Curtis Stone to Great Ocean Road

The Afternoon after White Night, Niamh and me decided to get the 96 tram towards the Crown Casino for some food, in the burger joint part of MerryWell. The funny thing was, that person who took our order, was the assistant manager from my shift the previous night, he was nice enough to actually give me a staff discount on the food and drink, even though there was happy hour, with a burger and a pint of miller for 15 dollar. Words can't describe how tasty the food was. After our meal, we decided to go exploring around the casino, its such an extravagant and enormous place, with its own shopping mall, nightclubs, and so many restaurants. Within the building, they were housing a replica of a F1 racing car in the lead up the 60th Australian Grand Prix. 

After some cancellations and last minute shifts for both Niamh and me during the week, we decided to make the most of our Friday off. So we got up early and got the tram towards the Domain interchange, where we got off and made the short ten mins walk towards the Royal Botanic Gardens information centre. From here, we went on a scenic guided tour led by our tour guide Jane, who gave us both botanical and historical information about the park and its plants. The tour took approx 75 mins and one of the highlights was the ornamental lake which was tranquil, and peaceful yet had beautiful views of the park and the city. Once the tour was finished back at the info center, we walked along the park taking in the views of landscape and the buildings/statues such as the observatory, governor house and of course the Sidney Myer Music bowl.
From the music bowl, we casually strolled along St Kilda road towards the National Gallery of Victoria. We Spent longer here than we had planned, isnt that always the way. There was some interesting pieces by artists such as Picasso, Monet, and Andy Warhol. Once we got our culture fix, we walked along South Bank, to get a bite to eat in Wagamama. After which I got sorted for my shift the next in the office, then we got the tram home. During the short time, we were at home, we had changed our minds bout going to Luna Park, as it seems a bit of a let down after the theme parks in the Gold Coast. Therefore we decided to go instead to Happy Hour and see what all the fuss is about. We happened to make it just before happy hour was over. We managed to have a good laugh in Wonderland for a good while before heading to Lord of the Fries for dinner. As Niamh lost a bet, we had Ben & Jerry's Sundaes on route home. Scrumptious!

It was an early night for me, as I had to be up bright and early, to make my way towards the Pinnacle office, where I was been collected, as we were been driven out to Geelong for our shift. The shift was in the corporate box of the local Aussie rules football club - 'The Cats. The function was for a charity - Cottage by the Sea, where the tickets were 150 dollars each. The head chef who was flown in by Coles from LA, was local boy and celebrity chef, Curtis Stone. Coles also donated all the food and drink for the event. Curtis Stone was a nice guy but like any chef, wouldn't want to cross him in the kitchen. After the lunch, there was an auction with one item, a landscape panting selling in the excess of 7,600 dollars. After the banquet, there was a match between Geelong and Adelaide in the stadium.

As both Niamh and me were up extremely early Sunday morning, we both went to bed nice and early, but with excitement was hard to sleep. We both got up before 6am to get ready and the make our way to Base hostel in St Kilda for our pick up for the tour. We got dropped off at tour head office, were we boarded our coach for the day. After travelling for 2-2.5 hours, our first stop of the day, was at Bells Beach in Torquay, which is one of Australia's famous surfing beaches and home of Rip Curl Surfing Pro, this year will be the 52nd time a competition been held here. We stopped for a short photo opportunity, at the official Great Ocean Road Sign. The Great Ocean Road is an 243 km (151 mi) stretch of road along the south-eastern coast between Torquay and Warrnambool. This stretch of road was build between 1919 and 1932 by returning world war I soldiers and is considered the world's largest war memorial.

 Our next port of call was for a picnic coffee break at a coastal town of Lorne, which was so beautiful and relaxing.

