AMAZING AUSTRALIA

Kangaroo Island - Kingscote

2010-01-26T23:51:00.000-08:00

Situated on the shores of the beautiful Nepean Bay, with a panoramic view of the boat-studded harbour, Kingscote is the commercial and business hub of the Island. To the north there are steep cliffs that descend steeply to Reeves Point (old Kingscote), one of the most important heritage sites in South Australia. Kingscote is the Island's capital and a bright, bustling town of about 1,800 people. It is the centre of trade and commerce with banks, extensive shopping and services. A comprehensive guide to the attractions, activities and interesting walks is available from the Information Centre, shops and accommodation houses. The delightful Little Penguins have established themselves in the sandstone and clay cliffs in front of the town. Guided by KI Marine Centre, tours are conducted after dusk to see the penguins returning from their day's fishing. Pelican feeding at 5pm daily is also a must-see.

Kangaroo Island - Penneshaw & Pennington Bay & American River

2010-01-26T23:42:00.000-08:00

With a commanding view of the mainland, just 18km across Backstairs Passage, Penneshaw is the community centre for Dudley Peninsula. Situated on the northeast coast of the Island, the seaside village is an attractive welcome for visitors arriving on the Sealink ferries. The Hog Bay Jetty is famous as a fishing spot. It is home to a colony of Little Penguins. Tours are conducted nightly from the Penguin Interpretive Centre.

American River is a narrow tidal channel, known locally as 'The River', separates Pelican Lagoon and Eastern Cove. This channel forms the Island's most protected harbour. The village nestles on the hillside in native bushland, offering superb views of Eastern Cove and the mainland from the comfort of the wide range of accommodation. With the integration of bushland and accommodation, the nightlife in American River is naturally wild. A leisurely walk with a torch will reveal an array of native life including Tammar Wallabies and Brush-tailed Possums. The bushland surrounding the village is habitat to the endangered Glossy Black Cockatoo, which are often seen in the area. Eastern Cove, the outer bay, offers excellent sailing and fishing in semi-protected waters. Pelican Lagoon, the inner bay, is a natural fish nursery and is protected as an Aquatic Reserve. The islands within the lagoon are important bird-breeding habitats. Black Swans, Cape Barren Geese, Australian Pelicans and other birds make the area an excellent bird-watching destination. The foreshore and the Fish Cannery Walking Trail are great places to pursue this.

我想念天堂里我亲爱的妈妈

2010-01-01T18:53:00.000-08:00

妈妈，你在天堂一切都好吗？到今天整整七年了，我想死你了。经常在梦中见到你，每次我都紧紧地搂住你，那种久违了的、亲切的、温暖的感觉让我惊喜不已，梦醒时却已是泪湿枕巾。妈妈，每次坐在自家的院子里看到满眼的春色，每次走在海滩上看到一眼望不到边的湛蓝的大海，我就会心痛，我知道这是妈妈最喜欢的生活，可我却没能力或者说没有努力在七年前给妈妈这样的生活。如果妈妈那时就能和我一起享受现在这样的生活，妈妈根本就不会得肺癌，这是我心里永远的痛！妈妈下辈子我还要做让你骄傲的乖女儿，让我把我这辈子没能给你的都在下辈子给你。

妈妈，我想死你了，怀念所有以前我们全家在一起的快乐日子。现在才懂得有你在身边的这32年是我这辈子最幸福的时光了，因为妈妈永远是我坚强的后盾，因为妈妈永远会抚平我的伤痛，因为妈妈永远为我敞开家的门。妈妈，我亲爱的妈妈，好想再见到你。自从你走了以后，爸爸就一直一蹶不振，想念你是他唯一的事情，他糟蹋自己的身体，希望籍此能快快解脱自己在天堂和你重逢。作为深爱他的女儿我却对此无能为力，我真的不知该怎么做才能解开爸爸的心结，让他能平静地面对这无奈的一切，由此我更加想念妈妈！妈妈，请您在天堂保佑爸爸吧，让他能平静地健康地和我们在一起生活尽可能多的时间，有他在-这个家就永远是我们温暖的港湾。

妈妈，七年了，我把藏在心底对你的思念说给你听，这份痛彻心肺的相思之苦没有经历过是很难理解的。祝愿天下所有的父母都能长寿，这是做儿女最大的幸福了。

Kangaroo Island - Kelly Hill Caves

2009-11-21T17:48:00.000-08:00

Beneath the vast expanse of native bushland of Kelly Hill Conservation Park lies a maze of caverns and tunnels that will take your breath away.

