Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

ANZAC 

The Following our cruise we stayed overnight in Sydney. On Sunday morning we got up and dressed but didn't bother looking out of the window so dressed in shorts, summer shirts and sandals because we're Poms on holiday in Australia. We were going for breakfast at a restaurant over the road so when we exited the hotel we discovered it was raining. We had breakfast and returned to the hotel to check out but decided not to change as the rain won't last, we thought. We hailed a taxi which took us to the main station to get our train to Canberra. We arrived at the station about 11:00 am but the train didn't depart until 12:15 pm. So after we exchanged our voucher for the ticket we went and sat on the platform still in our summer attire. The wind picked up and the rain got heavy. It was typical weather of an English bank holiday Monday. The train arrived and we boarded. It wasn't what we expected. The train was connecting two major Australian cities but it wasn't like our inter city trains more like the suburban trains we have. Nevertheless it was comfortable,clean and had a buffet car. It took us through amazing countryside and stopped at places with unpronounceable names. We arrived in Canberra right on time and we were amazed by the number of kangaroos hoping all over the sidings. We were met by our friends, the Souter family, and driven to their home. The rain had stopped and it was bait righter so our attire was less incongruous.

Having reached their home we heard the news and discovered just how lucky we had been and how our timing had been just right. The rain we left in Sydney had turned torrential. The city's major dam was overflowing, a cruise ship couldn't dock, the airport was closed and the route we had driven a week earlier was littered with fallen trees. Fortunately it was no where near Canberra although it was said to be unseasonably cold and windy.

Tuesday 21st April 2015

This year is the centenary of Gallipoli so there is a special two dollar coin being minted so in order to try and get one we drove to the Australian mint. Unfortunately the coins are not available there, would you believe it, they are only being put into circulation so we have to wait and see if we get one in our change. We then drove out to the National Arboretum, a beautiful location. It is still in its infancy the trees having been planted on land desecrated by the large bush fires of 2003. The arboretum offers magnificent views across the city. After this we drove to the National Police Memorial. Again a remarkable structure into which a lot of thought has gone into its design.

Wednesday 22nd April 2015

We visited the Australian War Memorial which also incorporates the war museum. Here lies the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior being the inscription "he is all of them and he is one of us." The tomb lies within a shrine and the pictures tell a story and is very moving. We took a look at the wall on which are hundreds of poppies placed. We then spent time looking around the First World War artefacts.

Thursday 23rd April 2015

Took a drive out to Tridbinilla national  Park. We drove around taking it all in then stopped at a static barbecue where we had a cook out. After this I went for a bush walk with Nicki, one of the Souter grand children. Unfortunately it started to rain so we couldn't go looking for Koalas so we headed out of the park and witnessed a strange phenomenon where to our left it was raining and to tour right it was sunshine. So we turned right heading towards the city stopping at the Lambrigg lookout at the edge of the Murrumbidgee river. We continued our journey stopping at the ancient village of Tharwa where we bought ice creams from the general store and post office that hasn't changed since the early 1900s. We then exited the village via the Allan truss bridge, the oldest of its kind in Australia.

Friday 24th April 2015

This day we went our separate ways. Val did girlie things like shopping and hairdressers I visited the railway museum. Amongst the exhibits were sleeper cars, one observation having traveled on the Spirit of Queensland is that overnight travel on trains has improved immensely. In the afternoon I visited the Australian High Court. I could believe that such a building was open to the public and that you could walk around it with impunity. There were attendants but only a few. This is the highest court in the land where constitutional and appeal cases are held. Prior to 1980 some case were sent to the Privvy Council in London. A lot of thought has gone into this building's design too, so as to indicate transparency, history and independence.

