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Sunday, 3 February 2013

Our trip to Melbourne, Australia 2012-2013 | The most amazing holiday

As you may have guessed from my first post of the year – Australia really did fill me with happiness. And as sad as it sounds, I was really looking forward to coming back and sharing the experience with you guys too.

WARNING: this is probably going to be a very very long post and image heavy, so if you’re not interested in those kind of things press that little x at the top ^^ :)

So first things first, getting to Australia. We actually had a bit of a nightmare – we boarded the plane at Heathrow, took off on time and after about 20 minutes in the air there was an announcement from the captain. “Ladies and Gentlemen, I am afraid we have had a technical fault with one of the engines and will have to turn around and head straight back to Heathrow”. I am not good when it comes to flying, taking off and landing pretty much petrify me and as you can imagine I was dumping myself at the thought of any type of ‘fault’. Anyway we landed – to fire engines and crowds of people staring out of their windows to look at the plane and the left wing covered in black soot. I’m pretty sure it was a tad more serious than they made out! We had to wait another day for our flight out, and ended up flying with a completely different airline, it was all a bit of a drama but worked out okay in the end!
I’ve never flown out of Europe before, and my body majorly hated the long haul flight so I was really quite poorly for the first couple of days, as was Daniel with the flu! Once we were settled and better, the holiday commenced :D

 As I’m sure you’re aware, Australia is vast! We were staying in Melbourne, and stayed there for the whole 3 weeks. It’s a huge and wonderful city, and if we’d had a bit longer we could’ve seen a lot more of it but I’m so happy with what we did see and do.
It’s strange because all of my usual holiday’s involve ultimate sunbathing and eating out in the evening. This holiday was like the complete opposite. Yes, it was boiling hot (40 degrees most of the time), but we spent minimal time sunbathing, there was just so much to see! We started off the holiday visiting an adventure water park in Geelong, I’m scared of water but I made myself (with the push of Daniel) go on every ride. I’m such a pansy haha, but we had a lovely day. 
We went horse riding; I used to ride when I was younger for a good few years so I was looking forward to having a good hack across the country side! Daniel was absolutely hilarious – he’ll give anything a go but when the instructor was telling him to lean forward or back he nearly fell off! The horses were lovely and it was like a proper olden days ranch. You could actually rent out little houses for a horsey holiday which I thought was awesome! It made me think of the horse whisperer.
Anyone familiar with Melbourne has probably visited St Kilda and Luna Park. It’s famous for the park and it’s amazing cake shops and nightlife. From what I could tell, it’s a bit of a hotspot and is infamous for celebrities dropping by. I’m a bit of a granny so didn’t go out for a boogie, but I did indulge in a frickin’ awesome strawberry tart, have a nose around the theme park and watch some pretty awesome street performers.
We climbed the 1,000 steps memorial walk – a huge landmark in Melbourne which is basically what is says in the title. The 1,000 steps lead through a beautiful rainforest and are very, very steep. Dear old exercise and I don’t mix, and walking up these in the 40 degree heat was a real challenge for me. Daniel on the other hand went up and down TWICE. I nearly died. It’s definitely worth going though, you do feel kinda good about yourself once you’ve done it and it’s a beautiful little place. 
Chapel Street is like our Oxford Street equivalent. It’s got the hustle and bustle of London with all their local high street shops, including a few of ours…Karen Millen, MAC and Topshop. I was a little bit thrilled, because as it was the start of Australia’s summer all their winter clothes were in the sale. I picked up some absolute bargains!
The one thing Daniel and I were most excited for was the Penguin Parade at Phillip Island. If you haven’t heard of it before it’s a huge tourist attraction where the public come to the beach at around 7pm (it’s still daylight at this time) and wait for the sun to set. Once the sun has gone down at about 9pm, the tiniest breed of penguin starts to come out of the sea. They’ve been fishing for their baby’s dinner all day and they wait until the sun has gone down to make their way out of the water and back to their homes in the sand dunes. There are over 1,000 in the group and they all come out of the water a couple at a time and run past you on the beach. After we’d watched a few groups make their way out, we moved our way up to the sand dunes to watch them make their journey back to their little homes. Unfortunately, the little penguins get scared of the flash so photography is strictly prohibited, so no piccies I’m afraid. But I did get a little snap of the lovely beach whilst we waited for the sun to set! It really was so magical and if you ever find yourself in Australia you should try your best to go. It’s massively worth it :)
Now, I know what you’ve all really been waiting for. Yes of course, we went to the wildlife park and fed the KANAGROO’S! I’ve never seen a kangaroo or koala in real life so I was literally peeing my pants with excitement. Lots of the animals were separated, but where the kangaroo’s ‘lived’ they had emu type birds running around. If you watched my 50 random facts video, you’ll know I hate anything that has wings. Now I know they’re not exactly about to take flight, but my GOD are they scary. Every time we got our food out to feed the kangaroo’s they’d charge at you and try and peck the food out of your hands. It was so special though, the kangaroo’s were so tame and we just sat there stroking and feeding them for hours! It feels amazing when you put your hand out and they hold on with their little hands. If you need a reason to visit Australia (if you do, there’s something wrong haha), this is it.
We also spent a bit of time on the beach and milling around the local towns :) but if I carried on about absolutely everything we did you guys would probably want to kill me at how long the post would be! It was Daniel and I's 5 year anniversary on New Years day, which was amazing (5 years seems like such a huge amount of time!) & special to be spending on the other side of the world in the sunshine.
Honestly, I had the best time of my life and spent it with my favourite person in the whole world. 
I’d been having a pretty shit time before holiday and the time away made me appreciate my life more and the people around me. This might sound soppy but I don’t care – you only have one life and one thing Australia made me realise was don’t waste it - spending your time around negativity or doing something for the sake of not having to try. There is a whole world out there which is literally your oyster, if you’re thinking for some reason you can’t change your life; you definitely can on some level or another.
Clearly, we got home safely and there were no problems with the flight back! (phew) Hopefully see you soon, Australia & thank you for having us!
I hope you enjoyed reading a little bit about our trip away! and remember...Don't worry. Be happy <3


