Phillip Island

After a day of lock down in the rain we were ready to leave Wilsons Promontory and head for Phillip Island.  Naturally as soon as the caravan was parked and set up we made our way to the Chocolate Factory!!!!  Yum Yum!!!  We did the self guided tour where you learnt about the process of making chocolate.  There were a few activities that you could do where you got to eat the chocolates depending on your skill level.  However Haydan's favourite was the robot where you press which type of chocolate you wanted and then it picked it up for you and dropped it in the hatch.  We lost count how many he ate!!!  There was a sculpture of Michale Angelo and a mosaic of Dame Edna all made out of chocolate as well as a chocolate village with a train that ran around it..  The most impressive thing though was the chocolate fountain that dropped 400kg of chocolate every 3 minutes.   We all enjoyed a good dose of chocolate so it was probably a good thing we spent the rest of our time at Phillip Island completing some of the beautiful walks the island has to offer.   On one walk around the Nobbies we saw hundreds of seagulls nesting and even saw some baby seagulls, they were very cute.  We managed to avoid being pooed on even though the risk was very high.  However half an hour later walking back to the car Emmalisa had a bird drop one right on her head!!!!  She was not impressed.  Then on our walk around Churchill Island Laura had a bird poo on her!!!!!  We did a big walk around Cape Woolamai where we got a look at The Pinnacles and reached the highest point on the Island where we got breath taking views of the coast.  We went and watched the Pelican Feeding and enjoyed some fish and chips on the beach.  The kids also enjoyed an afternoon at the beach but the highlight for them would have to be the jumping pillows at the caravan park.  We really liked the time we spent at Phillip Island as the coastline and scenery was simply beautiful.  We then spent a night at Dandenong and we are in Melbourne tonight.  Tomorrow we set sail on the boat for Tassie!!!!

The Journey so far

Family Photo

Emmalisa taking it easy in the 'cubby' Haydan built for her . . .what more could a girl want

Haydan on a walk to the Pinnacles

The Pinnacles 

Haydan at the highest point on Phillip Island

Emmalisa . . . well need we say more . . . not happy!!!!

Glen and Haydan

Emmalisa (sheltering from the wind) and Laura

Merrimbula to Wilsons Promatory

Upon leaving Canberra we drove through Cooma which has the Snowy Mountain Hydro Education Centre.  We found this very interesting as you looked at everything that went into this project and how much power it generates.  It is actually listed as one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World.  We then kept driving and had a night of bush camping as we were missing our marshmallows, then the next day we made our way to Merrimbula where we caught up with some more family.  We found Merrimbula to be a very pretty town and we enjoyed walking along the boardwalk, going to the local markets and spending time at the beaches.  We were sure it was too cold for the kids to swim but you know kids and water.  They had a great time splashing about but the highlight would have to be the  rock pools on Bar Beach where Haydan loved getting the sea urchins to squirt water.  From Merrimbula we made our way into Victoria and spent a few nights at Cann River.  This was a great Caravan Park as it was like a bush camp where you could have a camp fire but with hot showers and power!!!!  We once again enjoyed our damper and marshmallows around the camp fire at night.  From here we did a day trip to Point Hicks.  This is the place that Captain Cook's crew first sighted land on Mainland Australia after coming across from New Zealand in 1770.  It is also the home to the tallest lighthouse on Mainland Australia and we saw the remnants of an old shipwreck.  The kids then spent some time at the beach after a big 6km return walk to the lighthouse.    From Cann River we made our way to Lakes Entrance which was another pretty seaside town.  We did the big 6km walk out to the 'entrance' where the lake and the sea meet along the way we saw some of the original houses that were part of the early settlement.  They are across the lake and some even have little boats tied up out front to get across to the mainland.   Wilsons Promontory was the next stop for us.  This was originally a Commando Training Camp for the Second World War and the camp grounds are still pretty much in the original lay out.  We did a huge day of hiking where we clocked up about 10km, Haydan was a real trooper.  We did some short walks down to the different beaches and then we did our first big walk up to Sparkes Lookout.  We were so luck here as when we got there it was nice blue sky and the view was great but then 10 minutes later a sea fog came in and you couldn't see a thing!!!!  We then did another walk to Lilly Pilly Gully, this walk was much flatter and easier so Emmalisa could go in the stroller and somehow on the way back they both ended up in there and Haydan was being a race car driver with Emmalisa giggling all the way back . . .very cute!!!!  The kids once again braved the cold water and had a great time on the beach.  However on the Monday it rained all day long and since we were on a non - powered site there was no such thing as TV or movies. So we built the kids a cubby and they built a whole Jurassic Park with the bucket of dinosaurs and used torches to make the sunset and sunrise.  Plus there was a lot of colouring in, cards and the odd "I'm going crazy locked up in this caravan" tantrum, but we got through it. 

Next stop . . . Phillip Island.