Discover Kelly Hill Caves' treasures of impressive stalagmites, stalactites, helictites and straws on regular guided tours, with the flickering flames of the past replaced with state-of-the-art fibre optic lighting. One of the caves most intriguing features is its helictites, which defy gravity forming hook-like and other intricate limestone formations.

As one of the few dry limestone cave attractions in Australia, Kelly Hill offers an ideal spot to try adventure caving. Don't miss the opportunity to don a hardhat and pair of overalls as you and crawl through amazing caverns on a guided adventure caving tour.

The parks interpretive walking trails also offer great opportunities to spot native wildlife and enjoy the island's peacefulness and unspoilt natural beauty.

Kelly Hill's Visitor Centre houses interesting interpretive displays, souvenirs, drinks and snack food. Picnic grounds in a tranquil bush setting are also available.

The park is located on the southern side of Kangaroo Island, adjoining the Cape Bouguer Wilderness Protection Area.

kelly Hill Caves Tour Timetable and Fees
All prices include gsT and are valid from 1/4/09 – 31/3/10
Adult ($) Conc. ($) Child ($) Family ($)
Show Cave Tour 12.50 10.00 7.50 34.00
Adventure Caving, bookings essential 31.00 25.00 18.50 84.00

Show Cave Tour – duration approximately 40 minutes.
Daily: 10.30 am 11.15 am 12.15 pm 1.15 pm 2.15 pm 3.15 pm 4.15 pm
Adventure Caving Tour: Available at 2.15 pm daily, participants must be over 8 years. Minimum charge and conditions apply. Bookings are essential. (A Show Cave Tour must be completed prior to Adventure Cave Tour).

Kangaroo Island - Flinders Chase National Park

2009-11-13T23:40:00.000-08:00

Flinders Chase is the name given to a complex of protected areas covering the western end of Kangaroo Island. The park is comprised of three parts, totalling 32,600 ha; the Cape du Couedic and Rocky River area to the south west, the Gosse Lands to the north east and Cape Borda Lightstation on the north west tip of Kangaroo Island. Flinders Chase is approximately 110 km west of Kingscote, the island's largest town and can be accessed via the Playford Highway or South Coast Road.

Bring your own car and drive inside the park. From wind-sculpted rock formations that sit atop a smooth granite dome known as Remarkable Rocks to Admirals Arch, a perfect sweep of rock under which the surf pounds and New Zealand Fur Seals play, the national park is a must see for any visit to the island.

Live the life of a lighthouse keeper and stay in a cottage at the Cape du Couedic or Cape Borda lighthouses or sleep under the stars in one of many numerous campsites. Cosy self-contained accommodation is also available at Postman's Cottage at Rocky River and Woodward Hut at Cape Borda Lightstation.

Entry Cost*:

Adult: $8.50 (Day park entry fee), Concession: $7.00, Child: $5.0, Family: $23.00

Kangaroo Island - Seal Bay Conservation Park

2009-11-13T22:52:00.000-08:00

Only 45 minutes from Kangaroo Island's main town Kingscote, Seal Bay Conservation Park is located on the south coast of Kangaroo Island. The park was proclaimed in 1972 to help in the protection of the Australian Sea-lion and its natural habitat.

The park provides guided tours along Seal Bay beach. Visitors, who participating in a guided tour, can walk amongst the sea-lions while they rest after long fishing trips. A boardwalk also enables visitors to experience the Australian Sea-lion habitat.

