Photography – nettiesnotes.com

Australia, Melbourne, Victoria, Photography

Melbourne

17-19 January 2017

Arrived Melbourne in the afternoon & used the Skybus to get to our hotel. It seemed cheaper but wasn’t quick. It was about $40 for the two of us both but you are only taken into centre of Melbourne (about 20 Minutes ride). Then you have to wait about 20 minutes for a free bus to the hotel. We stayed at Pan Pacific Hotel which was a decent modern hotel and very central view n Flinders Street. We had a very nice dinner across the river in Southgate Restaurant. Then a lovely walk around that area of Melbourne. Very relaxed & friendly with beautiful nighttime scenes.

Following day up sharp for breakfast again in Southgate Restaurant the we took the free tram to the Rod Laver Arena to have a day at the Australian Open 2017. What a treat. It was a beautiful warm sunny day, what more could one ask for. First on was Venus Williams. Then later that day was Roger Federer v We had great seats Section 18 seats C92 & 93 as you can see in the photo. We realised that Andy Murray was playing in the evening so we bought evening tickets for that too as we didn’t want to miss our UK player who I really wanted to win. What a contrast with buying tickets for Wimbledon where there is a ballot to determine whether a ticket can be purchased!! We thoroughly enjoyed our tennis day and it will live long in my memory.

Andy Murray AO Day against Andey Rublev

Andy Murray Day 3 of AO

Roger Federer v Noah Rubin USA

Following day Thursday 19th we used our time to explore the city of Melbourne before setting off to drive the Great Ocean Road. We walked through the shopping streets Bourne Street. Spent time in a park then took the No. 35 circle tram around the city which was free & came with a commentary.

Park in Melbourne

That evening we met up with great friends Robin & Becci. Robin is a GP worked in the UK with me when I was a Practice Manager a few years ago. We had a meal at The Press Club which is a smart Greek Restaurant in Melbourne. There was a tasting menu, which I don’t think any of us realised at the time of booking & due to the number of dishes this meant a lot of interruptions to explain all the dishes. I found this a little trying when all I wanted to do was hear about our friends life in Australia. However we had a laugh about it all & really enjoyed our night catching up with our friends again.

Accommodation, Australia, Photography, Wildlife

Travels in Northern Territories

We arrived in Darwin late so stayed in a Mercure & picked up the hire car the following morning. The heat & humidity was like a damp blanket – a bit shocking after the cool plane. The hire car charged 30 cents a mile after 400 km driving which was quite ridiculous. Apparently because classed as a remote area.

We drove down the Stuart Highway for 4 hours to Katherine & Cicada Lodge which is in the Nitmiluk NP just outside Katherine. Roads are eerily deserted & a bit spooky, except for the occasional road trains appearing every now & then. So long with 3-4 trucks being hauled behind.

Cicada Lodge was a beautiful place and a welcome sanctuary out of the heat & flies of the outback. We were very relieved. Beautiful cool rooms & excellent gourmet dining from Tom the Chef & Karen the friendly & efficient manager.

Cicada Lodge Accommodation

Cicada Lodge

First day Norther Territories – We just did a short walk up to an escarpment about 4 miles. It was as still demanding as the heat at the top could reach 50C!! Then in the afternoon a welcome relax in our lovely accommodation.

Walking in Nintiluk National Park

Day two NT – The next day we took a two gorge river cruise. We were the only passengers so it was a great opportunity for taking photos. The scenery was stunning but sadly rainy season is not the best time to see birds. At the end of the cruise we stopped off & walked to a waterfall rock pool. I really regretted not bringing my swimming things. It was a heavenly place with such clear water. So we decided to walk back to the rock pool after picking up our swimming things. We were told 40 – 60 mins walk. We had plenty of water with us & I had drunk plenty before I left. However after 40 mins walking the heat was intense on the back of my head & neck. (I was wearing a hatI). I started to feel sick & dizzy & so hot there was no shade. It was cloudy when we set off. I knew I could not turn around, it was too exposed, so we had to go on. I drank but it didn’t help. It was pretty awful. Temp was about 40C or more up there. Eventually after about another 20 mins staggering along we made it to the pool & I threw myself in. What a relief. It was quite a scary experience & shows how quickly things can change. I was soon laughing the pool was absolutely wonderful. We walked home when the sun went down. It was a 3 mile walk each way!!

After the Gorge Ruver Cruise

Looking down Katherine River

Swimming rock pool & waterfall

Day 4 -NT. We drove back slowly to Darwin Airport. Stopping off at Pine Creek to photograph birds & bats!! Then took the scenic Adelaide river drive. It was really peaceful & very pretty, we spotted wallabies and eagles on the way. We have really enjoyed the Northern Territories finding it unspoilt & quiet as it is rainy season. No monsoons for us so we were very lucky.

Not sure what he is called? Sure someone can tell me.

Photography, South Australia

Perth & Margaret River

Day two & three – Fremantle & Margaret River

We took the Captain Cook Ferry to Freemantle. It was a very pleasant way to journey up the Swan River & see more of Perth. The river is an estuary with a mixture of fresh & sea water. Also has small colonies of dolphins residing in it all year round. We took the free bus to the famous Fremantle market area. The market was vibrant and varied with produce from all over the world. Some of the buildings were built in Art Deco style. The heat was immense, 38C we took every opportunity to take shade. We also visited Fremantle Prison – $20 each. The tour guide -Steve was obviously an ex prison officer. He talked in a very clipped no nonsense manner. He told us all about the prison history from 1880s when convicts arrived & first had to build the prison! It was an extremely hard regime in those days with no modern amenities like flushing toilets in cells. It was very thought provoking when you saw the conditions prisoners lived in less than 30 years ago. Back to hotel & sleep at 2030 hrs – still not over jet lag.

Swan River view

Fremantle Market

Relaxing in Margaret River

Day 3. – Picked up our hire car from Perth airport & drove south to Margaret River about 3.5 hrs and easy journey. Google maps was fab We stayed at The Edge of the Forest Motel which was delightful. Denise the hostess was a very helpful friendly lady. Giving us loads of tips & marking them on the map. We had a walk in the afternoon then a meal in the Margaret River Bistro. It was good food & friendly service.

Day 4 – Beautiful sunny day started with a trip to Cape Leeuwin where the Indian Ocean meets the Pacific. We took the audio tour around the lighthouse but we didn’t climb up it as we were quite hot!! Very interesting and in winter you would see Whales coming by Cape from the antarctic once the ice starts forming but it is summer .. We drove back stopping off at Hamelin Beach to see the Stringrays. There was a mother & baby. They really seemed to like people and kept swimming towards us. Really beautiful to see them. See my photo. Day 5 – We visited the amazing Lake Cave & walked in the Forest. Later we stopped off to see Kangaroos. It was so two of them kept fighting each other – hilarious to watch,they can be quite aggressive. Tomorrow – travelling to Darwin.