Journal of trip Sept 27, 2006 – Oct 13, 2006:  This is a brief recap of my parents 70th birthday trip to Australia with Kelly and I.  I've left the itinerary with my comments so you can see how much we tried to do!  And, i can recommend all of these accommodations, they were amazing!

27 SEP 06 – WEDNESDAY

          DEPART THE USA FOR AUSTRALIA

Can’t say the trip was fun, but for a day long journey, it couldn’t have been much better.  We met Mom/Dad in LA and the trip to Sydney/Melbourne was fun upstairs in the 747.  Great to get underway and good wine on the flight…

29 SEP 06 - FRIDAY           

            ARRIVE MELBOURNE

                                                     http://melbourne.park.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp

Rooms weren’t ready when we arrived, but the AFL grand final parade was starting at noon so we were able to watch a bit and see some of the city.  We walked around a bit and saw the city before getting into our rooms and showering up for a night out.  Mom got booed by West Coast Eagle fans  because she was wearing a Red/White Warm-up (Sydney Swan colors). We went to Silks in the Crown casino ( a restaurant I’d been to before, and we walked around the casino a bit…everyone was tired, so we went to bed around 10pm.

30 SEP 06 – SATURDAY

            MELBOURNE

Kelly and I were up early and walked around the City…we found a great Euro café for cappuccino and Croissants, it was called the European and was close to the hotel, across from the Parliament building.  Brian, a work buddy picked us up around 12:30 from the hotel and we went to his house for a “footy” BBQ…he had three kids, Simon, Cameron and Phoebe.  10, 8, 6.  They were quiet at first, but boy did they warm up.  Phoebe had Kelly and I giving her flips all afternoon, she was very charming..

Mom really got into the AFL final…it was a great one with the West Coast Eagles beating the Sydney Swans by one pt after having a huge lead.  Brian and his wife Francie were great hosts…we ate so much we skipped dinner…;-)

01 OCT 06 – SUNDAY

             MELBOURNE

Another day of fun in Melbourne, we went to the Market in Victoria, then went to the river front for a late lunch and some fun.  We tried to find a pub for dinner, but with the Final of Rugby League on we ended up at the Hard Rock ;-)

02 OCT 06 – MONDAY

             MELBOURNE TO MORNINGTON PENINSULA

Depart your accommodation and drive to Mornington Peninsula (approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes driving time)

   http://www.woodmanestate.com/

Brian picked up dad and I early Monday and we went to play golf at Royal Melbourne.  It was amazing to say the least…really an impressive track.  We then drove down to Mornington and the place was amazing.  We got there in time to go see a few wineries, T’Galiant and Red Hill.  Both were great as was the dinner at the B/B.

03 OCT 06 – TUESDAY

             MORNINGTON PENINSULA

Another day of golf…this time at the National…we played the Old Course, amazing stuff again…we then went into Sorento and Port Sea, two great cities.  We had dinner back at the B/B which was just some wine, cheese and meat…very casual and nice…another great day.

04 OCT 06 – WEDNESDAY

           MORNINGTON PENINSULA TO AYERS ROCK VIA MELBOURNE

http://www.longitude131.com.au/

Fun drive to the airport (we got lost)…but finally made it in time to get to Ayers Rock…what an amazing place!  Pics will speak more than words, but the resort was amazing, the tents were very cool…we didn’t do much on Wednesday but sit at the pool and try to keep the nasty flies off of us…had a great dinner and witnessed a rare storm in the dessert, and of course saw some wildlife ;-)

05 OCT 06 – THURSDAY

           AYERS ROCK

Two great trips on this day.  The first was to Kata Tjuta for a 10k hike around an amazing “rock”…Kelly and I had a great time with fun guides and another couple.  In the afternoon we went to Ularu and had a tour with an Aboriginal guide and watched the sunset.  Dinner back at Longitude was great as well…

06 OCT 06 – FRIDAY

           AYERS ROCK TO THE DAINTREE NATIONAL PARK

           VIA CAIRNS

Mossman is located in the Daintree National Park, which is made up of lush tropical rainforests, deserted white beaches and breathtaking world heritage areas.  Silky Oaks Lodge is surrounded by the lush beauty of the Daintree National Park and overlooks the Mossman River, blending the soothing qualities of the rainforest with the stylish indulgences of a contemporary retreat.