Fees & charges (all prices include GST and are valid from 1/4/09 – 31/3/10)
Adult ($) Conc. ($) Child ($) Family ($)
Guided Beach Tour including boardwalk 27.50 22.00 16.50 75.00
Boardwalk and lookout (unguided) 12.50 10.00 8.00 35.00

Guided Beach Tour timetable (duration approximately 45 minutes):
Daily - Park closes at 5pm
9.00 am 9.45 am 10.30 am 11.15 am 12.15 pm 1.00 pm 1.45 pm 2.30 pm 3.30 pm 4.15 pm

Kangaroo Island - Itinerary & tips

2009-07-03T23:12:00.000-07:00

We spent 4 days at Kangaroo Island. Below is our schedule:
May 9th: Took 9am ferry to Kangaroo Island and arrived there at 9:45am. Drove to Seal Bay directly and got there at 11am. Spent about 2 hours at Seal Bay. Then went to Kelly Hill Caves.
May 10th: Drove to Cape Borda Lighthouse in the morning. After that, went to Flinders Chase National Park and spent the rest day there.
May 11th: Drove from Flinders Chase National Park to Kingscote. Then wandered around the town. Saw Pelican feeding at 5pm and joined the little Penguin tour at 7:30pm.
May 12th: Drove from Kingscote to Emu Bay, American River and Penneshaw. Took 2:30pm ferry from Penneshaw to Cape Jervis. Drove back home.

Tips:
1. Kangaroo Island is much bigger than you thought. You should spend at least 3 days to go through most famous sightseeings like Seal Bay and Flinders Chase National Park.
2. Book your accommodations early. Especially during the school holiday period. Don't stay at the same hotel if you spend at least 3 days at the island, otherwise it will cost you a lot of petrol and time. We stayed at Flinders Chase National Park area for 2 nights, Kingscote for 1 night.
3. The road situation at Kangaroo Island is pretty good. Most of time, you will drive on the 11okm/h zone. Slow down when you pass through any town.
4. Avoid to drive at night. During night time, there are plenty animals like kangaroo, koala etc. crossing the road. And on the country road with 110km/h zone, normally it doesn't have enough lights, which means really dark. So arrange your trip carefully and back to hotel before it gets dark.
5. Bring your GPS with you. Most of time, when you drove on the country road, your normal mobile phone doesn't have any signal. That's another reason you shouldn't drive at night. Because if you lost, it's hard to find any house or any people to get direction.
6. Fill you petrol regularly. Please remember most of country petrol stations will close before 6pm. And Kangaroo Island doesn't have a lot of service stations. Before you start your trip, always find out where you could get petrol in advance.

Kangaroo Island - How to get there

2009-06-28T01:15:00.000-07:00

Personally, I prefer ferry to flight. Because ferry is cheaper and you could also bring your car with you if you like.
By Ferry:
SeaLink operates four departures daily, with additional services during peak times between Cape Jervis and Penneshaw. From Adelaide city to Cape Jervis, you need about 1 and half hour driving. Mainland coach connections are available to/from Adelaide and Goolwa to Cape Jervis. The ticket is $43 one way for an adult and $84 one way for a vehicle up to 5m. You could find whole timetable and book your ticket on www.sealink.com.au. Ferry travelling time is a comfortable 45 minutes. I chose 9am ferry from Cape Jervis to Penneshaw and brought my car with me. You could also rent a car after you arrived Kangaroo Island.
By Air:
Regional Express (REX, Reservations: 13 17 13 or 08 - 8553 2938, www.regionalexpress.com.au) and Air South (Reservations: 1800 339 629 or 08 - 8234 4988 www.airsouth.com.au ) operate the 30-minute flight from Adelaide to Kingscote Airport (KGC). The KGC airport is located 13km from the Island's capital, Kingscote. Shuttle transport to Kingscote is available. Details below:
Airport Shuttle Service
Between Kingscote Airport and all Island townships and accommodation houses. Bookings are necessary. Kangaroo Island Transfers, Ph: 0427 887 575; Smartcar, Ph: 1300 887 121.

Kangaroo Island - Introduction

2009-06-26T21:48:00.000-07:00

Kangaroo Island is a true wildlife sanctuary. Owing to its isolation from the mainland, the Island has suffered less from the impact of European settlement and retains more than half of its native ‘old-growth' vegetation - a vast area of some 2,250 square kilometres. Similarly, the Island has been spared the damage done by foxes and rabbits, ensuring the integrity of native bushland. It is a pristine wilderness - a place that has offered protection to substantial populations of native Australian animals, a place of beauty and a place of escape.

Kangaroo Island (or ‘KI' as the locals call it) is also big and surprisingly diverse. If you traverse its 155km length you'll find soaring cliffs, dense forest, towering sand dunes, wetlands and massive arcs of bone white beach.

Some 4,400 folk live here, most of them primary producers, many of them descended from Islanders who have farmed the land and fished the seas for generations.

