Australia Feb 2018

An open-ended adventure by Ali Read more

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Trip start
January 31, 2018
Australia Feb 2018 Traveler
Journey Down Under
January 31, 2018 in England ⋅ 🌧 5 °C
Great journey from Bridgend, many thanks to Paul and Lianne for taking us to the airport. Good news managed to get checked in early bad news more time for Ali in the shops !! Not happy, not allowed to buy gin at Heathrow. Aussies dont recognise our sealed bags. Had a nice snack in Wondertree salad, chicken satay very tasty. Boarding and flight good food excellent. Fish curry for dinner and prawn noodles for breakfast. Seats a bit cramped, bloke in front had his seat so far back he was virtually laying in my lap. Entertainment system great like having your own ipad in the back of the seat. Listened to Green Day (welcome to paradise!) watched Total Recall and lost to Ali at cards - still early days.Read more
TravelerGo Ali!! Love to you both xx
2/2/18Reply
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Australia Feb 2018 Traveler
Singapore Airport
February 1, 2018 in Singapore ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C
Singapore is a very busy port, very active waterway with large cargo vessels and a high rise skyline. Airport very good huge designer shopping area and more importantly a great deal on Bombay Saph. Had a small Carlsberg for about £6 proper export strength not the weak fizz we get in UK.Read more
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Australia Feb 2018 Traveler
Arriving in Sydney
February 2, 2018 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C
Good flight to Sydney, couldnt sleep so watched trash movies, Wonder Woman and Kingsman. Ali more interested in the flight path watching Aus get nearer. Lisa and Dave met us off the plane with our personalised Welcome to Oz board. Drove to their appartment in Glebe a leafy suburb close to the City and Harbour near the Anzac Bridge. Went for a walk and took tram to Pyrmont Bay / Darling Harbour where we had our first beers of the trip. Then back to Glebe via the Fish Market. Amazing place, look forward to getting some inspiration when in Chef mode. Managed to stay awake until 7.30 then out like a light.Read more
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Australia Feb 2018 Traveler
Walk - Glebe to Sydney Opera House
February 3, 2018 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C
Glebe is a walkable distance to Central Sydney (sort of!!). It has tree lined roads and a range of individual shops, restaurants and cafes with every type of Asian cuisine you can think of. Our route took us first to China Town where we had lunch at East Ocean Restaurant. There was no menu, instead there was a constant stream of waitresses pushing trolleys trying to get you to have whatever they had on offer. We had a small selection of dim sum, Peking duck, fresh veg, pork dumplings and noodles. Next stop Paddys Market a massive indoor market with all sorts of tourist tat including a bottle opener with a set of Kangeroo testicles attached, classy. The fresh food area was excellent everything looked so bright and vibrant. We walked through the central business district. Lots of road works due to the extension of the Tram system. Passed the site where the first flag was raised by the first settlers and on to Circular Quay. The Harbour Bridge dominates the scene despite the presence of a massive cruise liner. The Opera House was different to what I expected. A series of buildings rather than one and beige in colour as opposed to white. We had a drink in the Opera House bar and watched Sydneys beautiful people strutt their stuff. Got an Uber home (feet aching a bit). Made some smoked trout bruchettas to go with a bottle of Bolly that Lisa had been keeping and Dave fired up the Barbie.Read more
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Australia Feb 2018 Traveler
Shark Beach and sushi
February 4, 2018 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C
Weather picked up today, high 20s with a nice breeze. Took the car to Vaucluse a smart suburb with large houses and top end cars. Walked through Nielsen Park with great views across to the city. Shark beach is a small beach frequented mainly by locals. Boardered with trees and a grass verge it has a cafe restaurant where we had a coffee before settling down for a bit of sun and a quick dip. Despite its name it is very safe being surrounded by a shark net. We had lunch at a small local sushi restaurant Den Sushi Bar with a cold glass of Ashahi and a selection of dishes, beef, salmon, prawns, edamame, seaweed salad, chicken schnitzel and squid. Had a walk along the beach and watched the sea planes come in. An ice cream from Woolworths and then home for a shower some beer and a curry.Read more
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Australia Feb 2018 Traveler
Nicholas Seafood Traders
February 5, 2018 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C
Lisa and Dave went off to work so we decided that we would cook supper fot them. After a lazy morning we went to the Tramshed to get a few bits and had a cheeky beer. Did some prep for the meal and then went to the Sydney Fish Market to get some Barramundi fillets (doing cajun blackened barramundi fillets with a mango salsa and chorizo patatas bravas).
