As I wrap up my notes on this awesome trip down under, I remind my readers that I write usually very brief messages so this will be my last lengthy blog at least for awhile. This draft was being written as we flew back home. The flight to Dallas is about 16 hours so why not write of our adventures?
We landed back in Sydney for our third and final week in Australia and was taken to the cruise ship. Seeing Sydney Harbor from the ship as the sunset was fabulous.
Our first night at sea was a bit rough but not too bad and was smooth sailing for the rest of our cruise. No need to promote life on a cruise liner while onboard as most readers are experienced. If not, book one to enjoy your own experience.
Our first port was in Melbourne. There is so much to see from views at the Eureka Skydeck to rides on vintage train to view wildlife. We chose the City tour and River Boat excursion for our trip. Prior to the excursion we had a wonderful walk along Port Phillip Bay or earlier in 1839 known as Sandridge, Port Melbourne. The walk along the Bay is wonderful but I suppose weather dependent since the Tasman Sea and Bass Straight join forces to make the sea a huge turbulance sometimes. Lucky for us, not this time.
Our city tour included a stop at the Shrine of Remembrance where at 11 each day a brief memorial service is held when a light travels across the words “Greater Love Hath No Man” to remember fallen soulders. Poppies fill a rembrance area lest we forget. From there we toured a botanical garden and Cook’s Cottage before our river boat ride on the Yarra River via the Southgate Lower Promenade.
We were back on the ship that evening to sail away to Hobart, Tasmania.
Another day at sea through the Bass Straits along Tasmania to port at Hobart. What sad history this port has as the place where prisoners were first brought. What makes it sad is that most of the crimes were petty in our understaning but yielded 5, 7, 14 year up to life sentences. Hard to imagine how a civilized country can be so uncivilized to its own people. Richmond Gaol “jail” is Australia’s oldest existing and best perserved colonial gaol built in 1825. We did not get a chance to tour that one as opted to tour the Female Factory. The buildings are mostly gone but the outline exists and between 1788 to 1853 some 25,000 women were imprisoned behind its walls. Many women arrived with infants and children of all ages. The infants stayed with the moms but others were farmed out as slaves. Many of the infants died as did the mothers. Those that survived the harsh conditions were often sent out as maids only to return if mis-obeyed or became sick or pregnant again. Wonder how they mis-obeyed?
On a brighter note, we did tour Australia’s oldest brewery called Cascade Brewery. It started out as a saw mill in 1824 but the owner was a bit too loose with client’s money so was also sent to gaol. He was not defeated as he dreamed up a better use than a saw mill while in prison. Made good use of his confinement!
We left Hobart for open seas to Wollongong. Spending another day at sea, we arrived in Wollongong next day with news media, boats, seadoos, helicopters and planes all greeting at the dock. We made history as first cruisliner to dock there ever. The town came out all to meet us and welcome us to there city. Just so happened that a Harley Thunder Roll event also in town. There were 1600 rolling through the town. What a site! Since we had seen Wollongong from our hill top views already driving with friends last time in Sydney, we decided to stay in the center and shop. The shops were awsome so made our day in the town a wonderful relaxing experience.
We sailed away from Wollongong for Sydney that evening. If you look at the map, you will discover there is not much distance to travel. When on a cruise, who cares. Right?
Our last day in Sydney was one last trip to Circle Quay to see the Opra House, Bridge and awesome harbor one more time. Fond memories now replace our journey for many years to come.
Nice to be back home to get ready for election day. O no. Is it too early to book another adventure?
T