                             http://www.silkyoakslodge.com.au/

 Change of scenery for sure!  From the dessert to the rainforest.  Another great flight and another great resort. 

07 OCT 06 – SATURDAY

           THE DAINTREE NATIONAL PARK TO CAPE TRIBULATION AND RETURN

This morning you will be met at your accommodation by your private car and driver for your journey into the Daintree Rainforest and up to Cape Tribulation and its surrounding areas.

You will travel along the very scenic Captain Cook Highway to the magnificent Daintree River. Here you will board your privately chartered vessel for an early morning cruise where you will have the opportunity to spot crocodiles in the wild. A beautiful home-prepared morning tea is served on board.

Next you will head north to the heights of the Alexander Range, overlooking the Great Barrier Reef. Past banana and tea plantations, then on to Cape Tribulation.  Walk along the beach and through the rainforest to the Cape

itself. 

From here you will enter the Bloomfield Track, as you climb the Donovan and Cowie ranges traversing jungle clad creeks, through spectacular rainforest with ocean views all the way.

The next stop is on the banks of the Woobadda River, where you will have lunch.  Enjoy a swim in the clear waters while lunch is being prepared.  From here it is on to the Bloomfield River and the Bloomfield Falls. The falls are just a short walk from the vehicle and flow all year round.

On your return you will stop at a deserted beach for a walk, The Daintree Icecream Company then finally to the beautiful Mossman Gorge before returning back to Cairns.

Kelly took the day off for a spa, but Mom/Dad and I went on an amazing trip through the rainforest…we licked a green ants butt, got to pet an Kangaroo, and saw a very rare tree-climbing Kangaroo…the day was a treat.  I even ate crocodile and swam in a river!

08 OCT 06 – SUNDAY

            THE DAINTREE NATIONAL PARK TO THE GREAT BARRIER REEF AND RETURN

This morning you will be met at your accommodation by your guide and coach for a full day excursion to the Great Barrier Reef. 

Board your high speed catamaran at Marina Mirage Port Douglas for your cruise to Australia’s spectacular Outer Barrier Reef.  There are over 200 varieties of colourful corals and an abundance of giant clams and other marine life.  Snorkelling equipment is provided and you can also view fish from the semi-submersible vessel or an underwater observatory.  Introductory and certified diving is also available at an additional cost.  Your tour includes morning and afternoon tea, a lavish smorgasbord lunch and a reef presentation from a marine biologist. (Cruise vessel can accommodate up to 400 people).

Maybe the best day of the trip up until this point!  Wow the reef is amazing.  I snorkeled and saw some amazing stuff, Kelly and I took a helicopter ride and it was just amazing, including seeing some sharks…we saw the spot were Steve Erwin died…all in all, great day.  We blew off the bus home and stayed in Port Douglas for dinner…all in all…great day.  If you go to this part of the world, Port Douglas would be a great place to stay…lots of fun nightlife.

09 OCT 06 – MONDAY

             THE DAINTREE NATIONAL PARK TO SYDNEY VIA CAIRNS

Finally to Sydney…last stop and great to see Greg and Becky…we made the flight just fine and had a great night staying up and talking with G/B.

10 OCT 06 – TUESDAY

We are off to do the bridge climb…can’t wait!!

Wow…wish we could have taken pictures of the bridge climb, it was amazing.  We had a great dinner in a café by Greg/Becky’s…

11 OCT 06 – WEDNESDAY

Boat day!!!  What fun out on the harbor…we ate in Darlington Harbour, made it close to the Heads, and just had fun.  Becky cooked dinner and we had another great day.

12 OCT 06 – THURSDAY

Golf Day!  We played at the Australian, amazing course.  Then we went to see Pirates of Penxance at the Opera House…truly amazing building.

13 OCT 06 - FRIDAY  

  Home!!!  Kelly and i missed our connection in LA and spent a fun 6 hours at LAX, but other than that, no complaints the whole trip!!!