18/02/2008 to 16/03/2008
This page has been developed in retrospect, in 2020, so not all of the details are available. I coulnt find digital copies of the photos before we arrived in Sydney though printed copies are in my photograph album.
Marie and I spent 28 days spent touring Australia. For the first 18 days we rented a motor home which we picked up in Melbourne and left in Brisbane. We then flew to Cairns to visit the Great Barrier Reef and the Rainforest. From there we continued on to Alice Springs to visit Ayers Rock and experience the Sounds of Silence Dinner. Finally we made our way on to Perth where we visited Marie's niece and explored various places of interest.
Below is a copy of the diary written at the time of the holiday and photos from Sydney onwards.
Sunday, 17th February
Left home at 4pm and arrived at the airport at 4.45pm. Checked in quickly as I had checked in online and there was no-one in the queue. However, the flight was delayed as the plane from Dubai was late arriving due to fog in Dubai. Eventually took off at 9.45pm, 1¾ hours late.
Monday, 18th February
Flight to Dubai was O.K. but we had to circle before we could land because of fog. Arrived at 8.30am local time. Liked the 2-4-2- configuration as we had an aisle seat and a window seat. The second terminal was still under construction – didn’t look a lot different from last year.
Plane was delayed again because of fog and we eventually took off at 12.45pm.
Tuesday, 19th February
Arrived in Melbourne at 9am, which was the time we should have been getting the bus. As they run every hour we were able to get the 10am bus. The driver was a great character and she took everyone almost to the door.
After picking the van up we were advised to travel down the East side of Port Philip Bay and take the ferry from Sorrento to Queensliffe. Because we had arrived late we decided to miss out Melbourne and just do the Bellarine Peninsula today. After a quick look around Queensliffe we travelled to Portarlington and had a look at the school that the children used to attend.There were more buildings and all the staff had changed – met the Principal as they were having a staff meeting.
Drove to Drysdale, passing a lot of new developments on the way. Did some shopping then went to find the house where we usewd to live. It had been painted a fawn colour and a big fence had been put up around the front garden. There was also a huge shed in the back garden. The surrounding area was all built up and I wouldn’t like to live there now. We drove to Ocean Grove and eventually found the caravan park.
Wednesday, 20th February
Left the caravan park after much fiddling to get the door locked. Had to ring Network who said to use WD40 – it then worked but we still had trouble with the storage box at the back. It was cold and wet in the morning – a big contrast to the previous day. Called at the supermarket on the way into Geelong to get some groceries then parked at the Waterfront. Walked to the shops which were very different from 1982 when we left. Found a mobile phone shop but found that my phone was locked to Orange and we couldn’t replace the SIM card with a local one. They would have cost $30 anyway and we didn’t think we would use that much even between us. Took some photos on the Waterfront and ate sandwiches in the van as it was raining.
Set off for the Great Ocean Road early afternoon and decided to drive straight to Port Campbell and investigate the Twelve Apostles on the way back the next day.
Thursday, 21st February
We drove along the road to see The Arch and London Bridge before starting our return journey. We stopped in a car park at Loch Ard Gorge and, after walking to one of the lookouts, returned to the van to find that we had a flat tyre. Fortunately some people in the car park helped us to change the tyre. We then had to return to Port Campbell as the spare tyre needed extra air in it. At this point we decided to stay an extra night in Ocean Grove, bring the Philip Island booking forward one day and cancel the first night in Mallacoota.
We then continued along the Great Ocean Road, viewing the Twelve Apostles along the way.
When we arrived at the Riverview Caravan Park the manager offered to sort our flat tyre out the next morning and managed to open the back storage box.
The weather was fine and sunny early on but clouded over and became cooler later in the day.
