Day 1 24/4/07 - Australia

Sydney -> Hobart -> Sydney

Highlight

• Another close brush to the airport, I was stuck on the M5 for over 30 minutes, meaning my trip took 40 minutes longer than usual. Luckily the rain delayed all flights so I made it with about 5 minutes to spare.
• The flight was full of old people and young families, all on holidays to Tassie or going back to see family. This all adds to the atmosphere of a holiday. So even though this was a business trip, it’s Tassie, so it can’t help but feel like a holiday.
• Got a taxi without having to line up, and 10 minutes later we arrived in the city centre.
• A swift meeting with the GM and other heads of, and then we were off to lunch.
• Walked down to Salamanca Place, which looked very different without the market stalls and the crowd. It was very pleasant, with the beautiful sandstone buildings, antique and arts shop, and glorious restaurants all housed in the restored buildings.
• A pleasant walk to my favourite bakery in the whole world, Jackman & McRoss, and watched the world (or the Tassies) pass by. A beautiful way to appreciate Tassie.
• Stocked up on supplies and walked back down the whimsical Kelly’s Step back to the office.
• The workshops went well. Tasmanians are so much more relaxed.
• After finally securing a cab in the heart of the CBD, made it to the airport with plenty of time to spare. We enjoyed a glass of wine and enjoyed our Jackman & McRoss takeaway, before boarding the flight back.
• Ahh, Sydney, rain, wait for taxis, traffic…it’s good to be home.

Food

• Jackman & McRoss braised rabbit pie ($8.50)
• Jackman & McRoss quince tart ($6.50)

Tasmania 2007

Simple Plan:
Oz

Expaneded Plan:
Sydney - Hobart - Sydney

Date:
24/4/07

Flying:
Virgin

Cost:
$

Virgin Flight DJ 623

Time

This time we took off on time, but because of the rain in Sydney, we were delayed for 10 minutes on return, which was nothing, considering the Qantas flight to Melbourne was delayed 2 hours, and the long wait for a taxi afterwards and the traffic…

Rating - 4

Comfort

We were forced to stand on the tarmac for ages, it was freezing cold because people were very slow getting on the plane. This time the plane was full and I was sitting next in the middle next to my colleague and this tall man who drank lots of alcohol during the flight, so it wasn’t exactly comfortable. One of the reading lights didn’t work either so that didn’t help.

Rating - 2

Service

It must be mid-day fatigue, because the crew was pretty boring. They had their work cut out for them handling the request from alcoholic next door, and they handled it well, so well done to them.

Rating - 1

Allowance/Gifts

Yup, they had live to air TV again, but there was a problem so every couple of minutes the screen would blank out. Alcoholic actually bought the service for $6 (he should’ve checked that it actually worked first!), and then was complaining about it.

Rating - 2.5

Value

This was bought on a Fully Flexible Fare, for $349. Again, not paid for by me.

Rating - 4

Jumbo Points - 13.5

Info

Hobart - > Sydney
24 Apr 07, 17:00 - 18:50
Website

Virgin Flight DJ 618

Time

Because of the rain we actually took off half hour late, which was again fine by me because I was stuck in traffic and had to do another mad dash to the gate. Luckily Virgin has now implemented web check-in so I was able to walk straight to security, saving a lot of time. We didn’t arrive that much later though, only 15 mins, so we were still able to make our appointment.

Rating - 2.5

Comfort

I don’t think I really need to comment on this one any longer, having flown so many Virgin flights. This time we had a spare seat between us so it was much more comfy.

Rating - 4

Service

The crew were surprisingly low key. Usually they have some funny stories to tell, but I think because we took off late and they were in a rush, so they wanted to hurry and get everything done to meet their on time demand.

Rating - 3.5

Allowance/Gifts

This flight has the new “live TV” implemented, i.e. there is a screen on each seat where you get a choice of 30 channels. We were given free headphones and there is a review of the channels before take-off. I tried out a few channels, namely the news and the Lifestyle channels, and found it quite good. However, once we took off, you had to pay $6 for the service, which is ok of course. However, it meant that all the radio channels are disabled so you can’t actually listen to anything.

Rating - 3.5

Food

The usual stuff available, which I didn’t try.

