Summary of My 8D7N Melbourne, Australia Travelogue (2012)

Day 1 (30th September 2012)
Maiden Visit & Wandered Around Melbourne City


Day 2 (1st October 2012)
Puffing Billy


Eureka Skydeck 88


Day 3 (2nd October 2012)
1 Day Great Ocean Road Classic Tour

The cost for this tour was AUD$120 which included all park entrance fees, morning tea & biscuits and also Aussie BBQ lunch. It even included pick-up and drop-off from where I stayed. 

Day 4 (3rd October 2012)
1 Day Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour

The cost for this tour was AUD$125 which included all park entrance fees and pre-packed dinner at Penguin Parade. It even included pick-up and drop-off from where I stayed.

Day 5 (4th October 2012)
1 Day Mornington Peninsula Ultimate Tour

The cost for this tour was AUD$145 which included all park entrance fees, morning tea & biscuits and lunch. It even included pick-up and drop-off from where I stayed.

The three full one day tour packages above, I booked them directly from Bunyip Tours.
You can book online at their website www.bunyitours.com or go to their office:
Bunyip Tours
570 Flinders Street,
Melbourne Victoria,
Australia 3000

Day 6 (5th October 2012)
Queen Victoria Market and Flinders Street Railway Station

Queen Victoria Market is open five days a week except for Mondays and Wednesdays.

Melbourne Aquarium


Fitzroy Gardens, Cooks' Cottage & DFO South Wharf


Day 7 (6th October 2012)
Tesselaar Tulip Festival


Day 8 (7th October 2012)
I Almost Missed My Flight Due To Daylight Saving Time


Extra Posts:

• Melbourne, Australia (2012) Sneak Peek
• My Travel Loots & Expenses

Literally, I spend 8 solid days in Melbourne itself without going any further cities like Tasmania or even Sydney like what most traveller did, but trust me, even 8 days isn't enough for you to explore the whole city of Melbourne. Most of the Melburnians I met, they told me 8 days wasn't enough and even advised me to spend and stay in Melbourne for at least two weeks. How I wish  I could have such a long holiday break for that?

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My Travel Loots & Expenses of Melbourne, Australia (2012)

Now let me reveal what I bought from Melbourne. 

#1: Foods and typical souvenirs are what I bought when I was in Melbourne.

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I Almost Missed My Flight Due To Daylight Saving Time

Have you guys ever heard of daylight saving time? If not and ever wondering what it is? Oh well, according to Wikipedia, it is the practice of advancing clocks during the lighter months so that evenings have more daylight and mornings have less. Let's take example of this, currently the time difference between Malaysia and United Kingdom is where the latter one is 7 hours behind the local time of Malaysia but during daylight saving, it will be 8 hours different. Although not practiced by the majority of the world's countries, daylight saving time is common in the Western World. 

I knew about this when I was in United Kingdom and Europe after staying there for almost 4 months, but I have never experienced it so far. I also knew that Australia does have daylight saving but then, I never thought I was so unlucky that it eventually happened on the last and final day before I left Melbourne. Before the first few days, Australia local time was 2 hours ahead of Malaysia, but on the final day, it changed to 3. Indirectly due to this, I missed the Skybus, the express bus I supposedly take to airport.

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Melbourne, Australia Day 7: Tesselaar Tulip Festival

Date Visited: 6th October 2012

One of the main reason I choose to visit Melbourne during spring season was for the colourful and heavenly Tesselaar Tulip Festival. Since I didn't have the luck to visit the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens in Amsterdam from my previous visit, so no matter how, I was so eager to visit this Tesselaar Tulip Festival. Hence, I spare the whole day of my last day in Melbourne before flying back by visiting this timeless beauty of the tulip festival together with my friend.

Tesselaar Tulip Festival is held once every year from middle of September to middle of October and the location is situated in Monbulk Road, Silvan which less than an hours drive from Melbourne city center. Don't worry if you do not have any access to a vehicle, there will always be an alternative method to get to Tesselaar Tulip Festival by taking the public transport. (Refer below on how to travel by public transport) But then, it is advisable to pre-plan your public transport trip to ensure your day is hassle free.