After leaving Lorne, we made the journey onwards towards Apollo Bay, which many consider to be the most picturesque section of the Great Ocean Road, as the highway is carved literally into the sheer cliffs that drop away into the ocean, therefore offering commanding views of the waves from Bass Strait and the Southern Ocean. Along this strait of road, we stopped off at various spots including some of the most beautiful beaches we've seen in Australia, and look out points and Split Point Lighthouse where Round the Twist TV Series was filmed.

Before our lunch stop near Cape Otway lighthouse, we stopped for a stroll in Otway national park which is home to an ancient rainforest which has some of the tallest eucalyptus trees in Australia. Although we ended up been tad late, we got our lunch at the cafe near the lighthouse, which was included. We had time to explore the museum and the lighthouse and of course, the views from the top. Exiting the grounds after lunch, we managed to see some wild koalas who had begun to wake up and became active. The road that hugs the coastline between Torquay and Cape Otway is commonly known as Surf Coast.

Further west along the Great Ocean Road from Cape Otway and Shipwreck Coast, we entered Port Campbell National park which is the home to the famous limestone and sandstone formations. First port of call, was along Shipwreck Coast which is the home to Loch Ard Gorge, named after the sinking of Loch Ard Ship in 1878. The Island Arch now officially named Tom and Eva after the arch collapsed in 2009, who were the only two survivors of Loch Ard. From here, we traveled the 10 mins to the 12 Apostles which is the highlight of any Great Ocean Road tour which are a collection of limestone stacks of the shore.

 Once we all boarded the bus again, we set on our way back towards Melbourne. We Finally managed to get dropped off in St. Kilda roughly 21.30, approx 15 hours after we began. Although it was quite a long day we both felt, was well worth it.


   

From Hostels to 5 star Hotels

After one of Niamh nights shift, the brave girl, was up for a day of sight seeing, so after a quick break, we trotted on our way towards the tram and got it to the stop near the Shrine of Remembrance. Where we realised, that after our visit the last day, the shrine was closed, this time, we were able to go inside, and observe a months remembrance service and the passing of the light at 11 am. After further exploring the shrine including the views from the balcony, we trekked from here towards the Eureka Tower. We used a flyer to get 20% of the admisson price, the 360 degree views of the city and the surrounding suburbs were quite breaktaking and because the weather was clear and favourable, we were actually able to see the Island of Tasmania in the distance. We spent a small bit of time here and took in the views.

  
               
        
We hopped on the City Circle Tram and Visited the State Library and its Dome exhibition which has various artifacts of Melbourne and Victorian History including articles about Ned Kelly, and information about the foundation of the city. We then walked the shortish distance to the Old Gaol where we used our iVenture Card to gain entry, firstly, we entered the City Watch part, which involved a 30 min interactive tour, which was both scary yet fun. The City Watch only closed in 1994, the exit brought us into the courtyard of the prison. We entered through the shop into the prison and saw the inner works of the cells and the prison history. The highlight of the prison itself, was seeing where Ned Kelly spent his final days. and getting to try on a replica of his famous armour.

                         

                           

We decided after the Gaol, that we would spend some time exploring the CBD, and managed to stroll upon a formula 1 racing car. From here went ended up having an early bird dinner at Pancake Parlour before making the journey home. Must say it was a long but quite enjoyable day, no idea how Niamh managed to stay awake.

Since I gone back working in hospitality, I've definitely gotta seen how the other half live. Which is quite removed from our travels and our stays in sometimes quite basic accommodation. From my first shift at a quite posh and upscale Italian eatery along southbank, to my next at a 5 Star Hotel which involved a VIP Gala dinner with some guests been Spanish and Australian Political Ministers, naval officers and ambassador. One of the most unusual, was doing a cocktail/buffet function, in a quite nice hotel, for a travel agency Christmas party and observing the effort some of the city branches went into their costumes and party entertainment, was a hilarious yet rowdy shift. After all these Hotels and Convention Centres shifts, was quite different to be working in a boardroom for law firm.
However one of my highlight to date, was whilst working for a restaurant in the famous Crown Casino. Who was I serving drinks to, but none other than Draco Malfoy i.e. Tom Felton, his girlfriend, and family, must say, he was very nice and a pure gent. Working in a casino must say been quite an experience, the behind the scenes is like a maze, so ease to get lost back there.

