Australia Adventure - Part 3 Melbourne
Perth and Adelaide were lovely cities, but to me there was just something missing from both that I couldn't put my finger on - well Melbourne has that and more. What a wonderful end to my journey.
On arrival in Melbourne, after a slight delay to our flight, we were whisked straight to the luxurious, stunning Langham Hotel for an inspection. On arrival in the foyer at the foot of the marble and gold escalator entrance to the reception lobby, you could tell this hotel would be top class and it certainly didn't disappoint. The rooms were tastefully decorated and spacious, the staff were attentive and polite, and you can see why this is one of the best hotels in the city. I wished we were staying here, but alas it was not to be. We had a wonderful drinks reception where we met up with the rest of the teams that had been visiting other cities such as Sydney, Cairns and the Red Centre, as well as the relaxing Hamilton Island.
Shortly after, we were whisked off again to inspect the Travelodge Southbank, which was a lovely hotel, but a bit of a difference shall we say from the Langham. This is a perfectly adequate central hotel fit for any stay in Melbourne. The beds were large and the rooms were adequate. The same Travelodge standard as witnessed in Perth and I suspect at all of the hotels in the chain throughout Australia.
From here we visited the Eureka Skydeck. This is the tallest viewpoint in the Southern hemisphere. A jaw dropping 88 floors above the city with sloping glass windows, this is an attraction not to be missed. Your visit to the Eureka Skydeck is not complete without a visit to the EDGE (absolutely not for the faint hearted). This cube takes you out of the side of the Skydeck main viewing gallery, then simulates an earthquake where the opaque glass floor cracks then suddenly clears as if it has fallen out! You are left feeling like you are floating about the streets of the city. We did this in the dark, and I tell you what, it made my heart go a little bit I won't lie! I am glad I did it though - another experience I will never forget.
Dinner this evening was aboard the Melbourne Colonial Tramcar - my second taster of kangaroo! This is a wonderfully 'touristy' way of seeing the city whilst enjoying fine dining aboard an authentic 1900's tramcar. The food was lovely, the service great, and each car has just a small number of tables which means you can dine fairly privately. Perfect if you are celebrating a special occasion as it is just so different.
The next day we had a choice of excursions we could partake in. Ramsey Street Neighbours Tour, the Great Ocean Road, or Phillip Island to see the penguin parade. I would have loved to do all of them to be honest, but I chose the Great Ocean Road - an iconic drive which, if completed in full, takes you all the way to Adelaide in about two to three days, stopping en route to take in the scenery and local towns along the way. We didn't quite go that far however but we sure did take in some sights. First stop for photos was the iconic Bells Beach. Memories of Patrick Swayze and Keanu Reeves in Point Break came flooding back, as this is the setting for the final scene of the film - where they caught the ultimate wave.
On down the coast through Lorne to Apollo Bay where we stopped and had a look around and inspected the Captains at the Bay hotel - a beautiful boutique adults only B&B set just off the seafront. Very quirky, it would make a great stop for those taking in the Great Ocean Road. Next stop for us then was the iconic 12 Apostles.
Stopping here at the visitor’s centre, we then ditched the coach and took to the skies for a scenic helicopter flight over the Apostles. What an experience - the feeling of freedom as we soared up over the sea and land. With a fantastic commentary from our pilot and this has to be the only way to see these amazing creations of nature. The 12 Apostles are stacks of rock carved by the sea over centuries, and the reason they are so spectacular is that they are pretty much in a line heading up the coast. I am fascinated by the caves and natural arch at Flamborough Head in East Yorkshire so imagine my awe at seeing these beauties. Back on land we went to the visitor centre and viewing platform which was interesting, don't get me wrong, but it’s something else seeing it from the air. Our final stop on this trip was to Port Campbell, where we had a quick look around town before taking the fast route home via Colac.
Home to the Ibis Melbourne Little Bourke Street (where we had been staying since we arrived) and ready for our final day in this wonderful city. This is another standard 3* hotel centrally located perfectly acceptable for any stay, with a good-sized room and tea and coffee facilities in the room.
The next day we took a tour of Melbourne by coach, heading down to St Kilda - the popular beach area of town, and went past the iconic Formula 1 GP circuit. Our tour ended at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) where we were welcomed by a whole host of suppliers from hotels to tourist boards, so a great opportunity to meet our regular suppliers in person and have a natter. Then back to the hotel to doll ourselves up for the final evening and our Gala Dinner. A sumptuous five course meal, where we were entertained by the famous singing waiters.
It was an amazing end to a stunning trip, one that was filled to the brim with excitement and adventure, once in a lifetime experiences and wonders I will most likely never see again, and it has truly whet my appetite for more - next time I am planning to head to the East Coast, Sydney to Cairns and see if I can bring this part of the brochure to life. For more info on how I can help you to plan the trip of your dreams, and add in wonderful experiences such as the ones I had and more - please get in touch and let me make your trip even more special for you.
Thanks for reading!