The Red Centre
One word describes our trip into the centre of Australia - HOT!!! I could think of a few other words to describe it. We left a cool Sydney and flew three hours west to Alice Springs. We spent the rest of the day exploring the town and trying to get used to the heat. It was so hot though that we soon headed back to the hostel to cool down by the pool. It was an early night as the next day we were joining a three day Outback camping tour to Ayers Rock and Kings Canyon.
This photo was taken at 7:30am, already 102degs in the shade!!!
The next morning we rose at 5am to join our tour group for the three day outback adventure. The first morning we drove southeast to our campsite at Ayers Rock, our base for the first night. After exploring our tents and a brief lunch we headed out for a walk around the Olgas (dome shaped rocks) and then on to Ayers Rock to catch sunset. The rock stands alone in the flat desert and can be seen for hundreds of miles. It is a sacred Aboriginal site and access to it is limited. As the sun set over the rock it was incredible to watch how the colour changed almost minute by minute from bright orange to dark purples. We headed back to the campsite for a traditional Outback BBQ. It was then an early night as the next day we had to be up early again to catch sunrise over the rock. After the first night our tour group had already lost one couple. They decided the trip was too much for them and they opted to fly out in the morning rather than finish the trip. It was like being on survivor only you dont have to vote people off, they leave on their own.
Sunset at Ayers Rock
We rose early again to see sunrise over the rock and walk the two hour path around the base. Apart from the heat of the Outback the other major annoyance are the flies. Apparently they are worse then ever this year but if you are outside between sunrise and sunset you are attacked by them. There are 101 flies per person and their number one goal is to fly up your nose, in your eyes, ears and mouth. Luckily they don't bite but is just very annoying having to constantly swot them away from your face. Mind you, we had contemplated buying those fly nets for your hat while in Alice Springs but decided it was too silly looking for us "cool" people.How cool did we look swatting at our faces 12 hours a day while almost EVERYONE else had them on!! We left Ayers Rock at lunchtime and drove for the rest of the afternoon to our second campsite at Kings Canyon. The campsite had a pool so we jumped straight in there after arriving before relaxing around the camp fire.
Relaxing around the campfire at Kings Canyon
An early start greeted us again for our third and final day of the tour. We drove out to Kings Canyon to trek the four hour path around the rim. The Canyon is pretty small but made a pleasant walk (apart from the flies). We were pretty pleased to complete the walk and get back to the airconditioned coach by the end.
On the rim of Kings Canyon
At the top of Kings Canyon!!!!
After the Canyon we drove back to Alice Springs for a last night in the town before catching the morning flight to Melbourne. It was much cooler weather that greeted us in Melbourne which made a refreshing change.
The Great Ocean Road
The plan for the first three days was to drive The Great Ocean Road south of Melbourne. We picked up our rental car at the airport and drove out to the start of the drive, about four hours west of the city. It is said to be one of the most beautiful coastal drives in the world, and certainly did not disappoint.
The start of the drive
The coast was spectacular with steep limestone cliffs and rough ocean seas. The most photographed part is called the Twelve Apostles which is a section of Twelve rocky outcrops.
The Twelve Apostles
Amazing beaches
Part of the drive takes you through a national park most of which is forest. Sara and her wildlife spotting eyes even managed to see a koala bear high in the trees. Must be a talent I picked up in Africa. We took photos of the koala in the tree and it is even hard to find him among the trees in the photo. After spending nights in the towns of Port Cambell and Lorne we arrived back in Melbourne and prepared ourselves for the Formula One Grand Prix.
Watch out for wildlife on the roads
Formula One
After checking into our hostel (the last bed left in the city) we went out to explore the city. Melbourne has gone Formula One mad with many fans on the streets and the Albert Park (the circuit) area totally closed off. It was an early start on Sunday morning to get to the circuit for 10am and the second qualifying session. We had great seats on the main straight next to the pit lane exit. After an exciting qualifying session we had a quick bite to eat before preparing ourselves for the race proper.
JP Montoya on the drivers parade lap
The race was pretty exciting although I was disappointed that we didn't have a Brit on the podium. Need I even mention that my pick for winner stalled his car in the warm up lap and delayed the whole race and had to start last! Boy can I pick them huh?After the race the crowd are allowed onto the circuit so we made our way down to the podium to see the traditional post race champagne spraying.
On the circuit after the race
Parc Ferme - millions of dollars of F1 cars!!!!
We are here in Melbourne for another three days before flying off to New Zealand for the next leg of the trip. Stay tuned for more news of our travels........
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