Phillip Island, the Dandenongs & a bit of S. Melbourne & Sydney
Jan 3rd, 2012, 02:02 PM
#1
Original Poster
Phillip Island, the Dandenongs & a bit of S. Melbourne & Sydney
Cast of characters: two devastatingly handsome young men (55 & 59) hehehe
This was our 4th business-related trip in the past four years – and on previous trips we’d seen some amazing sights, visiting N. Queensland, Pt. Douglas, & the Great Barrier Reef; the Great Ocean Road; the Grampians; and the Blue Mountains; as well as taking in many of the Sydney and Melbourne highlights. This trip was mostly business (until we arrived in NZ – which been posted as a separate trip report)—but we managed to squeeze in a bit of fun.
The trip was from November 9th thru November 21st – the first time we’ve visited during their late spring. Temperatures were nice – 70s to very low 80s – although there weren’t many sunny days; it was mostly cloudy, with periods of rain.
Note that when I mention costs, I’m not differentiating between US & AUD – because they were virtually equal at the time of this trip (as opposed to previous years when I’d bought AUD for as little as $.78 U.S.).
We stayed in South Melbourne at the BizMotel—chosen strictly for it’s proximity to where I’d be working—and for budget. A small “executive” studio apartment cost $137/night – including Internet. This is basic – on par with a Motel 6 – but worked fine for us.
I’d agonized about staying so far from the CBD. Previously, we’d stayed near Chinatown, and had liked that location. But South Melbourne was a wonderful surprise. The old buildings and quaint, Victorian terrace houses reminded me of areas of New Orleans. They call them “iron” houses because of the intricate wrought iron work. Beautiful! The South Melbourne Market was fantastic, as were the town hall, and the shops, outdoor café’s, and restaurants on Clarendon Street—and it was only a twenty minute walk to the hustle and bustle of the CBD. That was no big deal for us. We love to walk.
We fell in love with the “Portuguese Flame-Broiled Chicken” at Nando’s – a chain that we frequented throughout OZ and NZ. We enjoyed sitting outside and people watching. Dinner for two cost about $35 – not cheap for “fast-food” with no atmosphere – but healthy and delicious! Also enjoyed some wonderful, authentic Asian food.
With a few hours off on a beautiful, sunny afternoon, friends took us to St. Kilda—about a fifteen minute drive from the Melbourne CBD. It was a vibrant, funky area with great shops and cafes, and the most amazing bakeries I’ve ever seen! Sort of Australia’s version of Venice Beach, CA. Very pretty beach, and more interesting old buildings—and the boardwalk was a perfect place for watching the skate boarders and surfers – and getting a bit of a sunburn.
There was a day when I didn’t have to begin work until 3 PM – and I was thrilled to find a half-day bus tour to the Dandenong Mountains—for a ride on Puffing Billy. Several tour companies offered the identical tour – and they wound up combining them, so it wouldn’t have mattered which company we booked with. But we’d booked through Greyhound and received an Auto Club discount.
I was eager to see the Dandenongs—expecting something on par with Sydney’s Blue Mountains. Nope. I found it a pleasant, “nice” area – but neither dramatic nor spectacular, like the grandeur of the Blue Mountains. The highlight was a stop for Devonshire tea at “Grant’s,” in Sherbrooke. The tea and unlimited scones with jam & cream were delicious – but that’s not what made the visit a highlight.
The birds were INCREDIBLE. Grants’ sells bird seed – and the most beautiful wild birds perched on our arms, heads, and shoulders to get their fill. I’m a bird lover and was in heaven as I served as a feeding post for white, sulfur-crested cockatoos; gorgeous crimson rosellas; king parrots; and stunning gray & pink galahs. But be forewarned. Those cockatoos bite! Ouch!!
Puffing Billy is an old steam train. We rode it through pleasant – but not “wow” scenery. I could have done without it. This excursion was a nice day out—but not highly recommended, unless you have lots of time—or just want to feed the birds.
