En-route to the Dandenong Ranges - Avatar much?
When we got off the bus, we were greeted by the tour guide with yet another smile, some Aussie billy tea, lamingtons, and some vegemite.
Honestly, vegemite is something I doubt I would ever want to taste again (unless I get paid about fifty bucks for it, which actually isn't too bad since I ate raw chicken heart, or prawn bait, for a mere two bucks. Okay, I think I'd eat vegemite for two bucks..).
For those who's got no clue, vegemite is this dark brown paste made out of yeast and is an extremely popular Australian breakfast ingredient. It's usually used as a spread on bread or crackers from what I remember. You should try it anyway, since I did, and you might like it anyway!
The one and only - VEGEMITE
But moving away from the topic, we were also handed some bird food in the morning to feed to some crimson rosellas, cockatoos and kookaburras. This is defo a treat for bird lovers, or even animal lovers! Had a great time hand feeding wild birds until a bunch of Korean kindergarten kids came running into the fields, leaving virtually no birds on-site.
Handfeeding cockatoos before the Korean kiddos arrived :X
Anyway, being just a stopover of our original destination, we left after about 45 minutes and headed for the Puff Billy train. The views en-route were extraordinary, nothing you would see in Singapore - random villages amidst mountain ranges, wide fields and hills (think Lord of The Rings, though it was shot in New Zealand, but it's definitely comparable), and billabongs (yes, I learnt that this word isn't a made up word. It's actually a tiny pond/reservoir usually available as water for sheep or cow herds).
LOTR
After about another 45 minutes on the bus, we finally arrived at the Puffing Billy Steam Train Station. Felt almost like the train came out of a Hollywood set..! A great way to ride the train is to stick your legs out the window of the steam train. We thought our tour guide was kidding but almost 3/4 of the entire train started doing the same after seeing our carriage and another do it. The train ride was really refreshing, though the views weren't as spectacular as I expected. Nevertheless, at least now I can boast about being on one!
Puffing Billy Facts:The steam train stoped running in 1953 when a landslide blocked the service.. it was later reopened by the Puffing Billy Preservation Society - Historians FTW!
After the train ride, we headed straight for Yarra Valley, which is a region famous for its wines - Chardonnay, Shiraz, Merlot.. you name it. The Fergusson "Fay" Rose Shiraz 2008 is a must try! Don't know much about wine, but that was definitely the sweetest and rosiest one I've tasted!
Yarra Valley Vineyard
The Fergusson "Fay" Rose 2008 Shiraz!
Where your red wine comes from :)
No Jess, they're not edible
Roast lunch at Yarra Valley.. Baked potato + Mayo wasabi + sour cream = ACE
Headed for the Healsville Sanctuary after, the wildlife park was quite alright, but because we were behind schedule, we didn't have much time to explore the place. Managed to catch the bird show though, which was pretty awesome!
Can't remember what owl it was, defo not a barn owl though.. nor a "Hedwig" owl :p
Jess being part of the bird show
We also saw some platypus.. Having studied in Singapore, it kinda brings back memories of primary school days where we learnt about mammals and how mammals only give birth, accept for the platypus (and spinyanteater) for science! Amazing to remember.
Couldn't get a decent photo of the platypus since flash photography is prohibited, but koalas suffice eh :)
We arrived back in Melbourne at about 6pm, which allowed us for some time to do some last minute sightseeing (more alleys!) and some dinner. Flight tomorrow morning, shall turn in now!
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