns waddling out of the ocean made it all worthwhile. Unfortunately we didn't get any pictures of the little darlings as we were instructed that they are easily spooked!! Although the sight of 300 or so humans sat in stadium rows but inches from their borrows was in our opinion clearly more shocking that the 'click, click click of the camera!' (not that the staff would agree however!)
Back in Melbourne we indulged our flash packing tendencies by dining out with J&S at the Anchorage in Williamstown. Whilst we had been told the food was good (you have to order in advance) we weren't quite prepared for the fresh, tasty & seasonal seafood platters that arrived. Quite simply the Anchorage is one of the finest places we have ever had seafood in! So try it yourself if you are in the area......www.anchorage.com.au
Left: The Gang! Right: Dinner...but not for long.
Whilst not content with simply putting us up free gratis for several weeks, loaning us a car & taking us to the best seafood restaurant ever, J&S decided that a weekend in Tazmania was in order to fully appreciate the Southern coast of Australia! As such we burnt another few kilo's of carbon & boarded yet another jet plane to the city of Hobart.
Checking into a hotel in the centre of town we explored the Salamanca farmers market, local Cascade brewery & recommended 'Flathead' restaurant (which doubles as a fishmongers in the day) for yet more seafood delights before winding up in a local bar for a nightcap or two. Unfortunately Julien was required to work that following Sunday, but our new friend Keith (a friendly ex Pom) stepped up to the mark & provided a wonderful guided tour of the local area. Visiting Richmond & various other towns of note we soaked up the sunlight, cake & occasional beer before stopping off at THE wildlife sanctuary of Tasmania.
Above: Julien & Sussan at the Salamanca farmers market.
Thought a little run down due to lack of investment by its previous owners, the sanctuary was a delight to visit as not only were there many animals to view up close (Kuala, Tazzy Devils, Possums & Roo's) but the staff were informative, communicative & truly passionate about their work. As such we must suggest you all visit if you are ever this way as they are miles ahead of the competition in terms of animal welfare & even provide free rescue for local wildlife. THE link you need is www. bonorong.com.au
Left: Wambat! Right: Miranda's new best friend.
Back in Hobart once more, we reviewed the fluffy animal & huge smile pictures we had accumulated over Tazzies more famous exports, (the freshest rock Oysters we have ever had at only $9 for 12) & the delightful harbour view.
Above Left & Right: Oysters wth friends new & old!
The experiences we gained in OZ & Taz were memorable to say the least & we really can't thank you guys enough of all that you did as in less than 3 weeks we have seen so much & ensured many fond memories will accompany us on our future travels & for years to come.
....sweet as.......
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