When we had a couple of hours off, we enjoyed strolling beautiful botanic gardens in both Sydney and Melbourne. In Sydney, you have the added bonus of great views of the Opera House & Bridge – and incredible “flying foxes” (gigantic bats) that hang upside down from the trees around the gift shop—and take to the sky at dusk. But Melbourne’s botanic gardens had lots to offer, as well.
We had one full day off in Melbourne and decided to use it to see the penguins on Phillip Island. All the tours I researched included places I didn’t care about: i.e., a winery (I don’t drink); a chocolate factory (I don’t eat chocolate); a farm that seemed exactly another one I’d visited. But, as much as I’d have liked the time to explore Phillip Island on my own, it wasn’t worth the hassle of renting a car for the day, and driving back in the dark—after the penguin parade.
We chose “Go West” Tours – a smaller group that went in a large van/mini-bus ($130 per person). Our driver/tour guide was hilarious—and the tour was set to music. So, for instance, as we approached the chocolate factory, songs such as “The Candy Man,” and “The Good Ship Lollipop” played over the sound system. It was a nice, fun touch.
The winery stop would have been enjoyable – if I ate and drank the things that were served! I’d envisioned a tour of vineyards and the wine-making facilities. But this was just about visiting a café and gift shop. So I sat there and watched everyone else taste the wines, artisan breads, jams; and cheeses. The connoisseurs were not impressed with the wines.
Next stop: the chocolate factory. Pleasant – but not great. There was an admission charge (included in the tour) which could only be justified if you planned to scarf up lots of free samples. There were chocolate sculptures of penguins; Dame Edna; Michelangelo’s “David,” and lots of samples. The items available in the shop were VERY expensive. So far, the tour was not exactly stellar.
On Phillip Island, our guide added a bonus—a stop at a famous race car track. Who cared about looking at a race track? But then we spotted the kangaroos – a huge herd of them!!! Apparently, they often congregate next to the race track. Who knew kangaroos were NASCAR fans? Hehehe.
Then, on to the koala sanctuary. Now, things were looking up (literally!). This isn’t a zoo—and there are no cages. It’s an enormous enclosed nature preserve where the koalas live in trees, and the tourists walk through on a platform gawking at them. Our first viewing was a mother and baby – quite close. They were kind enough to pose for some fantastic photos, much to the delight of the tourists.
These koalas were quite a bit larger than the ones we’d seen in N. Queensland. Adorable! We eventually tore ourselves away and continued along the boardwalk where we saw quite a few other koalas—but they were much farther away—higher up in the trees. It was a pretty area, and I would have enjoyed a longer stay—but the tour packed in quite a bit, and we had a schedule to keep.
We had a very short dinner stop in Cowes, where there were a variety of restaurants. The beach across from the restaurant was beautiful, and I would have loved 30 minutes to wander, but I only had time for a few quick photos—then back on the bus.
The “Nobbies” was our next stop. En route, we spotted quite a few wallabies. The Nobbies is an area of Phillip Island that is absolutely stunning. The coast was wild and rugged, and studded with rock formations, and the views from the cliffs were gorgeous. It was reminiscent of some of the prettiest Irish or Scottish coasts. We had sufficient time to walk the path along the cliff and take lots of photos. The sea birds were awesome; the water was the most intense blue; and it was a non-stop Kodak moment.
Now, it was time for the main attraction: The Penguins! A friend had mentioned that paying extra for a “premium” seat in the bleachers was a waste of money. WRONG!!! Thank heavens we sprung for the extra $15 per person, saying, “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime-experience …” It was – and the better viewing area made a huge difference.
Our guide served coffee, tea, and cookies as he explained that the penguins’ main predators are large birds, such as eagles and hawks. He told us that the penguins would gather into groups to look larger, before emerging from the water and taking the risky, unprotected journey across the beach. From our “premium viewing stand” we watched as the penguins poked their heads above the water, waiting until dusk provided safety. Several times, they’d begin to come onto the beach, then rush back to the safety of the water if a bird flew overhead.