Rating - 2.5

Value

This was bought on a Blue Saver, for $159. I didn’t have to pay for it anyway.

Rating - 4.5

Jumbo Points - 20.5

Info

Sydney -> Hobart
24 Apr 07, 8:55 - 10:45
Website

Rialto Hotel on Collins

Room

Our package was for a deluxe king room. The room was certainly bigger than normal. Situated on the 7th floor, which is the highest on that side of the hotel, and with a balcony overlooking the cafe area below, it is very impressive. It might be a bit freaky not to have natural light, but I was fine with that. I went out on that balcony often to observe people around.

We had a king bed that had the pillow thing going on. The bed as very comfy, the pillow a little soft but at least not floppy. The decor in the rest of the room I will describe as yellow. You couldn't really turn the lights up to brighten up the room. Gold glitz and dark wood paneling is the order of the day. There is a chair with a foot rest and a writing desk. The bathroom was quite spacious, with a marble-topped basin.

Rating - 4

Facilities

The mini-bar was kinda impressive. We had Foxtel (not that I cared) and a Playstation (ditto). All the usual suspects: huge rooftop pool, spa, sauna, gym, bar, business centre... The bathroom amenities were generous, and they had bathrobes (which we didn't use again) but no fluffy slippers.

The staff were very professional, both at reception, valet parking and at check-in. The check-in chick was a bit ditzy, thinking our breakfast wasn't included in the price. The bell-boy was nowhere to be seen when we needed him though. We didn't try out the famed concierge as we didn't even have enough time to do anything!

Rating - 4

Location

Right in the centre of town, actually, the ritzy part of town. It's close to transport and all the major attractions in the city. Too bad we didn't really make use of it.

Rating - 5

Food

We started with some good quality champagne, very sweet choc-dipped strawberries, and dark chocolate mint, so they were already in my good books. Anyone who provides a selection of fresh bread (go olive!) at breakfast gets my vote.

The food was above average for a hotel breakfast buffet, but of course doesn't beat a cafe. They have an egg station, offering up half set poached eggs, as well as your standard hot food fare. The bacon was very lean. The pancake still a bit rubbery.

My favourite, besides the bread, were the mix your own muesli and fruit compote. I also forced down a hot-cross bun because it was Easter.

Rating - 4.5

Value

Our one night package was $169 for a king sized room, champagne and strawberries on arrival and buffet breakfast for me. It as great value for a Easter holiday weekend right in the heart of the city. Valet parking was an extra $25.

Rating - 4

Snooze Points - 21.5

Info

495 Collins St
Melbourne
VIC 3000
Phone (03) 9620 9111
Website

Frog Gully Cottages

Room

There's a small kitchen, a large dining and living room, spacious outdoor deck, and 2 bedrooms, each with its own ensuite. Everything is tastefully decorated, more in the country style than that Mod look. I really like that there is a uniqueness in their decorations. Everything is frog themed, from the door mat to the toilet paper!The cottages are obviously quite new, some things even still have their tags on!

The double bed has electric blankets and fluffy doonas, but the mattress wasn't that comfortable and the pillow was floppy! This really let the cottage down in terms of rating.

Rating - 3

Facilities

This is supposed to be 4 star rated, and there is almost everything you need. The kitchen is not a full kitchen but all the basics are there, with everything being almost new. The gas BBQ on the deck is great too! They actually provide gloves for the kitchen and encourage recycling and composting.

There are heaters, electric blankets and fans, as well as DVDs, CD player, books, mags (all outdated unfortunately) and games. The bathrooms had some amenities and hair dryers. There is also a laundry should you be that way inclined.

Rating - 4

Location

Located on some beautiful wetlands, away from any life really, but close enough to a major town. Really the best of both worlds.

Rating - 4

Food

The breakfast provisions included: 4 strips of bacon, 4 eggs, 4 slices of bread, a selection of cereals and jams. Not as generous as other places we've been to, and not of the highest quality. In fact, the quantity is just right instead of being too generous. The milk they supplied had already passed its use by date though. Boring supply of tea and coffee, with 3 packets of Jarrah hot chocolate. They also gave us some chocolate frogs.

Rating - 3.5

Value

The cottages are priced at $160 for 2 at any time of year. At other times I would think they are a tad expensive, but at Easter, it's not bad.

