Travel Guides and Stories

Two years ago, our family of seven planned a trip from Brisbane to Melbourne. Gathering information was easy: 1. Picked up maps at RACQ. 2. Renting a car was also straightforward (for international visitors renting a car in Australia, you need both your international driver’s license and your original home country license, so don’t forget them! I once had to make a round trip in Brisbane because I forgot mine). 3. Booked flights and hotels (flight + hotel package). As soon as we landed, we picked up our rental car right at the airport (and dropped it off at the airport when leaving—super convenient). Then we started our five-day, four-night Melbourne adventure. We made a list of must-see spots:    
1. On the first day, with limited time after landing, we took a short city tour to get to know the place.    
2. On the second day, we headed out to the famous Twelve Apostles. It’s a long drive, so we dedicated the whole day to it.    
3. The third day was for exploring the historic town of Ballarat—panning for gold and wandering the old streets, then back to the city in the evening.    
4. A morning stroll in the city, then off to Phillip Island in the southeast to see the penguins. Since the penguins only come ashore at dusk, there’s no need to head out too early.    
5. After another look around the city, we returned the car at the airport and flew home.

A corner view from the Shrine of Remembrance looking into the city.

Looking down from the Shrine of Remembrance, at the entrance on the first floor.

The Shrine of Remembrance

After leaving the shrine, we walked back along the Yarra River promenade—cyclists, joggers, rowers, everyone enjoying themselves in their own way.

Rowers on the river

The whole city looks very clean.

Comfortable lifestyle.

View from the bridge.

Lots of riverside cafés on both banks.

Lamp post decorations on the bridge.

By the riverside.

A church in the city center.

The city train station.

Inside the church.

The church.

The city—a mix of old and new buildings.

The beach—impeccably clean.

Artwork in an open space.

New development area in the southwest corner of the city.

The skyscraper is also here in the southwest.

My favorite “poor Santa Claus” in Australia—why poor? Because December is summer here, so just imagine him in that heavy suit...

The city has all kinds of public transport. Here’s one: the street tram.

There are horse-drawn carriages, too.

Our hotel was conveniently located near Chinatown—perfect for shopping.

You can even find Mao-style cuisine here.

Public art on the streets.

The Twelve Apostles to the west are world-famous. Although the journey is long, it’s well worth a visit.

Several of the Apostles have collapsed—maybe they ran away? I think there are only nine left.

To the left of the lookout, there are two more.

A perfectly straight, receding coastline.

On the grass to the left of the entrance, a herd of cows. Although the Twelve Apostles are famous, I actually think the scenery at Loch Ard Gorge is just as impressive. If you’re traveling westward, Loch Ard Gorge is just ten minutes beyond the Apostles. The sign at the entrance is small and easy to miss—keep an eye out! Below are photos of Loch Ard Gorge.

Ballarat old town is divided into two areas: the gold-panning district and the historic streets, with lots of old shops to explore.

Decorations inside an old shop—everything is made of metal.

Old street view.

There’s also a gold smelting area in the gold district.

There’s quite a large gold nugget you can reach in and touch, but it’s not as big as the 220kg one at Taiwan’s Gold Museum, and you can’t take it home if you can lift it—it’s locked down below.

The main street is preserved in its original state—no asphalt paving.

Early bowling alley—try rolling to see if you can reach the end.

There’s also a Chinatown here.

Gold-panning area.

Everyone working hard panning for gold.

Giving it their all!

Hard work pays off... See it? Look closely—there really is some gold, though I’m not sure how much it weighs.

Horse-drawn carriages parade through the streets.

This horse is really working the mill.

People also join in the parade. Phillip Island is southeast of Melbourne, with beautiful scenery along the way and hardly any crowds.

These hay rolls are baled after summer harvest for winter feed for cows and horses. One reason New Zealand and Australian cattle don’t get mad cow disease is because they eat only natural feed, not meat or bone meal. If cows ate beef or bones every day, it’s no wonder they’d go mad!

The only way onto Phillip Island is via the Western Gate Bridge.

Penguins come ashore on the island, but since photography isn’t allowed, here’s a shot of the entrance for you instead...