When they felt it was dark enough to venture across the beach safely, the first penguins came out of the water and waddled right past our viewing stand, en route to their burrows in the hills just past the beach. They stopped and preened, apparently unfazed by the presence of humans. Special lights allowed us to see the penguins—without disturbing them. I soon realized that I could get a much better view if I left the stands and crouched down to their eye level beside the path they walked to get to their burrows. They were SO cute—and OMG, close enough to touch (which is forbidden – and there are rangers watching).
It was the height of penguin mating season, and the pengies are not shy ;-) I hadn’t heard sounds like that since I lived in West Hollywood! Before we left, I’d been within a few feet of at least 1,000 wild penguins. Not being permitted to take any photos was akin to a hideous, new form of torture for me. But they’re very strict about “No Photography” whatsoever. They don’t want an accidental (or intentional) flash to spook the penguins. Apparently, we had an exceptionally good turnout, and the experience will forever be a cherished memory, and a highlight of my Australian trip.
Our next stop was New Zealand—covered in a different trip report.
I hope this report will help others in their planning. A link to some photos will arrive soon ;-).
This was our 4th business-related trip in the past four years – and on previous trips we’d seen some amazing sights, visiting N. Queensland, Pt. Douglas, & the Great Barrier Reef; the Great Ocean Road; the Grampians; and the Blue Mountains; as well as taking in many of the Sydney and Melbourne highlights. This trip was mostly business (until we arrived in NZ – which been posted as a separate trip report)—but we managed to squeeze in a bit of fun.
The trip was from November 9th thru November 21st – the first time we’ve visited during their late spring. Temperatures were nice – 70s to very low 80s – although there weren’t many sunny days; it was mostly cloudy, with periods of rain.
Note that when I mention costs, I’m not differentiating between US & AUD – because they were virtually equal at the time of this trip (as opposed to previous years when I’d bought AUD for as little as $.78 U.S.).
We stayed in South Melbourne at the BizMotel—chosen strictly for it’s proximity to where I’d be working—and for budget. A small “executive” studio apartment cost $137/night – including Internet. This is basic – on par with a Motel 6 – but worked fine for us.
I’d agonized about staying so far from the CBD. Previously, we’d stayed near Chinatown, and had liked that location. But South Melbourne was a wonderful surprise. The old buildings and quaint, Victorian terrace houses reminded me of areas of New Orleans. They call them “iron” houses because of the intricate wrought iron work. Beautiful! The South Melbourne Market was fantastic, as were the town hall, and the shops, outdoor café’s, and restaurants on Clarendon Street—and it was only a twenty minute walk to the hustle and bustle of the CBD. That was no big deal for us. We love to walk.
We fell in love with the “Portuguese Flame-Broiled Chicken” at Nando’s – a chain that we frequented throughout OZ and NZ. We enjoyed sitting outside and people watching. Dinner for two cost about $35 – not cheap for “fast-food” with no atmosphere – but healthy and delicious! Also enjoyed some wonderful, authentic Asian food.
With a few hours off on a beautiful, sunny afternoon, friends took us to St. Kilda—about a fifteen minute drive from the Melbourne CBD. It was a vibrant, funky area with great shops and cafes, and the most amazing bakeries I’ve ever seen! Sort of Australia’s version of Venice Beach, CA. Very pretty beach, and more interesting old buildings—and the boardwalk was a perfect place for watching the skate boarders and surfers – and getting a bit of a sunburn.
There was a day when I didn’t have to begin work until 3 PM – and I was thrilled to find a half-day bus tour to the Dandenong Mountains—for a ride on Puffing Billy. Several tour companies offered the identical tour – and they wound up combining them, so it wouldn’t have mattered which company we booked with. But we’d booked through Greyhound and received an Auto Club discount.
I was eager to see the Dandenongs—expecting something on par with Sydney’s Blue Mountains. Nope. I found it a pleasant, “nice” area – but neither dramatic nor spectacular, like the grandeur of the Blue Mountains. The highlight was a stop for Devonshire tea at “Grant’s,” in Sherbrooke. The tea and unlimited scones with jam & cream were delicious – but that’s not what made the visit a highlight.
