Visit to Australia

[Wooden Boat Fittings]

Will you guys just shut the F### up already?

What's this? A touch tetchy, Phil? That's not like you. You're usually so, um, equable.

What I'm trying to work out is what features Melbourne has that are like that. What are tourists typically advised to go and see?

Ah well, that's probably been answered by now -- in the city itself, undoubtedly the Concert Hall and then Southbank (from where the photo in Post #23 was taken), Victoria Market, the Botanic Gardens, Polly Woodside and the maritime museum, and some of the restaurants up around Lygon Street, then across the Westgate to Williamstown foreshore, further afield to the Dandenongs (including Sherbrooke Forest) and then Phillip Island....

Although I'd spent pretty-much all my life there until a few years ago I'm not as familiar with the city itself as I used to be, having moved from Toorak (SE suburb) to Cannons Creek in 1996 (and trying to visit town as infrequently as possible), and then moving interstate to Canberra six years ago. But Melbourne is still rated as one of the world's most liveable cities, and part of its charm comes from having the greatest multicultural influences of any city in the country.

By the way, I think those who denigrate Canberra -- of which I used to be one -- should visit again some time soon. It's a beautiful city with every facility (including a wooden boat squadron), and fortunately not nearly as large as Melbourne or Sydney -- where it takes two hours to drive across Melbourne and god knows how long to drive across Sydney, you can get from anywhere to anywhere in Canberra in half an hour or less. And as the photo I posted earlier shows, it really is a lovely place.

Mike

[RFNK]

I like Canberra. I don't like the architecture and I certainly don't like the star residents but I'm not a bit surprised you like living there. Beautiful bush and surrounds, very clean air, and easy access to the mountains and the coast.

Rick

[Duncan Gibbs]

The National Gallery in Canberra is also really good: Awful architecture from the outside, brilliant on the inside and on on the best (if not the best) sculpture gardens in the World.

There's an exhibit of Renaissance painting on there at the moment with all the big names of the era represented.

[Phil Y]

What's this? A touch tetchy, Phil? That's not like you. You're usually so, um, equable.




Mike

Nah, just being silly-but if these guys keep raving about the place we are going to have millions of refugees from America as well as all those other ones. If they are all attracted here by comments on this site, would we call them Boat People? (The real boat people I think we should let in in much greater numbers BTW-just in case that comment should be misunderstood)

[Wooden Boat Fittings]

Rick, if by "star residents" you mean the politicians, then of course that's what they're not -- they're just blow-ins. They drop in for a week of two of sittings, then we fly them home for their holidays.... The real residents (many of them, anyway) are the bureaucrats, those who live here and run the country. (And here's another busted myth -- most of these people are really good at what they do -- much better than you're led to believe by the press, and far better en masse than any group of politicians you might care to pick.) I'm not one of them of course, but Jenn used to be; and through her I've met quite a few of them over the last several years -- Dept Heads, Ambassadors, AFP officers, all sorts, and as a group they are very impressive, believe me.

On the other hand, politicians are just politicians. What more is there to say?


Phil, I thought all the Yanks who were emigrating were off to the Eighth State, not here? And that the Kiwis were coming here to make room for them?

Your comment about the real boat people was noted, thanks -- that was actually Jenn's pigeon as a FAS at Immigration before she left, so you can imagine that we're watching events unfold in this area with considerable, ah, interest.... But I'll leave the politics for The Bilge.

Mike

[RFNK]

Mike
You'll be pleased to know I did mean the pollies by 'star residents' and I hope my disdain was clear enough! Like you, I think, I have the highest regard for those who undertake and value public service - there is no higher calling! Sadly, many of our most dedicated and talented bureaucrats are severely limited in their achievements by the fact that they are subject to the whim of the average self-interested and self-promoting minister - a breed inevitably, whichever footy team holds the chalice, now devoid of talent, commitment or integrity. Yes, I used the term 'star' in the way that Jack the Ripper could be termed a star resident of London.

Rick

[Sayla]

As a southern Queenslander, we access the southern end of the reef, which it sounds like you'll be flying over - nevertheless, not to sway you away from FNQ at all, but consider as well!
I thought I should point out Heron Island, which is a favoured spot of ours - It's one place that you can actually stay literally on the reef - about 50 miles off Gladstone, it is one of a large group of coral atolls (no dirt, just coral sand / cays), accessed by boat or chopper (if you can afford it the views from the chopper are awesome, as you can see) - lots of birds and things, and you only need wade into the lagoon to see heaps of fish etc.(15-20 yards from the beach we were swimming with schools of fish, five lemon sharks and a turtle), stingers aren't an issue at this end of the reef, and the snorkelling/diving off the edge is listed in Jacques Cousteau's top 10 spots.

