Day 3 - Reef trip

Woke up at 0700, bit tired, got ready and left for the boat, stopping for a coffee on the way. Got on board with plenty of time to spare, got a good seat by the window and scowled at the people who were late.

The weather was decent, warm but a bit cloudy, hopefully it would be nice out on the reef.

The boat took about an hour and a half to get to the reef spot, a pontoon moored on the reef where they had an area sectioned off for snorkeling, a glass bottomed boat and a semi-submersible that hopefully wouldn't implode. The water was a bit choppy to start, then we cleared the land that was acting as a shelter and it got very choppy.

They brought out some pastries but Song was starting to feel a bit unwell so I had mine and hers, and went up for a third when they left the tray on the counter.

For most of the trip Song was very ill, as was about half the boat. The crew were obviously used to this because as soon as the boat started pitching about they were all standing ready with sick bags and tissues (and cups of ice which supposedly helped), rushing to hand them out and collecting the full ones. I bet they didn't think this was part of a marine biologist's or tour guide's job. I have to say they were fantastic - a lot of people were throwing up and they were very attentive and efficient. 

Luckily I was fine - I don't suffer from travel sickness and can't remember ever being sick on a boat or plane. I felt very sorry for Song, she was really bad. I thought that we also had the same trip back but thought it best not to bring it up (so to speak). Luckily Song hadn't eaten anything so there wasn't anything for her to recycle, but others on the boat for some reason thought it would be a good idea to have the big breakfast that morning.

The crew were kept busy running back and forth carrying empty bags to the passengers and taking full ones outside somewhere (I didn't want to know).

We eventually arrived at the pontoon which was about the size of the boat and a half with a kitchen, changing rooms, showers and a platform to enter the water. 

I was given a very unflattering wet suit which was too small so I asked the girl if she had it in fat size and was given one that was slightly bigger that I managed to squeeze into. Looking around, there were people of all shapes and sizes so I didn't feel too bad. Song had found a spot outside on the pontoon which was very windy but she said it was the best place she could find where she didn't feel sick. I was very disappointed for her, she was really having a bad day. We've been on boats quite a few times and although she hasn't felt the best, it had never been this bad; last year we took a ferry to Rottnest Island in WA and also a speedboat trip to Bruny Island in Tasmania and she wasn't great, but wasn't sick.

I grabbed a mask, snorkel and fins and shuffled into the water - pleasantly surprised at how warm it was. There was a bit of a chill when first getting in, but after a few seconds it was fine. The wet suit was bouyant, and the swell was a bit choppy and it was easy just to float on the surface and let the wind and waves do all the work. 

There was plenty to see, although the coral wasn't too brightly coloured, there were bits that were orange and bright blue, but for the most part it was a brown and green colour. The fish were a different matter - brightly coloured parrot fish, some yellow fish, green ones and a couple of tiny bright blue ones. Obviously I didn't know any of the names except the parrot fish which were easy to identify.

Drifted around for a while, loads of people in the water and got kicked occasionally by some idiot who had no idea what they were doing, acting as if they were the only people out there.

Went back to the boat after a while and the glass-bottomed boat was leaving so I hopped on that - the water was very choppy so Song couldn't do that either. It was a bit boring, designed for non-swimmers; it went out and about and you could see the coral and some fish, but it was better snorkeling. The weather was too bad for the submersible but Song wouldn't have been able to go on that either.

Got back to the boat and lunch was being served, Song couldn't face it but I had a plateful - potato salad, coleslaw, ham and pasta. They had other stuff, not a bad selection.

I sat with Song for a while, she was still bad, then went into the water again. Saw a giant clam, more coral and fish, including some big ones, and then they started to throw feed off the boat so went and watched that from in the water, loads of large fish eating what was being thrown. 

I was in and out a few times, then spotted the Underwater Observatory so thought that's something Song might be able to do - it was pretty stable and had windows onto the reef. Luckily she was OK there so at least managed to see some fish and the coral. While she was there I went back into the water and swam around and she managed to take pictures of me, and I could see her through the window. I dived down a couple of times so she could get pictures, and a woman next to her was waving to me and telling me to dive down again - I felt like a performing seal.

I got out and went to see Song, and the woman apparently thought I was her husband.