Friday, 22nd February
Our tyre was collected by one of the caravan park employees who took it to Barwon Heads and got it repaired at a cost of $25. We went into Ocean Grove to stock up on groceries but decided not to visit the beach as the weather was cold and wet. We got the 12 noon ferry from Queenscliffe to Sorrento and drove round to Philip Island. After booking into the caravan park we went to the visitor centre to organise the visit to the Fairy Penguins. We also booked a visit to a koala conservation centre. We saw some sleeping koalas then watched one descend from a tree, walk across the board walk support, climb up and walk along the handrail until it reached a tree that it wanted to climb up to join another koala. We enjoyed the conservation centre as the there were no cages and the koalas were free to travel where they wanted to.
We then went to Cowes where we bought fish and chips which we ate ‘al fresco’ We then travelled to the Penguin Parade. It was cold and we had some rain but we had our waterproofs. The groups of penguins on the beach weren’t very close and the numbers very disappointing. We moved to a different board walk where we were able to watch the penguins walking up to their burrows. We arrived back at the campsite at 10.30pm.
Saturday, 23rd February
We left Port Philip Bay at 8.45am and stopped at Bairnsdale to get some bread. We ate lunch at Johnsonville by a river – very pretty. We arrived at Mallacoota’s Shady Gully caravan park at 4.45pm. We walked into the town centre – the weather was windy and dry. It was a long and tiring drive.
Sunday, 24th February
As we were preparing to leave the caravan park a kangaroo hopped across through he caravans. We left at 9.30am and travelled to Eden where we stopped for lunch next to a historical cemetery by the beach. It was quite windy. There were a few surfers in the water but not much surf.
We reached Tathra at about 1.30pm. After booking in we did some washing and strolled over to the beach. We walked along the beach to the surf club and up into town. We had an ice cream and walked to the historical wharf where we saw some people snorkelling.
It was a dry and hot day but still quite windy.
Monday, 25th February
We left Tathra at 8am and filled up with petrol in Bermagui. We continued on to Nowra, arriving at Shoalhaven Heads caravan park at 12.15pm. We had chicken and salad for tea. The weather was a little warmer than previously but we had some light showers.
Tuesday, 26th February
We left Shoalhaven Heads caravan park at 8am and headed for Wollongong which was much bigger and busier than expected. It wasn’t easy to find our way through the centre. We stopped in Campbelltown at the visitor centre which was a beautifully restored school house. We then picked up a motorway – the Great Western Highway, which we followed to Katoomba, finding the caravan park quite quickly.
We walked to one end of the Scenic Skyway then continued along the Prince Henry Walkway to Echo Point. We got some good views of the Jamieson Valley and the Three Sisters. We went to the café and found that they had free internet services for customers, which we made good use of. We then got the trolley bus into the town centre but there wasn’t much to see. We walked back to the caravan park where we had a very heavy downpour with thunder and lightning. After it had cleared we went to the floodlit waterfall but the lights weren’t very effective. Most of the day had been sunny and hot.
Wednesday, 27th February
We woke to the sound of very heavy rain so took our time getting up. It eased a little after breakfast. We decided to use the time washing and drying clothes. By 10.15am the weather had brightened so we got the bus to Echo Point and had hot chocolate in the internet café. We walked down the Giant Steps - 900 steps – and along the Dardenelles Pass Walking Track. We climbed the Furber Steps (1,004), taking lots of pictures along the way. We walked to Scenic World to investigate the Sceniscender and Scenic railway but decided not to go on them. On the way we ate our lunch at Juliet’s Balcony. Returning to the caravan park before walking to the supermarket to get some groceries.
Thursday, 28th February
We left the campsite at 8am and drove to Sydney through rain and a thunderstorm. After arriving at the campsite we bought a week’s pass for $43. This would allow us to use buses, trains and ferries during our stay. We left the campsite at 12.20pm and arrived in Sydney at 1pm, after travelling on the bus and train. This was a very efficient service with frequent buses and trains.
After arriving in Circular Quay we walked to the Opera House where we explored the outside and the foyer. We walked across to The Rocks where we found a big visitor centre and picked up lots of information. It rained off and on for most of the day.