Kids playing at the Rock Pools in Merrimbula

Dinner time at Cann River

Emmalisa enjoying her marshmallow

Lighthouse at Point Hicks

We made it!!! Sparkes Lookout at Wilsons Promontory

Sparkes Lookout as the sea fog rolls in

Splashing about at Norman Beach - Wilsons Promontory

Kids having fun on Norman Beach

Canberra

Well after leaving Sydney we made our way to Canberra.  Here we had some very action packed days as we saw most of the attractions the city had to offer.  To start with we went to The Mint and learnt all about the history of how money came about and how Australia changed from pounds and pence to dollars and cents.  We learnt how money was made and you could see the factory floor but not much was happening when we were there but Haydan liked watching Titan who was the biggest robot there.  We went for a walk around Old Parliament House Gardens the highlight here for the kids was throwing a heap of flower petals in the air and pretending that it was snowing.  We went to the National Library where there was a National Treasures Exhibition on and we were able to see things like Captain Cooks Journals and writing table, the original script for Waltzing Matilda and memorabilia on Aeroplane Jelly.  There was a section on the Royals, Azariah and Lindy Chamberlin and the architecture of the Sydney Opera House just to name  few things that are important to Australian.  We also went to the National Museum and saw more about the history and development of Australia.  The highlight here was the Kids Zone where they took a photo of you and then you created your own spaceship on a computer and then you go into a 3D movie theatre and watch them fly around.  While we were in Canberra Floriade was on which is a big flower festival.  We had fun walking around looking at flowers and exhibits but again the kids section was where we spent most of our time.  They had a mini reptile park set up and the Greater Western Sydney Football Club had a bouncy castle and ball games set up.  Don't worry the kids still like the Eagles better.  We spent a morning at Parliament  House where you are allowed to just roam around and look at stuff.  We did go on the tour and when we were in the House of Reps (the green one) Haydan turned around to us and said 'This is where Julia Gillard lives'.  We didn't even know he knew who she was!!!!! It was a very interesting place to see and in what is called the Grand Hall there is a massive tapestry that took 14 people 2 and a half years to complete. Have you ever wondered how big the flag is on top of Parliament House?  Well it is 10.6 X 6.8 meters. I tell you though no tax payers money has been spared on this place!!!!  We spent quite a bit of time at the War Memorial.  This place is amazing.  There are so many displays and models and artifacts from all the wars that have taken place.  It was just so hard to comprehend what the Men and Women of war went through.  Haydan was most impressed with the section on the planes and loved watching the little documentaries on the planes and submarines.  Needless to say he loved it when we went to the Kids Discovery section and he got to fly a helicopter and steer a submarine as well as talk on a radio in a bunker, plus heaps more.  Laura found her Grandfather's, Brother's name on the Honour Roll and it was a very special time to be there as the Last Post played at the closing ceremony that is held every day at 5pm.  On our last day in Canberra we went to Questacon and had fun playing at all the different galleries that focus on a particular science or technology.  Haydan had fun at the puppet show about growing flowers but was told by the performer that he should probably have a little less red cordial!!!! (how embarrassing)  Emmalisa's favourite part was the water play our only problem was we didn't bring her a spare set of clothes!!! Glen also had a go at the Free Fall which is a 7 meter vertical drop that ends in a slide so that it feels like you free fall for a short time.

We really enjoyed our time in Canberra but it was very cold.  One morning we woke to a pleasant -1.7!!!!  We even had to get ice off the windscreen before we could drive it.  Canberra is one place we have marked on the map as a must come back to place.

Playing in the flowers at Old Parliament House

A future PM?  Emmalisa at Parliament House

Some planes at the War Memorial

An actual tank from war complete with bullet holes

Haydan flying the helicopter

Haydan on the radio in an underground bunker

The closing ceremony at the War Memorial

Looking down Anzac Parade towards Parliament House

Blue Mountains

From Sydney we did a day trip to the Blue Mountains and it was a place where the photos just don't do it justice.  The first place we stopped at was Gordon Falls.  From this lookout you could see the valley below and it just went for miles and you felt so small as you looked down into it.  We then went around to Echo Point lookout but when we got there a mountain mist rolled in and by the time we got out of the car it was sprinkling.  We managed a few quick photos and a look at the Three Sisters.  So we thought we would wait until the weather cleared a bit and did what you do when it is 7 degrees outside, we went and found some food inside.  We had an early lunch and the Paragon Cafe which they told us was the oldest still operating cafe in Australia.  By the time we had lunch the rain had cleared and we were able to walk part way down the Giant Staircase to get a different view of the Three Sisters and a little closer to the Valley below.  We then went over to Scenic World where you are able to explore the valley from the boardwalks.  To get to the boardwalks we went for a short ride on the worlds steepest railway.  The seats sloped back and you were told to lean back but even then it still felt like you were going to fall out the front of the carriage.  Once we got over our little ride we set about exploring the old coal mine that used to operate there and saw some of the old relics and even a miners hut.  To get back to the top of the valley this time we had a ride on the Sky Rail and got yet another spectacular view of the valley.  By the time we had done all this we were very tired so we jumped in the car and headed back to Sydney.  The kids broke the falling asleep in the car record and were out for the count in about 2 minutes.  This was just proof a great day was had by all.   

