Melbourne Day 3 Victoria Markets

This morning we managed to use up half of our pre-paid bandwidth (1Gb/$40/30days) in just 15 minutes! The rest had been used last night in similar time period. So, purchased 12Gb/$180/12months block, that in 3 minutes we used $4 credit. I noticed that data was being charged at highest rate instead of the discounted rate for a large data block purchase. Obviously something wasnot right, so we visited Telstra for a please explain or help. Telstra acknowledged that this is a feat, but couldn’t or wouldn’t assist. Typical Telstra, such a caring corporation and they wonder why the public look for alternatives.

The girls did well this morning as they trolled the dress, beauty, and associated teen jewellery shops. Unfortunately the overcast sky and pending rain put paid to a zoo visit so we caught a tram to Victoria Markets. The first retailer we encountered was an all year round Christmas shop. Many beautiful decorations greeted us, and we gave in to our Christmas spirit. J

The Markets proved to be a bargain hunters dream. The girls, especially Charlotte enjoyed the huge variety of goods on offer.  Quiet a multicultural crowd mingled at the Markets, with languages other than English freely mixing with exotic English speaking accents. The food we sampled was world class and very cheap and plentiful, if you looked carefully. We enjoyed!

Later we caught a tram back to CDB to attack the shops one more time. A quick visit to China town was interesting, but not as colourful and as varied as Sydney’s version. A highlight was the Myers Christmas Window displays, where a line-up of families snaked down Burke Street to wait their turn in front of the dynamitic dancing sheep, reindeer, elves and of course Santa. We viewed from behind the lineup and had an excellent view.

Finally we sought dinner, which we found at the Indian Café called “Flora”. A feast for a small charge, and the food was as good as any we have consumed in Toowoomba. It was well supported by the local Indian community, and we were the only non-Indians in the Café. Our desert was completed by the enjoying $1 mangos and strawberries we purchased at the Markets.

In the end it remained overcast all day, but didn’t rain as expected, so we could have gone to the zoo. Next time perhaps we will visit the zoo?   A good day all round.

PS Jacqueline has a blog as well at http://jacqadventureblog.blogspot.com.au/ and Charlotte's can be found at: http://charlottesblogspace.blogspot.com.au/ 

http://charlottesblogspace.blogspot.com.au/

Forbes to Melbourne Day 2

Today we set out from Forbes for Melbourne (7 am local ), but not before visiting a memorial to the Bush Ranger Ben Hall at an old railway station.

Our travel took us quickly down the Newell Highway over the great Murray and into the great state of Victoria. Along the way we enjoyed overcast skies with an occasional down pour of biblical standards.

We arrived in Melbourne at 3:30 pm local time (2:30 pm EST). This time over path lead directly to Flindersgate Car park not far from "Darling on Collins", our new home until Tuesday. The city was decked out for Christmas with decorations on most public buildings and streets.

The girls were keen for shopping so we rode the free tram to Harbour Town for shopping. At the end of day, we found Italian meals at "Medici" (docklands).   A Tram back to CBD, and we purchased food for breakfast and snacks.  Finally we watched a building come to life with laser light while eating real French Crepes from a street cart. 

 

Toowoomba to Forbes Day 1

Today we set off on a trip to Melbourne. As a family we don't mind road trips, as we regularly travel to Townsville each year, so a trip to Melbourne is much the same, except interesting.

Our departure today was early by our standards - 7am. Amazing! We farewelled Howard and Rose our ever faith hounds and guard dogs, (thankyou Chris, George and Kym), and headed to Goondiwindi. Outside of Toowoomba heading to Millerran we encountered three sets of roadworks which delayed us 20-30 minutes. At Goondiwindi we where delayed again by a house being transported, sadly another 15 minutes. From Goondiwindi we headed down the Newell highway until we arrived in Forbes.

Overall we made good time on the road. We settled for Forbes' Town and Country motel Inn, which is comfortable and reasonably priced. For dinner we dined at Golden Dragon, which was very good.

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.