Rating - 3

Snooze Points - 17.5

Info

Lot 2419
Rosedale Rd
Longford
VIC 3851
Phone (03) 5149 7242 or 0439 369 057
Website

Things you see everywhere in Australia

Melbourne

• toll roads
• trams
• live screens showing sport
• sport supporters
• rude drivers
• coffee shops
• beautiful sculptures on the street
• weird architecture

Gippsland

• SES coffee and tea service
• tourists, especially campers and caravans
• cows
• dairies
• wetlands
• forests

Things you see everywhere in Australia

Tasmania

• J Boggs
• Cascades
• pubs
• old couples or groups touring
• tourists
• farms
• cows
• sea
• road kill

Audi A3

Trip Summary

Melbourne -> Gippsland -> Melbourne

Drive

Quote "good handling, tendency to slightly under steer when pushed to the limits. The 6-speed gearbox is a dream. Steering a little twitchy for my preference"

Rating - 4

Comfort

It's a bit more squishy than the Focus, but it's roomy enough. There's not that much space in the backseat. I couldn't figure out how to adjust the headrest for a long time so was very uncomfortable. Otherwise, there is separate temperature control. Only complaint, slightly below average road noise reduction.

The cigarette lighter didn't work, or at least we couldn't figure out how it worked, so we couldn't charge our GPS.

Rating - 4

Service

Slow, we had to line up twice, once to register at the airport and another time to get the keys at the office. There was a scratch on the car so I went to report it at the office, at which they said not to worry about it. We then noticed the tank was only 3/4 full, so we had to go and report that again.

Rating - 1

Value

$330 for our 4 day sojourn. Not bad for Easter considering hiring a Hyundai would be only about $10 cheaper.

Rating - 3.5

Clean

Spotless... except for the scratches

Rating - 4.5

Zoom Points - 17

Info

Website

Qantas Flight QF 492

Time

Very good. Check-in is all electronic boarding pass, which you have to print out before you check your bags in, making the process much quicker. But it also means that you can't try to get switched to an earlier flight!

We left on time and arrived on time. The luggage did take awhile to come out even though the airport wasn't that busy.

Rating - 4

Comfort

Well, out of all the Australian airlines, Qantas has the oldest planes, the narrowest seats and the least leg room. This was another Boeing 737. The fabric on the seats were unattractive and worn, but at least they have the flaps on the side you can move to give you side support. There are a lot more TVs situated at a lot of points though so you can actually watch TV easily, even from the window seat.

Rating - 3

Service

The air hostesses are all old (so that's where the oldies go). They are very boring, never smile, but are very professional, in their announcement, in their delivery of food, in the showing you in and out of the aircraft. The counter service guy was ok too, and was helpful to a man who didn't know how to use the e-ticket machines.

Rating - 3.5

Allowance/Gifts

Instead of the 20kg bag allowance, we were actually allowed 32kg each, but each bag couldn't be heavier than 32kg, so we had to rejiggle our luggage to fit the requirements.

Rating - 3.5

Food

There was really not enough time for any food. We were given a packet of nuts and fruit and a drink. I decided to forgo the alcohol as I had had quite a share that day (hey, it WAS a wedding!). I asked for an apple juice, but to my surprise they actually gave me a mixed fruit juice, in the style of the nudie drinks. It was very nice actually. There are also some apples available, but really, all the food probably only costs about $2 all up.

Rating - 4

Value

Considering it was Easter and a flight on Virgin would cost $199, paying $214.39 for this was not too bad. Compared to the way we formally travel though, it's a rip off!

Rating - 3.5

Jumbo Points - 21.5

Info

Melbourne -> Sydney
9 Aug 06, 20:30 - 21:50
Website

Virgin Flight DJ 802

Time

The plane, to our relief, took off at 6:30 instead of 6:15 and arrived very close to the stated 1 hour and 7 minutes later, at 7:35, so was 10 minutes earlier than expected.

Rating - 5

Comfort

We flew in a Boeing 737, which is much squishshier than the Jetstar Airbus. Because of our check-in fun, I wasn't sitting next to Slokky (yeah!), but I ended up being squished between 2 old men (boo!). One was coughing and then snoring the whole time, at least the other one was ok. The seats are much narrower than Jetstar, but there's still enough legroom.