After my 10 hour shift, at the casino (Saturday 23rd), I made the 20 min walk into Flinders street to see what White Night was like before catching the tram home. I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed it despite the tiredness kicking in. It was beautiful to see light designs been projected on to various famous Melbourne buildings, street performers, light installations, water/light feature and a personal crowd favourite hearing Cat Empire perform from the steps of Flinders train station. Even at the time I made it into the CBD, there was tens of thousands of people everywhere - 2/3 am Sunday morning (3/4 pm Saturday afternoon Irish time). The city had laid on free tram transport throughout the duration of the White Night event.

Melbourne Part Deux

For my birthday, Niamh surprised me by bringing me out for lunch at my favourite veg chippy, Lord of the Fries which was delicious. As we all in the house we having few drinks, the girls got me by surprise with a homemade chocolate birthday cake with special candles and all, was quite sweet of them and it was delicious. Also was given passion pop, sparkling wine. We had an interesting night.

The next morning, Niamh and myself got ready to head to St Kilda festival along the beach front, was quite busy but it had a good family atmosphere and was good laugh. There was bands playing everywhere, free stuff been given away, amongst other activities.

During the week, we decided to see some more of the sights, beginning with a guided tour of the parliament of Victoria which included the library, the vestibule, Queen's hall, legislative assembly chamber which had 3 massive Waterford crystal chandeliers and council chamber. The Parliament House took 74 years to babe constructed, starting in 1856 and been completed in 1939. After this tour, we strolled down the street to the old treasury building and got to see a glimpse of melbourne and Victorian transport and political history and see some of the vaults used during the gold rush in the 19th century. Once we finished here, we hopped on to the tram to the Melbourne aquarium. Our entry into this aquarium was covered by our iventure card. Some of the highlights in the aquarium were the penguins, variety of sea horses, sharks, starfish, swordfish, stingray, turtles amongst other exotic fish and jellyfish.
After our journey through this aquatic environment, we hopped on the city tram and transferred then to a different tram and jumped off at domain interchange. Once here, we walked along the park observing the various monuments along the way, including a police memorial, order of Malta, a variety of world war memorials until we arrived to the shrine of remembrance. We strolled around shrines gardens and ever lighting flame.

With both of us working, we try enjoy our days off lol.

Melbourne

Monday 21st, Niamh, myself and the girls in the house, all decided to head to the Australian open for the day. It was a nice hot fun day and one of the highlights had to be seeing Martina Higgins, Martina Navratilova and Lindsay Davenport playing in  a women doubles exhibition match.

Later that evening, we finally got to settle into the house, the craziness that is house 49. It's always nice not to be living out of a suitcase. At least we are settled for the time been. Some of the highlights have been the visit to the Immigration Museum on Flinders st, which has a special exhibit called Leaving Dublin, documenting stories of people leaving Ireland for Australia. Other interesting aspects of the museum were documenting and highlighting, the high and low of immigration, in particular immigrating into Melbourne over the years. The museum was definitely an interesting way to spend an afternoon. Niamh and me decided to purchase the summer offer on the 3 museums within Melbourne for 20 dollars.

After the immigration museum, we walked back towards Flinders station, and across to Federation Square, and Niamh, Helena and myself, decided to explore the square before heading down to the Yarra river to relax for a while. So as we had the voucher, we decided to the Melbourne museum the next day. I meet Niamh at parliament station after her agency meeting. We strolled to the museum and used the voucher to gain entry. The museum had quite interesting displays on dinosaurs, fossils, various plants, animals and insects  and about the history of planet earth and meteorites. However some of the highlights were the exhibits on Victorian history, be it social, industrial or technological. We both agreed that the museum was a pleasant and fun experience and well worth the time and effort. On route back into CBD, we didn't to go to the state library and do some genealogical research which proved positive and helped to answer some questions but possessed others, typical, always the way.
Saturday was Australia day ere, the 26th, which ended up been quite a random day and night involving falling upon a handy vegetarian chain called Lord of the Fries, which was yummy, and later that night, we all crazy fun in the house.