74 comments:

  1. 3 February 2013 at 17:28

    Awesome post :) You look like you had such an amazing time :) And OMG, you have the most amazing figure, super envious :)

    Georigna

    Reply
    Replies
    1. 4 February 2013 at 11:48

      Thank you Georgina - and I certainly don't!!! xxx

  • 3 February 2013 at 17:28

    This whole trip sound absolutely amazing! I would love to go to Australia! So glad you had a good time! The kangas are so cute!
    xxx

    Reply
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    1. 4 February 2013 at 11:49

      Thank you Sylvia - I had the most amazing time! xxx

  • 3 February 2013 at 17:30

    My heart will always belong in Melbourne, love St Kilda :)

    Reply
    Replies
    1. 4 February 2013 at 11:49

      It was such a lovely little place!xx

  • 3 February 2013 at 17:34

    These are lovely pictures! I´m happy you had a nice time in Australia, it looks like an amazing place to visit! :)

    Mari
    http://marilovescupcakes.blogspot.com.ar

    Reply
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    1. 4 February 2013 at 11:50

      Thank you Mari - I didn't take half as many as I usually do!xx

  • 3 February 2013 at 17:54

    How beautiful! Australia is now on my to-see list :)

    beauty & truth

    Reply
    Replies
    1. 4 February 2013 at 11:50

      Oh Aubry, you have to go - so wonderful!x

  • 3 February 2013 at 17:58

    What an amazing holiday..!!!!!!!
    Glad you had such a wonderful time xxxx

    Reply
    Replies
    1. 4 February 2013 at 11:50

      Thank you Nicola :) xxx

  • 3 February 2013 at 18:02

    This post made me smile :) Gorgeous photos...it sounds like you had an absolutely amazing time! I've always wanted to go to Australia.
    xxx
    summerhollyday.com

    Reply
    Replies
    1. 4 February 2013 at 11:50

      Awe I'm glad you liked it Holly - you must go if you can!xx

  • 3 February 2013 at 18:04

    This is amazing! I would LOVE to go to Australia and I had never heard of the Penguin Parade but I would definitely love to see that! I am trying to convince my parents to go! I think they both want to but my mum hates flying and obviously it's really long! I will definitely go one day though - it looks incredible :) xxx

    Reply
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    1. 4 February 2013 at 11:51

      Awe thank you Becky. It's seriously amazing and the flight isn't half as bad as people make out!xxx

  • 3 February 2013 at 18:05

    This was such a lovely post to read, it looks like you had a wonderful time out in Aus :)

    Reply
    Replies
    1. 4 February 2013 at 11:51

      Thank you Thalia, glad you liked it :) xx

  • 3 February 2013 at 18:33

    You look like you have had an amazing time!
    Congratulations on your anniversary, incidentally, it is my anniversary with my boyfriend tomorrow of 4 years :)

    We plan on going to Australia for a holiday at some point, once university is out of the way with. He had lived there for a while so he's itching to go back!
    I'm scared of that long flight though I must admit...!