#1: After more than 2 hours train and bus ride, finally we reached Tesselaar Tulip Festival

The entrance to this festival is not free, if you are wondering. It cost AUD$18 (approx. to RM60) but the admission fee will be revised every year. From the official website, the admission fee for this year is AUD$20. Looks like the luck wasn't on our side cause by the time we arrived, it was raining heavily and it won't stop for the rest of the day.

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Melbourne, Australia Day 6: Fitzroy Gardens, Cooks' Cottage & DFO South Wharf

Date of Visit: 5th October 2012

A visit to Melbourne Aquarium was kinda rush cause I promised to meet my friend in front of Flinders Street Station. It was due to my poor time management for spending too much time in Queen Victoria Market. After met my friend, we went to Fitzroy Gardens again by hopping into the free city circle tram. In one day itself, I lost count how many times I hopped in and off the circle tram.

 Conservatory of Fitzroy Gardens

Fore over 80 years, Conservatory has providing spectacular and magnificent floral displays. The Building imitated the Spanish mission architectural style. 

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Melbourne, Australia Day 6: Melbourne Aquarium

Date of Visit: 5th October 2012

Basically, there are two reasons why I choose to visit Melbourne Aquarium. First of all, it was because I love to visit any kind of zoos, aquariums, wildlife parks and anything that relate to animals. It's just simple as that. Then, the other reason was because I got another free admission ticket to visit the aquarium itself. Again, it was given when I bought the two full one day tour packages (Great Ocean Road and Phillips Island) from a local tour operator which recommended by my friend.

#1: Melbourne Aquarium is located in between Flinders Street and Kings Street

Actually, Melbourne Aquarium is just a short distance away from Flinders Street Station. But since I saw the free city circle tram was stopped right in front of Flinders Street Station, instantly hopped on to the tram without any second thought. To be frank, I not sure which station should I hop off but I was very confident that the tram will passed by the aquarium. Unfortunately, the tram didn't stop right exactly in front of the aquarium and it still required few minutes walk from where it stopped. Luckily it just required less than 3 minutes walk.

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Melbourne, Australia Day 6: Queen Victoria Market & Flinders Street Railway Station

Now, let's me share with you what can you do and see in the heart of the city of Melbourne. In case, time constraint is the main reason that pull you off from travel so far away from the city center such as to Great Ocean Road, Phillips Island and Mornington Peninsula, you still can enjoy as much as you want. From art galleries, museums, sporting complexes to aquarium and zoos, you will definitely find something unique and fascinating about Melbourne.

One of my favourite would be infamous Queen Victoria Market. A trip to Melbourne is not complete without a visit to this market which has been the heart and soul of Melbourne for more than a century. It's not just the city's market that host an impressive range of fresh produce but it's also a historic landmark, a popular tourist attraction and a Melbourne institution.

Also known affectionately as 'Vic Market' or 'Queen Vic'

This is where the where Melburnians shop for everything from Australian fruit and vegetables, and local and imported gourmet foods, to cosmetics, clothing and souvenirs.

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Melbourne, Australia Day 5: 1 Day Mornington Peninsula Ultimate Tour

Date of Visit: 4th October 2012

Overall from my 8 days trip to Melbourne, I booked three different full one day tours from the local tour operator - Great Ocean Road Classic Tour, Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour and Mornington Peninsular Ultimate Tour. Honestly speaking, if I have the choice, I wouldn't choose to do so but that could consider the last resort I had. For this Mornington Peninsula tour, it was my last minute decision to book it just for the sank of these brightly colourful bathing boxes.

Mornington Peninsula is just oven an hour's drive from Melbourne city center. Eventually, there are so much to see and do, hence it is ideal for a short day trip from Melbourne or for an extended stay. 

#1: My friend gave me a box of macaroon and I had it as breakfast. Oh dear, they were so huge and most importantly, so delicious! 

