Australia Cruise
2 Days at Sea
We left the sounds in nice blue skies but that did not continue. The winds and seas picked up overnight and by the time morning dawned it was full gale force. The outdoor decks were closed for passenger safety. The pools were closed as their water sloshed over the sides. Still the ship is big enough that we were not crowded. Also the gym was a lot less full so access to the treadmill was easy.
Hobart, Tasmania
The winds had died and the skies were blue as we pulled into Hobart. It is a really pretty city surrounding a large harbour and Mount Wellington forming its backdrop. We were docked within walking distance of the city center. Mom stayed on board and I explored on foot. Salamanca Square with it's converted warehouses, shops and restaurants. The battery hill with its old colonial and Edwardian homes, and the Elizabeth Street Mall with more shopping. It was great to take time and sit and watch people go by.
Melbourne
Port Melbourne is one of the two largest bays in the world (the other being the Bay if Bengal). We docked there and it takes 15-20 minutes by car to reach the city. We skipped that and went on a tour advertised as Countryside, birds and steam train. All 3 items were fulfilled but completely underwhelming. The day was hot at 41c and fortunately the humidity level was low. Still I do not know how the tennis players in the Australian Open manage to play (the event is in this city as we were there). Our shore excursion was aboard a well air conditioned bus for an hour drive through the city to climb the Dandenong mountain to reach the start point for The Puffing Billy small gauge open air train. We all had seats facing the open windows but the growth along the tracks meant we saw little of the countryside as we journeyed for only 29 minutes. Then it was back on the bus and 20 minutes later we stopped at a small venue where birds congregate. I did see the cockatoos. But we only had 15 minutes and I was on the bus before other more colourful birds came out of hiding. Another hour and we were back on board. That evening as we set off for Sydney I was amazed at how quickly the temperature dropped from 41c to around 26c - nice and cool.
at sea to Sydney
One more full day at sea and we arrived in Sydney early in the morning on Friday. I was up at 5:00am as we sailed through Sydney Heads and on towards the Opera House and Sydney Bridge. The moon provided reflections on the water as lights twinkled on the buildings. My photos are all 'artistically' blured as the light level was low and the ship moving - still I like them. I went back to bed before breakfast and exiting the ship only to wake up with a raspy throat and the beginning of a head cold!
Now onwards for the road trip around NSW and ACT.
Now onwards for the road trip around NSW and ACT.
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| Australia Cruise |