Went in again and didn't see anything new so got out for the last time and took off the wet suit with the help of Song. Got dry and sat down, then we were heading back. This time Song had taken a couple of anti-seasick pills the boat had (basically just ginger) and said she didn't feel as bad. She even managed to eat some cheese and crackers that were handed out. The crew gave a couple of presentations; one was a didgeridoo demonstration and another was about the Crown of Thorns starfish, which was interesting.

Arrived back at port, Song managed to keep everything down but couldn't face going back to the restaurant from last night that we'd booked so I cancelled it. I felt really bad that Song felt so ill and didn't get to see much, but we didn't realise she would have such a bad reaction. No cruises for us, we'll have to stick to flights.

Got back to the hotel, had a shower and checked on the cat, then Song was feeling up to eating so just went to a Vietnamese place round the corner. Had to queue for a few minutes, we shared some spring rolls and rice paper rolls, I had vermicelli with beef and Song had Pho. It was OK, not great. Went for a quick walk, I thought about an ice cream but was full so we just went back to the hotel and watched some TV. 

Need to be up at 07:45 tomorrow to get the train up to the rain forest. Hopefully we won't need the sick bags on the train.

Day 2 - Pottering around Cairns

Woke up around 09:00, got ready and went out at about 10:30, into warmth and sunshine. 

Because we came from cold, grey, rainy days the impact of the nice weather was heightened - no gradual change which meant it felt so comfortable and pleasant to be in the warm and sun outside.

Walked around to get a coffee, not many people about, and stumbled across the man made lagoon on the sea front where there were some people swimming and generally lazing around.

Picked up a coffee, most of the cafes were busy with people having brunch and coffee, and then walked through the town to the main shopping centre to get some lunch, fancied some sushi.

It was quite hot in the sun, so kept to the shade.

Grabbed some sushi, then went to check out the train station because we need to be there on Wednesday for our rain forest trip. It's only about 10 minutes from the hotel, Song has booked us into a place that is in the centre of everything. Did a bit of shopping in Woolworths, just fruit and water for the reef trip tomorrow.

Walked back to the hotel, I was hoping to find an ice cream place but we didn't pass any so just went back to the room to chill, literally, putting on the AC.

I watched the rest of World War Z, had a cup of tea, really relaxing to just sit in the room because we're going to be going to the reef tomorrow, rain forest Wednesday then back home Thursday afternoon.

Song checked out a couple of seafood restaurants and we decided to book because there are a lot of people here and it's probably risky to just turn up at these places. There are plenty of restaurants but only 3 or 4 that are decent seafood places so they'd get full quickly.

I decided to head out to get another coffee and would probably accidentally find an ice cream place.

Most of the coffee places were shut, but luckily found an ice cream shop so sat down and had one.

Walked along the seafront and the tide had gone out, for miles. It was mud flats so there wasn't anyone on it. The lagoon had a lot more people around it now.

Wandered along to a different Woolworths to get some milk for the coffee machine and then headed back to the hotel.

Watched some tv then went out for an early dinner because everything after 17:15 was booked. The restaurant was only 5 minutes away and we also found the place we need to be to get the boat to the reef tomorrow.

I ordered the Barramundi and Song had the seafood tower, a selection of stuff. I also had a beer.

The barramundi was on a roast sweet potato and had a little garnish but wasn’t much and wasn’t very hot. Luckily Song’s tower had too much for one person so I helped with the calamari and chips.

Song said hers was very good. A woman sitting behind us was dining alone and ordered Yabbies, ate them all and then complained to the waitress that they weren’t very nice so didn’t want to pay. The manager came over and said nope, so the woman said she’d give a bad review. Based on the fact that the place was packed I don’t think they were too worried. I’m of the opinion that if you’re not happy with your food you can usually tell after a couple of mouthfuls and are within your right to send it back, but to eat most of it and then complain is just trying it on.

I was going to order a dessert but was too full, but Song was so impressed we booked it again for tomorrow.

Walked back to the hotel, the area was buzzing with loads of restaurants and bars all busy. 

I think Cairns has got the tourism thing well-balanced. There are nice restaurants for the up market crowd, but also plenty of bars and pubs for the youngsters to enjoy. It was a really pleasant vibe.

Got back to the hotel and checked on the cat, watched some TV then to bed - got to be up early for the reef trip tomorrow.

Day 1 - Off to Sunny Cairns

We’re heading off to Queensland for a short trip to visit the reef and the rain forest and to get away from the Melbourne winter.

Flight is at 14:55 so don’t have to get up early, but we still left a bit later than I planned. 

