Thunder Down Under – Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne CBD

Almost all the attractions of Melbourne city (e.g. – MCG, Eureka tower, Crown casino, Aquarium, Churches etc.) are present in the vicinity of Melbourne CBD area hence it is important to book your accommodation at CBD. The nightlife at Melbourne CBD is very hot and happening. The skyscrapers give a very modern look to Melbourne.

Eureka Tower

You just can’t get a view of Melbourne like this from anywhere else. This is the highest building in the Southern Hemisphere that gives you an awe-inspiring views of the Melbourne city from the observation deck on its 88^th floor.

Art Gallery

I am not a great fan of art galleries, but as we had a lot of time in hand so I entered this one along with my friends and found the collection of arts to be of very high quality.

Melbourne Cricket Ground

It was my childhood dream come true to watch a live match at the historic Melbourne cricket ground. We watched a day night T20 match between Australia and South Africa. The stadium looks extremely beautiful under the flood lights.

Day 2

Great Ocean Road

The To and Fro journey accounts for approximately 600 km drive hence we left early morning at around 7 am in our rented car. After driving for nearly 1.5 hours, we touched the Great Ocean Road. This is one of the most spectacular coastal drives in the world. On our way to 12 Apostles, we stopped at Queenscliff beach, Lorne beach, Apollo bay, and Otway fly treetop walk.

There were camping facilities at many beaches on Great Ocean road for overnight stay. Otway fly treetop has some of the tallest trees of the world.

We reached 12 Apostles at around 6 pm, the view of limestone stacks formed by erosion was simply breath-taking. Then we went to explore the Lord Ard Gorge beach. We came back to 12 Apostles and went to the beach using Gibson steps. The Apostles looked like monsters from the beach. The beautiful grasslands with Cows grazing looked beautiful at the sunset, we felt as if we have come to a different world. We didn’t feel like leaving the place. Finally we left 12 Apostles at 8:30 pm and reached Melbourne CBD at approximately 11:30 pm.

Day 3

Phillip Island

Philip Island is 1.5 hrs drive from Melbourne. It is one of the best places to explore Australian wildlife. We chased some 40-50 Kangaroos in a large grassland. Kangaroos came near to us when we offered them some food. Hand feeding Kangaroos was an awesome experience. We also got close to Emus and Wallabies.

Next we went to The Nobbies where we wandered along the boardwalk around the rugged coastline. This place gives you a great view of offshore islands.

In the end we went to the world famous Penguin Parade. The little penguins fish in the sea all the day and return to the shore just when it starts to get dark. It’s fun watching them gather at the shore and walk towards their nests. Approximately 900-1000 penguins participated in the parade.

One must carry jackets as gets freezing cold at the night. Photography is not allowed as it may disturb the penguins.