Another early start to the day as we knew we had a long drive ahead of us and we had to get out of this 'trailer-park' in Melbourne because of the diverse range of inhabitants....wink wink!!
Our plan was to drive to Jindabyne in the one go.........well, that was the plan.
First we hit peak hour, then just out of Melbourne was a locust plague (which didn`t slow us down just entertained us) and then (forget being a farmer!) we saw the flooding first hand. Every river, creek, slight trickle were absolutely flowing and watching the different fields of crops partly under water was pretty sad.
Everything was going to plan and on schedule until we decided to go a short cut, up and over the Snowy Mountains to Jindy via Tumbarumba and Mt Selwyn. The other way was through Tumut and Khancoban which we worked out was longer and would have got us to Kerry`s (Lisa`s cousin) later. Well, it may have been shorter but it was steep!! The poor old Jackaroo struggled up the mountain and we had to stop quite a few times to let the autotrans cool down.
It was getting towards 8pm and we weren`t even to the top of the mountain so we decided to stay at a camping spot right on top of the snowies at a place called "3Mile Dam". It was a great spot right next to the highest town in Oz "Cabramurra" (spelt wrong for sure!). The lake was really picturesque with heaps of Kanga`s and birds.
There was only 1 other tent there but it was bloody cold. Will have to rug up for the night.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Night 140 - Melbourne
Today is our 10 year wedding anniversary and we had an amazing day.
We started off down at St Kilda exploring the beach and pier. We had a coffee and ice cream out at the end of the pier in the sunshine. I love St Kilda, if I was going to live in Melbourne this is where I would want to live. Its got a great vibe.
We then drove into the city and went to Queen Victoria Markets. There is so much to see and do. I guess its a lot like Paddy's in Sydney, lots of fresh fruit and veg, touristy souvenirs, cheap clothes and toys and great food and coffee! We spent hours here just looking around at all the different stalls. The markets also have a hall which is devoted to fruit and veg, seafood, cheese, bread and organic food. Ahhhh....heaven for us all!
We met up with my cousin Charlotte who I never get to see, so lovely catching up with her.
We then ended the day with dinner on Lygon Street. Lygon Street is the best place around to get a great italian meal, which is exactly what we wanted. Pizza and pasta all round....and my favourite champagne....Blue Pyrenees.
We started off down at St Kilda exploring the beach and pier. We had a coffee and ice cream out at the end of the pier in the sunshine. I love St Kilda, if I was going to live in Melbourne this is where I would want to live. Its got a great vibe.
We then drove into the city and went to Queen Victoria Markets. There is so much to see and do. I guess its a lot like Paddy's in Sydney, lots of fresh fruit and veg, touristy souvenirs, cheap clothes and toys and great food and coffee! We spent hours here just looking around at all the different stalls. The markets also have a hall which is devoted to fruit and veg, seafood, cheese, bread and organic food. Ahhhh....heaven for us all!
We met up with my cousin Charlotte who I never get to see, so lovely catching up with her.
We then ended the day with dinner on Lygon Street. Lygon Street is the best place around to get a great italian meal, which is exactly what we wanted. Pizza and pasta all round....and my favourite champagne....Blue Pyrenees.
Night 139 - Melbourne
On the drive up to Melbourne this morning the weather looked great, we thought we were in for a great sunny day. There did look to be some rain but not enough to stop us going to the zoo.
We arrived at Coles to buy some rolls and stuff for lunch and the checkout lady told me there was a massive storm coming our way. I told her no it looked ok and we were off to the zoo. She told me good luck!
I got back in the car and within minutes it was raining, not just rain but torrential rain. We couldnt see in 10 metres in front of us. Zoo plans cancelled!
So we drove to our caravan park and tried as best we could to set up in the rain. We were soaking wet and only half set up. We had some lunch and then decided to drive back into the city to take the kids to have a look at the Myer Christmas displays.
I can say one thing, we sure dont know how to drive in Melbourne! We were actually quite stressed. There are the trams, turning right from the left lane, white arrows instead of green arrows, lanes that end without warning and then Craig drove straight through a red light! So stressful. I have to say though that its a really nicely set out city. Huge big open roads that help with the traffic flow (well compared to Sydney anyway!), a beautiful river and distinct areas with different attractions.
We finally make it to Myer and the windows are amazing, so glad we took the kids here as they just loved it.
We then went inside to see Santa. He was the loveliest Santa you could ever meet. He spent ages talking to the kids and asking them questions. Ellie was pretty petrified as she was last year and wouldn't go near him. This was the best photo we got:
I really wanted to do some christmas shopping but it was all a bit overwhelming. Far too many people and not enough space!! We finally found our car after we realised we were heading in the wrong direction. Not quite sure how we did that but apparently it was my fault!