Saturday 25th April 2015

ANZAC day. We were up early in order to attend the ceremony and parade of Remembrance commemorating the centenary of ANZAC being held at the War Memorial. There is a dawn service but we opted for the later one. The ceremony started at 10:15 when the Royal Military College band and the Federation Guard comprising of contingents of the three services marched on. The formed the guard of honour for the Governor General and othe dignitaries including the Duke of Kent. The Federation Guard then marched off and the general parade of over seventy contingents marched onto the parade ground. These contingents included a WW1 gun carriage, a symbolic riderless horse, veterans , scouts, guides and other veteran organisations. As a former police officer and a card carrying member of NARPO I was invited to take part but I declined as I felt this event needed witnessing and if I were to march all I would remember would remember is the back of the head of the person in front and the profiles of those either side. When the final contingent had marched through the Federation Guard returned, then two soldiers, one sailor and one airman formed a catafalque party with reversed arms around the stone of remembrance. The wreaths were then laid. This was followed by the minute's silence then there was a fly past. It was a magnificent day and we are proud to have been part of it. Whilst at the service I had another special moment, I met and had a photograph taken with Sam Armytage. (Those outside Oz won't know Sam so have a look at Google.) After this official visit we went to an old peoples home where Duncan officiated a simple service for the residents where his grand children played the Last Post and raised the flag. We went the the Southern Cross club (similar to a RSL) where,because Duncan was ex National Service he and his guests were given a free meal. It was a long day but really worth it.

Sunday 26th April 2015

A quite day with a visit to the Hall museum which is a picturesque village and a special local tribute to the ANZACs.

The War Memorial 

The National Police Memorial 

The view view from the Arboretum 

ANZAC parade.

The South Pacific

12 - 19 April 2015 

This is our cruise and because we are cruise virgins we approached it with much trepidation. The information provided by the cruise company, Royal Caribbean, which arrived just before we left the UK was of little comfort. We managed, with difficulty to check in on line just before we left. We had also managed to print off the special luggage labels. Everything else, according to the bumph had to be done on line seven days before departure. Doing things like booking packages and tours was impossible when relying on hotel wi fi with a limited amount of mega whatsits. So we tried doing it by phone and even visited the port early. Both to no avail. Needed we worry? Of course not. We arrived at the port terminal at Circular Quay, Sydney quite early as we we only ten minutes up the road and we had to be out the hotel by ten. The taxi pulled into the terminal, we removed our luggage from the boot and handed it to a porter. We went into the terminal and was greeted by Royal Caribbean staff who on accepting our on line boarding pass gave us our Sea Pass. We explained our concerns and they immediately put us at ease stating everything can be done on board. We realised then all our concerns were without foundation. We then had to wait an hour or so until the Australian immigration people got themselves set up before we were allowed on board. Once they were in position the procedure was very efficient and we boarded the Radience of the Seas. We'd never experienced anything like it, the largest boat we'd been on before was across channel ferry. We wanderered around and soon found the people we needed to speak to regarding drinks and trips ashore. Our concerns over in seconds. 

We then found the restaurant and had lunch. Not long after that we were told our cabins, or state rooms as they prefer to call them, we're ready. We found ours and deposited what we had brought onas hand luggage, our main case had yet to arrive. We then took the opportunity to explore the ship and arrange a time to have dinner. Also we had to participate in an excise so that we knew what to do in the event of an emergency and where our muster station was.

The ship finally departed at 18:30, I had hoped to get some pictures of Sydney harbour as we left, alas that wasn't possible as darkness had fallen. After dinner we wandered around the ship to familiarise ourselves. We were then advised to put our clocks on as we were about to go into New Caledonia  time zone.

The first two days were spent entirely at sea. There was a talk especially designed for first time cruisers so needless to say we attended this. One of the nights was a formal night which meant wearing a jacket and tie. After the meal we were introduced to the captain and his officers.

Wednesday 15th April.

This day the ship docked at Noumea, the capital of New Caledonia. Because of the size of the ship she couldn't berth at the passenger terminal and had to go to the commercial part of the port. The outlook didn't look very appetising, containers everywhere looked like something out of a Bruce Willis film. As a result of this no one could walk to the town and a relay of shuttle buses were laid on. We however had booked a trip that departed from the docks and the mode of transport was a road train. We boarded the train and had an interesting couple of hours riding around the town being pointed out places of interest. The up into the hills for some magnificent views across the lagoon. With our trip around the town over we returned to the ship.