Still made it to the airport with plenty of time, through security and grabbed a coffee before heading to the gate which was the furthest from the main bit so hoped they wouldn’t change it at the last minute.

When we tried to go to Western Australia during the pandemic they weighed our bags and because we were overweight had to pay $60. We were on the plane when I got a news alert that WA were closing the borders and we’d be turned away when we got there so decided to get off the plane. And we never got our $60 back.

This time the queue was long so they didn’t bother to weigh our bags but I think we were under weight having learnt our lesson.

Got on the plane only to find that the seats I’d paid extra for were not the ones we were allocated – I’d deliberately booked 2 aisle seats but they changed the plane to a smaller one and now we had 2 together and I was sat in the middle; something I wanted to avoid. I hate Jetstar. We were also right at the back next to the toilets so had the pleasure of lots of people walking past with their kids and the sound of flushing every 5 minutes.

The plane filled up and there were loads of toddlers, which was annoying because it wasn’t long before they all started crying.

We were about at takeoff time when the pilot came on and said there was a technical problem and the engineer had to have a look. Oh, and it was change over time so there would be a delay. Oh, and then they would have to do paperwork so that would take a while. I hate Jetstar.

Left about 45 minutes later, I watched a movie (Wanted) and started another (World War Z) and then we were on our way down to land.

We were right at the back so were ready to make a quick getaway out of the rear door where we got on, then the announcement came that only the front door would be used, so we ended up being the second last off. I really hate Jetstar.

The warm air hit us as we exited the plane, the ground was wet but wasn’t raining at the moment. Since we always only travel with hand luggage we skipped the baggage collection and went straight to the taxi queue which was about 20 deep. It was moving reasonably fast as taxis came along, but it wasn’t long before the queue had over 100 people in it. Only took about 10 minutes, then we were heading into town and the rain came hammering down. And then stopped. And then started again. And then stopped.

It kept doing this all evening. Got to the hotel and were told we had been given a wheelchair accessible room which just meant the bathroom was bigger – we had been given one before in Minsk and I remembered the shower head was about shoulder height and we had to ask to be moved, but the receptionist said this one was normal height.

Room was nice, spacious and clean, free tea and coffee (love a freebie), but a packet of biscuits was $16 so didn’t think we’d bother with anything out of the mini bar.

There was a nice big TV but it was mounted on the wall to the side of the bed, which made lying in bed to watch it uncomfortable. I tried moving it to see if it was on a pivot but didn’t seem like it and I didn’t want to accidentally rip it off the wall. I’d brought along a cable so that I could attach my laptop to the TV but all the ports were flush against the wall so bang went that idea.

Anyway, dumped the gear and went out for dinner, it was now nearly 20:00 and looking at Google a lot of the restaurants shut at 21:00. Walked to a seafood place that Google said was good, then realised I’d gone the wrong way so turned around. It was only a couple of minutes from the hotel but managed to rain and stop a couple of times (I’d actually remembered to take the umbrella).

Song had bugs (think mini-lobsters) in garlic butter with a spinach and mashed potato veggie thing, I had salt and pepper calamari with a pine-nut, roasted capsicum and rocket salad. Both were good. We also had a baguette and dips to share to start, and I had a beer.

The couple next to us had confit of duck and a steak, which I thought was a bit weird – going to a seafood restaurant and not ordering seafood.

Wandered around for a little bit, the area was busy, obviously lots of people escaping the cold weather down south.

Watched a bit of TV on the laptop, checked on the cat using the webcams at home – we also bought an internet connected treat dispenser so we could feed the cat from anywhere in the world and watch her eat (is that sad? I don’t think it’s sad).

Bed was comfy so didn’t take long to fall asleep, although each power socket had an annoying blue LED light which was quite bright.

Lazy day tomorrow, nothing booked, we’re just going to wander around and relax.