Naturally enough, being surrounded by fertile lands and rich waters, Kangaroo Island produces some of Australia's finest gourmet foods. Gastronomic adventurers should get ready to be amazed by the likes of freshly caught King George Whiting, sheep's cheese, marron, a unique variety of honey and an exciting range of varietal wines.

Great Ocean Road Trip - Volcanic Vistas & Blue Lake

2009-06-25T04:35:00.000-07:00

Because our schedule was really tight, we regretted that we didn’t have time to go through Warrnambool and Port Fairy. That’s why I suggest you should keep at least two days on the Great Ocean Road.
On our way back to Adelaide, we visited Volcanic vistas at Portland and Blue Lake at Mt. Gambier.
Volcanic Vistas - Portland
Volcanic eruptions began at Mt Eccles more than 20,000 years ago. Over time, the three craters created have filled with water to become Lake Surprise. There's a wealth of other volcanic features to discover, including scoria cones, lava canals, a lava cave and a nature bridge. The national park is a short drive north-east of the city.

Blue Lake – Mt. Gambier
The Blue Lake, the source of water supply for the city and surrounds is just one of the lakes within the three craters of the extinct volcano.
Blue Lake is the only lake in the world that changes from sombre grey to brilliant turquoise blue each summer. Each year in November, it mysteriously starts its colour change to the unbelievable turquoise blue. From March each year it gradually makes the change back to its more sombre winter blue which is still a magnificent sight. There are many theories as to why Blue Lake changes colour each year, but none yet proven. The most common theory is that the top layers of the lake warm in summer, creating a chemical reaction with the cold bottom layers, turning the lake to its brilliant blue. Blue Lake will be at its best when you come to Mount Gambier in March - truly a remarkable site to see.
Mount Gambier is one of the youngest volcanoes in Australia. Formed through volcanic activity that occurred during two different eruptive phases, the Mount Gambier Crater Lakes complex contains 3 craters and several blowholes. The network of roads, lookouts, walking and mountain bike trails provide easy access to view all of the attractions in this area.

Great Ocean Road – Port Compbell National Park

2009-06-21T04:38:00.000-07:00

Famous for the Twelve Apostles and historic shipwrecks, Port Campbell National Park contains the most significant areas of vegetation and fauna native to south-western Victoria. The diverse range of coastal environments includes woodlands, dunes, wetlands, coastal cliffs, limestone stacks and arches. Below are stunning scenery we saw along the Port Compell:
Gibson’s Steps
Take 86 steps down to be dwarfed by a 70m vertical wall. The two rock stacks are Gog and MaGog and the cliff top formation at the western edge is called Castle Rock. As a general principle it is unwise to swim in these very dangerous waters.

Twelve Apostles
The mighty Twelve Apostles are world-recognised icons of the Great Ocean Road. These giant rock stacks soar from the swirling waters of the Southern Ocean and are a central feature of the spectacular Port Campbell National Park that extends from Princetown to Peterborough. The dramatic and imposing limestone cliffs that are the backdrop to the Apostles tower up to 70 metres, while the tallest of the rock stacks is around 45 metres high. The Apostles had their beginnings up to 20 million years ago with the forces of nature attacking the soft limestone of the Port Campbell cliffs. The limestone was created through the build up of skeletons of marine creatures on the sea floor. As the sea retreated, the limestone was exposed. The relentess, stormy Southern Ocean and blasting winds gradually eroded the softer limestone, forming caves in the cliffs. The caves eventually became arches and when they collapsed, rock islands up to 45 metres high were left isolated from the shore. This has created the Twelve Apostles and a host of other stunning natural features along this truly remarkable stretch of coastline. While anytime of day provides great views, sunrise and sunset are particularly impressive for the blazing hues created. The extensive boardwalks and viewing platforms ensure visitors experience sweeping, awe-inspiring vistas at all times. The coast is slowly changing and there are frequent small rock falls. There are also infrequent major events, the most recent occurred on Sunday 3 July 2005 when a large stack collapsed.