A night isn't cheap, but when you add it up it kind-of is - it includes all your meals (variety buffet), free guided walks; nature, bird & reef walking with a guide, and I think at the moment that the boat transfers out there are free - kids stay and eat free (so for us it's great), and local families are common patrons - again, mid-week is best, less people - the boat is an open ocean ride though (2hr), so if there is a chopper special going it's easier on the missus (and kids) - you can walk all the way round the island beach in half an hour or so, but still, a week mightn't seem like enough time

Here's some shots from October








---------------------------------------
From Heron website

[Sayla]

Another tip you may consider (us Aussies are replete with them) - when visiting Sydney we stay at Harbourside apartments, McMahons Point - it sticks out into the Harbour - you'd want to pick a "Harbourview studio" or "Harbourview apartment" (more bucks) - the ferry stops right in front, and the view is in your face - Hotelclub.com and Wotif.com sometimes lists them on special, and we save by not using a car - simply go downstairs when you see the ferry coming

- here's a couple of shots from out the window of the apartment we stay in




you can visit the City, Darling Harbour, Manly and all around the harbour from here without using a car


sayla

[RFNK]

Really good tip!

Rick

[JayInOz]

Dave I'm about a four hour drive in and up from Sydney but if you wanted to see something a bit less touristy you'd be welcome- free tucker and accomodation on a small farm with all the usual animals and worn out machinery The area was famous for gold, now coal and agriculture. Large number of top class vineyards (for the Aussies-much bigger than the Hunter Valley by the way) I could show you some wild country and wildlife in the areas I bowhunt (longbow and stone points) and a couple of nice lakes- we could take out the Hartley and you two could bail Excellent fishing. Lots of stuff of historical interest. Just another option anyway JayInOz

[Dave Lesser]

Well, we're getting ready for our big trip. We'll arrive in Melbourne on April 5th, fly to Cairns/Port Douglas on April 9th, then on to Sydney on April 13th before returning home on the 18th. We would enjoy meeting up with some forumites along the way - local color, y' know. Anyone free in Melbourne on Friday evening, April 6th? That's Good Friday. Is that a holiday in Oz? Will things be open? I'm bringing WoodenBoat hats and it's my shout.

[Portland]

Dave , I'm 5 hours away around the coast .
It depends where you have booked for Friday night.
If you have booked in the city , perhaps a walk along Lygon street will start the wind down.
Saturday will be mayhem in the city , with 2 big AFL games on.
If you would like to see a football spectacle , go see one of them , otherwise , get out of the place !.
My tip would be to head north from the airport , in to the Macedon Ranges.
And RELAX !.
Regards Rob J.

[The Bigfella]

Excellent... Enjoy. I get back to Sydney on April 8, so will be around when you are in town. Let's catch up for a coffee, beer or even a meat pie and peas in town after you arrive eh? (I live on the outskirts).

[Wooden Boat Fittings]

I'm going to have to cop out I'm afraid, Dave -- Jenn and I will be visiting our son and his family in the northern rain-forests of NSW over Easter. But I hope you have a great time while you're here.

Mike

[Portland]

If you do happen to get over this way Dave , I'd be happy to take you out trolling under sail , I've been very successful lately.
But pick your day http://www.seabreeze.com.au/graphs/vic_west.asp , 30 knot winds and 6 metre seas mightn't be much fun.
Regards Rob J.

[RFNK]

Well, we're getting ready for our big trip. We'll arrive in Melbourne on April 5th, fly to Cairns/Port Douglas on April 9th, then on to Sydney on April 13th before returning home on the 18th. We would enjoy meeting up with some forumites along the way - local color, y' know. Anyone free in Melbourne on Friday evening, April 6th? That's Good Friday. Is that a holiday in Oz? Will things be open? I'm bringing WoodenBoat hats and it's my shout.

Good Friday and Easter Monday are public holidays in Oz. NSW school holidays run from 6 - 23 April so holiday destinations will be busy in NSW during the time you're here, and booking accommodation outside Sydney may be difficult. If you're interested in a sail on Port Stephens, or just a bit of a trip around Newcastle or the Hunter Valley then let me know. Newcastle is a very short flight from Sydney or a 2 hour drive; Port Stephens is roughly the same. I hope you enjoy your time here - let us know how you go!

Rick

[skuthorp]

Dave, I'll consult the social sec. and get back to you.

[purri]

update, social commentary and pics or it hasn't happened...