#2: Our first pit-stop, the famous colourful bathing boxes in the seaside resort township of Portsea. Do you know some of these bathing boxes could eventually cost up to AUD$250,000? It's unbelievable.

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Melbourne, Australia Day 4: 1 Day Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour

Date of Visit: 3rd October 2012

Just like Great Ocean Road Tour on the day before, the driver picked me up directly from where I stayed and once again, I was the first passenger inside the tour bus. The guests that join this tour were  not as many as Great Ocean Road one, approximately less than 20 but it wasn't a bad sign after all. Before the tour start, I bumped into a girl who was also travelling alone just like me and she was from China who is currently study in Sydney. To be honest, no offense but I kinda dislike China tourists based on my past experiences where most of them were so rude, impolite, dirty and etc but except for this one I met, she was the odd one. Unlike the typical China people, she was friendly and helpful indeed. Too bad after the trip I lost her contact.

This Phillip Island Penguin Parade tour most likely highlighted the best of Victoria's wildlife where we got the chance to get up close and personal with most of Australian animals. No wonder, the famous Malaysian travel blogger, Wilson Ng from Places and Foods claimed that Australia is a zoo without fences.

#1: Our first pit-stop after more than 2 hours bus ride from the city center, Moonlit Sanctuary  - Victoria's award-winning Wildlife Park.

#2: What can be seen in this Eco-certified santuary were angaroos, wallabies, koala bears, ostriches, lizards, dingoes, southern bettong, eastern quoalls and more.

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Melbourne, Australia Day 3: 1 Day Great Ocean Road Classic Tour

Date of Visit: 2nd October 2012

To enjoy most of Melbourne's fascinating places and attractions, most of them were located on the outskirt of the city center; such as Great Ocean Road, Phillip Island, Mornington Peninsula and more. So in the case where you are travelling with a group of friends and family, you can opt to rent a vehicle and plan for unforgettable road trip. But if you are travelling alone just like me, the downside was getting to those places by general public transport would be difficult. Hence, I got no choice but to book from the local tour operator and my friend recommended Bunyip Tour. From there, I bought two full one day tour packages - 1 Day Great Ocean Road Classic Tour as well as 1 Day Phillip Island Penguin Parade Ultimate Eco Tour. In return, besides the 5% off for each tour, but I was given a free admission ticket to Melbourne Aquarium, Eureka Skydeck and option between Old Melbourne Gaol or Polly Woodside. It was indeed a really great deal for me.

 

#1: Bunyip Tours bus 

The spectacular Great Ocean Roas is one of the world's most beautiful and naturally maintained secrets. This prestigious road is built by the returned soldiers dedicated to soldiers killed during the World War I, making this road is the world's largest war memorial. Every twist and turn exposes to stretches of broad, pristine beaches, dramatic coastlines and the lush rainforests of the Otway Ranges - all of which provides an amazing postcard backdrop for all the photo memories.

#2: The first pit stop, Bells Beach, one of Australia's famous surfing beaches and world renowned for the Rip Curl Surfing Pro. We even had morning tea and watched few surfers catch waves for surfing.

 #3: Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch at Eastern View

 #4: Wye River, a popular place for Melbournians to holiday

#5: Cape Patton Lookout offers spectacular views east towards Apollo Bay and Skenes Creek

#6: For the very first time in my life, I saw wild koala bear. Not just one or two, but we spotted more than 5 koala bears. Lucky us!

 #7: The iconic Cape Otway Lighthouse, mainland Australia's oldest surviving lighthouse.

#8: We even had Aussie BBQ as lunch at the park nearby the lighthouse

 #9: The Twelve Apostles is a collection of gigantic limestone stacks off the shore of the Port Campbell National Park

 #10: Walking down the boardwalk for this beautiful views of the coastline along The Great Ocean Road 

#11: Magnificent rock stacks that rise up from the Southern Ocean on Victoria's dramatic coastline

#12: Originally, there was 12 but then decreased over the time due to erosion and up to date, leaving eight remaining.

