Victoria: the second time around

When I was given a one year visit visa to Australia, my brain cells went wild of so many travels I need to make in the country in a year given to me aside from Melbourne. I need to go to Sydney. Gold Coast. Brisbane. Queensland. Darwin. Perth. But I end up going to Melbourne and Melbourne alone.  Indeed, it's lovelier than the second time around. The visit was just ok--just chill and not too tiring.

It's a quick v-cay and an escape from the busier and stressful life I had in Singapore. Oh well. And besides, I need to make the most of it before my visa expires. (That fast!) So, the trip to Melbourne starts from exploring the city. I arrived at past 8 in the morning which I was caught with the busy and the longest queu in the immigration. Took the skybus, put my luggage in the travellers' locker and started to find that "Pancake Parlor" I saw in the Visitor's Guide. That was a good start before exploring the city. Unfortunately, from the southern cross station heading to Bourke street, I was walking for an hour trying to find my ultimate breakfast craving. (An hour walk, yes. Including the stops to get a picture of old Victorian buildings and churches.) I end up staying at the Federation Square where I could avail the Free Wifi as I need to ping my aunt who was staying in Melbourne to meet me for Their home will be my home for the 10days I am there. We did a quick walk around the city and headed home.

Docklands

Docklands

Docklands

Coffee Break at Koko Black

Take a horsey ride around the city

Got talent? Can earn of it in the side-streets of Melbourne

Painting using spray paint

The following day, it was time to meet the Koalas and friends and had lunch at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice creamery where they made some yummy chocolates and creamy ice cream. Of course, I can't say no to an ice cream! Grabbed a Salted caramel for myself. Oh, and they are giving samples for you to try their chocolate. The view was pretty cool and a relaxing place while having our lunch. Surrounded with beautiful roses, oranges, plums and apricots.

Isn't he adorable?

Watcha doin', mate?

Wally, The wallaby.

Truffles at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery

Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery

My salted caramel ice cream

For chocoholics: 1 meter chocolate of your choice (milk, dark and white choco)

It was in my itinerary to meet up with my college friend who was staying in Wonthaggi for 8 years. I had fun staying with her and meeting her family again and some of her friends. As Wonthaggi was in the coastal area of Southern Part of Melbourne, she brought me to some beaches, winery and had visited Phillip Island again. Went to Panny's Chocolate factory where I met two workers who were Filipinos. I felt proud about it and very envy of them. Imagine, they were soaked with chocolate for the entire day!!! (Entire week!!) It was a nice catch up and I'm pretty sure I'm gonna miss her big time.

Mae in the winery

Amaze'n things at Phillip Island

Kilcunda Beach look out

San Remo Jetty where you can witness Pelican feeding

Mae and Moi

I want to bring this mirror back home

She's a Filipina. I so envy her working at Panny's Chocolate Factory!!! Imagine being soaked with chocolate the whole day?

During my quick city tour, I had myself booked for the Great Ocean Road adventure. We are about 24 in a small bus where we had a quick stop at Anglesea for a snack and headed to the Koala Conservatory. The site was a good start for picture taking but damn! My camera won't turn on. The battery was not there!! I left it charging and I totally forgot to take it. Good thing I had my Sony Experia with me and my powerbank. We went for Koala spotting which a few were seen, and had some bird feeding. We headed to the Rain Forest were we had a short trek before we go to see the picturesque view of the 12 apostles. The coastal view as we drove along the Great Ocean Road was magnifico. I wanted to have a quick nap before we get to the major attractions but the views were irresistible. We headed to the Gibson steps where we were allowed to go down to the shore and I was not hesitant enough to take that opportunity to see the golden rock formations. These rock formations were like gold when the sun shines on them. We also went to The Wreck where you could see the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard George. The weather was just perfect enough when we went there giving our cameras one amazing photos. I took a very few photos in a day's trip, a very limited one as I'm afraid my phone would drain out, (Damn. I left my camera battery charging at home) but the views will definitely remain in my mind how stunning were those. The Great Ocean Road is the fondue of my trip.

A day before I'll leave Melby, I was planning to stay at home and cuddle in the bed. But, I forced myself to get up and explore the city by myself. Why not, I was already there and make the most out of it. From Doveton, it will take me an hour to go to the city by train. Annnnnndddd give me a pat.....I took the bus and a train to get to loooooove city....by myself. Took the City Circle Tram and visited Melbourne's City attractions and did some photo walk. The Melbourne Museum and the Parliament took mostly of my time. The last dinner was pretty awesome with The Humphreys. I finally got my stacks of Pancake at the Pancake Parlor.

This is the best thing for tourist: FREE TRAM RIDE

The Parliament

For those travelling in Melbourne, you can tour around the city a day or two by taking the City Circle Tram for a free ride. Its a hop-on, hop-off tram where every stop where major attractions are being announced. In front of Flinders Train Station, a one-stop Melbourne Visitor Information booth is located where you can also book a tour to Great Ocean Road, wineries, zoos, etc.

That was a great quick get away for me. Now, why did I get in to Melbourne instead of different state? It's where I feel home is I guess.


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