Australia - Day6 *Blue Mountain & Featherdale Wildlife Park*

Day 6, 29 May 09


Blue Mountain, I've been fantasizing a lot on it. This is definitely a spot not to be missed if u travel to Sydney. Blue Mountain was located at Katoomba, about 2 hours ride from Sydney. In the morning, the mini coach picked us right at the hotel around 7.30am. Then, we were transferred to a luxury coach, together with all the other who joined the day tour.

We departed at 8.30am. The journey was an exciting one as there were many things to see on our way to Blue Mountain. In about an hour time, we arrived at Featherdale Wildlife Park, located at Blacktown area. U would surely pass by this area on the way to Blue Mountain. It was a perfect spot with natural setting to have a close encounter with the Aussie's famous animals such as Koala, Kangaroo, Wombat, Dingo, Tasmanian Devil and many others. This was my first time touching the cute koala, and running amongst those kangaroos. What a great experience :)


I saw this giant teddy bear on my way to the Wildlife Park




Wombat




Koala




Sleeping...




Wallabies




Kangaroos jumping here n there, and I was so busy feeding them




Kangaroo, a close shot. It felt very itchy & kept digging its own pocket




Parrot, mutated I bet




Tasmanian Devil... So ugly!




Albino Kangaroos, lacking of melanin pigment




Next, the bus driver stopped at a field to show us the magic of Boomerang. I think I would have chopped off my own head if I were asked to throw it, or perhaps it never fly back to me anymore. Maybe we should even have a good practice on it, then it can be used to defeat the robbers since break-in is so common in Malaysia!


Boomerang, for sale at AUD15




After the nice buffet lunch at a restaurant nearby Blue Mountain, we went to Echo Point, a superior lookout for viewing Three Sisters, and the entire cool view of Blue Mountain. I really hold my breath there, as the view was significantly amazing and alluring!!!


Beautiful, isn't it?




Another spectacular scene







Scenic World was another place not to be missed. It was a world heritage which offers u different experience of Blue Mountain and other natural close touch. In Scenic World, there were different combination of packages where u can choose. For us, we paid for AUD28 per person for: 2 ways Scenic Skyway, 1 way Scenic Railway, Scenic Walkway & 1 way Scenic Cableway.

For Scenic Skyway, this is actually a big cablecar, with transparent glassfloor. I stood on the glassfloor as I didnt have any phobia with height. It was indeed too insane when I looked downwards!!! While we were brought to the other side, we could witness the Three Sisters, Katoomba Falls, Mount Solitary and Jamison Valley. Then, the cablecar would bring us back to the original station, so this was a 2-way ride.


Katoomba Falls, and I hold my camera outside the cablecar for this pic...




Scenic Railway is the steepest railway on Earth, which descended downwards at about 50 degree, and brought us to the rainforest.


Track of Scenic Railway




Scenic Walkway was a nice path inside the rainforest, where I spent time watching those lovely flora and fauna, at such a cool weather and fresh air. There was also a Cold Mine Exhibition down there. We chose the shorter path as time didnt really permit us to choose the long one. This was a guided path with many signboards, so unlikely u would lost your way.


Scenic Walkway




Which way would u like to go?




And finally, the Scenic Cableway. This cablecar actually brought us up, and back to the original station above.


Scenic Cableway Station, I was on my way up




After the exploration at Scenic World, we went to a small historical township - Leura. This was a quiet and peaceful town, definitely a perfect place to get rid of the stress. We took a walk around the area, and I bought a packet of lizard sour candy at Leura Strand Arcade.


Roadside at Leura




Before heading back, we went to another 2 lookouts - Jamison Lookout & Wentworth Fall Lookout. The weather was getting freezing cold as it was in the evening.


Jamison Lookout




On our way back to Sydney, I was sleeping unconsciously inside the coach. Today was a tiring one but with great experience. At about 8pm, we were approaching Sydney. I was too hungry at that time, and without any food to eat in the bus, so I ended up swallowing my lizard candy. Finally, the driver dropped us at a wharf, and we took the return trip on a relaxing Matilda River Cruise along the Parramatta River to Darling Harbour. I stayed inside the cruise all the way as it was too cold outside, and raining too.


