Last day Tamworth to Toowoomba

Last Day travel Tamworth to Toowoomba

This morning we headed north for home. The country is quite green and enjoyable to see. We climbed up and down several small ranges of hills across rolling farm land into Stanthorpe around lunch time.

We noticed a decline in road conditions, once we crossed the Queensland border. Typical.

It has been an enjoyable trip of 3491km over 10 days. A summary -
1 night Parkes NSW
1 night Bendigo Victoria
4 nights Melbourne Victoria
2 nights Sydney NSW
1 night Tamworth NSW
Home to Toowoomba Qld

Certainly planning similar trips again.

Paddy's Markets and day 1 of the trip home

Marie, Jacqs, Melissa, Charlotte and Elessa at Market City

Today was our last day (or really half day) in Sydney. We packed up early, but our parking at Citigate gave us parking until 7pm. Given the premium of parking and the opportunity, we decided to wander 2-3 minutes down the street to Paddy's Markets and  Market City for a browse and a family get together with Elessa and Marie.

Marie, Elessa and Cos

We arrived early (a feat for us normally) at 9:30am and met Elessa and Marie. It was great to catch-up, and the poor things endured a window shop with us for the next four hours. The Markets and shops above had a little bit everything for almost any shopper. Certainly the girls managed to find things to buy. We wish Marie and Nick all the best in their up coming move.

Overall Sydney was worth a visit, and the suburbs we passed through north were leafy and well kept. Traffic was less aggressive than Toowoomba drivers, and less pushy than Brisbane drivers. On the whole, driving in Sydney was less stressful  than driving in Brisbane.

Crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Mid afternoon we finally headed north for home. We crossed the Sydney harbour Bridge, then ended up in a tunnel (Lane Cove) system, before our GPS and Melissa found a route back to the Pacific highway. Travelling along Pacific Highway to Newcastle, then turning inland to arrive in Tamworth around 8:30pm local time.  The inland route was slower but certainly more scenic with the multiple of historic towns and hamlets along the way. The country was generally green and enjoyable to pass through. We found accommodation at Budget Motabelle Motel, which is inexpensive, roomy, a relatively modern finish and has dining/kitchen and two separate bedrooms. It also has free wireless Internet, a rarity these days in motels. We certainly will consider it again next time we pass through Tamworth.

Day 9 Sydney to Tamworth

Tomorrow will be our last leg home, some 6 hours driving time inland and eventually passing through Warwick.

Seeing the landmarks of Sydney

The girls over looking The Sydney Harbour Bridge

The Harbour

After a well needed sleep in, we managed to get out and about to travel down to Circular Quay around 10:00am. The streets were full of people and busy. We headed down George Street to Circular Quay which took about 30 minutes on foot.

The Rocks

Around noon we met with Elessa at Circular Quay. We saw "the Rocks" (the oldest area of European settlement), the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the harbour and finally the Sydney Opera House. All were magnificent and met expectations. The Harbour was truly beautiful and the water was a rich blue colour. I understand now the reason for European settlement in this particular piece of coast. The perfect harbour.

The mid to late afternoon was spent walking/window shopping through Pitt, then George Street ending up in the Mall. The Girls saw the Channel 7 studios from the outside, which pleased them greatly. It is there we met James (Elessa's Fiance),  Elessa and James lead us to China Town where we shared a really nice Chinese meal.

We all returned to our room, where we took a look at the day's photos.

7 studios

Opera House

Melbourne to Sydney

View from our Melbourne Appartment

Today we departed for Sydney, which was a relatively easy trip of ten or so hours. The streets of Melbourne were quiet due to the Public holiday which was great for us. The traffic was light, and our path was easy in comparsion to our arrival. Barring the tram only stop that Swanston Street suddenly become unbeknowns to the GPS.  Melbourne has great freeways in and out of the city, so apart from the multitude of speed cameras and frequent speed changes due to road works, it is a great system of roads.