[purri]

Well, we're getting ready for our big trip. We'll arrive in Melbourne on April 5th, fly to Cairns/Port Douglas on April 9th, then on to Sydney on April 13th before returning home on the 18th. We would enjoy meeting up with some forumites along the way - local color, y' know. Anyone free in Melbourne on Friday evening, April 6th? That's Good Friday. Is that a holiday in Oz? Will things be open? I'm bringing WoodenBoat hats and it's my shout.

I can do a tour of Sinny's cultural haunts (incl SOH and art galleries/museums), el cheapo restaurants, beaches and boat related activities if you wish. Ours is currently on the hard but should be back in the drink abt 15th.

[Dave Lesser]

update, social commentary and pics or it hasn't happened...

OK, here's proof (we have had limited internet access):

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jdlesse...in/photostream


http://www.flickr.com/photos/jdlesse...in/photostream


http://www.flickr.com/photos/jdlesse...in/photostream


We had a lovely couple of days in Melbourne. Walking tour through the laneways and eateries, went to Bennett's Lane, took the tram to St Kilda, toured the great ocean road, went to the NGV and ACMI. Watched some footy on the telly after brekky.

Now in the paradise known as Port Douglas. Saw our first crock in the wild today. Tomorrow to the Low Islands, then to the Great Barier Reef on Thursday.

Bern, glad to hear that your Dad made it through his triple-A OK. Don't let him over-do for a couple of weeks.

On to Sidney on Friday. We'll be free Saturday evening if anyone wants to get together for dinner or drinks. Still have a couple of WoodenBoat hats left.

Nice place y'all have here.

[The Bigfella]

OK, here's proof (we have had limited internet access):http://www.flickr.com/photos/jdlesse...photostream/We had a lovely couple of days in Melbourne. Walking tour through the laneways and eateries, went to Bennett's Lane, took the tram to St Kilda, toured the great ocean road, went to the NGV and ACMI. Watched some footy on the telly after brekky.Now in the paradise known as Port Douglas. Saw our first crock in the wild today. Tomorrow to the Low Islands, then to the Great Barier Reef on Thursday. Bern, glad to hear that your Dad made it through his triple-A OK. Don't let him over-do for a couple of weeks.On to Sidney on Friday. We'll be free Saturday evening if anyone wants to get together for dinner or drinks. Still have a couple of WoodenBoat hats left.Nice place y'all have here.

OK.... I'm in for Saturday evening. How about Darling Harbour... adjacent the city?

[Dave Lesser]

OK.... I'm in for Saturday evening. How about Darling Harbour... adjacent the city?

Sounds good. We're staying on Campbell St, near George - should be walking distance to Darling Harbour. Pick a place and a time and we'll meet you there.

[Duncan Gibbs]

Darling Harbour is hidjus! Just go straight for the Maritime Museum and meet there.

[purri]

Nice cheap Asian eats around that area. I recommend BBQ King on Goulburn near Sussex street intersection or any Viet or Thai. NMM is worth a visit as is the Sydney Heritage Fleet at Blackwattle Bay.

[Dave Lesser]

Pick a place and a time and we'll meet you there.

Getting ready to board our flight from Cairns to Sydney. Had a couple of great days in Port Douglas despite the rain. The Great Barrier Reef didn't disappoint. We're booked on a bike tour of the city that ends at 4:00 PM on Saturday just to work up a thirst. Any of the above suggestions are fine with us for Saturday night. One of you blokes decide and we'll be there. We'll probably take in the Maritime Museum on Sunday or Monday.

[gypsie]

Sounds like a good plan Dave. Leave some time for a ferry ride out to Manly in Sydney and walk or take a cab up to North Head. A walk across Sydney Harbour Bridge is also worthwhile. You can actually walk up to the top of the arch but it's very expensive and the O H & S procedures will leave you in a permanent state of concern over the future of mankind - so don't do that. The view from the regular walkway is just as nice anyway. Do try to visit Sydney Aquarium.

Rick

I agree with Rick. The ferry on the harbour is a cheap easy way to see the place. There's a very nice german bar on Manly wharf, on the left as you exit. Nice food and great beer. The ferry to Watsons Bay is very nice too for a fish and chip snack on the pier.
if your in Sydney on monday before 2pm give me a call, i work at the Opera House, i'd be delighted to show you around. 0401711716.

Trev

[Dave Lesser]

Bigfella, Trev, Purri, our phone is 0426075852. Give us a call to let us know where to meet up.

[WX]

Glad yer having a good time Dave and the rain hasn't damped your spirits. It has been persistent.