Option

If you don't mind to pay extra for breathtaking scenic view over the 12 Apostles from the top, take a helicopter flight which cost AUD$95.

#13: Loch Ard Gorge, a small network of clifftop walks and there is a staircase leading down to a beach gave us the opportunity to view the fantastic rock formations all around

#14: Our final pit stop of the day, Gibson Steps

#15: Perfect place for wedding photoshoots, perhaps?

Before spending another two and half hours ride back to Melbourne city centre, we stopped by a small Chinese restaurant for dinner. As I had Asian meals for the two previous nights, I opted for fast food instead and there were two world famous fast foods nearby that particular neighbourhood - McDonald and KFC.

#16: At the end, I choose KFC cause I found out it was more extraordinary compare to McDonald - Bacon & cheese burger, something which couldn't be found in elsewhere.

Note: The cost for this tour was AUD$120 which included all park entrance fees, morning tea & biscuits and also Aussie BBQ lunch. It even included pick-up and drop-off from where you stay.

This tour package I booked from Bunyip Tours.
You can book online at their website www.bunyitours.com or go to their office:
Bunyip Tours
570 Flinders Street,
Melbourne Victoria,
Australia 3000 

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Melbourne, Australia Day 2: Eureka Skydeck 88

Date of Visit: 1st October 2012

From the oldest stream train in Australia, Puffing Billy, my next destination was Eureka Skydeck 88, the highest viewing platform in the Southern Hemisphere. But somehow, I stuck in Belgrave Station for almost an hour before reach back to the city town due to my clumsiness and it was indeed waste a time.

After an hour of waiting and an hour train ride from Belgrave Station, finally back to the Flinders Street Station and from there, I walked to Eureka Tower without the help of any maps. All I did was keep looking and heading through to this highest tower instead. The walking distance from Flinders Street Station to Eureka Tower was not really that long, roughly around 10 minutes. As the tower itself is located adjacent to the beautiful Yarra River, I didn't even feel boring at all but turned out, I was pretty enjoying myself eventhough I was walking alone along this river. Some were enjoying their cup of coffee at the cafe nearby the river, cycling, jogging, walking with their cute and adorable dogs, and more. 

#1: I don't mind walking everyday with this kind of view. Will you?

#2: Tadaa... Finally, I reached Eureka Skydeck 88 after almost 10 minutes walk

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Melbourne, Australia Day 2: Puffing Billy, Australia's Favourite Steam Train

Date of Visit: 1 October 2012

Second day in Melbourne mark the official day where I wandered alone. Nervous? Scare? Worry? Apparently, I wasn't cause I ever wandered around London alone few years back. But somehow, being a solo traveller wasn't really my favourite type of travelling at all. Just read "Runaway Juno - Sometimes, I Don't Really Care for Solo Travel" and you know why I dislike of solo travel. I still prefer to travel along with my friends or even with my family better.

As I was alone, I decided to go to those famous spots that easily accessible by train. Coincidentally, I came across this Puffing Billy from Kaki Berangan's blog and even my friend highly recommended me to go to this place too. Without thinking any longer, packed my bag with some snacks and water and ready to explore Melbourne alone.

So, what is this Puffing Billy anyway? Puffing Billy is the oldest stream train in Australia and one of the finest preserved steam railways in the world. With the open-sided carriages, one will be amazed and mesmerised with the stunning views and beautiful forests throughout the journey when the train travels through the forests, fern gullies and farmlands of the magnificent Dandenong Ranges.

#1: From Flinders Station, wait at the Platform 4 heading to Belgrave Station, it's where Puffing Billy's primary starting point is located. 

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Melbourne, Australia Day 1: Maiden Visit to Australia & Wandered around Melbourne's City Center

Date of Visit: 30 September 2012

I always wanna go Australia since I was 8 years old and after have been waiting for more than 10 years, finally I booked a ticket to Australia via AirAsia during their promo price was as low as RM640. For me, it was a great steal seeing that I bought 6 months in advanced, at least and this time around, I choose to travel alone. There are many places and cities in Australia to choose from for visiting and holiday purposes but I choose Melbourne mainly because one of my college hostelmates was staying there for her Master programme and she offered me to stay at her place for free. Thanks to her cause if not, for sure I will hurt my wallet badly as Melbourne is claimed to be one of the most expensive cities in the world. [Source]

#1: Melbourne, Australia's second largest city and it is the capital of Victoria state.

