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.