The birds were INCREDIBLE. Grants’ sells bird seed – and the most beautiful wild birds perched on our arms, heads, and shoulders to get their fill. I’m a bird lover and was in heaven as I served as a feeding post for white, sulfur-crested cockatoos; gorgeous crimson rosellas; king parrots; and stunning gray & pink galahs. But be forewarned. Those cockatoos bite! Ouch!!
Puffing Billy is an old steam train. We rode it through pleasant – but not “wow” scenery. I could have done without it. This excursion was a nice day out—but not highly recommended, unless you have lots of time—or just want to feed the birds.
When we had a couple of hours off, we enjoyed strolling beautiful botanic gardens in both Sydney and Melbourne. In Sydney, you have the added bonus of great views of the Opera House & Bridge – and incredible “flying foxes” (gigantic bats) that hang upside down from the trees around the gift shop—and take to the sky at dusk. But Melbourne’s botanic gardens had lots to offer, as well.
We had one full day off in Melbourne and decided to use it to see the penguins on Phillip Island. All the tours I researched included places I didn’t care about: i.e., a winery (I don’t drink); a chocolate factory (I don’t eat chocolate); a farm that seemed exactly another one I’d visited. But, as much as I’d have liked the time to explore Phillip Island on my own, it wasn’t worth the hassle of renting a car for the day, and driving back in the dark—after the penguin parade.
We chose “Go West” Tours – a smaller group that went in a large van/mini-bus ($130 per person). Our driver/tour guide was hilarious—and the tour was set to music. So, for instance, as we approached the chocolate factory, songs such as “The Candy Man,” and “The Good Ship Lollipop” played over the sound system. It was a nice, fun touch.
The winery stop would have been enjoyable – if I ate and drank the things that were served! I’d envisioned a tour of vineyards and the wine-making facilities. But this was just about visiting a café and gift shop. So I sat there and watched everyone else taste the wines, artisan breads, jams; and cheeses. The connoisseurs were not impressed with the wines.
Next stop: the chocolate factory. Pleasant – but not great. There was an admission charge (included in the tour) which could only be justified if you planned to scarf up lots of free samples. There were chocolate sculptures of penguins; Dame Edna; Michelangelo’s “David,” and lots of samples. The items available in the shop were VERY expensive. So far, the tour was not exactly stellar.
On Phillip Island, our guide added a bonus—a stop at a famous race car track. Who cared about looking at a race track? But then we spotted the kangaroos – a huge herd of them!!! Apparently, they often congregate next to the race track. Who knew kangaroos were NASCAR fans? Hehehe.
Then, on to the koala sanctuary. Now, things were looking up (literally!). This isn’t a zoo—and there are no cages. It’s an enormous enclosed nature preserve where the koalas live in trees, and the tourists walk through on a platform gawking at them. Our first viewing was a mother and baby – quite close. They were kind enough to pose for some fantastic photos, much to the delight of the tourists.
These koalas were quite a bit larger than the ones we’d seen in N. Queensland. Adorable! We eventually tore ourselves away and continued along the boardwalk where we saw quite a few other koalas—but they were much farther away—higher up in the trees. It was a pretty area, and I would have enjoyed a longer stay—but the tour packed in quite a bit, and we had a schedule to keep.
We had a very short dinner stop in Cowes, where there were a variety of restaurants. The beach across from the restaurant was beautiful, and I would have loved 30 minutes to wander, but I only had time for a few quick photos—then back on the bus.
The “Nobbies” was our next stop. En route, we spotted quite a few wallabies. The Nobbies is an area of Phillip Island that is absolutely stunning. The coast was wild and rugged, and studded with rock formations, and the views from the cliffs were gorgeous. It was reminiscent of some of the prettiest Irish or Scottish coasts. We had sufficient time to walk the path along the cliff and take lots of photos. The sea birds were awesome; the water was the most intense blue; and it was a non-stop Kodak moment.