    The pictures are lovely and I HAVE to do the kangaroo thing, that must be incredible to experience.

    Amy xx
    A Little Boat Sailing

    Reply
    Replies
    1. 4 February 2013 at 11:52

      Thank you Amy - Merry Anniversary to you guys for today! So exciting.

      Don't be scared, it's not half as bad as people make out and so worth it!xxx

  • 3 February 2013 at 18:33

    Amazing post, I want to visit Australia so badly, it looks unbelievable! definitely on my wishlist of places to go.
    That is so scary about your flight out there though! Oh my god I would have been in hysterics! It looks like it was so worth it though, the kangaroo pictures are adorable, they look like they are your little mates haha!
    You and your boyfriend are also such a good looking couple my god! haha! xxx

    http://xosarah-loves.blogspot.co.uk/

    Reply
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    1. 4 February 2013 at 11:52

      It was very scary, but definitely worth it for the amazing time we had! Haha, they were so cute, definitely like little mates!! Awe thank you, hehe! :) xxx

  • 3 February 2013 at 18:39

    meg these photos are beautiful and you look so happy :) I'm the same as you i would have been so worried if they had to turn the plane around! but it must be so worth it when you finally land there. hope your well hun xx

    Reply
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    1. 4 February 2013 at 11:53

      Awe thank you Charlie :D i definitely pooped my pants a little but 100% worth it!xx

  • 3 February 2013 at 18:48

    I really enjoyed reading this post. Sounds like you had an amazing time and really made the most of it. Super photos aswell (very envious of your amazing figure - it made me put my biscuits to one side!)

    Reply
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    1. 4 February 2013 at 11:54

      Haha Claire, don't be so ridiculous!! Really glad you enjoyed reading the post though :) xxx

  • 3 February 2013 at 18:59

    Your trip sounds amazing. Rob and I are off to Australia and NZ at the end of March and will be staying in Melbourne a few days. You've made me so excited now x

    Reply
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    1. 4 February 2013 at 11:54

      Awe Milly, you will have such an amazing time!! We met up with a few friends who were travelling and they had just left NZ and said they didn't want to leave! Have a wonderful trip xx

  • 3 February 2013 at 19:02

    I'm still laughing at you saying you were "dumping" yourself. I really shouldn't be I am so sorry! I hate the taking off and landing too! It really is the worst, I am also scared of the toilets on planes... long haul probably would not do my bladder any good. TOO MUCH INFO...

    You and your boy are too cute, I think it is just perfect you guys have been together so long! Loved this post very much and all your pictures are just bee-a-oot-ee-full :)

    lots of love xxx

    Reply
    Replies
    1. 4 February 2013 at 11:55

      Haha Zoe, the more I get to know you, the more I realise you are a meany ;) (I kid), muchos love xxx
      Yes, I have this fear that I will get sucked down it, or my bum will get stuck because of the air HAHA.

      Awe thanks lovely :) so glad you liked reading it!xx

  • 3 February 2013 at 19:08

    What an amazing trip!


    x

    Reply
    Replies
    1. 4 February 2013 at 11:55

      :) xx

  • 3 February 2013 at 19:53

    This looks like such a lovely time! I'm going to Australia with my boyfriend next year and you've got me incredibly excited xx

    Reply
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    1. 4 February 2013 at 11:56

      AH CHELSEA! That's so exciting - I'm jealous!xxx

  • 3 February 2013 at 20:00

    Looks amazing. x

    Reply
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    1. 4 February 2013 at 11:56

      :) it certainly was!x

  • 3 February 2013 at 20:37

    beautiful photos... it looks so much fun. and you two are such a cute couple :D

    lovely :D

    btw if you are interested in sharing some love, check it out on my latest post :D

    http://littlemisstwiggy.blogspot.com/2013/02/hello-february-its-timo-for-love.html

    xoxo, Miss B.