We got back to our caravan park a bit late so we had pizza's for dinner from a local pizza shop. The best pizzas we have had in years!
We arrived at Coles to buy some rolls and stuff for lunch and the checkout lady told me there was a massive storm coming our way. I told her no it looked ok and we were off to the zoo. She told me good luck!
I got back in the car and within minutes it was raining, not just rain but torrential rain. We couldnt see in 10 metres in front of us. Zoo plans cancelled!
So we drove to our caravan park and tried as best we could to set up in the rain. We were soaking wet and only half set up. We had some lunch and then decided to drive back into the city to take the kids to have a look at the Myer Christmas displays.
I can say one thing, we sure dont know how to drive in Melbourne! We were actually quite stressed. There are the trams, turning right from the left lane, white arrows instead of green arrows, lanes that end without warning and then Craig drove straight through a red light! So stressful. I have to say though that its a really nicely set out city. Huge big open roads that help with the traffic flow (well compared to Sydney anyway!), a beautiful river and distinct areas with different attractions.
We finally make it to Myer and the windows are amazing, so glad we took the kids here as they just loved it.
We then went inside to see Santa. He was the loveliest Santa you could ever meet. He spent ages talking to the kids and asking them questions. Ellie was pretty petrified as she was last year and wouldn't go near him. This was the best photo we got:
I really wanted to do some christmas shopping but it was all a bit overwhelming. Far too many people and not enough space!! We finally found our car after we realised we were heading in the wrong direction. Not quite sure how we did that but apparently it was my fault!
We got back to our caravan park a bit late so we had pizza's for dinner from a local pizza shop. The best pizzas we have had in years!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Night 138 - Barwon Heads
We promised the boys yesterday that if the weather was ok we would take them to Adventure Land.....a new water fun park in Geelong. It wasnt cold but it was overcast and rain was on the way. They begged, pleaded and turned on the tears so we relented! Ok we thought, there wasnt much else to do so away we went.
The kids, with their huge smiles and charged up energy, couldnt get there quick enough! I have to say the day was awesome, I spent most of it looking after Ellie who was way too cold to go in. Lucky we didnt have to pay for her! The boys didnt stop all day. They went on water slides, tube rides, played at the water playground, paddle boats, and even had a go at archery. Ellie was just happy to go on the carousel!
The park was packed full of school kids probably on their end of year excursions but by 2pm they were all gone and we had the whole park to ourselves which was great. It did rain lightly on and off, I dont think the boys even noticed.
Some pics from the day...
After the water park I went for a long overdue hair cut while Craig and the kids slept in the car!!! The weather looked like it was going to turn really nasty so we put in the awning and made sure everything was secure for the night. It was an exhausting day so we had an early night.
The kids, with their huge smiles and charged up energy, couldnt get there quick enough! I have to say the day was awesome, I spent most of it looking after Ellie who was way too cold to go in. Lucky we didnt have to pay for her! The boys didnt stop all day. They went on water slides, tube rides, played at the water playground, paddle boats, and even had a go at archery. Ellie was just happy to go on the carousel!
The park was packed full of school kids probably on their end of year excursions but by 2pm they were all gone and we had the whole park to ourselves which was great. It did rain lightly on and off, I dont think the boys even noticed.
Some pics from the day...
After the water park I went for a long overdue hair cut while Craig and the kids slept in the car!!! The weather looked like it was going to turn really nasty so we put in the awning and made sure everything was secure for the night. It was an exhausting day so we had an early night.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Night 137 - Barwon Heads
Goodbye to beautiful Lorne.
We drove up to Bells Beach, no surf. There were about 7 guys out there and only two of them got a wave in half an hour.
We drove up to Torquay and of course we had to stop at all the surf factory outlets. I have to say its not as cheap as it used to be. In fact we didnt buy a single thing. Unlike years ago when we came out with bags of bargains. It was a little disappointing.
We planned to stay here the night so Craig could surf but it wasnt any good so we drove north a bit to Barwon Heads. We actually found a caravan park that doesnt charge for kids....they are very few and far between. The receptionist said the kids are free as long as we take them home with us!
Its a great caravan park, its massive and there is hardly anyone here. We have a spot right on the ocean so we have booked two nights.
We drove up to Bells Beach, no surf. There were about 7 guys out there and only two of them got a wave in half an hour.
We drove up to Torquay and of course we had to stop at all the surf factory outlets. I have to say its not as cheap as it used to be. In fact we didnt buy a single thing. Unlike years ago when we came out with bags of bargains. It was a little disappointing.