After the bank holiday weekend, and some mixed weather, on Tuesday, we decided to go to the 3rd and final museum on the summer museum voucher, Scienceworks. This museum however was a tad outside of the city, and it accessible by bus or train, i'd recommend train, then a ten minute walk. The museum was like a lot of the other museums around  Australia and are quite interactive. Out at the back of the science museum, was the old pumping station for Melbourne.
Doing another RSA course, was like been back in school with the questions and role playing and exams. At least that over for now, hoorah for that. It was quite fun and an experience trying to run in the rain towards the tram on that thursday evening, it was really pouring down.
Besides the usual daily routines  stuff you gotta do, Friday night definitely wasn't routine, as I helped Niamh minus a slight mishap with directions, to get to her nursing agency night out. I was allowed to stay, and some how I managed to get some free drinks and food. Both Niamh and I agreed the food that was on offer, was superb. It was a fun night and on the plus side, Niamh managed to get talking to other nurses here and other people which is always good.

Sunday February 3rd, here in Melbourne was gay march/pride, there was some cool and fun entertainment in the Catani Gardens near Fitzroy including drag shows, singers, dj and dance acts. We decided to for dinner along St Kilda beach, which was tasty.
Monday morning after both, Niamh and me, had our individual meetings completed, we meet each other at Federation Square and hopped on the city circle tram. This tram is a free hop on hop off tram service which brings you around the city. Something Niamh came across on Thursday evening waiting for me. Once we got to see some of the local city sights, we got off at the Flinders Street tram stop and as we had some free time we went to the ACMI - Australian Center for the Moving Image. This center has the history of moving image, such as TV, movies, and game consoles, was surreal yet interactive and fun. Typically as we were having fun but luckily, Niamh got a call from agency for immediate shift.

   

Sydney, Canberra & Melbourne

As the weather was quite nice on Tuesday, we decided to walk the 3km walk from the hostel to the Cape Byron Lighthouse and the most easterly point of Australia. It took in excess of an hour getting there as we got a tad lost. The views there were something, with the sights of the nearby beaches, local park and the old lighthouse master house. Lucky the journey back into Byron didn't take half as long. We enjoyed out last few hours in Byron, by going swimming, and watching a movie; Jeff lives at home before packing our stuff to catch the midnight bus to Sydney. The bus journey from Byron to Sydney took in excess of 12 hours.

We finally around into Central Station after 12.30pm. We arrived at our hotel, which we got half price on line, well done Niamh. The Y hotel was about 15 mins walk from Central Station. We rested for roughly about an hour, before heading out on the big wide city that is Sydney lol. We walked to Central Station and got the free bus 555 towards Circular Quay. From the Quay, we walked along the towards  the Opera House and had a look around. As the weather was so hot and nice, we walked through the Botanic Gardens. Whilst in the Gardens, we walked to the famous Mrs. Macquarie Point and  Mrs. Macquarie Chair. The views from this point have been some of the best, we actually seen in Sydney.
After a quick bite to eat, we strolled through the CBD to the Darling Harbour, as we were going to Madame Tussauds. Madame Tussuads wax museum,  was such a fun, random and enjoyable experience.

 
After our fun time in the wax museum, we walked the short 10 mins distance to the Westfields building, for the Sky Tower Eye. The ticket included a short 4 D movie promoting aerial views of Sydney. After the movie, we went through metal detector, which we both thought was usual for such an experience. Then got the lift up to the observation deck of the tower. We arrived on the deck such before the sun was setting, and  the views of the city and suburbs were unbelievable and only got better as twilight approached. Before walking the 30 mins back to the hotel, we stopped off in Woolworths for some essential items.

