INTEGRITY TRAVEL
0413 891 536
Garden Tour to Canberra, Great Ocean Road to Adelaide
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
The next 4 days we will be cruising the River Murray, with plenty of pelicans, bush scenes and flooded areas.
Saturday 1st October
Today most of us all went to the Adelaide Zoo in particular to see the pandas, and they did not disappoint, we saw them eating, sleeping and climbing a tree.
Sunday 2nd October
Well sadly we say goodbye to some of our group as they are going home.
4 of us now embarking on a another adventure taking the Murray River Cruise leaving from Mannun.
Friday 30th September
As we continued along the Great Ocean Road the weather changed and it got a lot cooler with wind and rain.
Stopped off at Handorf for a quick look then on to Adelaide for our accomodation.
Thursday 29th September
The weather has been great, and today we drive The Great Ocean Road which is heritage listed almost 243 km One section was closed due to excess rain, and had to take an extra hour long delightful detour. On our journey we took time to take photos of a lighthouse and a koala on the side of the road having his midday nap.
Wednesday 28th September
Today we took the ferry from Portsea to Queenscliffe, wonderful to see the the dolphins as we look over the side.
Queenscliffe is a small town with some interesting little retro and second hand shops. we all found a bargain
Tuesday 27th September
It rained overnight so we had a fresh start to the day, A surprise visit this morning to an Alpaca farm where we were able to touch and pat the lovely alpacas, with a lot of information and make some purchases from the shop on the mornington peninsula.
A short drive to Arthurs Seat to drop off 2 to visit relatives then a short drive along the coast line to our accomodation for the night. with a very nice roast dinner with 2 other friends who live locally.
Photographing Penquins Norman and Christine
Monday 26th September
Started the day with lovely weather again with predicted showers,breakfast at Mcdonalds as we had an early start, then on to the Australian Garden at Cranbourne also know as the Royal Botanical Garden, Everybody loved this garden and some saw a tiger snake while Merle zipped around on a mobile motorised scooter.
Made our way to Philip Island and prepared for a visit to see the penquins at night, so far no rain but storms were predicted, we saw a lot of penquins and only a sprinkle of rain, we felt really blessed.
Saturday 24th September
Today we went to the Tulip Festival in the Dandenong which was so busy that we were all so pleased to go early. Followed by a trip To the Rhododendron Gardens which were very extensive with a grove of cherry blossom and the weather was just perfect.
Sunday 25th September
We had a lovley breakfast at a local cafe, then on to church both Catholic and Baptist. We then headed off to the William Rickets Sanctuary which was full of sculptures and very informative, we were all very surprised at the intricate work.
After lunch headed off to the George Tindale Memorial garden, completely different and a bit wild, it was very encouraging to us all.
Thursday 22nd September
After a good breakfast we had a short drive to Mount Ainsley 842m not too high but great views.
Passed Duntroon along the way then stopped at Gundagai for lunch and a browse in the antique shops complete with fur coats.
arrived in beechworth with time to look around and shop buying some great bargains feom the Creswickwoolen Mill Shop.
Dinner at the local pub, huge meals thankfully we shared and Merle shared with everyone. Another great day.
Friday 23rd September
What a great motel, we had breakfast in our rooms while watching the rabbits play outside, off for a quick drive around the area visiting the local chinese cemetary, followed by a scenic drive around the outskirts of the town of Beechworth. Back into town to check out the honey shop and the bakery.
Now for a pleasant drive through the countryside of Ned kelly, stopping at swanpoole for lunch.
Taking lots of photographs of letterboxes(Normans passion) and passing old cars.
We arrived at our accomodation after 5pm and had a wonderful roast dinner with real vegtables at the local club.
Wednesday 21st September
Today started very wet, with more rain forcast, however a trip to Parliament House and twice around the car park kept us very dry. Our tour guide was very informative and made the whole experience very enjoyable followed by a cup of tea in the cafe.
Back to the van and on to the War Memorial which proved very chalenging for parking,everybody enjoyed the walk around followed by lunch along with hoards of other people trying to avoid the wet weather.
Back to the hotel then out again for dinner at a local restaurant.
Tuesday 20th September
Great weather today with a 5min drive to Floriade but actually took 20min, everybody enjoyed the day. After lunch we all went to Cockington Green to explore the park of miniatures which opened in 1979. Trully awsome and well worth the time.
Afterwards we went for a drive to Black Mountain then back to the hotel for dinner and of course dessert.
Monday 19 September
Flight in to Sydney was comfortable and smooth with a snack served on board.
After a small delay we picked up a 12 seater with plenty of room for everyone and for once our luggage fitted in without too much drama.
Finaly on our way to Canberra with a stop over at Bowral for lunch and a quick look at the tulip festival and the Bradman Museum. Time for a good nights rest with a perfect start to our adventures
