Melbourne'11 Part V

Last part to my Melbourne photojournal - Melbourne is such a gorgeous city, especially the outskirts ♥ These were taken on the way to Philip island, which was a long drive from the bus we boarded from Federation square in the heart of the city. We also spotted wallabies hopping about along the way in the plains!

Philip island is the coastal home to many little penguins (the world's smallest penguins) where each night at sunset, they return ashore after a day of fishing. It was really amazing to have witnessed this magical procession at Summerland beach, even though photography was banned. But I couldn't resist not sneaking a few of shots of the rainbow gradient sky, which isn't very apparent in the picture because I hesitated and the sun was setting. Photography is banned because the light caused by flashes blinds the penguins for life, although some tourists still go ahead and take their selfish flash shots which is very unfortunate.

Made our way down to one of the park ranges early morning to have breakfast, and where I had the best marmite crackers ever....and where mumsie fed canaries with some bird food provided at the side. They're really intuitive!

Hello conductor at the Puffing billy station, the railway train ride was pretty overrated and it was extremely cold during winter, especially with the wind gushing when cruising through the woods.

Pitstop at a wine vineyard, and had an expensive Italian meal because there was no other restaurant in plain sight (and we were hungry), the pasta was good at least!

Pelicans are such mesmerizing yet awkward looking creatures, which makes them really beautiful. They don't smell very nice though, and I was almost certain they were gonna bite me after my snaps so I scurried away.

On the last day, we decided to head up the Eureka tower aka Skydeck88, a 297.3 metre skyscraper in the Southbank precinct of Melbourne. It's the 10th tallest residential building in the world, and the highest public vantage point in a building in the Southern hemipshere. The view wasn't fantastic, but it did give us a glimpse of the landmarks we have been visiting in the past week.....the outside portion of the viewing platform was freezing though.

Overall, it was a good trip, albeit the cold although visiting in Spring or Summer would be tons better. The city's very easy to orientate yourself in, and the culture is very cosmopolitan so we had a mixture of cuisines during our trip (spotted a lot of small Japanese joints frequently hehe), it's the countryside that needs more brain work getting around - but the bus day trips at Federation square are a godsend so you might want to check them out :) Goodbye Melbourne, till we meet again!

Pictures taken by my trusty Canon IXUS 1000HS

Melbourne film pictures

Melbourne Part I

Melbourne Part II

Melbourne Part III

Melbourne Part IV

Melbourne'11 Part IV

Continued from Part III here, we headed to the Great Ocean Road, home to the Twelve Apostles and the famous Bells beach which I finally got to soak in the natural beauty of ♥ We also passed by coastal townships of Torquay and Lorne where most of the surfers retreat to during summer (It was winter then so it was pretty dormant) Throughout the length of the road, there were many fern filled gullies and river inlets that added to the pleasure of the scenic coastal drives! It was a pretty long drive though, and the road really got terribly windy halfway so it can be rather nauseous-inducing after a while. Sweets and music on board certainly help.

We also made stops at passing towering limestone cliffs, and white beaches basking in the morning sun. And of course, witnessing the Twelve apostles from the boardwalk while the remaining 7 are still standing strong in the Southern ocean. Lunched at a small town @ Apollo bay hotel to escape from the cold!

The world famous Bells Beach didn't disappoint either - home to the World surfing championships, the scenery was really breathtaking - for the lack of a better word. The draft was freezing though (can't really tell from the pictures but yeah it was mad cold). Port Campbell was nearby, which was a charming fishing village and a summer holiday resort where a tragic history of ships wrecked along the rugged coast took place, can't remember the details. Crossed the West Gate bridge back to Melbourne city by evening.

Met the friendliest and fun-loving Border collie which was such a delight to play fetch with @Anglesea beach, my sister was so engrossed that she dropped the camera and sand was stuck in the lenses for the rest of the trip!

Because it was winter in Australia, the days are much shorter and hence, the sun sets pretty fast. Just some last few photograph shots of the scenic coastal cliffs bathing in warm illumination of the impending sunset.