Rating - 3

Service

"Marky Mark" and his crew were a happy lot, especially for such an early hour. They got along very well and kept cracking those corny jokes about how good looking the crew were. The service was good and the announcements timely. Certainly better than Jetstar.

The check-in crew didn't really make us feel relaxed or calm when we checked-in, joining in the frenzy with us. At least they tried their best to get us on the plane I suppose?

Rating - 3.5

Allowance/Gifts

No freebies, not even headphones. I did take the in flight mag, which always has an interesting entrepreneurial article.

Rating - 2

Food

The usual options for purchase. We were too rush and too squished to enjoy our own food.

Rating - 1.5

Value

14,000 points plus $39 taxes

Rating - 1

Jumbo Points - 16

Info

Sydney -> Melbourne
6 Apr 07, 6:15 - 7:45
Website

Day 4 9/4/07 - Australia

Melbourne City -> North Balwyn -> South Yarra -> Melbourne City -> Sydney

Highlight

• Woke up nice and early for the buffet breakfast. We were so stuffed afterwards we took a walk around the city, to take advantage of the great location of the Rialto Hotel. We walked to Federation Square as this was not built the last time I was in Melbourne (2002). Whether it's ugly or not? I am leaning towards the not, because it's a great space in the city for the crowds to gather for community based event (i.e. watching sports).
• Traveled to St Bede's Church, North Balwyn, for a simple but touching wedding ceremony. Pink was chosen as the colour. It was a glorious sunny day in Melbourne, so they were very lucky.
• Had a brief wonder around the streets of South Yarra in our suit and heels. There wasn't much to look at as all the shops were closed, except for food stores.
• 9 Darling St was the setting for the reception. It was the best function centre I've been to. It doesn't have views, but it has a nice garden setting, a huge bar and waiting area, plush cushions decor, a decent sized dance floor. The best thing was the exceptional food. I was expecting the usual wedding hoo-ha, but the food was cooked nicely. We were served steak that was actually cooked medium! The dessert platter was to die for. The ceremony was simple - no dancing and no games, but the speeches were very touching.
• We had some time to kill before the flight back so took in the other new development around, Docklands. This reminds me of all the wharf area around Sydney, except better designed. Indeed, there are sculptures all around, the architecture impressed me, and the sense of space was great. Now if only Sydney had an area like that!
• We killed some more time by riding around the CBD on the city circle tram. The ride was spent talking to the conductor, who knew Sydney very well, than actually taking in the sites.
• The airport wasn't as crowded as I thought it would be. Hadn't flown Qantas for awhile, but they are kind of boring, at least they have TV for you to watch, so the flight was over before you knew it, and another holiday comes to an end.

Food

• Rialto Hotel on Collins buffet breakfast:
  • selection of fruit
  • fruit bread
  • olive bread
  • hot cross bun
  • custard donut
  • fruit danish
  • cheese and cold cuts
  • coffee and tea
  • bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, tomato, hash brown, mushrooms
  • pancakes and poached eggs
  • make your own muesli station with poached fruit
• Wedding lunch at 9 Darling St:
  • oysters and prawns on fountain
  • appetizers - salmon skewers, risotto balls, filo parcels
  • Tasting plate: miniature crab claw with orange and ginger dressing, lime cured salmon and scallop in a half shell with wasabi and green pea puree
  • Char grilled eye fillet on white truffle oil mash served with cognac and peppercorn sauce
  • Baked trevally fillet with a Thai crust and a lime and coconut jam
  • Lemon tart, berries in a chocolate basket and cappuccino ice cream
• Qantas fresh juice - pineapple, orange, mango, passionfruit

Day 3 8/4/07 - Australia

Longford -> Tarra Bulga National Park -> Mirboo North ->Trafalgar -> Yarragon -> Trafalgar -> Warragul -> South Yarra -> Melbourne City