Friday, 29th February
We left the campsite at 7.10am to catch the bus to Chatswood then the train to Wynyard and Circular Quay. We booked on the 9am tour of the Opera House but couldn’t go into the main Concert Hall as there was a convention being held there.
We then went back to the Rocks area and booked on the 12.45pm Bridge Climb. There was a lot of preparation for this to make sure that we had everything we needed but that nothing could fall – even to handkerchiefs. There was quite a long walk along a gangway to the beginning of the climb. Then we went up some steep ladders to the arch of the bridge. The walk on the arch of the bridge was much easier than expected.
After a coffee on Circular Quay we went to the Botanic Gardens where we walked around the headland. It was fine for most of the day and sunny for part of it.
Saturday, 1st March
We set out at 7am to catch the bus and train into Sydney, then the train to Circular Quay. We then caught the ferry to Olympic Village where we hired bikes to tour round the site. The bus to return to the ferry didn’t arrive so we had to get a taxi. We had planned to go to Manly Beach but when we got back to Circular Quay there was such a long queue for the ferry that we decided not to go. Instead we walked back to the Botanic Gardens, across The Domain and on to Hyde Park. We saw the end of the Mardi Gras but the streets were very crowded so we didn’t stay in the centre of Sydney. We went to the Town Hall station to get the train back and eventually arrived back at the campsite at 7pm.
One of the Tall ships in Sydney harbour
Sydney Tower, Sydney's tallest structure and the second tallest observation tower in the southern hemisphere
Sydney city centre
Sydney Opera House
Sydney Harbour
Fruit bats in the Botanic Gardens
Hyde Park, Sydney . . .
the oldest parkland in Australia
Sunday, 2nd March
We left Lane Cove River Caravan Park at 6.50am and joined the Pacific Highway. There were some showers early on. We later joined the Sydney to Newcastle Freeway which allowed us to make good time. We called at Taree to stock up with groceries and petrol, and had lunch in a lay-by shortly afterwards. We arrived at Bonny Hills Caravan Park at about 1.30pm. It was a beautifully situated site looking out to sea but the facilities were rather dated. The weather improved in the afternoon and we went for a walk along the beach.
Bonny Hills
Looking for flat ground at Bonny Hills caravan park . . .
right next to the ocean
Monday, 3rd March
We left Bonny Hills just before 7am and made good time along the Pacific Highway. We stopped at Grafton at 11am and walked along part of the Historic Trail but the houses weren’t of great interest. We continued on to the visitor centre/ferry car park to have lunch in the van. We drove on to Ballina and arrived at the caravan park at 3pm. This was the most expensive of the campsites, one of the Big 4 Group. It was very nicely set out on the edge of the lake, with good facilities. We saw 3 pelicans on the shore. We played Putt Putt mini golf and went for a swim. The weather was hot in the morning but there were a couple of heavy showers in the afternoon.
Tuesday, 4th March
We left Ballina just before 7am and took the coast road to Byron Bay. We drove out to Byron Heads and walked up to the lighthouse from where we could see the most Easterly Point of Australia. We then rejoined the Pacific Highway and continued on to Tweed Heads and Coolangatta, crossing into Queensland. This area was very busy and built up. We took the coastal road to Surfers Paradise but didn’t stop as it was very busy with a lot of high rise buildings. We returned to the Pacific Highway which became a motorway leading into Brisbane. We found the caravan site quite quickly, arriving at 11.20am. (Didn’t realise that it was actually 10.20am as Queensland doesn’t have daylight saving.) After settling in we caught the bus into Brisbane and then the loop bus to the Botanic Gardens. We walked around the gardens then crossed the river on the Goodwill Bridge. We walked along the South Bank, visiting the beach area. We crossed back on the Victoria Bridge then rode round the loop on the free bus. We caught the bus back to the caravan park arriving back at 6pm (really 5pm). It was hot and sunny for most of the day.