The journey so far

Glen and Laura at the Three Sisters

The Three Sisters and the Valley

Down the Giant Staircase and at the base of the Three Sisters

Emmalisa at the Blue Mountains

Ready to ride the steepest railway.

The Entrance of the old coal mine

AFL Grand Final

Well Glen can cross one more thing off his bucket list. . . he got to experience the roar of the crowd at the MCG on Grand Final Day.  Glen got to Melbourne on Friday just in time for the Grand Final Parade where he was able to see the Gelong and Collingwood teams as well as other footballers from other clubs.  On Saturday morning he attended the Grand Final Breakfast before heading to the big game.  At the breakfast there was entertainment by Jack Vidgen, the Footy Show Panel with Sam Newman and Billy Brownless and Eddie Maguire also made an appearance.  When at the game the pre game entertainment was Meatloaf - which was not the best.  Lucky for Glen he was sitting undercover and out of the rain to enjoy the game.  Unlucky for Glen he was sitting behind the goal that Collingwood was kicking to in the last quarter so there was not much action at the end.  But a good result in the end . . . Collingwood lost.  Yay!!!!!!!  

The AFL Grand Final Cup at the Parade

The teams about to run on to the field. 

Sydney

We had a great time in Sydney and saw many of the cities great attractions.  Our first trip into the city was on the train which Haydan and Emmalisa enjoyed.  We then spent the day at the Power House Museum.  Here we could explore how things work and how they were created or invented.  We got to explore space and go into a capsule that let you experience what it feels like on a space shuttle in space.  The highlight here had to be The Wiggles Exhibition.  The kids got to 'wake up Jeff', fix the big red car (once they got Daddy out of the way), see Dorothy and Henry the Octopus as well as play on Captain Feathersword's boat.  The next trip into the city saw us catch the River Cat followed by a Ferry, again much more exciting than the car.  We made our way to Taronga Zoo and spent the day trying to see the animals.  The highlight of the day was the Bird Show where the birds were trained to fly around the audience and perform tricks.  You also learnt about the birds during the show.  As for the other animals, the lion, tigers and bears were sleeping and the elephants kept walking away from us.  The penguins, seals and sea lions were no where to be seen in the aquarium either.  However we got a good look at the giraffes and the gorillas and some other not so well known animals.  The gorillas were great as we saw them during feeding time.  Emmalisa loved to seeing her Koalas too.   We also spent a bit of time at the kids corner where the kids could get up close with the farmyard animals.  While in Sydney we saw the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House as well as Bondi Beach and Nielsons Park.  We saw Australia's first lighthouse and played at the park on the grounds where the Sydney Olympics were as well as the park that won Park of the Year for 2010.  As well as all the tourist things we had a great time catching up with family and eating way too much food.  (Haydan didn't think so - he loved all the food)

While in Sydney we also did a day trip to the Blue Mountains, but more on that soon. 

The boys fixing The Big Red Car

Emmalisa on a Penny Farthing at the Power House Museum

Emmalisa and Glen at the Koala enclosure

Sydney Opera House

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Bondi Beach

Family Photo at Australia's First Lighthouse

Glen and Haydan at Nielsons Park

Foster to Sydney

Well we have been a bit busy and got a bit behind on the Blog so here is some of what we have been up to over the last few weeks.  When we left Crescent Head we went to Foster.  It was yet another seaside town where the kids could play at the beach and swim.  Only problem was the water was very cold here and they were not keen for a swim.  The next day we continued down the coast to Hawks Nest.  First stop was the lookout on the way out of Foster.  It was amazing, you had 360 degree views of the landscape and seascape.  We then drove to Seal Rock and had a look at the light house.  It was up a very steep hill but well worth the effort.  When we reached the top we were lucky enough to sea some Humpback Whales playing, but as usual as soon as we got the camera out they stopped so we didn't get any good photos.  The history of the lighthouse and the shipwrecks that occurred in the area were very interesting.  By the end of the day we had made our way to Hawks Nest where we found a great little bush camp just outside of town on the Myall river.  It was great to get back to the bush and enjoy some damper over the coals again and to toast marshmallows after dinner.  One morning as we ate breakfast some dolphins swam by in the river, the kids were very excited to see this.  We had a look around Hawks Nest and the kids made the most of the beach and the parks but mostly it was just a relaxing stop.  From here we then drove just south of Newcastle to Gwandalan to see Laura's aunty and cousin. For a few more days we just relaxed and took it easy so that we were all rested and ready for the big smoke . . . Sydney!!!!!  But more on that next Blog.   

The Lighthouse at Seal Rock

Haydan looking down from the Lighthouse at Seal Rock

Glen and the Kids at Seal Rock

Glen and Laura enjoying the sites

The camp at Myall River

Sunset at Myall River