When we reached Darling Harbour, we went off right in front of Sydney Aquarium. At that time, it was raining cats and dogs. We were super hungry!!!!!!! It was not an easy task to walk under the umbrella, while the wind was blowing ferociously and needless to say, the rain continued pouring on us. The nearby place we could fill our stomach would be Harbourside. By hook or by crook, we had to make it there in order not to starve. So we continued walking like helpless ants towards our saviour dinner destination. We straight away rushed to the foodcourt without further thought once we reached. I ordered a cheese cake and cinnamon muffin from Gloria Jeans, while HY ordered a super big bowl of Japanese rice & Ramen.


Our dinner




Halfway through the dinner, there was a firework outside. Everyone rushed out crazily to view it. However, we both continued eating as the hunger was enough to kill us. We decided to come back again the next evening, as the firework was for 2 nights.


After the dinner, we took the Monorail back to the hotel. This time, we bought the single journey ticket which was AUD4.8 per person.

Australia - Day5 *Sydney*

Day 5, 28 May 09


This morning, I was busy packing as we were catching the flight to Sydney at 11am. We had a simple hot buffet breakfast in hotel, and departed around 8am. Before going to Coolangatta Airport, we got to return the car to the drop-off venue which was located at Tugun.


It took about 40 minutes to reach Tugun. Actually the journey could be a lot faster if the amount of traffic lights were reduced. The road was more like a country-side pattern, quite small and narrow, with many traffic lights, definitely more than 10. So for those who do not want to miss the flight, better move earlier! After we checked out the car, the rental officer sent us to the airport by using their special van. It was not far, less than 10 minutes to reach the airport.


We used Virgin Blue to Sydney, as the ticket was quite cheap when I made the booking, for only AUD50 per person including a piece of 23kg checked-in luggage and all other taxes + fees. Virgin Blue was something similar to Airasia. Our flight departed on time, and we arrived Sydney at 12.35pm. Everything went on smoothly, and we used taxi to go to Aspire Hotel located at Paddy's Market.


Powerhouse Museum, a stone's throw from our hotel





Sydney Central Station




It was about 2pm after we checked in. Actually our hotel was at a very good location, as the nearest Monorail Station (Paddy's Market) was just about 5- minute walking distance. Monorail is super convenient, as it would stop at all the famous tourist spots, and it was very suitable for lazy people who do not like to walk too much, for instance, me :p The route goes like this:

Paddy's Market - China Town - World Square - Galleries Victoria - City Centre - Darling Park - Harbourside - Convention - Paddy's Market

If you purchase the Supervoucher Day Pass, u can hop on and hop off at any station, unlimited daily ride. It only costs AUD9.5, while the single journey ticket costs AUD4.8. Smart consumer like us should definitely know which ticket to buy. Furthermore, with the Day Pass, we were entitled a lot of discounts when we visited the tourist spots such as Sydney Aquarium, Sydney Wildlife Park, Sydney Tower, Maritime Museum, IMax etc. Gosh... Sounds like I'm advertising for the Monorail. Also, don't worry for getting lost. The convenient handy pocket map was available for free at all the Monorail Station. It would clearly tell u where to get down, and what were the interesting spots available nearby. So, relax!

After purchasing the Day Pass, we went on board at Paddy's Market. We stayed in the Monorail and went a big round, passing by every stations. I was overjoyed when I saw Darling Harbour! After a big round, we came off at China Town for lunch. Of course our stomach was flattened by that time, too hungry to utter a word.


Dumpling Noodle Fishball soup + Sweet & Sour beef




Next, we went to Darling Harbour. It was a very happening place, and stunning. The lovely warm sun was a perfect buddy during such a windy day.


Darling Harbour





Sydney Aquarium





A good view - Monorail & Ships @ Darling Harbour





A battleship outside Maritime Museum. This pic was taken from Cockle Bay Wharf




Entrance of National Maritime Museum




Don't worry... this definitely helps!




Fantastic night view of Darling Harbour




Harbour Side & Convention Centre




Today was a shopping night for Sydney, so most of the shops would open until 9 or 10pm. In the evening, we took the Monorail to Galleries Victoria Station. From there, we explored all the shopping districts nearby, such as the famous Queen Victoria Building (QVB), George St, Pitt St, Castlereagh St and Elizabeth St.