Highlight

• Having breakfast on the balcony while watching the sky change colour.
• watching birds and cows in the mist.
• Miners Lookout to observe the powerplant that generates over 90% of VIC's energy. The lookout was sponsored by the powerplant so it was immaculately update with beautiful decorations. You can see the coal mine and powerplant on one side and green farmland on the other.
• Tarra Bulga National Park, part of the Grand Ridge Road nature drive, was quite hard to reach. It involved driving through narrow, winding roads, sometimes unsealed. The park itself contained rainforests, a change from the temperate forests and wetlands we've been seeing. The air was cool, the floor covered with ferns.
• The highlight of the park was the Corrigan Suspension Bridge, part of the Wills Tracks. It wasn't as fun as the Bridge in Victoria Canada though.
• This was where our bunch of bad luck started. We decided to check out Blackwarry Tower, only to find out when we were nearly there that the road was for 4 wheel drive only. so we had to drive all the way back.
• Our next stop was the Tarra Valley Rainforest Walk. This was a pleasant walk through a rainforest gully and across trickling mountain streams. The highlight was supposed to be Cyathea Falls, but, because we were in teh middle of a drought, there was no water.
• The park was starting to fill with tourist at around this time (10:30), but when we tried to get out, we found our exit blocked by a fallen tree. No way to move forward, we had to take a detour (and because Slokky is crap we took a longer than necessary detour) on very narrow uncomfortable roads, adding an hour to our trip.
• Needless to say, after that drive, I wasn't interested in the dense forest and farmland scenery of Grand Ridge Road anymore.
• I was very glad when we reach Mirboo North, the home of the Grand Ridge Brewery. I really wanted one of their award-winning beer, but because we were delayed an hour and lunch was beckoning, I made do with a six-pack of takeaway beer ($25) instead.
• Had lunch at the Erinae Lavender garden's beautiful garden.
• Drove to Sunny Creek Organic Berries, only to find out that they weren't opened, even though people had called earlier and they had said they were opened. To compensate, we sample some of the apples and kiwi hanging from their trees instead.
• Yarragon Village is more one of the villages you expect on the tourist route. Filled with antique shops, and old fashioned lolly shop, lots of clothing and trinket store, not to mention enough cafes so you can have coffee at a different place each day for a week. Finally I picked up some fresh and rustic bread at the Yarragon Country Style bakery Bakery.
• Finally, at Yarragon's visitor centre, which also doubled as a gourmet food place, we were able to pick up a Gateway to Gippsland, Food & Wine Network brochure, which led us to Marshall Green Deer & Venison Farm
• The place was certainly hard to find, as someone had stolen their sign, so they had to put a red ribbon up. Once we were there, we were given a personal tour. First we were given some mitzu apples straight off the tree. While we were munching, we sharing the apples with the deers. Deers are quite shy animals, only 2 or 3 animals would eat out of your hand. We were told about the current mating season, as well as what the effects of the drought had been to farming.
• About 45 minutes later, we finally left, armed with some venison steaks (only $28/kg!), a quince jelly ($2), a handmade wool beanie ($6!), and a bag full of apples and quinces! She gave us recipe sheets, told us about her market sales and her other customers and her arts and crafts. We felt like we know just about everything! This has been another of those highlights that makes a trip so special.
• Well, after that, it was a bit too late to keep exploring. We stopped off at Warragul, but all the shops were closed, and the town itself wasn't that interesting, so we joined the traffic crawl back to Melbourne.
• Dinner at France Soir, classic French in style, but somehow so Melbourne.
• Relaxing in the roof top spa and plunging into the freezing cold swimming pool, just to say that we used the facilities at Rialto Hotel on Collins.
• Forcing down some complimentary choc-dipped strawberries as we were really full from dinner.
• Plucking out all of Slokky's chin hair (152!) because he forgot his shaver.

Food

• Mi Goreng BBQ chicken noodle
• Vaalia vanilla blueberry and mango passionfruit yoghurt
• sweet seed mustard tuna with linseed bread
• Goulburn Valley diced peaches
• Cadbury Eden
• potato bread ($2.70)
• mitzu apple
• France Soir dinner:
• Chocolate dipped strawberries.
• Mint chocolate.