We were sad to leave Melbourne, as it is a friendly, and interesting city. We all had a handle on the lay of the land, which is a credit to the city planners. Our accommodation was fine, good price, fantastic location, great rooms, friendly folks, but the building is ten years old and needs some maintenance. Last night was not so pleasant as the building air conditioners failed and were unreliable both News Year's night and last night.  Last night was particularly bad and very warm. Also, our balcony door lock was tempremental and washing machine was not the same as ours. Generally the building needs some tender loving care. We were told that the folks who leased the building didn't own maintain airconditioners etc on a public holiday.  They were very apologetic. Hmm.

The road to Sydney was broad and well sign posted. Almost all the towns have been by-passed, which lead to a quick trip. Given the time of the year we saw a police presence on the roads, about same as one would normally see between Toowoomba and Brisbane (150km). NSW and Victoria both seem to use more automated and hidden speed cameras, so hopefully we don't have any surprise speeding tickets waiting for us. There shouldn't be, as we stuck to the speed limit all the way. The Victorian landscape was very dry, but the county got greener as we moved closer to NSW.

Travel to Sydney Day 7

First impressions of Sydney is it is like LA, very spread out, lots of people and grubby. The roads seem to be fine, but not as well designed or maintained as their Victorian couter-parts. Our accommodation seems well placed in Haymarket on the CBD edge. We are staying at the Sydney Citigate Centre Hotel, and it is a four star establishment. The room and facilities are plush and modern in comparion to our Melbourne room, but lacks a kitchen/dinning/lounge, laundry and seperate rooms. It is just a hotel room made for a family.

Tonight we walked the streets near our hotel, and found that we are just 5 minutes from Sydney Cental Railway station. We should be able to visit the CBD with out too much problem. After checking out the Train station, we walked along historic streets lining with dozens of eating establishments. We settled on a busy Thai place were the food was outstanding, and the price was fair. Very enjoyable.

More photos to come.

Tomorrow we hope to catch up with Elessa and Marie.

Last day in Melbourne

Cook's Cottage

Today we took a tram to Cook's Cottage in Fitzroy Gardens. It's Captain Cook's actual home that has been moved to Melbourne in 1933. Being very informative, it is well worth a visit. Both Treasury and Fitzroy Gardens are delightful to walk through.

At noon, we took another free Tram to Harbour Town, and met a nice couple from Christchurch NZ along the way. They described the destruction of their city's CBD by the multiple earthquakes since we visited. Hundreds of buildings demolished.  Very sad. The free Tram is a excellent for seeing the major land marks of the CBD.

View back from South Bank

Harbour Town is a mega-shopping precinct, similar but larger to Queensland's Gold Coast version. We spent most of the afternoon at Harbour Town before returning by Tram to our Hotel. The ride was very hot and crowded, as it was closing time for some of CBDs many shops and apparently 38 degrees 47 on the tram we're sure. We cant wait to return  north for some cooler weather.  Some logic there I'm sure.

Carriage Ride

For dinner we explored South Bank (near the city's Crown Casino) then took horse driven carriage down the streets. The carriage ride was a highlight, and the French lady driver very polite and friendly. She was a fantastic Representative for the business. The girls practiced their royal wave and really had fun. Finally, we wandered home (after sampling a "Pie Face" treat or two) which was certainly worth eating. A long but enjoyable day.

More Shopping and Science Works

Plans today were to jump on a train, have the morning at Science Works and then have a further look through the lane ways after lunch for some bargains.  Main aim was to find something for Jacq's for Elessa's wedding and anything else was a bonus.  Well, that plan went out the window when we waited ten minutes to have Jacq's Swatch Watch checked as the shop hadn't opened.  We walked down to a boutique and resurfaced quite a while later with some great bargains on great prices any way.  Cos escaped periodically and had returned once to the unit with his purchase of  an aeroplane model not available in Toowoomba.  After our purchasing we returned to the room.   The boutique was all but across the road from our accommodation.  We dropped the bags recouped the cameras etc and set off for a quick lunch of baguettes and a shared sweet crepe in a lane way cafe for lunch.

