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For once we didn't have to drag our heavy bags around trains and buses from the airport as we were lucky enough to be picked up by Brenda's cousin Erica, who we were staying with. We went straight from the airport to the Eureka tower, where you can take the elevator from ground level to 88th floor in about 30 seconds, with only a slight stomach churning feeling. At the top are panoramic views of the city. Of course we managed to leave both cameras in the car! Erica was our personal tour guide pointing out interesting sites and everywhere she and Brad had worked or lived including right next to the Australian Grand Prix circuit and not far from the Australian Open venue, lucky devils! After a lovely meal at their home with some good Australian wine we got a good night's sleep, ready for Erica to very kindly take us along the Great Ocean Road to see the 12 Apostles the next day.
After a relatively late start for us getting up at 7am, we set off for the coast. The Great Ocean Road is a scenic coastal route heading West from close to Melbourne to Adelaide, and is renowned for its cliff formations.
However, our first stop was the koala cove cafe to try and see some furry friends/wild koalas and have a quick coffee. Off we went looking for white fluffy bottoms in their favourite eucalyptus trees, and found 2. One was even moving, slowly. We have read that koalas have quite small brains and aren't too sharp, and that they sometimes fall out of trees having forgotten to hold on. These were brainy ones and managed to stay safe! Jumping back in the car we tried to stop a bit further on to take a picture of the cliffs, but couldn't find a way through the trees, when we realised two more koalas were right in front of us! Good koala hunting today.
By early afternoon we arrived at the 12 Apostles, as did all the coach tours. The 'apostles' are of course large standing remnants of cliff heads, but only half are fully visible. We followed the throng of tourists to get all the best views/photos before going onto the beach along a single track path. Unfortunately on our way back up we had to wait for an entire coach load to go past to let us along the path! The 12 apostles are quite popular it seems...
The rest of the afternoon we drove to several other equally impressive formations, culminating in London Bridge. This is a massive cliff arch that used to be linked to the headland (think Durdle Door but bigger), the link to the mainland collapsing in 1990 (hence London Bridge). We stopped off for more coffee and cake before heading back on the long drive to Melbourne, being vigilant to avoid potholes and kangaroos on the road. Thanks for all the driving Erica!
Our next day we spent mooching around Melbourne, visiting the city Gaol where Ned Kelly was held and executed for the crime of 'bushranging' (Aussie term for bandits in the bush!). Dave got to try on a replica of his armour suit, just the right size (though the exhibit said children could try it on). We finished off by getting our last fishy fix and visiting the Aquarium, complete with penguins and a glass-sided pool where you can watch them swimming. Also a huge walk-through aquarium with sharks, turtles and rays, awesome!
To top of our trip we had a nice dinner by the river that evening with Brad and Erica, our treat to thank them for putting us up. The next day we had a two hour battle with public transport to get to the airport involving two trains and a bus journey across the city, plus lots of walking! All good fun and it only cost £4 versus £60 for a taxi.
That marked the end of our Australian experience. What a fantastic and varied country, and friendly people. We couldn't think of a single dull day (except 12 hour drive day on the East coast, but it is a big place after all), if only it was cheaper! Still, if you have the time and the money it is an incredible visit. Next stop....Singapore!
Love
David and Brenda xxx
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