Day 2 7/4/07 - Australia

Longford -> Sale -> Golden Beach -> Loch Sport -> The Lakes National Park -> Loch Sport -> Sale ->Rosedale -> Sale -> Longford

Highlight

• Enjoying breakfast on the deck with expansive views of the Latrobe River wetlands.
• Drove through "wetlands" to reach Golden Beach, part of the Ninety Mile Beach stretch. This is virtually miles and miles of dead straight beach. The weather wasn't the best so people weren't out in force.
• There was a "market" at Golden Beach, consisting about 3 stalls of people selling their junk, and by junk I mean junk.
• Loch Sport is very popular with the boating, sailing and fishing set, we drove through the town on the way to The Lakes National Park.
• The Lakes NP is basically one huge dirt track, we went for a walk on the Lake Reeves Nature Trail, where we observed several habitats and dead trees. It was a path less taken as the trail was totally overgrown. The lookout had extensive vies of Lake Reeve and the Gippsland Lakes system.
• Drove to the Jetty at Point Wilson, passing a few swamps on the way. We watched swamps of jellyfish floating around in the water. What surprised me were there were heaps of people actually swimming there...
• I wanted to eat at the jetty, but Slokky was against the idea, so we went and checked out the Loch Sport local bakery, decided what was left of the day wasn't worth eating. Slokky wanted to eat at Sale, so we drove especially to the Centre Bakery, because they had advertised all over the tourist brochures, and was extremely disappointed. All the choices we wanted weren't available, and because I was extremely hungry (it was after 2pm) at this point, and we drove there especially, we had to order. I should have not listened to Slokky and had the tuna sandwiches at an earlier time instead.
• Rosedale is a lovely little town with some pretty colonial buildings. We came though, for food (what else). The Tarra Valley Food store sells pickles, jams, chutney, sauces and relishes. The owner, George Sharp, makes everything on the premises and grow some of the fruit and veg as well. They have won a stack of awards, and everything we tasted was very yummy. More importantly, everything was cheap as chips. Even buying the raw ingredients must cost more than that. The sauces were $3 for a small and $5 for large. These prices are even cheaper than buying it at the supermarket. What's more, we actually had a 25% discount voucher as well!
• Tried to buy some local lamb and beef at the butcher but, forgetting that this was a country town, all the shops were closed by 1pm! So we had to contend with the local IGA, for some lamb cutlets and flatheads.
• Visited the fame Port of Sale, but couldn't see what was so special about it, just some grass and water.
• Another highlight was supposed to be the Sale Powder Magazine, a building built in 1865-65 to store gunpowder supplies. I think we've seen way too many heritage buildings to appreciate this little hut.
• More to our taste was the Sale Common State Game Reserve, where we went for a walk to the Long Waterhole and lookout. This is supposed to be a habitat for birds, but all we could see were a few ducks.
• Last stop was the Historic Swing Bridge. Built in 1883 and one of the first swing bridges built.
• Fired up the barbie and ate our Gippsland fare while watching the sun set.
• Played 2 player 500 (not as interesting as 4 player but better than snap any day) while indulging in chocolates and cheese.
• Giggled at all the newly weds who signed the Frog Gully guest books. Thanks for telling us about your honeymoon night!

Food

• bacon, fried egg, tomato with homemade bread
• banana
• vegetable pastie ($2.90)
• Mexican pie ($3.20)
• iced coffee ($3.90)
• taste testing pickles, jams, chutney, sauces and relishes at Tarra valley Foods
• BBQ flatheads with lemon and pepper ($7)
• BBQ lamb cutlets with pepper and hot sweet chilli dip
• baby mesclun blend salad ($1.79) with Maffra mature cheddar and lemon juice
• lemon tea with honey
• jarrah hot chocolate
• Cadbury Eden
• Maffra matured cheddar

Day 1 6/4/07 - Australia

Sydney -> Melbourne -> Wilsons Promontory -> Agnes Falls -> Port Albert -> Longford