Got the tram to Darling Harbour and spent a couple of hours watching the world go by. Then back to the flat to enjoy the meal with a few glasses of vino.Read more
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Australia Feb 2018 Traveler
Darling Harbour / Circular Quay / Manley
February 6, 2018 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C
Took tram to Pyrmont and then on to the ferry to take us round to Circular Quay. This is a stunning trip taking you under the harbour bridge and giving you the opportunity to view the Opera House from the water giving a very different perspective. From Circular Quay we took the ferry to Manley, the last place you get to before the open Ocean. We walked from the enclosed harbour side down the main street to arrive at Manley Beach.Stunning blue / green water and white sands. Had lunch in the Manly Grill and then settled on the beach for a few hours. Finished off with a beer in the Bavarian bar on the Wharf. Later went with L&D to their local The Toxteth for beers and the local "delicacy" Chicken Schnitzel covered in tomato sauce and cheese just like a pizza wiith a breaded chicken base. Delish !!Read more
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Australia Feb 2018 Traveler
City Bus Tour
February 7, 2018 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C
Took one of the mega bus tours to get a closer look at the city and to get some history and background. We got off at The Rocks and had a drink in one of Sydneys oldest pubs The Fortune of War. It was very busy as a cruise liner was due to leave shortly from the nearby quay. Then off to George St and the shops. Had some lunch in the Victoria Arcade, very ornate with designer shops. Luckily I managed to move Ali on to Myer a nice department store where the prices were more like it. Got the bus back to Central and back to the flat on the crowded commuter tram. Vegetable kebabs and Halloumi on the bbq for tea.Read more
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Australia Feb 2018 Traveler
Walk - Bondi to Coogee
February 8, 2018 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C
Top day today one of the best so far. Our Megabus tickets were valid for 24hrs so we got up early (relatively) and got the tram to Central to pick up the Megabus to Bondi. Bondi beach is quite commercial still beautiful and reminds us a bit of the South of France with period buildings providing a backdrop. This was the starting point for our walk which would take in some of Sydneys most beautiful ocean beaches. The beaches are accessed via a cliff top path and takes you to Tamarama Beach, Bronte Beach, Clovelly Beach, and finally to Coogee Beach where we we went to the upstairs bar in the Coogee Pavillion for a well earned beer. Spent a few hours on the beach and then took the bus to Newtown to meet Lisa from work. Had a beer in the Marlborough Hotel and then back for a shower and out again for a Thai meal. Met up with Dave and back to the flat via a quirky local pub The Friend in Hand. Fell asleep on the balcony. Good day.Read more
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Australia Feb 2018 Traveler
Sydney to Port Stevens
February 9, 2018 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C
Spent most of the day preparing to leave Sydney to drive up to Port Stevens on our way to Byron Bay. Met Dave from his course at Maquarrie University and then joined the commuters for the long slow drive out of Sydney. After a couple of hours we arrived in Port Stevens and checked in to a Motel. Went to a pub on the Marina for dinner and then back via another pub which had a ZZ Top tribute.Read more
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Australia Feb 2018 Traveler
Port Stevens to Byron Bay
February 10, 2018 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C
Got up and had a swim and then had a quick look round Port Stevens. Went to Fingal Bay, L&D wanted to show us the tranquil beauty of this beach only to find a sports event underway with 100's of people - but we got the idea. The drive took about 6 hrs along long straight roads through lush forest and farm land. We broke up the journey with a stop at Cassegrain Vineyard in Port Maquarrie. Had a tasting I did the reds Ali did the bubbles (advantage of not driving) and bought 3 reds and 3 pink bubbles to start the week off. We arrived in Byron around 6.30 and settled in for a take a way curry and watched Spurs beat Arsenal - perfect end to the day.Read more
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Australia Feb 2018 Traveler
Chillin in Byron Bay
February 11, 2018 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C
