Our Victorian Holiday

Left for the airport on Thursday at 4.00am to catch plane for Melbourne and arriving a little late at 12.30pm going to Wendy's for the night. On Thursday night after Lynn arrived and Dunk arrived home we set of for a local R.S.L to see Darryl Cotton what a great meal and a great night we all had. Then on the Friday after we all got ready we set off for lunch at the Flying Teapot stopping along the way at Paula's house and scrap book shops . Then we went to Dawns place before going to the Greensdale Pub for tea . After tea we all set of for the retreat where we all found our rooms and set up for our scrapping or non scrapping what ever the case was . Had such a great time there and managed to scrap up storm too. On Sunday left for Ballarat from the retreat after lunch, what a beautiful old city graced with elegant historical buildings built in the 1800's. arrived at the motel what a beautiful motel with all that we needed to make it home for three days. Then set of for Maryborough and Castlemaine to see the buildings out that way what beautiful old buildings, the area around there was quite dry as the lack of water has really taken its toll, did some food shopping on the way home and after tea fell asleep.

Monday Set off for Sovereign Hill to pick up tickets for Tuesday then looked around the shops and went to the Eureka Stockade display, what a great place to learn and read about that time of our history, then off to Kryall Castle and noticed the rich soil and the potatoes farm around the area, even the sheep were red from the soil in this area nice and rich looking not like ours over here all sandy. Had afternoon tea at Lake Wandouree what a sad site this lake has been dry for two years so we were told by locals. This lake would be a very pretty spot if it was full of water, we then went to visit Her Majesty Theatre that is a gracious old building and it was very interesting to look at as it's the only theatre that has a racked floor [ tilted forward ] in Australia . Most of the buildings in Ballarat city are old and the homes are old too, it's not till you get out of town that the houses are more modern .

Tuesday Went to Sovereign Hill for the day what a wonderful time we had , panning for gold, going down in the mine ,watching gold pouring, candle making, watching the tin smith make his tins to sell in the shop, the red coat solders, musket firing, such a lot to take in in one day but we enjoyed ourselves and learnt a lot at the same time. That night we went to the light and sound show had dinner there first and the show was conducted in the evening it was brilliant theatrical representation of the goldfields life and the Eureka Stockade using only lights and sound with the aid of computer driven technology a great night to end the day with .

Wednesday Drove towards the coast to a place called Warnambool went though some very isolated areas and a lot of farming areas . After we arrived and found the Motel we drove to Port Fairy a little to the west of the town of Warnambool. Port Fairy is a very peaceful town and we enjoyed the views and drive . When we arrived back at Warnambool we went to see if we could book into the light and sound show was able to but not the dinner so we went to the local R.S.L and had a fantastic roast . The show started at 9.00pm and all I can say is it was every bit as good as what people had told me simply terrific. It was very cold down there and we were very glad we had our coats to keep the chill away.

Thursday we set of early to start our journey along the Great Ocean Road what spectacular views to see the bends were a little hairy in places but I was glad to see all the attractions . The weather was very bleak at times so a hot lunch was called for when we arrived at Apollo Bay . the motel here was every bit I'd hoped for three rooms and all the mod cons. . Went up to see the town of Forest and what a pretty spot then walked along the beach in the cold wet weather but again enjoyed the day had time to think and reflect .

Friday Headed off for Geelong and the went through the town of Elaine on our way to Ballarat what a cute place . had lunch in Ballarat before heading off to see Trish for a cuppa and then to our motel in Taylor's Lake for four days . Friday night we caught up with Sue and Gerrie , Wendy and Dunk and went for tea in Lygon Street Carlton a great time was had laughing and talking and taking photos .

Saturday Set out to look at the suburbs went to, Water gardens , Hipoint what large shopping centres never seen them so big, went to St Kilda and then to the Fitzroy Gardens to see Cooks Cottage and the miniature Tudor Village loved every minute of it. As it was quite a windy day we had jackets on and we enjoyed every minute of the day. Fitzroy gardens are so beautiful with avenues of trees , paths going in all directions, with lunch green plant life. Sunday Off to the Zoo spending five hours there looking at all the beautiful animals and taking many photos , then off to Burke and Wells statue before heading to Wendy's house for afternoon tea and dinner how spoilt were we ?

Monday Our last day in Melbourne for this visit and spent the day in the city jumping off and on trams , trains and visiting the MCG, we then headed off home by train to rest our weary feet what a wonderful day and holiday we have had and looking forward to the next time we visit Victoria then we will visit the eastern side of the state .