Thursday 16th April

Day five of the cruise and some more shore leave onto the Isle of Pines. This time the ship was too large to get to the island so she anchored off and we took our run ashore in a Liberty boat. Like everything else on board embarkation onto the tender was extremely well organised. One on this little boat you realise just how choppy there waters were. The trip to the shore was about ten to fifteen minutes. We arrived at the pier and disembarked and were greeted, apart from the ship's photographer, by native dancers. We had a tour booked but were a little early so we wandered around the stalls where souvenirs were being sold and locals demonstrating their skills in handycraft Erving hats and baskets from leaves. During the wait we were caught in a shower, only the second since we've been on holiday. It was short lived and our coach arrived and took us around the island. Again some beautiful scenery and architecture to be seen. We paid a visit to a derelict prison for the Isle of Pines was the French penal colony. After the tour we took a walk along the beautiful white sandy beach to the pier where we boarded the liberty boat back to the ship.

We then spent the next two days cruising at sea wandering around this remarkable vessel, finding something new every day. We enjoyed the sunshine, the meals and the entertainment. The sailing was very smooth although occasionally it rolled slightly just enough to remind you that you were on board a ship.

Sunday 19th April was an early start. The ship had docked during the night. After breakfast we assembled in one of the bars and when our number was called we disembarked, collected our luggage, cleared customs and got a taxi to our hotel in Sydney.

All in all it was a remarkable experience and we loved it. The crew were amazing, the ship spotless and the food remarkable. I don't think this will be our last cruise.

Sydney

Having arrived in Sydney a bit stressed we stayed in the hotel room for a little while to chill. We then did a recce  to see where our cruise would depart from. So we took a trip down to Circular Quay and The Rocks. We had also hoped we would find a Royal Carribbean office as we needed to clarify a few points but alas we didn't. We then caught the free bus back. This is quite a thing in Australian cities where within certain areas all public transport is free.

Friday 10th April 2015

An early start for we went on a Blue Mountains tour and we were picked up at 07:00. The mini bus picked us up on time and our first stop was the Featherdale wildlife park where we were able to get up close to Koalas, wallabies and wombats. We were even able to feed the kangaroos. We then went to Gordon Falls and Echo Point Katoomba where we saw the "three sisters" rock formation. After this to Govett's Leap an magnificent waterfall. After this we visited the Botanical Gardens and then back to Sydney. It was a long but very rewarding.

Saturday 11th April 2015

Last year at a Scout camp in Norfolk we met an Australian Guide leader and it was because of her we did yesterday's Blue Mountain trip. Today we actually met up with her again. We had a coffee at the Power House museum where we had a drink and a natter. After we parted We went for a walk around and found the central railway station so we were able to familiarise ourselves for when we travel to Canberra. On this trip came across the Sydney trams so more pictures. Once done back to the hotel to rearrange the packing for tomorrow's cruise.

New South Wales

Thursday 2nd April

We checked out of the hotel and rode in a cab to the Hertz depot where we collected our Toyota Carolla and headed south on the Pacific Highway. As we crossed the border into New South Wales we lost an hour beacaue NSW has daylight saving. Plan A was to stay at a different location every night. Much planning had gone into this with our Oz friends. However this was not to be for when we planned the trip last year we overlooked the fact this was Easter week. Easter is very popular in Australia with many shops and businesses closed and accommodation at at premium so we felt to hit the road and "wing it" was not an option. We had already booked our first night in Ballina whilst in Brisbane so when we arrived we in the town we called in at the Tourist Information to try an book somewhere for the next night and realised we had a problem. So we opted to extend our stay here a further two nights. It was worth it a beautiful hotel and a lovely town, the only problem was a dearth of restaurants. In fact one night we we to visit the Colonel (KFC). The following night we discovered a RSL club (sort of British Legion with bells on). Whilst here we took a trip to Byron Bay, this town was really buzzing as the was a Soul Music Festival being held there. It was a beautiful ride along the coast road, lovely lookouts across the ocean and a lighthouse. A good couple of days despite the occasional shower.

Sunday 5th April

We got our hour back because daylight saving has now ended in NSW. With the car packed up we hit the road and headed south calling in at Yamba and Coffs Harbour. We got our again a really picturesque route, driving through National Parks and over beautiful rivers and creeks until we arrived at our destination of Port Macquarie.we found our hotel on the headland overlooking the Ocean. Then down into town for something to eat. The following day we had a lazy start watch Prince Harry's arrival in Canberra and visiting the War Memorial there. It's a place we hope to visit whilst there and seeing the poppy wall has really whetted our appetite. When the programme had finished we went out exploring. We drove along the coast stopping at various locations including the Tacking Point lighthouse and gaol point, our hotel was built on the site of the town's gaol. Then down into town and parked up and took a walk around this lovely place.