The house is amazing, open plan living incorporating a well designed outdoor space and pool. We thought we had the place to ourselves but came down to an 18 inch long lizard sunning himself on the decking. Had a lazy morning around the pool and then in to Byron for lunch. Byron is popular with backpackers so there are a lot of young people about giving the place a party atmosphere with buskers in the streets and live bands in most of the pubs. After a grazy lunch we walked along the beach and then back to the house where we all fell asleep. It clouded over later and we had some rain but it soon cleared and Ali and I went into town to get supper. I cooked Chicken Fajitas. Finished the night off with a game of crib - girls won again!Read more
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Australia Feb 2018 Traveler
More chillin in Byron Bay
February 12, 2018 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C
Another day chillin in Byron. Stayed round the pool most of the day. V hot and humid 30 + degrees. Had to dip in the pool to cool down. Had a nice lunch under the gazebo watched by our friend the lizard and later joined by what looked like a small turkey scratching around for bugs totally oblivious to our presence. Later went in to town and had a few drinks and brought back a take a way pizza. Chewed the fat over a bottle of red till the early hours.Read more
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Australia Feb 2018 Traveler
Wategos Beach and the Lighthouse
February 13, 2018 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C
Spent the morning around the pool and then went off to one of the smaller beaches Wategos. There was a bit of a breeze and Lisas sun shade blew away luckily caught by a nerby couple. A Turkey wandered around looking for scraps again totally unphased by the activity. Drove up the hill to the Lighthouse. This is close to the most easterly part of Australia and has amazing views. Back to the house and Lisa cooked dinner starting with some of the largest prawns I have ever seen. Clouded over at night and we saw some spectacular lightning from a distance but no rain this time. Early night.Read more
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Australia Feb 2018 Traveler
Hanging out in Byron
February 14, 2018 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C
Surprised Ali with a Valentines card this morning on the 18th Anniversary of our engagement, which also took place on another continent South America. We've had quite a journey since then which would have been impossible without Alis support hard work and love. Met L&D at a bakery in town for excellent croissant and blueberry scone. We then split up I went looking for gift ideas and supper whilst Ali took L&D back for some Reflexology. Later Ali went off to town to buy a Bikini and L&D went boogie boarding. I stayed behind to read my book by the pool.
Cooked dinner Duck salad with orange and beetroot and then played cards. Girls won again !!Read more
TravelerA special anniversary full of surprises from my lovely thoughtful Nick 💓🏖 xxx😍xxx
2/16/18Reply
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Australia Feb 2018 Traveler
Market Melissa and Muggy weather
February 15, 2018 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C
First cloudy day today but sunshine expected later as Melissa is coming down from Brisbane for the day. Visited the local farmers market and had a fresh juice. Market was quite small scale with a number of local producers selling meat, vegetables and fruit juices etc. Melissa arrived at about 12.30 and at the same time the clouds parted and the sun came out. We spent some time round the pool catching up on all the news. Later in the afternoon we had some bubbles and then went out for a nice meal. Then on to the Railway for a nightcap and to listen to some live music. The night was very humid so when we got back we switched the pool lights on and had a dip. Ended the day in extravagant style with a cup of tea and a McVities Ginger nut.Read more
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Australia Feb 2018 Traveler
The Farm Bangalow and Lennox Head
February 16, 2018 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C
Went for a drive out into the Hinterland. First stop The Farm. Essentially a large restaurant in a farm setting with a walk round to see the animals up close. Saw one of the largest pigs I've ever seen. We had a coffee and then went to Bangalow a smart town with chic shops. We had a drink and then moved on to Lennox Head. A beautiful beach with breakers on the sand. Had a walk along the beach and then lunch at the Lennox Hotel. Back to Byron to pick up the hire car ready for our drive to Brisbane tomorrow. Started to pack and then out for fish and chips. End of a great week - whats next?Read more
