Day Tours in Melbourne

Tuesday 10th

Caught train from Bendigo into Southern Cross then transferred to district train to Hughesdake where I am staying with Anthony and Leanne, Elli's brother. As I have booked to do 3 days of trips around Melbourne. Had a good old chat with Leanne when I got here and she showed me all her beautiful photos of Ayres Rock, Ulura. Had good dinner and went to bed earlyish as had to get up for 6 am.

Wednesday 11th

Up and out by 6.45 to catch the 7.00 train into Melbourne meeting my coach at Russell Square near Flinders Station. All went to plan, and left at 8.15. Had our first morning stop of tea, out of a Billycan and lemmingtons cake. Feed the birds, one little bugger bit me!

Then on to Puffing Billy steam train although it had turned chilly up at Mount Dandenong,good for steam. Enjoyable ride on train and all the kids are allowed to put their feet out.

On for a fab roast lunch at Fergussons Winery in the Yarra Valley.

Then heading off to Healesville Sancutuary. We saw Koalas, Emus- which I feed- Kangaroos, Platus and Tasmanian Devils. As well as a 'Spirit of the Sky' show from all the birds of prey,.

Got back to Melbourne about 6pm home to Leanne's by 7ish knackered.got it all to do again tomorrow!

Thursday 12th

Back at Fed Square again by 7.55 to take my tour to Ballarat.  Gold was found here in 1850 and all nations flocked to this area in Aus to become rich!

We stopped to do a city tour,then a quick comfort stop by a beautiful lake where we saw a black swan with signets

Then onto Sovereign Hill wich is very much like The Beamish Museum in Yorkshire. Stepping back in time to the Gold Mining days. All staff dressed up and shops  all decked out in period times. 

The miners revolt lead to rebellion and the Red Coats where called in. Gave a marching display then fired the riffles, pity they didn't take out some of the hundreds of rude Koreans!

Very interesting and as luck would have it whilst panning for gold EUREKA I found some!

Friday 13th

Did not have to get up quite so early today as not on the coach till 1pm to go to Phillip Island to see the Little Penguins this evening.

Got into Melbourne about 11 ish and went to Captains Cook cottage in Fitzroy Gardens then popped into St Pauls Catherdral and watching some Alley Art at work, before getting to Fed Square for my pick up point.

Off we went stopping at Churchill Island Farm where we watched a sheep dog doing his stuff and sheep being shorn and a quick cuppa.

We then went onto a Koala Conservation Centre and saw many wide awake! They do sleep a lot apparently.

Our driver was very excited about all the wildlife here in Aus and wanted to show us as much as possible so went for a drive right around the Island looking out for Wallabies and Penguin burrows,we saw many of both. Looked out over the Bass Straight wonderful views.

 Arriving at the Penguin Parade we had chance for a quick food stop then onto the beach to get a good position to see these little folk come out the ocean and head up their nests to feed the youngsters.

They did not come out of the Ocean till 8.45 ish and we watched under dimly lit flood lights and as photographs are forbidden these are from the free app . We returned back to coach at 9.45 and got back into the City at 11.20 just in time for me to catch the 11.30 back to A & L in Hughsdale. Another long but enjoyable day.

Only one more month here.

Saturday 14th 

Hurrah had a lie in till 10then walked to huge Shopping Centre about 15 mins from A & L home.

Left there about 3 to go back into Melbourne Central to see the Film - Dressmaker. Set in Australia a truly lovely film, take your tissues!

Sunday 15th

After breakie went to St Kilda to look around the Markets,a walk on the Pier and lunch in Acland Street, famous for its numerous Cafes and had lunch.

Driving onto Brighton  to see the coloured Beach huts and a paddle in the sea. Beach huts cost around $200,000 (£100,000)    Only slightly bigger than those in Worthing, how silly.

Back home for tea and cake! Weather was fab. Off tomorrow to Warraambool on the Great Ocean Road by train ( 4 hour trip) to stay with Brenda - Diane off nb Ferndale's Aunt.

Back into Victoria

Saturday 7th

Big drive again today to get back into the state of Victoria. Stopped at a roadside cafe called The Dog on a Tuckerbox for lunch.

Then onto Beechworth. Another Historic town this time we have rooms in the old Lunatic Asylum. It's been beautifully transformed into appartments and Elli and I are in the Nurses quarters,thank goodness didn't fancy any spooky things going on. They do offer ghost tours,which we have declined! Well I might go!

Went to their local craft market and brought a lovely pair of sandals, black and blingy just right for the boat!  Walked down to the little town for a sticky beck and decided to wait for Elli in the pub, for a quick half, to come down to have a fish and chips supper. No chatting with the locals! Then as it was a lovely eve drove round the gorge for some stunning views.

Sunday 8th    

Up and out visiting the Cheese Factory, olives and mustards tasting at Millawa,then onto Bright. We wondered  why we kept seeing old Cadalacs  and Holdens some supped up with wonderful paint jobs. We soon found out, Bright was holding its Annual Hot Rod Expo. I wandered around taking lots of photos of cars, bikes and tricks. Baz would have loved it,a lovely thing to do on his birthday.

After lunch headed back to Beechworth, Eli had a sew and I went for a walk around the grounds and decided to book the Ghost tour in the evening.