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Melbourne, Australia 2012 (Sneak Peek)

Another sneak peek of mine! Just back from Hong Kong & Macau trip, I was flying off once again after resting in KK for 6 days. I went to Melbourne, Australia and I was travelled alone this time around. I always wanna experience travel alone but I found out that travel alone was not really my type. I prefer to travel along with my friends or even with my family better.

I always wanna go Australia since I was 8 years old and after had been waiting for more than 10 years, my tears falling out when I seeing myself landed in Australia. Seriously, I was crying silently but it was cry of happiness. There are many places and cities of Australia to choose from for visiting and holiday but I chosen Melbourne mainly because I have a friend there. Ok, I was not really alone anyway but throughout the trip, I did travel alone most of the time. So, this Australia trip marked as my 7th international trip for this year itself.

Went for 7 days but some of the locals I met told me that I was spending too little time in Melbourne. They advised that I should spend at least 2 weeks. Gosh! How I wish I have more leave for that but I couldn't cause I will be travelling to other destination again. 

So, here's a lil bit of sneak peek of what I did in Melbourne for 7 days:

Flinders Street Station when I took the free city tram for a free ride and also free Wifi Connection at the nearby Federation Square. Melbourne is so stingy with free WiFi Connection somehow.

Ride on Puffing Billy, Australia's oldest steam railway that still runs on its original mountain track.

Went up to 88th floors of Eureka Skydeck for stunning and marvelous unsurpassed views of Melbourne and far beyond. 

Booked a day tour to Great Ocean Road and met lots of new friends from South Korea, Thailand, Germany, Italy and more.

As well for a day trip to Phillip Island and Penguin Parade where I got to experience wildlife adventure.


Another day trip to Mornington Peninsula and finally got the chance to see these brightly coloured bathing boxes that believe some might cost up to thousand dollars. It's unbelievable.

Breakfast and some souvenirs shopping at Queen Victoria Market which you shouldn't miss out when visiting Melbourne.

Tesselaar Tulip Festival which only held from 13th September to 9th October which is the reason why I choose to visit Melbourne during spring season at the end of September and early of October. I never experience spring season before in any country even though I had went more than 20 countries and Australia is the first country where I experienced my first ever blooming spring season.

Source

One thing for sure when in Australia is to experience and see all these wildlife adventures. Seeing penguin parade in Phillip Island was one of the amazing thing that took my breath away where watching a raft of wild little penguin emerge from the sea and waddle across the beach to their sand dune burrows when the sun is down. It's not like you watching them through the glass in some zoo or aquarium but you can eventually get close and touch them. Sometimes, it will reach up to almost 900 of these wild little penguin emerge from the sea. However, no photography is allowed cause penguin's eyes are too sensitive for the flash especially.

Feeding the wallabies. They are so humble and adorable. Well, this is not my first time as I experienced before back in Birmingham, United Kingdom.

For the first time I saw these hopping kangaroo and we're so lucky to saw more than 20 of them.

Last but not least, took photo with the koala bear is a must cause you never got the chance to see this cute animal in elsewhere but only in Australia.

One and only thing that I heard from the people I met was "Australia is so expensive!". Well, it is indeed true and for those who went Australia before, I guess you had the same thought as that too. Luckily thank goodness, I saved my cost of accommodation especially where I stayed at my ex-roomate place. Thanks to Jerlin, my ex-roomate for her hospitality or else, I think I will hurt my wallet badly. But that's not gonna stop me from continue chasing my dream to visit other place and city of Australia especially Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast and Perth. Till then, G'day! That's why Aussie said so!

In between, notice I changed my blog header again?

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