We decided to catch a taxi to the Science Works and had a reasonable 2 1/2 hours looking at and trying out the science displays.  This was adequate time but more time could have easily been spent there.  There were other theatres with various shows and a dinosaur show we missed.  Jacq was happy as she was very keen to visit.  She even had the opportunity to be a paleontologist for half and hour in a session called 'Bones to Stone'.  The Science Works is a much bigger version of the Science Centre in Brisbane, probably about twice the size with many of the same or similar activities and many more different ones.  There are extra shows and theatres here as well.  All very interesting and very hands on.

We caught a train back to Flinders Street Station and had walk through yet more lane ways.  Interesting many of them have graffiti but somehow it isn't untidy but adds to the atmosphere of these lanes.  There are even eclectic additions to to the walls like figurines.

Monkey in the lane

We returned once again to the room quite exhausted.  We are now relaxing and preparing ourselves for the Madding Crowd during News Year's Eve celebrations.  After having a chat to a volunteer helper preparing himself at five for the festivities we discovered that there is to be fireworks at 9.30 at the MCQ which we should be able to see from Federation Square, then probably return to the room and then wander back out into the Madding Crowd just before midnight, see the new year in and and return to the room to bed in preparation for our final day tomorrow.

Shopping Trip in Melbourne

Today we ventured out onto the streets of Melbourne CBD in search of bargains. Melissa was first up and went down to "Christmas Square" to purchase some breakfast pastries and coffees. She was entertained by Christmas Carolers during the trip.

Typical Street with Tram

We had several plans today; get Charlotte's ipod screen fixed (don't ask her about taking it to school against her parents wishes. She is paying for the repair), find "Mind Games" and a ipod touch case for Jacqs, visit "Victorian Hobbies" for Cos, and generally look for clothes for all of us. We achieved all of these tasks with a lot of walking and a tram ride.

We also visited the Victoria Markets, which was sadly late in their day and they were packing up when we arrived. Apparently the customers were not out in force, so they started packing up early. We still managed to get a bargain or two (perhaps). Next we enjoyed dinner in one of the many lane way cafes, then ventured into the Mall to explore David Jones and Myers. All in all a productive day.

People passing by in reflection

Myers' Christmas Display

During our retail adventures we got to explore more of the CBDs arcades and lanes that hold many  unexpected treasures. We also noticed the folks that walk the streets and lane ways have as yet to understand the issues of smoking. More smokers than one would see in a Queensland city, and their care of passive second hand smoke towards others is almost Southern European in disregard. Jacqueline had a cigarette flicked off her leg, and we witnessed similar disregard during the day. It was like travelling back in time 10 to 20 years in regards to home. Despite this unpleasant aspect of the city, the people are friendly and helpful. A very multi-cultural landscape of people all happily living and working together. On the whole the average person we saw on the street was better dressed and presented than back home.

Bendigo to Melbourne CBD

After pleasant sleep in, we set out to explore Bendigo. It became very apparent that Bendigo has more than one day's worth of attractions to visit. The city has very beautiful buildings and parks to explore. A very Victorian and Edwardian era landscape of public buildings and homes.

We settled on visiting the Golden Dragon Museum for an hour and half. A cultural and historic wonderland of displays showing the Chinese history of the town. We could have easily spend double the time at the Museum, and still had more to see and learn. The highlight was the various Imperial Dragons on display. It has tempted us to return for the annual Easter festival.

The second visit we made was to the Central Deborah Gold Mine.  We opted to do a  Mine Experience Tour which took us 61m underground into the now decommissioned gold mine.  Before embarking we were able to have a quick look at many static and moving displays explaining the mine's history and general workings.  We even got to pan for gold again.  Sadly, yet again, we will be returning to work.  Yet again we have spent far more time here but still enjoyed the visit.

Day 3 Bendigo to Melbourne

We returned to Bendigo CBD for a quick look and a late lunch. We sampled Gillies Pies, a local icon for this part of Victoria, hmm ok but we have tasted tastier. (I think we could strike it rich if we exported some of our pies to Victoria.) Bendigo is truly a city that one must visit.