Highlight

• Slokky got the time wrong for our flight, he thought it was 6:45am instead of 6:15am, so we had to run for it and nearly didn't make check in. Luckily they were just finishing boarding, and we did a 10 minutes from arrival to boarding the aircraft. We were also one of the first to get our luggage on the other side, so not too bad.
• Slokky doing the being anxious before holidays thing again
• Slokky kept getting the indicators wrong even though the Audi was exactly the same as the Focus.
• Slokky was really lazy and woke up really late, and then didn't pack stuff so was rushing around doing things, like jamming everything in the front of the suitcase and nearly breaking the zip.
• Slokky didn't work out beforehand where we had to go so wasted heaps of time.
• Drivers in Melbournians are quite rude, nobody at all gave way to us, especially one time when we were changing lanes and nearly got run off the highway.
• Our first stop ever at a stop revive survive station, got some free bickies, tea and a backseat driver revival bag, filled with kids games, biscuits and even a trivial CD!
• Got stuck behind a caravan and crawled along most of the highway, but when we finally made it to Wilsons Promonary, or "The Prom" 4 hours later, it was all worth it.
• First stop, Squeaky Beach, with beautiful white sand which squeak when you rub them together, mid sized waves and amazing rock formations
• Caught the shuttle bus to start our climb (more like a gentle slope) to Mount Oberon Summit, at ...m, with the most amazing view over the beaches and islands, as well as the Tidal River. We stayed to enjoy some nashi pears with lots of other walkers.
• Norman Beach - a flat sheltered beach with gentle waves, with Mount Oberon in the background
• Stopped by Norman Viewpoint for views of more ocean and island. After visiting almost all of Australia, I can say that that this is one of the most beautiful spots in Australia, if not the world (although I don't think I can be the judge of that one just yet)
• Last stop on the Wilsons Promontory National Park was the spectacular Whisky Bay, a small sandy beach with rock formations on both sides, a tranquil walk lead you to that area.
• Drove through some green rolling hills with dairy cows, the heart of dairyland. It's a bit like Tasmania, but with much more flat lands.
• Passed a wind farm on the way to Agnes Fall. The scenery is again spectacular, ocean on one side, rolling hills on the other. The fall itself didn't have much water, but the surrounding was so peaceful, especially at dusk when we visited.
• Slokky missed out on pics of some very good view of the sunset against the wind farm.
• Port Albert is a small charming fishing town. The local fish & chips, Port Albert Seafoods, was packed with holiday makers. They cook up their specialties of flatheads and duckfish (not available). We joined the crowd to enjoy some fried stuff by the wharf, with only the moonlight to guide us. If it wasn't so cold we could've stayed forever.
• Drove along some very very straight highway from Yarram to Longford, talk about efficiency!
• Frog Gully was suitably frog themed. We settled in front of the (electric) fire and relaxed while planning the next day.

Food

• Homemade bread with baby spinach dip.
• nashi pear
• Bushells tea.
• Arnotts Milk Coffee and Nice
• Arnotts dark chocolate wheatens
• chilli tuna tempsters on homemade bread.
flathead ($5.50) and chips ($2).
• Jarrah hot chocolate.

Victoria 2007

Simple Plan:
Oz

Expaneded Plan:
Sydney - Melbourne - Wilsons Promontory - Sale - Loch Sport - Melbourne - Sydney

Date:
6/4/07 - 9/4/07

Flying:
Virgin

Cost:
$$$

Holden VS Commodore

Trip Summary

Launceston -> Hobart

Drive

I didn't actually drive this, so you'll have to take Slokky's word for it. There is a tendency to slightly oversteer. It is well balanced but a little jittery when braking. There is good power and good torte. Being a Commodore, it was fitted with the standard ABS, cruise control, electric mirrors and doors...etc

Rating - 3

Comfort

Surprisingly for such a huge car, the ride was pretty bumpy. Either the roads in Tassie are worst than NSW or this car's suspension is worst. I'm inclined to think it's the latter. It certainly wasn't as comfortable as the Ford Focus.

In terms of creature comfort. The seats are wide, designed for the "average" Australian no doubt. The cushioning and support are pretty good, and of course there's plenty of leg room. The noise insulation for terrible. We could hear wind noises and you can't use fresh air with the air conditioning!

Rating - 3

Service

The people at Avis were excellent. We got our car sorted out at the airport ages before our luggage was even ready to be picked up. It was the same when we dropped the car off. As soon as we pulled in the Avis car park, an attendent has checked our car over and printed our receipt, before we'd even got out of the car!

Rating - 4.5

Value

We asked for a manual Corolla and get upgraded to an auto Commodore. However, this baby sucks fuel up like there's no tommorow! Hehe, they don't even bother displaying fuel consumption on the trip computer because it's just too depressing to know otherwise!

Rating - 3.5

Clean

Cleaned very well. There were a few minor scratches on the car, but that's even better for us, we didn't have to be that careful.