Loch Ard Gorge
Standing on top of the cliff, youll be amazed at the sheer size of the cliffs and the narrow opening out to sea. In rough weather the crashing waves put on quite a show. Take the steps down to the beach and you will feel engulfed by the cliffs. A fantastic view. Four trails link this amazing site and be sure to stay for the muttonbirds at dusk (September - May) .
Geology walk - Level crushed rock surface this 900m walk includes The Razorback and Island Archway. Unfortunately, on June 11th 2009, the bridge of Island Archway, which at least 10m across, collapsed. You won't be able to call it Island Archway now.
Wreck Lookout - Flat access from the car park to the lookout 380m
Wreck of the Loch Ard - 1.4km slight inclines on crushed rock.
Living on the Edge - 3.2 km sealed with inclines. Thunder Cave lower platform has steps.
A BRIEF HISTORY ：Fifty-two people died after the sailing ship, the iron clipper Loch Ard, rammed into the sheer cliffs of Muttonbird Island in stormy weather on 1 June, 1878. The island lies near the entrance to the long, narrow gorge. It was this gorge and its tiny beach that were the lifesavers for apprentice crewman Tom Pearce and young passenger Eva Carmichael, both 18 years old.

The bridge of Island Archway collapsed a few days later.

London Bridge

Historically the London Bridge formation was a natural archway and tunnel in an offshore rock formation caused by waves eroding away a portion of softer rock. However it collapsed on 15 January 1990 and became a bridge without a middle. Two people were on the bridge at the time but no one was injured. Artificial burrows have been built to encourage the nesting of fairy penguins. There is no access to the beach. It is located 7 km south of Port Campbell and has good parking facilities and plenty of vantage points where visitors can inspect the formations and take photographs.

The Grotto

About 2 km west of London Bridge, via the Great Ocean Road, is a turnoff on the left which leads to a lookout over 'The Grotto' - a geological formation created when sinkholes in the limestone cliffs met with a receding cliff line.The still water of the Grotto is often in stark contrast to the boiling waters of the Southern Ocean beyond.

Great Ocean Road – Apollo Bay

2009-06-20T01:54:00.000-07:00

The areas around Apollo Bay and the lush rainforests and waterfalls within the Great Otway National are home to a who's who of Australian native wildlife. Beside giant trees and huge tree ferns, the forests are alive with all manner of life, from carnivorous snails to kangaroos. In the waters of Bass Strait, Southern Right Whales are often seen between June and October. We visited below sites:

Marriners Lookout

Drive a few minutes north from Apollo Bay along the Great Ocean Road, there’s a turn-off to Marriners Lookout Road. You can drive up the hill, park your car in the carpark next to the Devonshire Tea place, go through the gate and then follow the track to its end about 400m uphill. It’s well worth the effort for its panoramic views of Apollo Bay and far out to sea.

Triplet Falls
Located 20 minutes east of Lavers Hill, this magnificent waterfall is reached via the Lavers Hill-Beech Forest Road. Three broad Cascades set in a ferny rainforest of stately Myrtle Beech trees, and includes the historic Knotts No. 1 Timber Mill site.

The Gable - one of the highest sea cliffs in mainland Australia

Turn off onto Moonlight Head Road after Wattle Hill. It is a short walk to the lookout platform, which seems to hang off the top of the cliff 130 metres above the waves. This easy return walk travels through a Casuarina Grove to a spectacular lookout over the ocean and the reefs around Moonlight Head. Keep a close eye out for seabirds skimming the water below or whales from June to September.

Other waterfalls around:

Marriners Falls: 40-minute return walk. Located at the end of the Barham River Road. You will cross over large stepping stones at 4 creek crossings and view Magnificent tree ferns, lichens and mosses with a close view of the falls.
Beauchamp Falls: Located off the Aire Valley Road from Beech Forest Road. Moderate 1.5-hour return walk from the picnic area. The walk passes through magnificent mountain ash forests, with large myrtle beech, blackwood and thick ferns. The track becomes steep before opening to the spectacle of the falls crashing over a ledge into a large pool.

Hopetoun Falls: Located 26 kilometres east of Lavers Hill off Aire Valley Road. Viewing platform at the car park offers a view of the roaring water as it pounds into the Aire River. Alternatively take a 30-minute return moderate walk to the falls. The path is steep to the valley floor where it passes through a glade of tree ferns to the foot of the falls. The Aire Valley is a short distance south, offering a beautiful area with a backdrop of towering Californian Redwoods.