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Australia Feb 2018 Traveler
Kingscliff and Burleigh Heads
February 17, 2018 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C
Said goodbye to our amazing house and after breakfast at the bakery we headed north to Brisbane. As check in was not until 2.00pm we stopped off at a couple of places on the way. Kingscliff benefits from both a beach frontage and an estuary. The estuary is shallow and protected and perfect for families both human and feathered with pelicans swimming in amongst everyone.We walked along a pathway flanked by waterside appartments each with their own access to the water. Had a cooling drink and then went to Burleigh Heads. This area, the Gold Coast has a very different feel, almost American with its road names 1st Avenue 2nd Avenue etc and the built up coastline.From the beach you could look up to Surfers Paradise with its impressive highrise sky line.Read more
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Australia Feb 2018 Traveler
Brisbane day 1
February 17, 2018 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C
The journey into Brisbane was straight forward helped by the fact that our hotel is the tallest building in the City. Meriton Suites provide serviced appartments and as we have Melissa staying with us for a few days we got a 2 bedroom appartment on the 66th floor. The appartment is fantastic beaten only by the view over the City which is truly stunning. With Melissa as our guide we set off for a quick walk around the immediate area and then took a City Cat from North Quay to New Farm Park. Brisbane like Sydney is best seen from the water with its impressive corporate structures and exclusive waterside residences. North Farm Park you will be surprised to learn is a massive park looking back to the city and location of The Brisbane Power House a chic arts venue with 3 stages and an outdoor cinema. We had some drinks and nibbles on the terrace and then back to the hotel. We were going to go out but the exertions of the day got the betfer of us so we ordered in a mexican and got some more bubbles from the bottle shop. Chatted till late and crashed.Read more
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Australia Feb 2018 Traveler
City Beach & Eat Street
February 18, 2018 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C
Ali and Melissa went shopping in the morning I stayed behind to catch up on my Find Penguins ramblings. Successful shopping trip was followed by a walk to the City Beach via a Suitcase Rummage (like a car boot sale but without the cars and boots). We went across to the South Bank and walked through the oriental gardens and then to a bar overlooking the man made beach. Sat on the beach for an hour or so and then back to the hotel to get changed. Took an Uber to Eat Street. This area has been developed in the dock area using cargo containers to form shops and food outlets from all around the world. We had some japanese noodles and then went to one of the two stages to listen to a live band. Eventually caught up with our elusive Uber driver and stopped off at a bar overlooking the harbour bridge for a night cap the girls had Espresso Martinis. Then back to the hotel. Made contact with Saskia (Jennys daughter) who is at Uni in Brisbane and she is going to be joining us for dinner tomorrow. Also exchanged texts with my Uncle. Helen and Michael are taking a cruise from Brisbane to Osaka but wont be arriving until the 28th so we shall miss them. Still hopefully catch up soon.Read more
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Australia Feb 2018 Traveler
Mt Coot-tha, Saskia and Pizza
February 19, 2018 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C
Met Melissa at the lookout at the top of Mt Coot-tha with fantastic panoramic views across to Brisbane and beyond to the sea. Melissa brought a little friend James one of the children she looks after. We went to the Botanic Gardens and had a walk around, very peaceful. Dropped the car back at the hotel and then walked to the South Bank to look for a restaurant for the evening. Chose Italian. Went to the Beer Garden behind the City Beach where we were joined by Saskia (Alis friend Jennys daughter). Saskia said that her Dad David was in Brisbane and arranged for us to meet up. Ali last saw David 25 years ago when doing her around the world trip with Jenny. Met up at The Kitty Bar part of the Casino with great views over the harbour. After spending an hour or so reminiscing we went off for our meal. Had a lovely time and then back to the hotel for some tearful goodbyes. End of an amazing few days in Brisvegas.Read more
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Australia Feb 2018 Traveler
Sunshine Coast ?