After the shopping was done, we had our dinner at a Japanese restaurant. We both were really exhausted and couldnt think of anything further. Both my legs were like metal poles, and too numb without anymore feeling. I just simply grabbed any sushi available on the spinning tray, and put them in my stomach without remembering to take the pic. When the dinner was done, we were asking around for the nearest grocery stores such as Coles or Woolsworth. We needed something for the breakfast next morning, as we were going for a day tour to Blue Mountain, which would depart quite early at 7.30am. As we were too tired and had no more stamina to walk further, so we couldnt find any. Ended up, I bought 2 Baggles - 1 cinnamon raisin & 1 sesame at the basement foodcourt of Myer, and HY bought his noodle cups at the mini market outside our hotel.


When we reached the hotel, HY reconfirmed our day tour with the travel agent. Luckily, they would pick us up at the hotel. Then, I had a hot immerse inside the long bath, and went straight to bed.

Australia - Day4 *Gold Coast Shopping Spree*

Day 4, 26 May 09


It's a designated day for shopping! Gold Coast Harbour Town was a famous outlet shopping centre for its good deal of branded stuff. I love Gold Coast as we didnt have to pay for the parking fee for most of the places we have been. And they always provide ample spaces to accommodate the cars. So u do not have to worry about finding a carpark at all.

It took less than 30 minutes to reach Harbour Town from our hotel.


What a bus!!! I saw it on our way to Harbour Town




HardRock Cafe




It was indeed a branded shopping paradise, as u could find many branded fashion outlets such as CK Jeans, David Jones, Esprit, Fcuk, Lacoste, Levis, Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Nike, Quiksilver, RipCurl, Adidas and also other Australian's brands.

We had our lunch at Nando. The pita bread & chicken salad was not very impressive. I think HY's chicken wings were not that good either. Anyway, we were not in the mood to eat as there were too many things to shop!!!!!! It was lacking of time as they would close in the evening at about 5.30pm.


Lunch at Nando




After all the big battle late in the evening, we decided to catch a movie at Reading Cinema. Therefore, we went back to our car to settle all our preys, as it would look very stupid to carry all of them into the cinema. We also shifted our car to the front carpark.

Then, we ended up watching Angels & Demons. The ticket costs AUD16 per person, really expensive. However, the cinema was too good compared to what we have in Malaysia. Since it was weekday, so there were only 5 of us in that super huge cinema...... The movie didnt come with subtitle, so got to pay extra attention.. haha!


The Reading Cinema




The movie ended at 7pm. Now we could feel the hunger seriously. Since all the shops in Harbour Town were closed, so we decided to have our dinner at other place.


Super quiet.........





Where were all the people???




When we drove out of Harbour Town, just at the traffic light, we saw a row of shops, with a few restaurants there. Without thinking further, HY drove straight into that area. They were selling Western food like burger, fish & chips. We decided to eat sushi at Sushi Train. The sushi were simply too delicious, and I love it so much!


Sushi Train




After filling our stomach, we drove around to enjoy the night scene. We also went to the Night Market along The Esplanade. This was a good experience to walk along the beach at such a cold and windy night, holding my darling's hand, enjoying the local Australian's products such as painting and handicraft.

However, we had a big shock after the stroll at the Night Market. When we walked back to our car, we saw a man who looked 99% like a cop. He was standing next to our car and holding something in his hand. We thought we were fined as we actually parked at the Disabled Parking Area!!! But when we walked nearer, and found out that he was just the car owner next to ours!!!!!!!!! What a shit fright.....

Australia - Day3 *Gold Coast*

Day 3, 26 May 09


Today, we no longer overnight in Brisbane. In fact, we would enjoy the next 2 days in Gold Coast. This morning I woke up rather early. As HY's friends would be going to the airport at 8am, so we had to leave at this hour as no one would be left to lock the doors.

As usual, the journey to Gold Coast was about 40 minutes. We arrived at Vibe Hotel rather early, but gladly, the receptionist allowed us to check in. We paid additional AUD10 per night to upgrade to a deluxe room with superb river view.


Fantastic view from the room's balcony




At about 10am, we went for the brunch at a Vietnamese restaurant which was just opposite Louis Vuitton. I had rice vermicelli spring roll, while HY ordered dumpling noodle soup.

Vietnamese breakfast




Then, we went to our location for today - Seaworld. The queue were not long, as today was Tuesday, so not really having good business. Since we had our tickets which were purchased online, so we went to a lane on the left to enter. But it was weird as no one was there to verify our print-out ticket. Funny, so we entered without scanning the ticket!!! Firstly, we took the cablecar to an outdoor theatre for watching the dolphin show.