Rating - 4.5

Zoom Points - 18.5

Info

Website

North Lodge Apartment

Room

One word, HUGE. We were in the "penthouse", and the room consisted of one very very long room, with a bedroom with a queen sized bed and bay window and dresser on one end, to two single beds and the tiniest, and I mean the tiniest, bathroom I've seen (about the size of Japan's). In between all this there's a dining room and a pretty big kitchen. It all sounds really good doesn't it, but it's not as it seems. The penthouse was opened in 1982 and obviously hasn't been renovated since then. The furnishing were worn. The cupboard doors and tiles were falling off the kitchen and all the cutlery and appliances were also from the 80s. The bathroom was so impractical we brushed our teeth in the kitchen.

The good points though, there was plenty of room, the bed was nice and comfy, with very nice pillows. We had a pretty big TV and the largest wrap-around balcony with great views over the Launceston hills.

If they renovate this place they can probably charge an outrageous amount for it. I wonder what the rate is normally? I'd hate to imagine what the "studio" we originally booked would be like...

Rating - 3.5

Facilities

There's a full kitchen, laundry, lots of beds. But all this is matched by cheap coffee (International House), a small bottle of milk, shampoo and conditioner. The kitchen holds lots of bits and pieces, but they are all falling apart, plus, stuff were so dirty I didn't really want to touch them.

The guy who ran the place forgot about me, and questioned me heaps about whether I really had a booking. upon producing my email confirmation though, he turned nice and accomodating, and had to give us the only room left, the "penthouse", out of the whole place. He was very helpful actually, if only the first impression he gave didn't turn me off.

Rating - 3

Location

Great, very close to the city centre, right next to Kings Park. From our balcony you can get a view of the park and the surrounding hills. We didn't really make good use of it though.

Rating - 4

Value

Only because we got the penthouse was this place worth $90 a night. Granted it's quite close to the city centre, but this IS Launceston we're talking about, it's not like the city centre is the centre of everything. Despite all our times in Tasmania, we haven't spent very much time in Launceston at all! I don't appreciate misleading advertising on their website though, they made everything sound much better than they really are.

Rating - 2.5

Snooze Points - 13

Info

7 Brisbane Street
Launceston
TAS 7250
Phone (03) 6331 9966
Website

Jetstar Flight JQ 127

Time

The plane left 1/2 an hour late. It took ages to board the plane, ages to get our luggage, in the rain! About the only thing that was quick was check in. But I was surprised they didn't even ASK if we had anything flammable in our bags.

Rating - 1

Comfort

Like all the other jetstar planes. It was 3 across and no middle asile. The leathers seats are pretty wide, with a fair amount of leg room. The plane was nearly full, but there were 3 or 4 spare seats scattered around. Slokky and I had to sit separately, but it meant we were more comfortable.

Rating - 4

Service

Was ok. The check-in was cold as usual. The air hostesses kept giggling and gossiping amoung themselves. The servie was ok. I was surprised there was actually an announcement to tell us to clean up our own seats, and to throw our rubbish away!

Rating - 3

Allowance/Gifts

We only had the one bag but I think they are pretty strict.

Rating - 3

Food

They serve the usual stuff on board and charge an ok price for being up in the air.

Rating - 3

Value

$44.50 one way. We only travel on discounts!

Rating - 5

Jumbo Points - 19

Info

Sydney -> Launceston
8 Feb 07, 19:40 - 21:00
Website

Day 1 8/2/07 - Australia

Sydney -> Launceston

Highlight

• Our holiday got off to its usual start, with Slokky being late in meeting me as we were going to the airport.
• There were tons of people at the airport. You couldn't even find a place to sit in the food court.
• The plane was late. There were heaps of rude people on board, who all decide to stand in the aisle and not let anyone else through.
• We travelled with lots of old people and babies (which will become the constant recurrence on this trip, but we didn't know it yet).
• After we landed late, we had to get off the plane in the pouring rain at Launceston Airport. Yes it was primitive and they don't actually have connection corridor.
• We had to wait ages for our luggage. They don't have luggage belts and all the luggage gets driven in on a cart. It's the same at Hobart Airport too.
• Luckily the rain eased when we drove into Launceston. Our hotel, the North Lodge Apartments actually forgot me, so we ended up staying in the "penthouse". For more on this story read my review.