[The Bigfella]

OK - just spoke to Dave. The plan is to meet them at the front door of the National Maritime Museum at 7.00pm if anyone else is coming. I know one of the people I PM'd is in Melbourne... the rest????

Ian

[purri]

Sorry mate,

Too short notice for me but might I suggest a walk over the Pyrmont Bridge past the NMM on SUN to the fishmarkets at Pyrmont, thence an el cheapo trip via the local ferry system to Balmain and Hunters Hill/Woolwich for a walk. MON you might consider a ferry to Manly and thence a walk to The Spit on the walking track thence a bus back to the CBD thence a tour of the AGNSW (art museum), esp the Yiribana Gallery. The walk to there heads eastwards from the SOH across the Botanic Gardens. Also try a bus trip to Chowder Bay from Circular Quay as a shorter part of the Manly to Sinny walk if you are pressed for time. BTW the restaurants there are good but a mate's timber boat business there is obviously closed on weekends.

Our boat is back on the mooring but needs more work so I can't offer a waterborne experience. But what you REALLY missed out on was an offshore day sailing adventure on the James Craig today. She really looked a treat coming back through the Heads! (abt AUD200 per passenger incl lunch)

BTW what you need are more appropriate vacation leave, ours are 4 weeks a year excluding public holidays. Just saying...

[The Bigfella]

Had a lovely dinner with the Lessers at Nick's in Darling Harbour. They even put on a fireworks show for us. Photo to follow in a half day or so....

[skuthorp]

Good o You Ian.

[Dave Lesser]

Many thanks to Ian for a wonderful evening and dinner. We'll plan on BBQ King tonight. Give us a call if you can meet up. Phone number is 0426075852.

[The Bigfella]

Ahh... found my cable at last... I'll leave it to Rosemary to post her photos of the fireworks.

Ian (left), Rosemary and Dave



Its a real pity my wife is in the US at present, she'd loved to have joined us.... I just spoke to her, she's landed in Hawaii and has four days there, including a trip over to the big island, which I loved when I was there 20 years ago.

I can't wait to see your launch photos Dave... c'mon, the pressure's on.

[Dave Lesser]

Now that we’re back home and somewhat recovered from jet lag, I thought I should turn in my report. Australia is an amazing place, and anyone thinking about a trip there should move it to the top of their bucket list. Everyone we met was gracious and welcoming. The only downside was that food was bloody expensive, but we didn’t starve. It was a pleasure to meet a couple of forumites along the way.

Thanks again to Ian (Bigfella) for a wonderful dinner in Sydney. Best of luck with your adventure travel in Indonesia and Viet Nam. Big thanks also to Trevor (gypsie) for his amazing behind-the-scenes tour of the Sydney Opera House. Sorry we missed the other folks who gave us such good advice in advance of our trip.

The Hobart Wooden Boat Festival 2013 thread already has us thinking about a return trip, maybe combined with a visit to New Zealand.

We started with a walking tour of Melbourne. Interesting history, architecture, laneways, and coffee shops. A restored 1924 ferry still plies the Yarra River.



Here’s a shot of Melbourne’s interesting skyline:



We took a trip down the spectacular coastline of the Great Ocean Road. More than 50 miles from Melbourne there was a sign that said “Drive on the Left in Australia”. If you hadn’t figured it out by then . . .



We also took a hike through the Rainforest in Otway National Park. An amazing change in the environment only a few miles from the coast.

[Dave Lesser]

From Melbourne, we flew to Cairns and then drove up to Port Douglas where we spent two days snorkeling. Cairns itself didn’t seem to have much to offer, so I’m glad we had arranged to stay in Port Douglas, which was a tropical paradise.



On the first day, we went to the Low Isles on a sailing catamaran. Highly recommended. On the second day, we took a power cat to Opal Reef. It was stormy and rough and most of us lost our brekky. High tide and strong currents made snorkeling a challenge, but the reef was spectacular.

[Dave Lesser]

Next stop was Sydney, which has to have the world’s most spectacular harbor. Incredibly busy with sailboats, ferries, and commercial traffic.



Circular Quay



On Sundays, you can ride the ferries (as well as the busses and trains) all day for $2.50. That has to be the best deal on the planet.



The Sydney Harbor Bridge has a nice museum in one of the pylons. The engineers had a lot of foresight. The bridge was completed when there were very few cars in Australia, but it is still up to the demands of modern traffic. For $11, you gain admission to the museum and can climb to the top of the pylon where you can take photos of the people who paid $200 to climb the bridge top.



The view from the top of the pylon is just as good.