The following morning, we got up early as breakfast as included in the price of the room. Then we walked to Central station, where we got the Multi Day ticket for 22 dollars and the train to Circular Quay. Once there, we went to Wharf 6 and got the ferry to Manly Beach. We spent our Morning and early afternoon, where we strolled the length of the surrounding 3 beaches along the beach front, which was relaxing. From Manly beach, we strolled towards Shelly beach passing Cabbage Tree Bay, which has its own unique marine life. The weather was in the high 30's when we were there. As recommended on Tripadvisor, Niamh got Fish and Chips and had them by the wharf near the walk of the Olympians. After lunch, we walked along little Manly beach which is the home of the Olympians.

  We got the ferry back into Circular Quay, then got the train from here to King Cross Station. We walked around here for a while, of course seeing the famous, Coca Cola sign, the El Alamein War memorial and then walking into Oxford street. On Oxford st, we went into the famous Stonewall Bar, for a quick drink. You can sense the building is full of history.

                            

Friday Morning, after a quick breakfast, we made our way to Central Station, which wasn't fun in 42 degrees at 10 am in the morning. We organised ourselves and caught the 12.30 pm bus to Canberra. We arrived into Canberra just before 5 and made our way to YHA hostel, which was quite central. We decided to discover the local area. We had been warned by someone that you could probably see Canberra in  an hour, we of course thought they were only messing. How wrong were we, in just under 75 mins we saw what Canberra had to offer, Capital Hill, International Flag Display, Captain Cook Memorial and National Buildings. As there wasn't much to do that night, we decided to spend some more time doing ancestry research.

Saturday morning, we made our way towards the Bus transit centre, and caught the 2pm bus towards to Melbourne. We both weren't sorry to see the back of Canberra. The bus journey took just over 8 and half hours, passing through Wagga Wagga, which of course was made famous by Dame Edna Everage.
When we arrived into Melbourne, we got a taxi to Niamh's Friends house in Windsor near St.Kilda. Some how, I found my self been dragged out for a while in Richmond, ended up not being a bad night.
Sunday, we spent recovering before going down to Fitzroy beach for lunch with the girls in the house. After some so so food but amazing wedges, we walked along the pier, where we got to see some kite surfing and a cute penguin. 

Surfers Paradise & Byron Bay

We managed to get a lift to the Roma Street Coach Station, for our 11.30 journey to Surfers Paradise. The Journey took roughly about 75 mins. We then waited for the free YHA shuttle bus to our hostel in Marinars cove on Seaworld Drive. After we got checked in and settled, we caught the bus to Seaworld for the afternoon, as we has our VIP passes. In the park, I went on the 2 rollercoasters, the Sea Viper and Jet Rescue and We both went on the Viking log flume ride. Once the park had closed, we got the monorail from where we were back towards the main entrance. We left the park and got the 750 bus into Surfers Paradise for some evening wanderings. We had dinner near the esplanade and from here we walked along the beach front. We got the bus and decided to chill and relax as we were up early the next morning.

Wednesday morning we were up early and at Seaworld about 9, which was hilarious as the queue for the VIP passes was down into the car park. However once we finally got in, we had such a relaxing, sunny and fun day. We got unlimited free refill drinks for 10 dollars, and we made sure to make use of it through out the day. During the day we got to see Spongebob Square Parade, Jet Ski Extreme Stunts, and meet Spongebob and Patrick. Throughout the day we got to see various animals and shows such as the Buddy and Clawde Sea lion fish detective show, Dolphin Imagine show and Seaworld is the only place in Australia to see Polar bears and 3 species of penguins. It was unusual to see Spongebob in 3D, and it was funny. A new feature of the park was the Dinosaur Island and discovery centre. We didn't manage to get everything done as there so much to see.