Sometimes I catch myself scrolling through my iPhoto memory racks for these pictures, perhaps an inherent tendency for a momentary escape. Whilst the very insatiability of our photography skills

sometimes take a too technical slant and alter the natural charm a sight exudes, I'm glad that these stills could capture that salt saturated fresh air and freezing cold bite the draft invited. And of course, the majestic awe of it all.

Pictures taken by my trusty Canon IXUS 1000HS

Melbourne film pictures

Melbourne Part I

Melbourne Part II

Melbourne Part III

Melbourne Part V (soon)

Apollo Bay Hotel

95 Great Ocean Road 
Apollo Bay VIC 3233
Australia (03)5237 6250

HΔppy 21,

21st July was indeed a memorable night ♥ Held a humble gathering at my place, at the clubhouse rooftop area which proved to be really cosy yet having a laidback charm. The party wasn't for jumping the bandwagon but what can I say, I'm clumsy with my words so this was what this small get-together was for :) Nothing too wild or fanciful, just a day for giving thanks to many of you whom have brightened up my life in one way or another for my past 20 years or so. Think lighted tea light candles, fairy lights, clipped on polaroids on wood coloured rope, mats and cushions strewn over the floor - so pleased with the set up! I'm so immensely grateful to all my lovely guests who came by and made an effort to dress hipster style (Best dressed would definitely be my girls Sand and Shiany) especially those who stayed all the way to set things and clear up; and for all the gorgeous letters and gifts I'm so touched :') I'm really blessed to have such a wonderful family who helped me out patiently and fervently with the preparations, and to all my loved ones who selflessly helped out in many ways or another :') God bless you all ♥

It hasn't really sunk into me on turning 21 yet, but it has definitely changed certain perspectives I have on life - crawling out of my shell to see the world and yet not forgetting my place in homeground. And being contented with what we have, even though that's not easy in this modern society. Not to mention of course being an excellent time to give thanks to God for all He has placed in my life - my family, loved ones and friends! Even amidst all the material gifts, I sincerely seek for contentment and to continue to be delighted in His presence, of which this bible verse aptly resounds:

"One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple."

Psalm 27:4

P.S. Will do up a post for the party soon!

Melbourne'11 part III,

Located direct south of Yarra River, Southbank is one of the inner suburbs of Melbourne, and you can catch the beautiful skyline and Princes bridge very well from Federation wharf on the opposite side of the Yarra River. It also holds one of the primary Business centers in Melbourne, with skyscrapers and office buildings and entertainment establishments such as the Crown Casino. In the midst of all these hustle and bustle, Australia's tallest tower (Eureka tower) stands. However, just like how Singapore has a green belt even in the Central Business District, Southbank has preserved many significant heritage buildings and Arts precinct on the eastern end and along St. Kilda Road. These include Victorian Arts Centre and National Gallery of Victoria.

By a stroke of luck, we found out about the Sunday Art and Craft market which occurs on the promenade at the Arts Centre. Home to many freelance buskers and pavement chalk artists, which are such a joy to watch, they bring together over 80 of Victoria's finest artisans. This happens every Sunday, from 10am to 4pm. The Arts Centre Melbourne Lawn will be filled with market stalls, selling handmade goods from art pieces to homemade enticing delicacies and even freshly baked goods!

Dined at Phone De Bortoli Winery and Restaurant before travelling down to Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary - a cosy place with all the llamas (seriously the cutest ever), kangaroos, wombats and other wildlife

(Stop looking at my frozen smile and laughable winter hair hahaha)

I simply adore the glorious countryside and the sunshine that envelops it, albeit the inaccessibility it really was very rejuvenating for soul - as you stand there in wide-eyed awe of His creations. The skies were relatively clear that day, and it's really fortunate to be able to see the horizon 360 degrees round :)

On a side note, I've done up the posts on my Phuket trip but I wanna go through with the Melbourne posts first. Office life has been pretty kind, although some days are really tiring the experience will be worth the effort, ciao!

Pictures taken by my trusty Canon IXUS 1000HS

Melbourne Part I

Melbourne Part II

Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary
Badger Creek Road
Healesville Victoria 3777


Sunday Arts and Craft Market
Along St Kilda Road and Arts Centre Melbourne lawn