Day 5 - Launceston to St Helens to Hobart

Slept really well, then up and out by 08:30 to visit the Bay of Fires in Eastern Tasmania.
Road was good, hit a couple of road works but didn’t slow us down much. Saw lots of nice valleys and hills, the weather was overcast but not too bad.
We saw a couple of signs advising that “St Mary’s Pass is open” - as we continued we encountered a very steep and twisty road with high cliff faces and netting. I guessed there had been a rock fall that blocked the road; if it had still been blocked we would have had to go back.
Made it in good time and decided to eat in St Helen’s before heading up the coast to try and find the fiery thing.
There wasn’t much choice but found a bakery and had some sandwiches and a ham roll.
Followed the gps and after 10 minutes saw lots of signs saying “Bay of Fires Conservation Area” so turned down a dirt track to the beach.
Disembarked, headed to the beach and saw tons of rocks with red lichen, giving the appearance of flames - hence Bay of Fires. Very impressive.
Lots of photos were taken, and we were able to climb onto the rocks and see more along the coast.
It was still overcast but ok.
After several hundred photos were taken, headed back to Hobart, this time taking the coast road. After a while the sun came out and as we drove encountered stunning bays and beaches as well as valleys. Incredible scenery.
Stopped off for a leg stretch and toilet stop and carried on to Hobart, arrived at the predicted time and checked into the rooms - the same block as before but a different company. Drove about 750km in 2 days.
The car was a bit grubby from the dirt roads so we took it to a car wash to avoid a cleaning charge and filled up with petrol.
Parked the car near the rental place and looked for somewhere to eat, but after wandering around for a bit decided to phone a seafood restaurant and managed to get a table.
I had seafood pie, Song had octopus and chips and Victoria had seafood linguine.
All were excellent, a lot better than the other place we went to.
Back to the room and crashed, fly out at 13:30 tomorrow.

Day 4 - Hobart to Launceston

Slept well, worn out after yesterday, had a quick breakfast then walked 15 minutes to get the car. Made sure it didn’t have any damage and drove back to the apartment to pick Song and Victoria up.
Headed out of Hobart, traffic not bad. Zipped along until we hit some roadworks so down to single lane and speed of 60 kmh.
Very annoying, it went on for about 20km. We’d decided to stop at a small town to stretch our legs and turned off just as the roadworks ended.
Wandered around, saw an antiques shop so went over but they were shut. Probably for the best because the shop was filthy - there was a bird’s nest in the window and lots of twigs and poo on some of the items, plus loads of cobwebs and dust.
Carried on in the car, weather still great, and turned off to go via some lakes since Launceston was only a couple of hours away so thought we’d go the long way around and see some scenery.
After a few metres we hit a gravel road - dang - there was something on the rental agreement about it, so I checked and it didn’t say not to go on them but there was a charge if I had an accident.
It was 20km so decided to chance it.
It actually wasn’t too bad, and passed a few other cars - we had a Nissan X-Trail SUV which I’d deliberately chosen just in case. I’d also pre loaded the Google map of Tasmania, again just in case.
Bounced along for a while through dry trees and rocks on either side of the road, then came across the lakes - a bit disappointing. Carried on down the dirt road and then realised I might be going the wrong way so checked the map, luckily had just turned off so turned around and headed off down another dirt track for another 25KM.
The landscape was still mostly dead trees and rocks, not very interesting and Song and Victoria went to sleep.
Trying to take the scenic route was a bit of a let down.
Finally arrived back onto tarmac and drove a bit until we hit Miena, a small town but there was a pub which served food so I had a warm chicken salad, Song had salmon salad and Victoria had a fisherman’s basket (fried seafood and chips).
Back on the road, and we saw the Great Lake to our left, and kept seeing it as we drove alongside. Started to climb, and were soon driving along winding roads amongst the trees, catching glimpses of the lake every so often. As we reached the top, there was a sign for a lookout, so stopped.
Amazing. An incredible view across the lake, and with the weather perfect we could see for miles. Stayed and took photos, then back in the car and started to head downhill. Lots of valleys and mountains, and we could see Cradle Mountain in the distance.
Stopped off at Deloraine for a stretch and loo stop, then just 30 minutes to Launceston, we arrived around 16:30. Song and Victoria slept about half the trip from Hobart.
The accommodation in Launceston was a bit ropey - a motel on a main road, and the room smelt of curry. A rare stumble by Song. But it was clean and had a good view of the city and river.
Decided we needed to walk since we had been in the car all day, Song remembered a nice spot when she visited 10 years before, the Cataract Gorge so drove 10 minutes to that. It was pretty spectacular- a river that had a couple of small waterfalls and ran through a gorge into a basin before flowing out again, and there was also a suspension bridge that you could walk across over one of the waterfalls, which we did.
Walked around a bit and came across a couple of peacocks and a wallaby just sitting under a bush.
Googled for somewhere to eat, a lot of places were shut because it was Monday, but one of the top rated places was open so thought we’d see if we could get in, and we did.
I had a Thai Beef Salad, Song had Salt and Pepper Calamari and Victoria sea food pasta. All were good.
Drove back to the curry-scented room and I watched the World Cup final, I’d managed to avoid the result all day because we’d been in the car (Argentina won against France on penalties).
Watched a bit of TV, then bed.
Tomorrow we are going to Bay of Fires, the main reason we came to Launceston, then back to Hobart, a lot of driving for me and sleeping for Song and Victoria.