The trip to Melbourne was quick and uneventful. The road was modern and well fenced, and truly a delight to drive on. The landscape was pleasant to see but in need of rain.

Once inside Melbourne CBD, we thought we had been teleported back to New York, right down to the car horns and yellow taxis. The "left hand hook" right turn.  Where you actually do a right hand turn from the left hand lane in the CBD is totally unique and quite scary.  On enquiring it turns out it was introduced to discourage people from driving in the CBD.  It worked for us.  When turning right at an intersection you move as far left as possible and and wait for ALL traffic to pass ie  give way to everyone then you can turn.  Here's where most of the horns are heard.  Add trams to the mix who get right of way we believe and boy traffic is interesting.  Although if not turning right it wasn't too bad.

After finding parking and getting to the accommodation we made our way up to reception.  We checked in and went to our room at Darling Towers on Collins.  It is very pleasant, fresh although bedrooms are not large kitchen area and living space is very pleasant and quite comfortable.  We have a small balcony that overlooks Collins Street.

The evening was spent wandering the  streets getting our bearings and finding some tea.  Tough choice but decided on some very nice Indian.  Once again old architecture lines many of the streets and seems to be an eclectic mix of New York, (yellow taxis and traffic, Basel (architecture) and even Venice (no canals :-) but small lane ways)

Parkes to Bendigo

Parkes Observatoru

This morning we visted the Parkes Observatory, just outside the central-west NSW town of Parkes. Fantastic place, certainly worth a visit. Parkes Observatory's claim to fame was in 1969, it received television signals from the Apollo 11 Moon landing and relays them to a worldwide audience of 600 million. The movie, The Dish tells it's part in the story.

Parkes to Bendigo Day 2

We travelled down to Narrandera, and had lunch at the town's "Narrandera park". The Tiger Moth memorial celebrates the Airmen who trained at Narrandera's No 8 EFTS (Elementary Flight Training School) during the Second World War. The Memorial is located on the edge of the Park. The display features the DH 82 Tiger Moth, a comprehensive collection of model airplanes and a range of photographic memorabilia relating to the training school at Narrandera.

The trip from Narrandera was very pleasant, with rolling plains, native forests and quaint country towns being the main highlights. We crossed the border at Tocumwal near Gobram NSW, then over the great Murray River. After long drive, we stopped 6km later at Koonoomoo "The Big Strawberry" for well earned rest and afternoon tea. Very nice.

Late afternoon, we arrived in Bendigo and checked into the Bendigo Budget Oval Motel. The motel staff were very friendly, and the Motel well priced. We walked down through the park to the CBD for dinner. Excellent dinning. Bendigo is notable for its Victorian architectural heritage and gold mining history. Very pretty city with lush gardens and plenty of old world charm.

Road trip to Parkes

After our New Zealand trip, we have developed an appreciation for road trips. Having travelled overseas a couple of  times with the girls, we decided it was important that they see some of Australia too. We are lucky, our girls are accustom to long range road travel, having visited Townsville by car every year of their lives.

Day 1 Trip to Parkes

We had our first taste of a  non-Queensland road trip early this year, with a quick trip to the Dubbo and the zoo. We enjoyed that trip, but thought next time we would visit further south, perhaps Melbourne.

So this morning we set out 8.36am (early by our standards) for Forbes.  We went to Moree for lunch via Goondiwindi continued south through Dubbo.  We ended stopping in Parkes NSW, just 30 minutes short of our target.  Watched some interesting jet vapour trails that actually glowed a red colour in the setting sun.  We we hope they were jet vapour trails :-)

Staying at the Spanish Lantern.  Quiet a pleasant motel and a bonus second bedroom for the girls.  Quiet unexpected for the price.  Eagle boys fed us for tea.

Hoping for an earlystart (real one not Marendy) in the morning and aiming to get to Bendigo to see the sights hitting Melbourne late afternoon.

Charlotte has a blog at: charlottesblogspace.blogspot.com for a teenage perspective of the trip. It is nice to know our house is being visited daily by friends and family, thanks, it makes going on nice trips much easier.