It was a fun thing to do, only six of us, very informative.so sad how 100years ago folks where placed in these places for stupid reasons, not always mental illness!

Monday 9th

Left after breakfast to drive back to The Shed. Had lunch at Murchiso after a quick look round Ned Kelly's homeland and where they eventually shot him. Passed a sheep shearing station in action. 

Now sorting things out as off again tomorrow to Melbourne.

Blue Mountain trip

Saturday 31st

Set off from M & E about 10.30 after picking up some cider from the farm up the road. On our way Mulwala on NSW side of the river Murray and Yarrawonga on Victoria side.  We stopped at Shepparton for lunch. Arrived at hotel and I had a swim and Spa lovely. I got thrashed at Canasta, might not play anymore!!! Long drive with lots of open countryside.

Sunday 1st November 

We went for a drive firstly to a Farmers market at Corowa,quite small brought some smelly soap! Then onto Olive Farm in Yarrawonga had a lovely time taking all the oils,dressings, chutneys and jams. 

Another photo for you Ryan a 1967 Holden

Followed by at visit to a The BIG Strawberry farm in Koonoomoo. Where we had pancakes with strawberry ice cream ,went out and picked ourselves a kilo, I did a 'Connie' and ate loads.

 These town names make me laugh, Elli tells me they have Aboriginal influence.

Just got back to hotel when an enormous thunderstorm started. I waited abit after beating Elli at Canasta -just, before dashing over to pool for a swim,lots of kids so stayed in the Spa mostly.

We decided to go to the Casino for dinner,I had roast pork very English.

Monday  2nd

Left about 8.30 big drive today to Orange stopping at West Wyalong for coffee. Had a walk around Orange brought a hat for Ayres Rock!  Put car through car wash as it was filthy. Hotel here fab overlooking vineyards, beautiful views lovely tuna salad and strawberries and yoghurt. Watching rabbits running around.

After breakfast and looking at some old farm machinery set off to our cottage in Leura in the heart of the Blue Mountains.

Stopped after about half hour to look at and Iris & Bee farm. Beautiful Irises so many wonderful doubled colours. Must show the guys at Trenthan when I return.

Leaving behind the blue sky's we headed into the grey mist of the mountains and the weather did not improve. Went to Tourist info centre at Echo point, Leura, to sort out what to see while we are here. Had lunch, then we found our cottage which is delightful, very comfortable and airy. Three days here. Hurrah I won at Canasta had! I stayed up and watched the film Snatch brilliant hadn't seen it in ages.

Tuesday 3rd

Has not stopped raining since we got here! So disappointing as we can not see anything of the mountains. Went to an Aboriginal Culture show this morning very good although we where in danger of being the only two in the audience until another couple came in late. 

Then went on to a Quilt / Craft shop Elli was interested in. The lady in there could out talk me!  She was off to UK on Saturday looking for Quilts and Samplers so we where in there over an hour, telling her of all the lovely places to go. She was so excited to have tickets to go on a Christmas tour of the house Downton Abbey is filmed from. So after all that chatter went and had lunch in Seven Sisters Chinese . We read the set menu  wrong and ened up with two meat dishes and rice, no veg so abit disappointing but brought home what we could not eat, brought some Chinese broccoli and Pac Choy and will have a better meal tonight. Tried my first TimTam chocolate biscuit, you where right Diane very yummy.

We then went to visit Rick Rutherfords, a wonderful country homeward gallery. Now it has 10 showcase rooms all decorated with Christmas gifts. Elli brought loads of gifts for her friends as well as an old fashion recipe book stand for herself. Took photo of these tea cosy just for you Mum x 

Rick himself was there offered to sign his Christmas book. He writes for one of the magazines here in Australia - Counrty Life. 

Returned back to our cottage for a game of Canasta, back to normal lost! Please let it stop raining for tomorrow or we will have seen Jack Shit.

Wednesday 4th

Well it is still raining.Urgggg decided to go down to the town visit a Teapot Museum and browse shops, with the hope of the clouds lifting. This did not happen so went back to cottage for lunch,then low and behold the rain stopped and the clouds lifted slightly. We shot off in the car to a viewing point near Echo point and hurrah we saw the mountains. Not to brilliant but at least a view of what we came all this way to see. 

The clouds once again 

appeared so we went to visit The Hydro Majestic hotel, famous for its waters, idea from the baths at Matlock  UK, and 'High Teas' with views. We had intended to treat ourselves but sandwiches and cake without a view - no.

 Back to our cottage for a read and cooked our dinner in tonight. We are hopeful tomorrow morning may be clear and will get our last chance. But it's still pouring down.

Thursday 5th 

Wonders will never cease we both woke up about 6.30 and the sun was out we showered and dressed getting in the car and down to Echo point by just gone 7am and yes we saw the Blue Mountains. It was quite magnificent and took loads of photos although my camara does not do it all justice.  

After breakfast and checking out of our lovely cottage seeing a Kockabura as we left. 

We headed on to another more beautiful cottage in Berrima. After stopping for lunch in Exeter. This is a delieghtful old cottage very old,wooden floor boards low doors very pretty.went our own way around the few shops that are in the town the back to raid the well stocked fridge. Bottle of wine to wash down the smocked salmon.

Beautiful arrangement of flowers in my room 

Watched a film called Red Dog very Australian then ready for bed after our early start.

Nearly a whole posting without food!