Day 3 - Bruny Island

Slept well, but had to get up at 06:30 to get ready for a trip to Bruny Island.
Song had booked the apartment which was only 5 minutes away from the trip start, so a quick couple of slices of toast and then down to the bus.
Drove for about an hour, the weather was nice and clear but a bit cold, saw some nice views of bays and then arrived at the ferry, which was basically a flat deck, but apparently this was the backup ferry, there are others with 2 decks.
Ferry took about 10 minutes across a small channel of water, got off the coach for a couple of minutes to stretch our legs, then drove for about an hour to a stop where there is a thin spit of land between the water, called the Neck. Climbed 233 steps and had a fantastic view across 4 bays, the sun was out and it was clear so could see for miles.
Back on the bus, passing several beautiful beaches and bays; a lot of Tasmanians have holiday homes here. They ranged from nice stone houses with manicured lawns to 1980s caravans on a patch of mud. As we drove along the driver stopped and pointed out a white cat on someone’s lawn. Not really interesting, but it turned out to be a white wallaby, quite rare (about 40 are thought to be on the island). Arrived at the tour company building which had a restaurant and had a free muffin and cup of tea. Song realised she’d left her water bottle back outside the tour office, so had to buy a bottle of water on the way.
The main part of the trip was a boat jaunt along the coast, and three smallish boats (seated about 30) were waiting for us by the dock. We were told it would be cold, and some spray, so we were all given bright red waterproof jackets that almost touched the ground.
We were told that the swell was around 1.5 - 1.8 meters, which was small; sometimes they go out in swells of up to 4m.
We headed out of the bay, bouncing around a bit, then left the bay and into the Southern Ocean - and it felt as if we were standing in front of an industrial sized fan blowing freezing air in our faces.
The waves looked pretty big to me, but the boat was pretty stable except for the odd drop now and then, which elicited lots of “oooh’s” from the passengers. After a while a few people, including Victoria, weren’t feeling too well and went to the back of the boat which was supposedly more stable.
The weather was perfect, clear skies and sunny, but cold. Speeding along in the boat made it even colder, but I had a t shirt, jumper, down coat and bright red windproof jacket on and the only really cold thing was my face.
We kept close to the coast and stopped at various places - sea caves, cliff faces, blow holes etc where we could stand up and take pictures. We then headed over to some small islands where there was a colony of male Fur Seals - the females were at a different place further south. We got quite close, and some seals were swimming just near the boat. As we drifted along the rocks, we suddenly caught the smell of them - basically a public toilet.  
Since the weather was so good, the driver took us a bit further down, giving us great views of the cliffs and landscape. The rock is called Jurassic Dolerite, about 180 million years old. We were in the national park, and there is basically nothing here but nature - no walking tracks etc. There were also no trees, nothing can grow there.
We then headed back to the restaurant, pushed away from the coast and headed out to sea and got some great views of the island. The swell was about the same, but it got colder, if that was possible. The trip back took about 30 minutes and was pretty uncomfortable - not the motion, but the cold wind.
Finally turned into the bay and slowed down and started to warm up. Our boat was last so we sat on the water for a few minutes as the other boats unloaded, and watching all the people walk in a line up the dock in their red coats made them look like a cult, or a scene from The Handmaid’s Tale.
Headed up to the restaurant, now we were on land and out of the wind we warmed up even though it was probably only around 14C it felt a lot warmed. Removed the red coats and sat down for lunch (fish and chips for me, Pumpkin soup and salmon role for Song and Victoria).
Back on the bus then an uneventful drive back to the tour office in Hobart, had a bit of a snooze.
The tour office was still open so I said I’d go and ask if Song’s water bottle had been handed in, when Victoria saw it still in the place where it was left, it had been sat there all day.
Went back to the apartment to relax, then over the road to the restaurant we’d booked back in October, one of the better seafood places.
It was quite nice inside, with a view of the marina, but the food wasn’t great. I had fish and chips (again), Song and Victoria shared some oysters (I tried one, still don’t see the attraction), then Victoria had salmon and Song had seafood laksa. I also had a beer, a Cascade Stout.
My fish and chips was average, same as any you’d get in a pub. Song couldn’t eat her laksa it was so salty. Victoria said her salmon was nice but she might just have been being polite.
Left the restaurant and went for a walk to Battery Point, then back to the apartment, tried to stop for an ice cream (for Victoria, not me) but they had just shut.
Felling pretty exhausted, went to bed early.
Hiring a car tomorrow and driving to Launceston.

