Namaste Travelling!: Australia - Melbourne & Victoria

Some of the Jaques cows

We were met at the airport in Melbourne by Mikes’ sisters’ boyfriends’ parents, Belinda and Simon. With neither party knowing what the other looked like we were slightly anxious that we wouldn’t know who they were but as soon as we came through to the baggage area we saw the sign “MIKE HARROP (&KATY)”. Straight away we felt at ease with Simon and Belinda, who were beyond generous and kind to us during our stay in Melbourne. We spent our first night with them at their farm house in the countryside of Melbourne. Our first impressions of Melbourne consequently was how green and lush it was, and how lovely the countryside was. The first evening we had crackers and dip followed by huge Australian steaks that Simon cooked up with home-made chips and salad. It was amazingly delicious and we absolutely loved it! It was the first proper steak we’d had since being away and served with a really nice red wine it was the perfect introduction to not only Melbourne but also the Jaques family (having not yet met Linda’s boyfriend, Mike).

On top of Hanging Rock

The next day we went up to the famous ‘Hanging Rock’ (from the film ‘Picnic at Hanging Rock’) with Belinda. We spent the walk unsuccessfully looking for koalas but the afternoon didn’t pass by without a wildlife sighting. The ranger showed us some baby owls that were living in one of the trees (and the dead possum he had left for them at the foot of the tree!) Later that afternoon we drove into Melbourne. Belinda and Simon’s eldest son Adam and his wife live in central Melbourne and had very kindly said that we could stay in their spare room. With a great place to base ourselves we headed into the city to meet up with two of my friends that had moved out to Australia the previous year.

The local Kangaroos

The next morning with good weather forecast we headed down to the great ocean road. The Jaques had very generously said that we could borrow Mike J’s car, as he was in England with Linda. So we headed off early to get the best of the good weather.

Just as we were setting off Simon appeared with a picnic hamper for us with steak, potatoes, salad and a bar of Cadburys milk chocolate – saying that we could use the bbq at their beach house to cook the steaks! Amazing!

The great ocean road was a really nice drive and our first stop was Lorne where we enjoyed fish and chips on the beach for lunch. After a nice swim and a spot of sunbathing we headed off along the coast in search of Koalas. We had been told there were some resident koalas at Kennet River where the numerous eucalyptus trees attract them in large numbers. We didn’t need to search for long before we were watching two very docile wild koalas in the trees above. The eucalyptus leaves which are the staple diet of koalas act as a bit of a drug producing a similar affect to cannabis…so I’ve been told! So once you’ve found the koalas you can watch them for as long as you please.

The Great Ocean Road

The Koalas taking it easy in Kennett River

Another highlight for mike was feeding the numerous parrots and rosellas that flocked to him when he produced some almonds. After lots of photos and when there were no almonds remaining we started back along the ocean road towards ocean grove, the home of the Jaques beach house that they very kindly said we could borrow. Mike got the bbq started whilst I prepared the food and once again we enjoyed a yummy steak dinner.

The following 10 days in Melbourne were spent exploring the city and catching up with friends. Mike’s sister Linda, who lived in Melbourne for over 2 years, had given us a very lengthy list of places to visit and more importantly places to eat. We ate at two different very nice breakfast places, had coffees in some very cool cafes and cocktails in some very funky bars. We also went out for some very nice lunches and dinners with the Jaques, one of which was at a restaurant where both Mike J and Linda had worked. So despite narrowly missing Linda, who moved back to the UK in July, we were able to visit some of her favourite haunts.

Crazy cocktails at the croft Institute

Cookies Rooftop bar

Enjoying the cocktails

Another highlight of Melbourne was going to the Melbourne Cup Races! Three of my girlfriends and Mike and I got all dressed up in black and white as is traditional on Cup day. Mike managed to get his full outfit (minus trousers) from the salvos or Salvation Army store for those of you unfamiliar with that abbreviation. I was able to borrow clothes from a friend and only resorted to the Salvos for my headwear! All in all thought it was a great day at the races and despite none of us winning any money on the small bets we placed we had a lot of fun and it was fun to be part of a pretty big day in the Melbourne Calendar.

The 'Salvos' suit doing me proud

We also went back to the Jaques family home in the country for a night where we were once again spoiled with a yummy dinner and Mike was able to try his hand at shooting. Unfortunately as it started to rain all the rabbits disappeared so he didn’t get to aim at anything other than a tin can – but he still had a great time stalking around the garden looking for unsuspecting prey with his…ladies shotgun(!) I don’t think Simon thought Mike was quite ready to take on a man’s shotgun just yet!

Getting to grips on the ladies shotgun

Learning the ropes

We both loved Melbourne, the Jaques were so welcoming and made us feel so at home with their generosity - it was great getting to know them and catch up with friends. All in all a great 10 days and on to Sydney!