Tuesday 7th April

Travelling further south again through lovely countryside to a town called Nelson Bay. Our hotel was a little inland but high enough to afford us a beautiful view across the bay. Having driven a few miles once we had checked in we just chilled. The following day after breakfast we drove to Nelson's Head where we visited Port Stephen coast guard control and lighthouse. Marvellous views and I managed to get a couple of cracking pictures of Pelicans in flight. We then drove to the Tomaree National Park. We started to walk through but discovered the gradient and distance would be too much. So we then drove to the Gan Gan lookout where we were able to drive to the summit. Once again breathtaking. Then back to the hotel to get ready for the final leg of our trip.

Thursday 9th April

Up early for our final part of this section of our holiday. We headed back to the Pacific Highway and headed for Sydney. Finding Sydney was the easy bit. Finding the road we needed was the difficult bit, confounded by road works, diversions and woefully inadequate directions by Hertz. We eventually found the depot and dumped the car having travelled 1286 Km which equates to 799 miles. Despite the anxiety of the very last bit it was nevertheless a brilliant part of this holiday.

Brisbane

Monday 30 March 

We had an early start because we had to check in at Cairns railway station an hour before the Spirit of Queensland scheduled departure of 09:00 to Brisbane. The hotel ordered our taxi and we were in plenty of time. We were surprised just how few people were about. The was one Australian lady there with whom we struck up conversation. She asked where we were from and we replied Oxford. To which she replied I know the area I was the cook at the Six Bells in Kidlington. This pub is about 100 yard from our home. Small World! Whilst waiting I went to go to my man bag only to discover it was missing and it contained money, driving licence and other important documents. It had obviously been left in the taxi. The hotel ordered the taxi so I went back there, they contacted the company who was able to trace the driver. He found my bag so returned to the hotel collected me and took me back to the station where fortunately there was still plenty of time before the train departed. We boarded the train and went to our allocated berths. At this stage they were seats complete with entertainment consoles. It was good travelling through the countryside crossing creeks and rivers. During the course of the evening the staff converted the seats to beds and we settled down for the night and we had a comfortable nights sleep. In the morning the beds were coverted back to seats for the remainder of the journey. We arrived at Roma Street station and got a taxi to the hotel. As it was early we expected to have to dump our bags and wait for our room but fortunately it was ready so we went straight in, showered and freshened up after our long journey. We then set out to explore the city. Our hotel adjacent to ANZAC square which has memorials for five conflicts. We then walked to the picturesque botanical gardens.

Tuesday 31 March.

In the morning our friends Martin & Sandra Sherlock arrived from the Sunshine Coast. They had come done to spend some time with us and show us around the city. First of all they drove us up to Mount Coot Tha which provided us with magnificent views across the city. We then came back to the city and took a trip along the river on the City Cat down river and under the Storey Bridge. Once off the boat we wandered through the university of Queensland campus the caught a bus back to the hotel before going out for a superb meal.

Wednesday 1 April 

Together with Sandra and Martin we went to the Queen Street mall for breakfast. They then took us to a jetty where we were catching our tour boat. Here we said our goodbyes and Went our separate ways. Our boat took us up to Lone Pines Koala sanctuary. Here we saw many indigenous animals and Val was able to be be photographed with a koala. We then rejoined our boat back to the city and I was given the opportunity to steer it. Back in Brisbane we did a bit of souvenir shopping then found a post office to send it home.

Cairnes

Wednesday 25th March, Val's birthday. We were picked up and driven down to Cairnes and checked in our hotel. As we checked in the receptionist produced a bundle of cards that had been delivered to to the hotel and he wished her a happy birthday. We went up to our room and a short while later a bottle of sparkling wine was delivered compliments of the hotel. After we had sorted ourselves out we went for a walk along the prom. Lovely beach with some Pelicans nesting. As dusk fell the sky was full of flying foxes ( fruit bats) hundreds of them. 