Now, it was time for the main attraction: The Penguins! A friend had mentioned that paying extra for a “premium” seat in the bleachers was a waste of money. WRONG!!! Thank heavens we sprung for the extra $15 per person, saying, “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime-experience …” It was – and the better viewing area made a huge difference.
Our guide served coffee, tea, and cookies as he explained that the penguins’ main predators are large birds, such as eagles and hawks. He told us that the penguins would gather into groups to look larger, before emerging from the water and taking the risky, unprotected journey across the beach. From our “premium viewing stand” we watched as the penguins poked their heads above the water, waiting until dusk provided safety. Several times, they’d begin to come onto the beach, then rush back to the safety of the water if a bird flew overhead.
When they felt it was dark enough to venture across the beach safely, the first penguins came out of the water and waddled right past our viewing stand, en route to their burrows in the hills just past the beach. They stopped and preened, apparently unfazed by the presence of humans. Special lights allowed us to see the penguins—without disturbing them. I soon realized that I could get a much better view if I left the stands and crouched down to their eye level beside the path they walked to get to their burrows. They were SO cute—and OMG, close enough to touch (which is forbidden – and there are rangers watching).
It was the height of penguin mating season, and the pengies are not shy ;-) I hadn’t heard sounds like that since I lived in West Hollywood! Before we left, I’d been within a few feet of at least 1,000 wild penguins. Not being permitted to take any photos was akin to a hideous, new form of torture for me. But they’re very strict about “No Photography” whatsoever. They don’t want an accidental (or intentional) flash to spook the penguins. Apparently, we had an exceptionally good turnout, and the experience will forever be a cherished memory, and a highlight of my Australian trip.
Our next stop was New Zealand—covered in a different trip report.
I hope this report will help others in their planning. A link to some photos will arrive soon ;-).
Jan 3rd, 2012, 06:29 PM
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Thanks for the report. Enjoyed it. That was a very good turnout on the penguins. Your time on Phillip Island makes me feel like driving down to do some more exploring. I think you've spent more time in that trip than we have, and I've lived here for a couple of years now.
I was very glad to see that you stayed in South Melbourne. The CBD is nice and one of the nicest city centers I know. But the epitome of Melbourne, to me, is that next ring, the Victorian row houses. They go all the way around the city, I hope your report encourages more visitors to explore a few blocks further out in any direction. S. Melb, Fitzroy, Brunswick, Kensington, Carlton, St. Kilda.
Shame about the Dandenong trip though but agree it's not what people think of as "mountains" My MIL lives up there so have had some time to poke around. There are a few hidden gems up there. I really like the William Ricketts Sanctuary where there's all sorts of sculptures of aboriginal people's hidden in a forest walk. And a cafe with great devonshire teas across the road where a couple of kookaburra sits on their guard rail most of the time. Whether any of that is a trip all the way from the city just by itself, I don't know. Fits well with a combined trip to the Yarra Valley, I think
I was very glad to see that you stayed in South Melbourne. The CBD is nice and one of the nicest city centers I know. But the epitome of Melbourne, to me, is that next ring, the Victorian row houses. They go all the way around the city, I hope your report encourages more visitors to explore a few blocks further out in any direction. S. Melb, Fitzroy, Brunswick, Kensington, Carlton, St. Kilda.
Shame about the Dandenong trip though but agree it's not what people think of as "mountains" My MIL lives up there so have had some time to poke around. There are a few hidden gems up there. I really like the William Ricketts Sanctuary where there's all sorts of sculptures of aboriginal people's hidden in a forest walk. And a cafe with great devonshire teas across the road where a couple of kookaburra sits on their guard rail most of the time. Whether any of that is a trip all the way from the city just by itself, I don't know. Fits well with a combined trip to the Yarra Valley, I think
Jan 5th, 2012, 05:25 PM
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Your trip reports are always wonderful - thank you so much for sharing! We were in Australia in November 2010. Your trip report brings back terrific memories and makes me desperately want to return. We've been talking about visiting New Zealand in December 2012 but maybe we should go back to Australia instead.....hmmmmm...... 