We planned to stay here the night so Craig could surf but it wasnt any good so we drove north a bit to Barwon Heads. We actually found a caravan park that doesnt charge for kids....they are very few and far between. The receptionist said the kids are free as long as we take them home with us!
Its a great caravan park, its massive and there is hardly anyone here. We have a spot right on the ocean so we have booked two nights.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Night 136 - Lorne
We survived the last night of schoolies!! It wasnt as bad as we expected, a bit of yelling and screaming but having lived in the middle of Dee Why it was like a usual Saturday night!
This morning we drove about 15 mins up to Erskine Falls. Its another narrow winding road that leads up to the most beautiful waterfall. It was so quiet and serene up there (well except for the crazy kids that stood underneath it and yelled because it was freezing cold!) We got to the first lookout and were greeted with this view...
We then walked about 200 steps down to the next lookout....all 5 of us in our trusty bush walking thongs. Walking back up with 3 tired kids was hard work, even harder for Craig who is the lucky one who gets to carry Ellie!
After lunch back at the van we walk into town to take the kids for an hour at the skate park. Being a Sunday it was packed but when the older kids stopped for a break the little ones jumped in!
The beach was packed because of the race. Craig didnt end up entering, he says there was some kind of protest. His new buff image made them scared I guess! Perfect conditions for a race though, overcast and not too hot.
On the way home the boys meet some girl friends!!
This morning we drove about 15 mins up to Erskine Falls. Its another narrow winding road that leads up to the most beautiful waterfall. It was so quiet and serene up there (well except for the crazy kids that stood underneath it and yelled because it was freezing cold!) We got to the first lookout and were greeted with this view...
We then walked about 200 steps down to the next lookout....all 5 of us in our trusty bush walking thongs. Walking back up with 3 tired kids was hard work, even harder for Craig who is the lucky one who gets to carry Ellie!
After lunch back at the van we walk into town to take the kids for an hour at the skate park. Being a Sunday it was packed but when the older kids stopped for a break the little ones jumped in!
The beach was packed because of the race. Craig didnt end up entering, he says there was some kind of protest. His new buff image made them scared I guess! Perfect conditions for a race though, overcast and not too hot.
On the way home the boys meet some girl friends!!
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Night 135 - Lorne
Well the surf wasnt good enough to stay here another night so after a play at the beach this morning we packed up. It is a great spot though.
We drove into Apollo Bay at around 10am, just in time to check out the weekend markets. Of course we have to sample a few local cakes and jams! Apollo Bay is awesome, we all loved it. We drove down to the marina and saw some horses swimming and Craig checked out the fishing boats. The town has a beautiful bay on one side and huge mountains on the other side.
Back on the Great Ocean Road towards Lorne. Its breathtakingly beautiful, the road winds right along the coast. We did see a few people that had pulled over and were being sick over the edge!
Lorne is now massive compared to how we remembered it. We arrive into town to see a huge hotel that looks brand new. The town is packed due to the Anaconda Race that is being held tomorrow and we also find out that its the last night of schoolies week. Judging by the amount of teenagers here we are in for a sleepless night!!
We are staying at a nice caravan park at the end of town which is walking distance to everything. We head down to the beach and the kids spot some trampolines.....Craig and I are exhausted watching them jump in the middle of a 25 degree day!
We head down to the beach to check out the juniors races. Under 13 boys race the 4kms first followed by the under 13 girls, under 10's are next, then under 8's. So cute to watch the little ones run (or walk with their parents) the 4kms. Not 100% sure but I think the big race tomorrow is a triathlon, Ill sign Craig up....stay tuned for results!
After dinner Craig goes fishing for squid on the wharf, no luck tonight.
We drove into Apollo Bay at around 10am, just in time to check out the weekend markets. Of course we have to sample a few local cakes and jams! Apollo Bay is awesome, we all loved it. We drove down to the marina and saw some horses swimming and Craig checked out the fishing boats. The town has a beautiful bay on one side and huge mountains on the other side.
Back on the Great Ocean Road towards Lorne. Its breathtakingly beautiful, the road winds right along the coast. We did see a few people that had pulled over and were being sick over the edge!
Lorne is now massive compared to how we remembered it. We arrive into town to see a huge hotel that looks brand new. The town is packed due to the Anaconda Race that is being held tomorrow and we also find out that its the last night of schoolies week. Judging by the amount of teenagers here we are in for a sleepless night!!
We are staying at a nice caravan park at the end of town which is walking distance to everything. We head down to the beach and the kids spot some trampolines.....Craig and I are exhausted watching them jump in the middle of a 25 degree day!