February 20, 2018 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C
Packed up and left Brisbane after a great few days. On the way up to Eumundi we stopped off at Caloundra . Reminded me of a british seaside resort with the sea fronted by holiday appartments and hotels. Had some coffee and breakfast in a cafe and a walk round the shops and then off to Jennys. The house is lovely set in lush green vegitation. I now know why the area is so green as it hasnt stopped raining since we got here. So much for Sunshine Coast. Still its not cold still low 20 degrees so we will still try and do some stuff. Booked a trip to Fraser Island on Thursday which should be good hopefully the weather will improve.Read more
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Australia Feb 2018 Traveler
Eumundi, Noosa, rain
February 21, 2018 in Australia ⋅ 🌧 23 °C
Weather not looking good so we decided to stay local and went to Eumundi town where there is a massive market every wednesday and saturday. Loads of stalls selling craft goods. We had a walk round and got caught in a massive downpour. Had to go off and buy some plastic ponchos as we were not geared up for this. Bought some amazing swiss cheese and some rosemary and sea salt macadamias. Drove to Noosa and in between showers managed to get a walk along the beach and along Hastings St with its chic boutiques and french quarter restaurants. Had lunch in the Surf Club overlooking the beach and then went through Noosa woods to view the mountains shrouded in cloud. Had a walk to Tea Tree Bay and watched the surfers and then up to Laguna lookout for a panoramic view of the area. Back via the shops bought some Barramundi fillets and some other bits from Coles. I cooked in the evening and we finished off with the cheese and a very tasty red Chris Ringland Barossa / Shiraz 2014 delish.Read more
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Australia Feb 2018 Traveler
Fraser Island
February 22, 2018 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C
Alarm at 4.45am ready for trip to Fraser Island. Drove to Noosa Marina and picked up the large converted truck that would take us on our adventure. We should have travelled along the beach but the high tides and strong winds had revealed rocks making the beach impassable. Took the inland road to Inskip to pick up the ferry. Once across onto the Island the rain stopped and we were able to enjoy most of the day in the dry. Fraser Island is the worlds largest sand island. It is amazing how it manages to support such a variety of plant life, rain forest, lakes, creeks and animals. It has been a world heritage site since 1992 one of only 400 in the world. Our vehicle took us up the beach at a speed of 80kph skirting the waters edge to find the firmest sand. After about 30mins we turned inland to our first stop, Birabeen Lake. A fresh water lake on perfect white sands. We went for a paddle and then were off to Central Station. This was the centre of the logging industry which survived until 1991.From here we had a walk through the rain forest where the creeks are so clear the sandy bottom gives the impression that there is a scum on the surface.We stayed there for a BBQ lunch and then went further north. We visited 3 locations. Firstly the wreck of the Maheno a WW1 hospital ship that was on its way to Japan to be scrapped when it came ashore in heavy winds in 1935. Not much left now but an interesting relic of the past. From there on to the Pinnacles a formation of coloured rocks. We then turned back to Eli Creek. This is the islands largest creek and pours between 80 - 100 million litres of water an hour into the sea. The area was full of back packers floating down the creek on rubber rings. We stopped for a walk and a cup of tea and a Lammington. A young Dingo came to see what was going on. The drive along the beach took an hour, 75km of white sand.Got the ferry back to the mainland, it started raining again. Because the tide was out we were able to get back to Noosa on the beach so made good time and were home by 6.15pm. Fell into bed at 9.30 knackered,Read more
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Australia Feb 2018 Traveler
Ginger Factory
February 23, 2018 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C
Weather not great again today so we decided against the Zoo and instead went to have a look at a local ginger factory. Buderim ginger is some of the finest in the world, grown locally they can usually get three harvests a year as the crop grows very quickly. The early crop produces the most tender ginger, less fibrous than the stuff we get in the uk and perfect for making confectionary ginger, cordials, crystalised, marmalade and marinades. We did a factory tour and then had a tasting, showing off the various uses for the product. We picked up a recipe card and will be having a go later. Had a little shop and then went for a walk through the rain forest garden. Then drove to Maloolabaa a smart coastal resort.We had some lunch and then had a drive round the coast stopping off at a number of view points. Went and picked up Izzy from school, very impressive facilities and took her to a weekend music camp where the various school orchestras and bands would reherse and then play a concert on Sunday. Came home, weather very wet so was surprised when Jenny suggested fish and chips by the river. Shouldnt have worried though, drove to Noosaville and picked up fish and chips, salt and pepper squid and potato scollaps from the Boathose and sat under cover next to the river with a lovely bottle of red. A nice way to end the day and our very adventurous if slightly damp visit to the Sunshine Coast.Read more
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