Great Ocean Road - The Great Otway National Park

2009-06-20T01:29:00.000-07:00

Incorporates the former Otway National Park and Angahook-Lorne, Carlisle and Melba Gully State Parks, as well as areas of State forest and other Crown land. The new national park covers 103,000 hectares, an increase in park area of more than 60,000 hectares. This park represents all that is special about the Otways: the tall wet forests, ancient rainforests, the drier forests of the inland slopes and the very diverse heathlands and woodlands, fringed by a spectacularly rugged coastline and studded with some of Victoria's most striking waterfalls and other attractions.

Great Ocean Road – Lorne

2009-06-18T05:17:00.000-07:00

We stayed at Lorne on June 6th. Set between the sparkling waters of Loutit Bay and beautiful forests of the Otway Ranges, Lorne has a special charm. The rich rainforest of the Otways begins in the valleys behind Lorne that are flush with tree ferns, sparkling brooks and waterfalls. Like many of the great towns around the world, Lorne faces the rising sun. There are many walk trials around Lorne. You have to choose what you really like based on your schedule and energy. Below are our choices:
Erskine Falls - one of the most popular falls
An 8.5 kilometre drive from Lorne on the Erskine Falls Road. An easy walk brings you to an overlook of the falls cascading 30 metres into a beautiful fern gully.

Teddy’s Lookout
A short drive to the top end of George Street at the back of Lorne. A newly constructed walkway takes you to the viewing platform where you have breath taking, sweeping, coastal views of the surf breaking into the mouth of the Saint George River. On the lower platform to the right, views change to mountainous peaks and the Saint George river winding itself into fern covered valleys and gorges.

Sheoak Falls
3 kilometres south of Lorne, off the Great Ocean Road. Moderate 1-kilometre return walk to the falls from the car park. While not falling for a great distance, the water passes over a dark rock face within a natural amphitheatre, making for spectacular viewing.

Other falls around. If you’re not in rush, you could also visit them.
Cora Lynn Cascades: A 4-kilometre, 90-minute strenuous return walk from Blanket Leaf picnic ground, off Erskine Falls Road.
Cumberland Falls: A 6-kilometre return walk along the Cumberland River. The walk takes about 2.5 hours and access is from Cumberland River Reserve, off the Great Ocean Road, west of Lorne.
Phantom Falls: A 2.5-kilometre, 90-minute return walk to spectacular falls along the St Georges River from the Allenvale Road car park, 2 kilometres out of Lorne.
Upper and Lower Kalimna Falls: Moderate 8-kilometre return walk from the Sheoak picnic ground, off Allendale Road. Approximately 3.5 hours return. Tall rainforest trees and dense tree ferns fringe the falls.

Great Ocean Road – Introduction & Itinerary

2009-06-11T05:38:00.000-07:00

The Great Ocean Road, which stretches along the South Eastern coast of Australia between the Victorian cities of Geelong and Warrnambool, is in itself the world's biggest war memorial. It was built between World War I and World War II by returned servicemen in honour of their fallen comrades. The road took 16 years to build and it was all done by hand using picks, shovels and dynamite.

The Great Ocean Road with generally ocean beaches on one side and bush settings on the other, has been adjudged by many experts as one of the world's greatest journeys. These judgements have been made because of the natural attractions, facilities, safety and total experience. Frommer’s ranked the Great Ocean Road in the Top 10 Road Trips in the World. Conde Naste in the Top 20 Journeys of a Lifetime. And Lee Atkinson – Top Driving Holiday in Australia.

I planed my trip and made reservations two months early. Here is my itinerary:

June 6^th: drove from Adelaide to Lorne. Took about 10 hours. It was a long way driving, but most of time we were on the country road at 110km/h zone, not too bad.

View Larger Map

June 7^th: drove on the Great Ocean Road from Lorne to Port Fairy. If you like surfing and have plenty of time, you should also visit Torquay, which is undoubtedly Australia's surfing capital and also the official start of the Great Ocean Road.

June 8^th: drove back from Port Fairy to Adelaide, visited Portland on the way. Took about 10 hours again.

View Larger Map

Tips:

If you want to travel there in the hot season such as March or April, you’d better book you accommodations at least three months before your trip, some Aussie even made their reservations a year early. I know it sounds crazy, but if you want to take a chance, be prepared to sleep inside your car.
You’d better spend 2 days on the Great Ocean Road. One day is really tight.