Thursday 26th March our first trip from the town. We were picked up from the hotel and driven to Tjapukai cultural centre where we were told about the Tjapukai people their beliefs and culture. We were given a dance demonstration. The audience were asked to join in and as we were in the front row we had to turn round and face them. Loads of photos were bing taken so our dancing skills are being seen world wide. I can only describe it as Aboriginal line dancing. After the dancing we were given demonstrations of bush food and medicine followed by weapons and hunting. I had a go and didn't do too bad, my boomerang did come back. After the demos we had lunch which comprised of some kangaroo meat, wasn't too bad. After lunch we boarded the sky rail. A cable car system over the rain forest. There are two stops, Red Peak andBarron Falls both magnificent views. The Sky rail terminates at Kuranda. A little market town where we strolled around before catching the Kuranda Scenic Railway which took us back to Cairnes. This was a fantastic trip through the rain forest on a 15 carriage long train. We saw Stoney Creek water fall and the Jungala 180 degree bend, something quite significant for a railway. We eventually arrived at the terminus and was bussed to our billet.

Friday 27th March. A day relaxing by the hotel pool.

Saturday 28th March. We were picked up at the hotel and driven back to Port Douglas where we boarded a large catamaran which took us out to the reef, a journey of over an hour and the boat wasn't hanging about. Out on the reef we boarded a pontoon from which you can explore the reef regardless of your swimming skills. A superb lunch was provided. It was a brilliant day, really hot. To see the reef was always going to be one of the highlights of the holiday and we wasn't disappointed. This is our last day in Cairnes so back to pack.

Queensland. Port Douglas.

We flew from Melbourne to Cairnes by Jet Star, which is a budget airline about which we had heard some horror stories, putting it on par with Ryan Air, long queues, strict luggage restrictions etc. as a result we had concerns as to what was waiting for us at the airport, these concerns were unfounded. We arrived at the airport, there was no queue at check in, we cleared security and was flight side within 15 minutes.we boarded the plane and took off just 15 minutes late. It was a lovely flight taking just over 3 hours. On our arrival at Cairnes we were driven to our billet in Port Douglas, about an hours drive away. Whilst within the official time zone of Australian Eastern time, Queensland doesn't have daylight saving so we had to put our watches back an hour. It gets late earlier in Queensland. We arrived at our billet, the Portsea Mantra. Interesting hotel, if that's what you call it . It was a beautiful layout, almost Middle Eastern, lovely pool, a BBQ area, games room but there was no room servicing, a bit like a platinum Youth Hostel. But we were not above making our own bed.

Saturday 21st March. We took a walk up into the town, for a look round, lovely little place but on this particular day extremely busy as a cruise liner had arrived and disgorged its 3,000 passengers. We continued our exploration and found the park overlooking the sea, a beautiful little church with a stand alone bell tower and the town's ANZAC park.

Sunday 22nd March. We were up early to go on our first tour. Today was the original date but then it got postponed because of cyclone Nathan but that passed over so the original date was reinstated. We were collected from our hotel and taken to the Daintree river where we boarded a boat and went looking for crocodiles, didn't find any though. After about an hour we rejoined the bus, driving through the rain forest we stopped at the Alexandra lookout to witness some spectactular views then onto Noah's Creek for a lovely BBQ lunch. after lunch continued through the rainforest to Cape Tribulation where the forest meets the sea. Then onto Mossman Gorge via a chain ferry across the river. On arrival at Mossman Gorge, after a cream tea we were give a brief talk by a local Aboriginal man who explained how his fore bearers lived and hunted the forest. We then took a walk into to forest (Baral Marrjanga) where the flora and forna was further explained. We had to walk over a suspension bridge, Val coped admirably. After this adventure back to the bus and a short dive back to the billet. Being a rain forest there were some heavy showers but fortunately each time they came wee were on the bus.

Monday 23rd March. This was a chill day. We stayed at the complex, sitting by the pool, soaking up the sunshine, taking the occasional swim and enjoying a good book.

Tuesday 24th March. Another Chill day except we had a chore to do. There's a laundry on site so we decided to take advantage. We loaded the dohbi machines and sat relaxed whilst our clothes were refreshed. We then took a walk into town in order to find a phone box in order to post this blog. Sounds strange but true