Thursday Morning, we decided to go Wet n Wild water park, the VIP pass queue was low here compared to the one at Seaworld. The water park was very busy, and queues for most rides were unbelievably long. For certain rides, the queues were in excess of over an hour plus. Some of the class rides include Aqua loop, Black hole and Tornado. One of the long queue rides was for the Constrictor, we waiting in excess over 90 mins for the ride, lucky enough the ride actually was worth it, unlike waiting 70 mins to go on the River Rapids. Lucky as the park was open until 6, we got to get on most of the water rides. We got a bus to Helensvale Station and got the connecting 715 back to the hostel.

Friday Morning we went on Island adventure Tall Ship cruises, to South Stradbroke Island - Mclarens landing. This was quite a peaceful, chilled out afternoon with live entertainment provided. As we decided to spend 2 extra nights in Surfers, we had to change room on Saturday morning. So while we were waiting for the room, we decided to do Paradise jet boating. Jet boating involved 360 degree spins and we all got quite soaked, was hilarious yet fun. Once we got back to the hostel, we got our new room and showered before getting the free shuttle into surfers where I meet 2 mates from home.
We managed to get a small lie in on Sunday before, deciding to head to Seaworld to spend a few hours to do the stuff we had missed out on before. When we arrived after ten, there was no VIP queue this time. During our time here this time, we went on the skyrail, saw 2 polar bears - orphaned twin brothers playfully fighting in the water, Niamh got her photo with Mrs Puff, and went to Seaworld's new area, Castaway, where we had fun with the Battle Boats, some how I yet again got totally soaked. After relaxing for a while and dinner back in the hostel, we went into surfers paradise and skypoint. The views up in Q1 area of Sky point, are breath taking both times we have been here. We decided to take the long walk back to the bus stop, by strolling along the Esplanade and through the beach front markets. We spent Sunday night watching Sherlock Holmes in the hostel, with free popcorn provided by the hostel.

Monday morning was an early rise, to pack and check out from the hostel and catch the shuttle to the transit centre. Once at the transit centre, we booked the next bus 11.15, for Byron bay. Although the journey itself only takes in theory about 75 mins, as we pass from Queensland into New South Wales, we lose an hour. However as went entered the areas near Byron, we were meet with traffic due to the Downpour so we didn't arrive into our stop until gone 2pm. Lucky for us our hostel was only 2 mins walk from grey hound and woolworths. The afternoon has been spent relaxing as the weather been quite wet and is a day for been indoors.
   

New Year 2013

After some morning relaxation and a few pre-drinks on NYE, we got ready to make the trek towards South Bank for the New Years Celebrations. Once off the bus, we made our way towards one of the many entrances, were all bags were checked on entry. We had dinner at a quaint little Italian. The city had arranged live music through out the day and evening at various spots in South Bank. After a slight mishap with flying a medical helicopter, the 8.30pm show finally got under away at 8.40pm. The Fireworks during this show was nothing compared to what the countdown and show was at midnight. The atmosphere was electric along the river bank with in excess of 65,000 people gathered for the celebrations. When the countdown to midnight and 2013 began, everyone got into the spirit by shouting and cheering together, and suddenly getting to their feet. The show at midnight included a light show which involved the use of surrounding office blocks across the river, an unreal fireworks display which made the previous show seem like just a warm up act and was fantastic.

 Translink, the transport body in South Queensland provided free transport between 9pm till 5.30am including buses, trains and ferries. It was a fun and enjoyable night.