Seaworld Cablecar




Dolphin Nursery




Dolphin Show




After the show, we went to a few interesting spots nearby to see the penguin, ray reef, starfish, sea cucumber, shark and polar bear.


Penguin




Starfish




Shark @ Shark Bay Aquarium




Polar Bear




Actually we were not quite interested in watching animals. But it was indeed a good experience to have a close and natural encounter with them. After having a snack bite and some shopping for souvenirs, we went for a stroll at few more locations such as the Sesame Street (this is mainly for kids), JetRescue and Pelican rehabilitation area. We left at about 3pm, and HY bought a Dugong for me :)

After this, we moved on to Pacific Fair Shopping Centre. HY bought quite a lot there, but I didnt buy one single piece. Since it closed at 5.30pm, so the shopping was kind of rush. We had our dinner at the foodcourt. Before going back to hotel, we went to Coles and bought huge bulk of food such as muffin, chocolate milk, orange juice, biscuits, noodles, intended to feed ourselves late at night since there was nothing else that we can do......

Australia - Day2 *Brisbane*

Day 2, 25 May 09


Brisbane, a city where I deeply fall in love with. I love Her for the hospitality, cleanliness, peacefulness and heart-warming food.

Today, we had a full day Brisbane tour, and thanks to WX for being our personal tour guide. Early in the morning, we drove our little Getz to WX's house which was located at MacGregor, Sunnybank. HY planned to drive to the city, but it was not a wise choice as it would be quite inconvenient. Therefore, we drove to Griffith University, parked our car there, and used public transport for our trip. The bus ticket was only AUD6.8 for a full day unlimited ride, which was a good bargain.


Bus Station of Griffith University




Firstly, we went to the ever famous Queenstreet. Before we started our journey, we headed to a foodcourt at Queenstreet Mall to fill up our stomach.


Custard Tart + Latte




Then, we had a good stroll around that area, spent some quality time to shop around, and visited a few tourist spots such as the Science Museum, Brisbane City Hall and Conrad Treasury Casino.


Conrad Treasury Casino





Nice view of Brisbane City





Museum Sciencentre





An Exhibition, actually it was not allowed to take pic. But, since I've taken, so....




After this, we moved forward to the beautiful Southbank. It was actually quite a tiring one as we are required to walk a lot. And HY was eventually using his handphone to keep track of how many steps we had walked.... Oh man...


Southbank... A breathtaking scene








Wheel of Brisbane, AUD15 per pax, and we went onboard





Inside the Wheel of Brisbane, a very cosy cubicle with aircon and nice sofa





We had a simple tea break at one of the stall along Southbank. Next, we went to the Botanic Garden. Actually we planned to take the CityCat, a nice cruise to our destination. But too bad, it was not operating due to the cleaning process of the river. So, we used bus instead. I was expecting to see many flowers there, but ended up seeing all the trees and grass.


Botanic Garden - Fresh Air & it's super green





WX suggested bringing us to University of Queensland. A good idea, as I wish to experience the life as a uni student again. Four of us walked inside, pretending that we were students. And hey, we looked like one, too young for this! :p After this, we took the bus and returned to Griffith University. This was a direct route. But we were squeezing with many students inside. Luckily, we got a seat, and I enjoyed the ride.


University of Queensland





Our dinner tonight was really a good one, a Vietnamese Restaurant at Sunnybank. I ordered one medium size ho fan with pork & prawns. HY and WX each had one big size ho fan with beef. We also had the deep fried spring rolls as side dishes. After the stomach trenching dinner, we bought some fruits at a supermarket nearby.


Vietnamese Meal




We went back to WX's house, as our Getz was not powerful enough to carry 4 of us and climb up onto Mt Coottha. Therefore, WX used his Camry instead. I could hardly utter a word when I saw the nightview of Brisbane at Mt Coottha. It was simply too stunning!! We had some hot drinks at the cafe there, enjoying the night breeze, cold weather, lovely view & had a good chat. This situation comes to a perfect matching with HY's warm hug!


After getting down from Mt Coottha, we went to the last spot of the day, the Kangaroo Point. This is another famous outlook along the river, where u can have a good hold of Brisbane city. And guess what, 4 of us ended up testing on our camera to take the night view. As a result, mine was the most suck up of all, as those pics taken were totally unacceptable. WX and HY's cameras were not as bad as mine. Anyway, dont expect a perfect pic as we were not professional photographer with super camera.


HY's product of Kangaroo Point view