Day 2 - Broadmeadows to Hobart

 Didn’t sleep well, a combination of the unfamiliar bed and anxiety over the potential of yet another flight cancellation.
We had an alarm call set for 04:00 but I set my phone alarm for 03:55 just in case.
Woke up, shower, out into the cold and dark and hopped onto the shuttle bus. Checked in, told them the woman yesterday said we would be given breakfast vouchers (she didn’t, but I wanted to see if I could score some more). Got another 2 $8 vouchers, Take that, Jetstar.
Through security, 2 bacon and egg McMuffins later, watching the departures board like a hawk just in case it was cancelled again, but finally got the boarding gate.
Very short flight, they said it was full but there was a row of empty seats behind us so I hopped into that and tried to sleep but didn’t manage it. Stepped off the plane into a cold, drizzly grey morning, 10C - apparently Melbourne was going to be 22C and sunny.
Through to the baggage pick up (we only have hand luggage), and met up with our travelling companion, the friend of the daughter of a friend of Song’s (got that?) who is studying medicine in Sydney who we know very well, she used to live in Melbourne. Her name is Victoria.
Got a taxi to the apartment where we are staying, opened the door and wow. Song booked an amazing place. Just next to the wharf, a 2-bed, 2-bath apartment with a huge lounge and dining room with a laundry.
Made a cup of tea and then headed out to the Salamanca Market, and JB Hi Fi because I forgot to pack a connector to download my TV shows to my Mac.
Weather was cold and overcast, down coats were needed. The market was about a 10 minute walk away, and on the way we saw a cruise ship docked, the SS Covid Incubator (actually the Queen Elizabeth).
The market was packed, obviously people off the ship as well as other tourists like us.
I asked one couple if they were off the boat, they said yes so I asked where they were from - “Melbourne”. Oh. I asked where they were going after Tasmania. “Melbourne”. Adventurous travellers.
I followed Song and Victoria through the crowd, occasionally stopping to present my backpack for them to load up their purchases. By the end of the market I felt like a pack mule.
Went back to the room to dump the stuff, picked up a lobster, some scallops and prawns for dinner on the way and then googled for somewhere to eat lunch, couldn’t really find anywhere that looked decent so Song suggested a sausage from the market, which we did.
We’d earlier booked a trip to Richmond, an old town that just about everyone visits, so after lunch jumped on the bus.
Took about 20 minutes to Richmond, the bus driver telling bad jokes as they do. Stopped off at the oldest bridge in Australia and the oldest Catholic Church nearby.
Back to the main town where the bus parked for a couple of hours to let us wander.
Rain held off, Song and Victoria went into every antique shop in Richmond while I waited outside, nearly falling asleep a couple of times, the early start catching up with me.
Stopped off to have a scone and cup of earl grey tea at a cafe before heading back to the bus and back to the apartment.
Realised we needed something to go with the seafood so walked to the grocers and grabbed some salad stuff, then popped into the place where we’d booked a trip to Bruny Island tomorrow to check on the details. They said we should have breakfast because they don’t serve anything till 10:30, so walked back to the grocer to get some bread and Vegemite for toast.
Had dinner, and had an early night - Victoria had been up since 03:00, we had been up since 04:00 and we were all pretty tired.
Another early start tomorrow, we have to be at the trip place for 07:00, but luckily it’s only a 5 minute walk.