Cape Byron lighthouse . . .
and again
Cape Byron headland is the easternmost point of mainland Australia
Paddle boat
Arbour
Arbour
Brisbane City beach . . .
and again
Ibis . . .
or three
Bird of Paradise
Wednesday, 5th March
We left the caravan park at what we thought was 8am but found out later that it was only 7am as we hadn’t realised there was an hour difference in Queensland. We wondered why the bike hire man didn’t arrive until what we thought was 10am. We rode the bikes through the Botanic Gardens and along North Bank. We travelled along the floating walkway then on to New Farm. We rode back to Goodwill Bridge which we crossed onto South Bank. After passing the next 3 bridges we went back to Victoria Bridge to cross onto North Bank and eventually returned to the Botanic Gardens.
We ate lunch in the gardens then caught the loop bus to Adelaide Street so that we could check the flight times. We got the ferry downstream from North Quay then returned to South Bank. After eating an ice cream we got the ferry again, travelling to the university then back to North Quay. We got back to the caravan park at 6pm. It was hot and sunny for most of the time but quite breezy.
Botanic Gardens . . .
closer . . .
and closer
Floating walkway with Marie
and me
Interesting road structure
Thursday, 6th March
We got up at about 6am, did some washing and had coffee and cake while we waited for the washing to dry. We set off at 10am and caught the bus from Brisbane to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, arriving at 10.45am. We saw some birds and koalas before we went to watch the sheepdog display, with very obedient Border Collies and Kelpies. We saw a kangaroo with a joey and some red kangaroos. After seeing some other animals we returned part way on the bus then got the ferry for the rest of the way. We got back to the campsite at 6pm.
Pink Cockatoos
Koalas
Red legged Pademelons
Casowary
Crocodile . . .
and another
Wedge tailed eagles
Lizard
Kangaroo & joey
Red kangaroo . . .
and again . . .
and one more
Emu
Bush turkey
Dingo
Parakeet
Friday, 7th March
We got up just before 6am as we had done for a few mornings. As it went dark early and there wasn’t much to do in the evenings we tended to go to bed early, which meant we also got up early. We packed and cleaned the van then left at 8.30am. We eventually found the office where the van had to be returned. The man in the office noticed a chip on the windscreen which he didn’t think had been there before. However, it turned out that we weren’t charged for it. He took us to the airport - $30. The plane was about ½hour late. We were met by Rob Besford who took us to the motel. When we arrived we booked the rainforest trip (which turned out to be a mistake) and the Great Barrier Reef trip. The unit was O.K. but very basic and well used.
Saturday, 8th March
The coach picked us up at 7.20am for the Rainforest trip and we drove to Port Douglas to pick up the rest of the group.
Places visited:
Crossed the Daintree River by ferry into the Daintree National Park
Visited the Daintree Discovery Centre – arial walkway, rainforest canopy tower
Cape Tribulation beach
BBQ lunch in the rainforest
Trip on Daintree River – saw 2 large crocodiles, 1 small one and lots of fruit bats
Afternoon tea en route
Mossman Gorge – swing bridge walk
Arrived back at 7pm. The weather was humid and it was mainly overcast.
Tree fern
Python . . .
and again
Rainforest . . .
and again
Golden orb spider
Sunday, 9th March
Woke up at 5am but only got up at 7am. Had a leisurely breakfast and went to the shopping centre so that Marie could post a card. Had lemonade and cake then set off to walk into Cairns at 10.30am. Walked to Centenary Lakes which was a rainforest with a boardwalk. Continued on to the Botanic Gardens then headed for the esplanade. We had an ice cream at the café then continued on to the Lagoon but decided not to swim. We walked around the marina and saw the Black Watch cruise ship which we had seen in Brisbane and Sydney. It was very hot but overcast in the morning and hot and sunny in the afternoon.