Jan 6th, 2012, 05:33 AM
#4
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"We've been talking about visiting New Zealand in December 2012 but maybe we should go back to Australia instead.....hmmmmm......"
Well, if you read my recent NZ trip report (and previous ones) -- you might decide to stick with NZ ;-). The thing that's so amazing about NZ is not just the incredible beauty -- but the variety packed into such a relatively small area.
Thanks for the kind comment.
Well, if you read my recent NZ trip report (and previous ones) -- you might decide to stick with NZ ;-). The thing that's so amazing about NZ is not just the incredible beauty -- but the variety packed into such a relatively small area.
Thanks for the kind comment.
Jan 6th, 2012, 01:35 PM
#5
Clifton - I'd heard the William Ricketts Sanctuary had been burnt in the 2009 fires, but from your comment I'm hoping it wasn't. It's a feast for the senses, isn't it? What an interesting man he must have been.
If you have/get/make the opportunity of a couple of days away, could I encourage you to do a loop taking in Port Albert and Phillip Island, with an overnight in both?
Port Albert is only a few kms off the main road and is one of my little "finds" on one of those "nothing-to-see, boring Sydney - Melbourne" drives that people eschew & I love.
As Songdoc says, lots to see & do on & around Phillip Island. Cowes is lovely, but I particularly like Rhyll, which isn't quite so popular (or wasn't when I was there between Christmas & New Year a couple of years ago). I'm sure your little dot would love Churchill Island.
Those little penguins are just wonderful aren't they, Songdoc?
They reminded me of shy little men in dinner suits darting in from the ocean. And chatter ...! They say women can talk, but we're not in the race with penguins
If you have/get/make the opportunity of a couple of days away, could I encourage you to do a loop taking in Port Albert and Phillip Island, with an overnight in both?
Port Albert is only a few kms off the main road and is one of my little "finds" on one of those "nothing-to-see, boring Sydney - Melbourne" drives that people eschew & I love.
As Songdoc says, lots to see & do on & around Phillip Island. Cowes is lovely, but I particularly like Rhyll, which isn't quite so popular (or wasn't when I was there between Christmas & New Year a couple of years ago). I'm sure your little dot would love Churchill Island.
Those little penguins are just wonderful aren't they, Songdoc?
They reminded me of shy little men in dinner suits darting in from the ocean. And chatter ...! They say women can talk, but we're not in the race with penguins
Jan 6th, 2012, 11:36 PM
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Bokhara - I've been meaning to take her to Churchill Island. I think she'd have fun. She's got an auntie with a farm in the Yarra Valley, but no where near the things to do. When we get some time to breathe, we'll have to think about getting out and about a bit. Port Albert too. Never seen that particular coastline as yet.
No, Ricketts didn't burn. Actually the fires didn't make up on the Dandenongs at all. My MIL lives up there and she was ok as was the entire range. There fires were around Bunyip and Healesville/Donna Buang which are the next ranges over (and really came pretty close to previously mentioned auntie) and of course north around Yarra Glen as well. But thankfully, all were clear of it and Ricketts is fine too. Yes, he must have been interesting, and quite a character too, no doubt.
No, Ricketts didn't burn. Actually the fires didn't make up on the Dandenongs at all. My MIL lives up there and she was ok as was the entire range. There fires were around Bunyip and Healesville/Donna Buang which are the next ranges over (and really came pretty close to previously mentioned auntie) and of course north around Yarra Glen as well. But thankfully, all were clear of it and Ricketts is fine too. Yes, he must have been interesting, and quite a character too, no doubt.
Jan 12th, 2012, 05:08 AM
#7
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Feb 10th, 2014, 03:57 PM
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This link should work:
http://share.shutterfly.com/share/re...=2QctG7hu0ZMWG
Hope you like 'em. Seeing them brought back some wonderful memories.
http://share.shutterfly.com/share/re...=2QctG7hu0ZMWG
Hope you like 'em. Seeing them brought back some wonderful memories.
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