Day 1 - Short trip to Tasmania / Broadmeadows

Finally travelling again after 6 months, spending 6 days in Tasmania.
Packed, discovered that the Skybus has restarted running from near the train station which is handy - 42 minutes to the airport which saves us having to walk - train - change - train - walk - bus; now just walk - bus.  
Having read about all the delays at the airport due to staff shortages decided to get there early, so got the 07:00 bus, arrived bang on time at 07:43 ish.
Checked in the day before, so just needed to get through security and then sit for a while before boarding.  
The airport wasn’t too busy, the queues were small and moving quickly. Just about to queue up when I got a text “We are sorry to tell you that your 09:40 flight to Hobart has been cancelled”. They forgot to add the middle finger emoji but I assumed it was implied.  
Welcome to the new normal of travel, where flights can be cancelled just before they leave.
Went to the service desk and they re-booked us on a flight at 13:15, which was better than I expected. They also gave us 2 breakfast vouchers worth $8 each. Whoopee.
Not a lot we can do, so went through security and sat down for breakfast, we each had 2 McDonalds breakfast muffins each. Last time we had McDonalds was at another airport, Doha 2017.
Settled down for a 4 hour wait - unfortunately they don’t have an open access lounge in the Domestic terminal otherwise we would have sprung for it.
Went for a wander, took about 3 minutes, there’s not a lot at domestic departures. Walked past the busiest place - the bar. People getting on the beers and cocktails at 0900, starting their holiday early.
Read some stuff, watched a TV show, keeping an eye on the departures board. Our flight appeared. Yay! Cancelled. FFS.
Down to the service desk, into a queue of about 10 people. Got to the desk, trying to be polite but was pretty annoyed. She poked on the keyboard, looked at the screen, poked a bit more - “I’ve booked you on the next flight, 06:00 tomorrow morning”. FFS. So we have to be at the airport at 04:00, which means leaving at 03:00, which means getting up at 02:00. Wonderful. She said she could put us up in a hotel, where did we live? Oh, pity you live in Melbourne - if you weren’t in Melbourne, we could put you up. “Did I say Melbourne, I meant Ballarat”.  She booked us into the hotel. I can accept one cancellation, that’s the risk at the moment, but to cancel 2 and leave so many people to have to alter plans is pretty poor.
The queue was now about 200 people long, just as well I went there straight away - I don’t think as many people were watching the board and only realised when it was announced or they got an SMS.
So we were given $20 in lunch vouchers, plus booked into a nearby hotel so we wouldn’t have to get up at 02:00 (04:00 instead). Looked to see if there was a one-way Qantas flight, which there was, but it was $650 ish for the 2 of us. Seriously considered it, thought about it, decided to do it, went back to book and now the price was around $900. Yeah, no.
Called the hotel to tell them we wouldn’t be checking in today, they directed us to hotels.com because that’s who we booked it through, they said they couldn’t do it, so would call the hotel, they couldn’t get through so sent an email. What a pain in the arse. I also had to cancel a restaurant booking.
Went back to the departure lounge to use our vouchers, had 3 banh-mi between us. It was now around 14:30 and I was beginning to feel like the Tom Hanks character in Terminal.
Called the shuttle bus for the hotel, checked in and found out that we also get $60 in restaurant vouchers so booked into the restaurant.
The room was OK, clean and spacious but a bit tired, but probably better than going home and getting up at 02:00.
Moped around for a bit, read and watched a bit of TV, then went to the restaurant and had a passable meal - Song had a seafood risotto-like thing and I had gnocchi with bacon, mushrooms, peas. I also had a Tasmanian beer to remind me that instead of being where we were supposed to be, in a nice seafood restaurant overlooking Hobart harbour, we were in a Motel in Broadmeadows overlooking a carpark.
Went for a walk because we’d been sat down most of the day, then got back to the room and prepared to go to sleep, it was about 08:00 but we’d been up since before 06:00 and were going to be getting a 04:00 alarm call.
This was when we discovered that our room was directly below the function centre where a Christmas party had just started. We may as well have been sleeping on the dance floor. FFS.
Along to reception and told them our sad story, they were very good and moved us to a new room a long way from the function. Opened the room door and…oh. King size bed. Bigger TV. Went in the bathroom…shower, and a spa bath. Yeah, we’re using that, we deserve it.
Sat in the spa, very relaxing and Song said that despite not being in Hobart this is basically what we would have done - meal in a restaurant, go for a walk and if the room had a spa we would have used it.
Went to bed around 21:00, hoping that they wouldn’t cancel the flight for a third time, but the way things are, who knows?

Day 6 - Perth to home

Woke up early at 06:00 but then back to sleep for a while, then breakfast, drop bags and go for a walk. 

The hotel was next to a steep set of stairs called Jacob’s ladder which was popular with exercise nuts - people were walking up and down, using twigs to note how many times. 