Centenary Lakes
Cairns Botanic Gardens . . .
again . . .
and again
Monday, 10th March
The coach picked us up at 7.45am to go to Port Douglas for the cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef. We boarded the Quicksilver Wavepiercer at 9.30am and had morning coffee on board. At 10am we left for the Agincourt Reef which is an outer reef. We arrived at 11.30am and went on the semi-submersible. After that we had lunch then changed into the lycra suits to go snorkelling. When we first got into the water it was quite busy but we swam further out to where it was quiet and there was more fish around. We saw lots of different types of coral and different types of fish. The wind was quite strong, creating waves and there was a strong current. We really enjoyed the snorkelling and it was well worth the trip. It had rained during the night and there was some rain in the morning but brighter in the afternoon.
Tuesday, 11th March
The taxi had been booked for 5.45am but it didn’t turn up. Luckily we manages to stop a passing taxi and he took us to the airport. The flight left at 7.05am and arrived in Ayers Rock at 9.10am – Ayers Rock is ½hour behind Brisbane so the flight took 2½hours. We checked in and left the luggage at the porters lodge. We booked the Uluru Express for 11am and had a look around. There was only the 2 of us on the mini bus. We walked round part of the base before walking to the Cultural Centre. It was very hot and there were a lot of flies. After looking round the shops we returned to the Village at 2.30pm. After settling into the room, which was very nice, we had a swim before getting ready for the Sounds of Silence Dinner. We set out for the dinner at 6.15pm and had drinks and canapés on a sand dune while we watched the sun set over the Olgas. It was a very good evening except for the fact that our table companions were very rude and hardly spoke to us. It was a hot day with little wind
Uluru
The path that people used to climb but now don't out of resepect for the Aborigines
The many faces . . .
of Uluru
Time to leave
Sunset
Didgeridoo an the Sounds of Silence Dinner
Wednesday, 12th March
We had a very comfortable night’s sleep with everything in the room being very good quality. We had breakfast at the hotel and went to look round the shops. At 10.15am we got the coach to the airport for the 11.25am plane to Perth. We arrived in Perth at 1.30pm local time and were met by Marie’s niece, Kathy-Anne, and her daughter. We called to see their new boat and had a look around the marina where they keep it. We had tea and watched TV.
Thursday, 13th March
We caught the train at about 9.30am into Perth from Joondalup. We collected maps from the information centre and checked out the ferries. We walked by the river to King’s Park and the Botanic Gardens. There was an impressive war memorial and water feature in King’s Park.
We caught the free bus to the opposite side of Perth and hired bikes. We rode by the river, across the bridge, along the opposite side of the river and back over the causeway. We walked back to the centre and caught the train back to Joondalup.
London Court, Perth
Swan Bells
War Memorial
War Memorial flame
Kings Park
Friday, 14th March
We caught the train into Perth at about 9am and continued on to Freemantle. We explored the centre where we had coffee and muffins. We walked to the Freemantle Markets and bought an Outback picture. We walked across to the Marina and the docks where we saw a Tall Ship. We went to look at the Round House then booked a cruise trip back to Perth. The journey took about 45 mins and was very pleasant. We caught the train back to Joondalup, arriving at about 5.30pm. The weather was finer all day with temperatures up to 27°.
Freemantle sculpture
The Esplanade
The Harbour
Harbour sculpture . . .
and another
Tall ship
Freemantle sculpture . . .
and another
Saturday, 14th March
We went to the suburb of Swan View to walk in the John Forrest National Park. We followed the heritage trail, an old disused railway track, to a pub where we had lunch. Kathy-Anne, Jaqui and Holly joined us. There were kangaroos, parrots, ducks, cockatoos and galahs near our lunch spot. A kookaburra flew close to Jaqui to take food. It was a hot and sunny day but very pleasant.
We left at 7.30pm to arrive at the airport at 8.30pm.
Parakeets
Kangaroo . . .
and more
Kookaburra
Galahs
Kookaburra