Over our routine coffee on Wednesday in Gloria Jeans, we started discussing and arranged plans for the next few weeks including booking the hostel for our next port of call, Surfers Paradise. It was an earlish start the following morning, to make our way into Culture Quarter to catch the River Cruise Ship, Miramar II, which departed and made it way towards Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary at about 10 am. On route we got a running commentary about historical events and buildings that we passed. We decided to only get a one way cruise ticket, so we could spent more time in the sanctuary.
We arrived at about 11.15, we got a map and schedule and made our way towards our first animal talk of the day, at the main enclosure: Wild Enclosure, Fur & Feathers. From here we went and purchased the photo ticket required for the Koala Hug. It was a surreal feeling holding the female koala.

As we had a few mins to spare before the Birds of Preys show, we checked out some of the adorable koalas, and birds. During the Birds of Preys show, the birds came at times scarily close as they flew over your head.

After this show, we made the sort journey to the Sheep Dog and and Sheep Shearing show. As we watched the Sheep Dog maneuver the sheep, we both immediately thought of the film, Babe. Watching Dan shear the ewe, was an unusual experience, and even more so as you got to touch and feel the sheared sheep after the show. On the way towards the Main Enclosure to see the Snake talk, we got to see various barn animals and reptiles  such as Perentie which is Australian Monitor Lizard, next to this exhibit is the Tails and Scales reptile house. This reptile house has on exhibit, various species of snakes, komodo dragon and turtle nursery. At the Snake talk we got to see the python, that wasn't in the reptile house.

As we had free time till the next talk, we decided to go explore more of the sanctuary, along the way we got to see, Crocodiles, Kangaroos, Wombats, Dingos and various species of Birds. Some of the prettiest birds included princess parrot, lorikeet, and kookaburra. During the platypus feeding, we learnt, that this one was a male, and was one of the first successfully bred in captivity in Victoria. The male platypus has a large spur located on his hind legs connected to venom gland and that platypus lives mainly along the east coast near Tasmania. From here, we went the short distance to the Tasmanian devil exhibit for our last presentation of the day. During the presentation we got to see the devils been feed, which was unique as these carnivorous marsupials devour everything including the bone. When they bite down on the bone, you actually hear a bone crushing noise.

On the way out, we went to the cafe, to collect our koala photo and then made our way towards the bus. It was an unique experience and well worth the visit, resulting in a fun filled day.  

We decided to spend our last Sunday in Brisbane by going to various different Theme Parks, so we got the 9.04 am Gold Coast train from South Bank To Coomera, where we got the connecting bus to Dreamworld. It was my goal to get on the remaining thrill rides I had so far missed and Niamh's to finally get to meet Po in land of awesomeness. As we had World Pass we were able to skip the queue and go straight in. First ride we got on was the Thunder River Rapid Ride, where poor Niamh got soaked. From here I braved the fears and went on Buzzsaw followed by the Giant Drop, both were scary and nerve-wrecking but yet exciting. We  finally got to meet Po at about 11.30 in the courtyard, third time lucky. We went into the tiger lair and was able to see 2 tigers above our heads, was an unique sight.

After a while, we entered White Water World through the World Pass area, We got comfy and I finally got to go on the Wedgie Ride, which was different but awesome. I didn't get to go on a few of the previous rides I had been on and we had fun also in the Cave of waves,before deciding to get dressed and catch a bus to Movie World to go on some rides and finally get to see the All Star Movie World Street Parade, as it wasn't on the last time we were there, due to White Christmas. We both got to go on our favourite rides too before we got to leave. Scooby Doo Disco Pop Video was on 2.40 pm which was like a live action mini detective episode, was unusual but neat. About 3.30pm, the Parade began led by Bugs Bunny himself which was full of Looney Tunes Characters and Action Figures, and had elements of dancing and meeting the public which was all fun and energetic.

After the Parade, we managed to get on the Scooby Doo Spooky Coaster before the crowds filled up again. Lucky for both of us, we managed to get onto Justice League 3D ride and for me the Superman Escape before closing time at 5. I just got into the queue at 4.55 before the ride closed. All in all, was a tired but fun filled day.
Monday, we managed to book our greyhound bus tickets and get the packing underway .