We went up to get to the botanical gardens, it was over 200 steps and hard work for an unfit 59 year old, but managed.

Walked along path through the gardens , weather was great, sunny and warm and the views over the bay were stunning.

Walked back to the hotel, back down the steps and popped into the cafe next to the hotel for a coffee and ham and cheese sandwich.

Got the hotel to call a taxi and got to the airport and through security early.

Flight was pretty busy but not full, yet when I tried to change my seats online earlier it showed as full. 

There was a big guy sat next to me who spilled over into my seat but moved to an empty one once we'd taken off so Song and I had a seat between us.

Flight was uneventful, went quickly and we were back into the Melbourne cold, on the skybus then the train back home to the cat who meowed when she saw us and the dog who didn't seem too bothered.

Had a great time, saw lots and drove a lot.

Day 5 - Rottnest island

Song woke up at 05:30 and therefore I woke up at 05:30 but I tried to sleep a bit more which I managed, got up at 06:30. 

Walked down to the ferry, got there in plenty of time so sat with a coffee. Weather was chilly and overcast with rain threatening.

Managed to score a seat right up the front of the upper deck because it was open and the seats were wet, but Song put her raincoat across 2 of them so we were ok.

We’re going there mainly to see the Quokkas and I fear Song’s phone will explode with all the photos.

Ferry trip took about 90 minutes, the first hour a cruise of the Swan river with commentary which was interesting. Saw a dolphin on the way.

Got to the island and it was a bit cold so put on our jackets that we’d only just put away. We had 30 minutes before the bus tour so wandered around and saw our first Quokkas - cute and tame, lots of photos were taken. 

The bus tour was good, the same guy who did the boat commentary was the guide and it was fun. Stopped at a lookout and saw a couple of humpback whales, unusual for the time of year. Also saw 2 Osprey nests, one with an Osprey sitting on it. The nests were huge piles of sticks.

The island has some spectacular beaches and coastline.

Got dropped back at the main part and grabbed a roll from the bakery, more Quokkas and more photos.

I didn’t know much about the island, I thought it was mostly empty and mainly a wildlife reserve but it’s basically a resort island with coffee shops, restaurants, shops and even a small cinema for the kids. It gets packed out during peak season and you have to book a year and a half in advance for some of the accommodation.

Had a couple of hours before the boat back so went for a walk, the sun came out for about 10 minutes and then it got chilly again. Song decided she wanted more Quokka photos so I decided to get a beer and sit down with a view of the bay with Perth in the distance.

Started to rain heavily so couldn’t go for a walk so just sat undercover and waited for the boat back - a bit disappointing but can’t do anything about the weather so just relaxed.

Song went to take more photos of the Quokkas.

Back on the boat and back to Perth, decided to look for somewhere to eat rather than go back to the hotel. Tried a seafood place where we got off the boat but it was fully booked so decided to go back to the tapas restaurant we went to the first night and have the set menu again because we’d only had a roll for lunch and were both hungry.

Over full again, walked back to the hotel and watched tv before sleep.

Day 4 - Cervantes to Perth

Not much done today; woke up at 06:00, earlier than expected, packed up and drove down to the beach to have a look and then on our way back to Perth. 

Same as before, roads good and very little traffic. 

Stopped off for a pee and a coffee, then another look at the beach, then back on the road.

Needed to fill up with petrol before dropping the car back, had to turn off the freeway to find a station but still had plenty of time to get the car back for 11:00.

Decided to drop the bags at the hotel first and I took 2 wrong turns for which I blame Google, the directions weren’t great. Managed to get the car back at 10:58, making the most of the hire period.

Walked into the city stopping to look inside the cathedral, then wandered about the shops a bit before looking for somewhere to eat. Settled on a Vietnamese place but when we got there saw it was more of a takeaway place and also had a big queue, so decided on the Japanese next door. Good choice, it was really good, I had a special lunch box which had miso soup, tempura, sashimi and teriyaki beef. Song had a sashimi and tempura plate. 

Wandered around the shops again and sat down for a coffee before heading back to the hotel. 

Spent a couple of hours watching tv downloads then went out for dinner, chose a Vietnamese place and had pho, mine was ok, not great, and the place was pretty busy for an early Tuesday night. 

Walked back to the hotel, did a lot of walking today, then watched more tv and slept, up early tomorrow to visit Rottnest island.