We head down to the beach to check out the juniors races. Under 13 boys race the 4kms first followed by the under 13 girls, under 10's are next, then under 8's. So cute to watch the little ones run (or walk with their parents) the 4kms. Not 100% sure but I think the big race tomorrow is a triathlon, Ill sign Craig up....stay tuned for results!
After dinner Craig goes fishing for squid on the wharf, no luck tonight.
Night 134 - Johanna Beach
We woke up this morning to brilliant blue sky. The rush was on to pack up and get started down the Great Ocean Road as we knew the great weather wouldnt last long.
We drove into Port Fairy and then Warnambool but as we have been here a few times we didnt stay long. We picked up some cheese and biscuits from the Cheese Factory to enjoy while driving.
We started down the Great Ocean Road with a massive storm brewing behind us, we tried to keep in front of it as best we could.
First stop was The Martyrs which has some pretty spectacular cliffs and sandstone pillars.
Now this is exactly how we drove the Great Ocean Road 10 years ago.....cheese, biscuits and cool tunes. Felt exactly the same as it did all those years ago, well except for the 3 kids in the back seat!
Next stop was The Grotto, very cool as we got to walk right down to the bottom. Kai absolutely loved it and had the German tourists laughing as he kept saying 'wow mum this place is so beautiful'
Next stop was London Bridge...
On to Port Campbell which is a great Little touristy town. There were about 50 bikies that had stopped here for lunch and the boys loved checking out their bikes. This place is exactly as I remembered.
And the famous Gibson Steps...
We came to the 12 Apostles (there arent 12 anymore). There is a new cafe/kiosk here which was absolutely packed with tourists. The helicopter joyride company was making an absolute killing, the flights were $95 for 10 mins and they were flying non stop. Bailey had quite a large tanty as he really wanted to go on it but with the massive storm coming I was a little nervous at the thought of them flying with all the thunder and lightening.
We stood and watched the storm front coming over and thought we had better hit the road to our camp for the night. So the rain started coming down as we pulled out of the 12 Apostles car park, we had done pretty well to stay in front of the storm for as long as we did.
The rain got harder and harder, the wind got stronger and then all of a sudden the hail started as we pulled off the road and turned down the street towards Johanna Beach. We had a few scary moments as we couldnt see anything in front of us, not great considering the narrow winding roads. We got stopped by some cows crossing on the way to be milked, the rain didnt bother them.
Johanna Beach is great, its one of the best free camps we have been to. There is heaps of space, lots of green grass, a beautiful surfing beach and very few flies. The rain cleared again and within an hour you would have never have known it has even been raining.
We drove into Port Fairy and then Warnambool but as we have been here a few times we didnt stay long. We picked up some cheese and biscuits from the Cheese Factory to enjoy while driving.
We started down the Great Ocean Road with a massive storm brewing behind us, we tried to keep in front of it as best we could.
First stop was The Martyrs which has some pretty spectacular cliffs and sandstone pillars.
Now this is exactly how we drove the Great Ocean Road 10 years ago.....cheese, biscuits and cool tunes. Felt exactly the same as it did all those years ago, well except for the 3 kids in the back seat!
Next stop was The Grotto, very cool as we got to walk right down to the bottom. Kai absolutely loved it and had the German tourists laughing as he kept saying 'wow mum this place is so beautiful'
Next stop was London Bridge...
On to Port Campbell which is a great Little touristy town. There were about 50 bikies that had stopped here for lunch and the boys loved checking out their bikes. This place is exactly as I remembered.
And the famous Gibson Steps...
We came to the 12 Apostles (there arent 12 anymore). There is a new cafe/kiosk here which was absolutely packed with tourists. The helicopter joyride company was making an absolute killing, the flights were $95 for 10 mins and they were flying non stop. Bailey had quite a large tanty as he really wanted to go on it but with the massive storm coming I was a little nervous at the thought of them flying with all the thunder and lightening.
We stood and watched the storm front coming over and thought we had better hit the road to our camp for the night. So the rain started coming down as we pulled out of the 12 Apostles car park, we had done pretty well to stay in front of the storm for as long as we did.
The rain got harder and harder, the wind got stronger and then all of a sudden the hail started as we pulled off the road and turned down the street towards Johanna Beach. We had a few scary moments as we couldnt see anything in front of us, not great considering the narrow winding roads. We got stopped by some cows crossing on the way to be milked, the rain didnt bother them.
Johanna Beach is great, its one of the best free camps we have been to. There is heaps of space, lots of green grass, a beautiful surfing beach and very few flies. The rain cleared again and within an hour you would have never have known it has even been raining.
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