Melbourne 05 Over the edge and arrested

Last day in Melbourne!

explored underwater world at Melbourne Aquarium 

relatively small and kinda confusing structure.

love how the ray looks like it is smiling as it swims.

santa pops by to feed the fish!

good weather makes the skyline even more beautiful.

Eureka Skydeck 88

Great view to see the city landscape!

for the more adventurous us, we went over to the Edge!

a glass container that is pushed out of the building. got to see from top down

had a great simple lunch at Mama Wong's Kitchen, halal chinese restaurant!

Got arrested at old Melbourne Gaol Watch house!

the experience was realistic and the sergeant was fierce and humorous!

I was the innocent and sweet looking who has threatening behaviour, lol

It was kinda creepy to walk around the prison as it was formerly an actual prison.

had yummy pancakes at The Pancake Parlour! =)

- step out of comfort zone, explore, be rewarded -

Melbourne 04 Great Ocean Road

Woke up super early for our trip to the Great Ocean Road!

today's guide is humorous Steve, experienced and speedy driver.

It wasn't as cold as the day we went to Philip Island. Cooling and sunny!

Bells beach for surfers

Cape Otway Lighthouse

had our aussie lunch with a great view, the potatoes were great too!

went up the lighthouse and stepped out at the top. the view was great but I thought I was going to be blown away anytime.

there was an old man guiding the lighthouse.

As we drive through Great Ocean Road, the view was really spectacular. =)

We stopped to see wild koalas lazing around in the trees. they look cuter when they are smaller and high up in the trees, haha

Loch Ard Gorge

very near the 12 Apostles

Had our first time ride on a helicopter! it was really fast, getting on the helicopter, flying around and landing.

View from helicopter~
12 Apostles, though not literally 12, there are only 8 apostles.

Revegetation area near 12 apostles

- finding calmness in the ocean breeze -

Melbourne 03: Truly Royal Botanic Garden

A day of nature!

travelled on train and bus with myki card to Werribee to visit Werribee Open Range Zoo.

Not a wide variety of animals and mostly are resting far away. But, the zoo has a beautiful nature landscape! I felt like walking in a park initially, surrounded by trees and pond.

 

the hippo enclosure is beautiful though we didn't manage to see the hippo.

We got to see some wild emus and other birds as we walk along some path.

Hop onto a bus tour to see more animals in the wild. Got to learn some knowledge of animals.

I didn't know that baby zebras actually have brown stripes and camel sheds its wool!

Was pleasantly surprised to this rhino and bird which is just like a scene from Short, tall, big or small book.

The zoo trip took longer than expected due to the long wait for bus back to station.

Went back to city and looked for our lunch at 5pm.

Was so happy to have found this indian halal restaurant! finally got to eat rice!!

with a happy stomach, we headed to Royal Botanic Garden!

Love the garden!! Amazing nature and tranquillity! ^.^

love the purple trees and all the shady spots and benches!

would love to sit and read a book here..

good spot to chill and watch the birds and nature.

the garden closes by sunset, be sure to leave by then as gates will be locked.

Ended the night with cakes at Brunetti~

we sat near a group of office people enjoying their after work time with hot chocolate and cakes, they don't seem to have monday blues in Australia!

-  take a moment to appreciate and indulge in nature -

Melbourne 02: Freezing Philip Island

A day trip to Philip Island

Booked our Philip island and Great Ocean Road tour with Bunyip.

Our tour guide cum driver is a high school teacher who is doing his part time during the school holidays. First day on job! thumbs up for his knowledge and friendliness.

First stop: Wildlife Conservation Park

Got to touch a koala for the first time!

Looks cuddly, but I am quite scared to be too near it too. the guide kept reminding us not to touch his head as it might scratch us.

Its fur felt very soft.

Explored around and found some wild birds, didn't spot a wallaby though.

the park itself is very beautiful!

Had a quick lunch that is provided by the tour

Second stop: Philip Island Chocolate factory
A variety of chocolates plus a tour which we didn't have time to go.

Third stop: Churchill Island Heritage Farm

Beautiful place! love the scenery!

Some activities that can be seen here are sheep shearing, whip cracking, dog chasing boomerangs...

Fourth stop: Koala Conservation Centre

Several koalas were lazing around on tree tops. They are nocturnal animals.

Fifth stop: Woolamai Surf Beach

though it's cold, there are still people surfing. it's summer afterall~

Sixth stop: Nobbies and Seal rock

had our quick dinner at nobbies. our food came at 7.15pm when their closing time is 7.30pm.

fish and chips was yummy though!

Final stop: Penguin Parade!

Waiting in the cold, shivering as the cold wind blows at us.

Super excited when we see fairy penguins swimming in to shore in groups!

They were quite mischievous, came to shore and went back to ocean to play a few times. Then, they waddled in, looking for their home. After a while, another group came, they look so cute waddling! =)

They started to arrive at about 8.45pm. They are all around the park, playing along as they waddled around!

We left around 9.30pm and the penguins were still quite active in the park.

- braving the cold to see the unforgettable -