Major highway between Sydney and Melbourne was closed most
of the time due to bush fires. But we managed to go through on one day it was
open. Road was pretty empty. We could see torched areas and on one section we
could smell the smoke as well. Talking of bush-fires apparently we made it in
the worst heat wave in the last 40 years. And this is after typhoon in Palau
after 50 years. What is next? Volcano eruption in New Zealand?
Anyway, back to vino. We passed through Rutherglen and
Milawa. First one famous for bold reds and fortified vines, second dubbed as a
gourmet region. Reds were actually pretty good. We tried a new grape – Durif
and liked it. Not loved it, but liked it. Fortifieds were nice. They even call
them port here, which is probably not very legal. Interesting, Australians not
sticking to rules? Milawa had some nice cheeses and local vines, but not sure
if we see it as a gourmet place. So, we figured we should cut this short and
make a detour to only high mountains in Australia to see the only ski Area on
the continent. Guy from the guidebook who said these were Australian Alps
hasn’t obviously ever seen the real thing. No magnificent vistas at all. So, we
turned back to another vine region known for best bubblies. Needless to say Nives’
mood had lifted instantaneously. So, Yarra valley. Nice scenery, decent
bubblies. Similar to Slovenian or Italian ones. No comparison with real stuff
thou for Nives – still swears by proper champagne. And again, we noticed that
winemakers here call their sparkly wine champagne if it is made with
traditional method. French are probably preparing protests as we write.
Best gem of the area was the chocolate factory on route to
Melbourne. Absolute best chocolate ice-cream ever. Yum!
Melbourne. Felt a lot like home. Bit warmer than Dublin (not
by much thou) and with brutal sun (that you had to avoid at all cost), but similarities
were there. Relatively low, mainly green suburbs to live in and friendlier
people (not comparing to Irish! Just on Australian level). And with great
coffee culture. What we liked was the mix: European, Middle-eastern, Asian… all
together. Neither as good as the real deal in our opinion, but all together was
a treat. What we missed was any Australian native scenery. Aboriginal museum
was closed for weekend (while we were there). It is almost as time began with
English in every-day Australia and we feel this is wrong. Reminded us a lot of
America that way.
So, we strolled the streets and enjoyed the buzz. Even went
for a market and cooked a proper feast: oysters, barramundi, Tasmanian salmon,
beef, spring lamb and kangaroo. With copious quantities of wine – we had to
clear the cellar before heading into best wine region in Australia – Barossa
valley. Meal to remember…
As luck would have it we happened to be in Melbourne during
Australian Open. Obviously, this is due to meticulous planning (roysh) and not
a chance. Anyway, we saw few matches and really enjoyed the experience.
And it was time to leave. For a scenic drive this time. Yes,
we are talking about Great Ocean drive and 12 Apostles. Beautiful postcard
scenery – eroded cliffs between the sand beaches and blue ocean. Huge waves (probably
the biggest we have ever seen) were softly rolling on the horizon, until they
broke on the coast with mighty thunder. If only there were no be aware of
snakes signs (to put it mildly Nives was freaked out) and flies that were a
nuisance on a new level.
And right after the drive we went to the Tower Hill Wildlife
Reserve as well. Goal was to see koalas in their natural habitat. Nives was on
the mission. Dejan was on a verge of desperation (Caroline, Ewart – remember
Kruger?). But believe it or not, we saw them. Yes, that would be correct –
them. Not one but two! Downright cute. They were sleeping (apparently this is
the most time consuming activity in a life of your average koala) huddled between
the branches on eucalyptus trees. We also saw ostriches – loads, even young
chicks. No pictures taken thou. Seemed not really Australian thing. Until we
got back to the car and read that these birds were no ostriches, but emus,
native Australian birds. Felt very proud of ourselves, indeed we did. Duh!
Armed with good luck we pressed on – goal was Adelaide and then Barossa. And to
our astonishment we saw loads of kangaroos next to the road close to sunset
times. What a beautiful creatures. There was even a small pup hiding in his
mum’s pouch. So sweet! What a day…
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