[Dave Lesser]

The Sydney Observatory was built in 1858. It has a time ball on the roof that is raised and dropped at 1:00 PM every day. The dropping of the ball was to coordinate with the firing of a cannon at Dawes Point. This event was originally scheduled for noon each day, but was it later changed to 1:00 PM because of the difficulty and expense of firing the cannon 12 times.





Darling Harbor gets a bad rap from the locals because of the commercialization, but it has one of the most creative parks for children that I have ever seen. The water that flows through the park originates at these pumps:



The course of the water can be changed by a series of dams and locks.



There are water wheels and several other mechanisms for managing the flow. Great fun!

[Dave Lesser]

The Australian National Maritime Museum is also in Darling Harbor. Definitely worth a few hours. Inside there is a whaleboat from the Charles W. Morgan. Anyone know how it ended up in Sydney?



The Endeavor was not in port, but there was a nice collection of boats at the museum dock. Notes are from the museum web site:

Thistle, 1903 Victorian couta boat

Couta boats were lug-rigged fishing boats that evolved in Australia to suit local conditions. Hand-lining for barracouta (once the mainstay of the fish and chip trade), these open-hulled sloops sailed the waters of the Victorian coast and Port Phillip Bay.





MB 172, Epic Lass, 1937 naval motor launch

This elegant timber launch once ferried naval officers but now transports National Maritime Museum staff and guests on Sydney Harbour. It was built by the Royal Australian Navy at Garden Island dockyard and worked mostly in Darwin.



Kathleen Gillett, 1939 ketch

This gaff-rigged ketch was built for Sydney marine artist, Jack Earl to sail around the world. A founder of the Sydney-Hobart yacht race, Earl sailed Kathleen Gillett in the first race in 1945. Two years later, she circumnavigated the globe, only the second Australian yacht to do so. In 1987, she was found in Guam and bought by the Norwegian government as a bicentennial gift to Australia.

[Dave Lesser]

The queen of the fleet was Akarana

Akarana, (Maori for 'Auckland') 1888 gaff cutter racing yacht

Akarana was built in Auckland to compete in Australian regattas in 1888 and 1889. She won the 1889 Anniversary regatta with a first prize of 20 pounds and three cases of Moet & Chandon Champagne. She stayed in Sydney for the next 100 years, then was rebuilt in New Zealand and presented to Australia as a bicentennial gift.

[Dave Lesser]

Being an English speaking country, it was not difficult to get around. We found signs to be particularly helpful, although some interpretation was occasionally necessary.

In Melbourne:



On the Great Ocean Road:



Posted on a pole in Port Douglas:



Inside the pylon of the Sydney Harbor Bridge:



At a rest stop in the Hunter valley:

[Dave Lesser]

Unique wildlife was another highlight:

Cassowary in the Daintree


Too many colorful birds to remember all the names.



Echidna along the Great Ocean Road



Crocodile in Dickson Inlet near Port Douglas

[Dave Lesser]

And Finally:

[Larks]

What a wonderful travelogue Dave, thanks for sharing it mate! It's terrific to see that you've both obviously enjoyed yourself here and I join the rest of us who were a bit off the track this time around in looking forward to meeting you at the WBF in Hobart next year.

[Dave Lesser]

Oops, you're right, Rick. That was in the Daintree. Jet lag.

[purri]

Dave,

Post #87 first photo looking toward SOH and over Cremorne Point so I assume you did the Harbour ferry trips. Further up that inlet (Mosman Bay) lies the hub of timber boat ownership, the Sydney Amateur Sailing Club (founded 1872 and very low key) where the oldest vessel is circa 1892. As a club member I can assure you the spirit is strong.

The cassowary, an emu sized bird is a very dangerous creature having killed and injured many folk (by disembowelling) many people over many years.

The parrot shown above the echidna (an egg laying pouched mammal) is a King Parrot.

Hope to see you here again for some cultural extras.

[Dave Lesser]

Thanks, Purri. We're sorry that we missed you.

Anyone who wants to endure more photos can find them here.

[RFNK]

Hey Purri, that's a rosella, not a king parrot. You Sydney blokes .....

Rick

[Phil Y]

Hey Dave, glad you enjoyed your trip-always nice to see our back yard from a visitors perspective

[purri]

Hey Purri, that's a rosella, not a king parrot. You Sydney blokes .....

Rick

Apols Rick as brain fade after a long day. Kings get here in another 2 months bur mountain lowries very soon. Eh Dave next time visit eh? (and think abt Wollumbin, Mt Yengo and thence in the east Mt Grenfell, Biaimie's Ngunnuh, Mt Kaputar, the Warrumbungles and Mt Grenfell located further west in the State. (much less Lake Mungo)