    Reply
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    1. 4 February 2013 at 11:56

      Awe thank you lovely :) xx

  • 3 February 2013 at 20:42

    Bless you guys, looks like the best holiday ever! Happy anniversary!:) xxxxx

    Reply
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    1. 4 February 2013 at 11:56

      Thanks Tereza!xx

  • 3 February 2013 at 21:55

    OMG it looks like you had the most amazing time ever. I'm so jealous! I would love to go to Australia. Thanks for sharing all of your lovely pictures! BTW you and your hunny are so cute together, congrats on your five years :). The hubby and I are getting ready to celebrate five years too and it does seem like such a long time, but no time at all somehow as well! <3

    Reply
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    1. 4 February 2013 at 11:57

      Ah Martha, congratulations - it's a very special feeling isn't it! I totally know what you mean about the no time at all bit, it's absolutely flown by!xx

  • 3 February 2013 at 22:08

    Aww, this is such a lovely post. What a wonderful way to spend your 5 year anniversary. :)

    Reply
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    1. 4 February 2013 at 11:58

      It really was :) so glad you liked the post hun!xx

  • Carolin3 February 2013 at 22:18

    Beautiful photos. Looks like you had an amazing trip x

    Reply
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    1. 4 February 2013 at 11:58

      Thank you Carolin, I really did!xx

  • 3 February 2013 at 23:09

    lovely photos, so glad you had a good time! ps, your figure is too amazing and i'm super jealous! haha x

    http://thebeautyvisual.blogspot.co.uk

    Reply
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    1. 4 February 2013 at 11:58

      Haha as if Katherine! So glad you liked the piccies though :D xx

  • 4 February 2013 at 11:11

    I loved this post so much, Melbourne looks beautiful! I have family over in Perth so i'd love to visit them one day. I think it's the flight that puts me off though! xxx

    seeking--serendipity.blogspot.com

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    1. 4 February 2013 at 11:59

      It's such a gorgeous place! Definitely do it - it's so worth it lovely!xxx

  • 4 February 2013 at 12:36

    What a fantastic post! You guys look like you had an amazing time :) I've never been to Melbourne, we spent our time in NSW and Queensland. I totally fell in love with Australia, it felt like my spiritual home. We too feed the 'roos and our friends took us to a street not far from theirs where the 'roos were running wild around everyone's gardens - made a difference from seeing your neighbours tabby patrolling your back garden!! I would love to go back one day there is so much more I long to see but have to agree with you the flight is a killer. I had such bad jetlag for the first week I felt like I'd been drugged :( but it wouldn't put me off going again :)

    Reply
  • 4 February 2013 at 12:42

    Great post it sounds like such an amazing trip!! I love the photos, Melbourne looks beautiful, I've never been there. I went to Brisbane aaages ago and fed some kangaroos too :) They were so cute!
    Daniella x

    http://daniella-r.blogspot.co.uk

    Reply
  • 4 February 2013 at 13:56

    I'm glad you had such a great time! These photos are lovely :) x

    Reply
  • 4 February 2013 at 16:28

    Ahhhh, I commented yesterday but it looks like it hasn't come up! :( I think pretty much what I said was that WOW, it looks like you had an amazing time! I am super super jealous! One of my lifetime ambitions is to visit Australia, and this has made me want to go even more. Your photos are absolutely beautiful as well, and congratulations on your anniversary! xxxxxxxxx PS This post has reminded me that I need to go riding again sometime soon, I haven't been in aaaaages, and another one of my lifetime ambitions is to get a horse/pony... Someday! Lots of love :) x

    Reply
  • 4 February 2013 at 20:03

    I'm very much a lurker and don't usually comment but I loved this post and it bought back such amazing memories of my trip to Australia. I spent a week in Melbourne and loved the penguin parade! We also loved exploring the great ocean road and our trip to Ramsey Street! Xxx

    Reply
  • 4 February 2013 at 20:34

    YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL. I LOVE YOU xxxxxxxxxxxxx

    Reply
  • 4 February 2013 at 22:19

    Looks like an amazing holiday!!

    Reply
  • 5 February 2013 at 06:42

    You're such a beautiful couple! Looks like you had an amazing time, and that picture of the koala bear all curled up is so cute!

    Ellie | Ellalogy

    Reply
  • 5 February 2013 at 13:14

    very nice i am just back from byron bay different areas obviously but loved it too
    loved Oz

    Reply
  • 6 February 2013 at 13:09

    Seriously, you two make the perfect couple!!! So glad you had a fab time and I am SUPER jealous of your flat stomach!! xx

    Reply
  • 6 February 2013 at 17:50

    i am in love. need to go now! Also jealous of your super bod -wowser!

    fridayisforeverblog.com xx

    Reply
  • 7 February 2013 at 20:37

    Dang girl. You look fantastic! It kind of inspires me to get in shape.

    Sounds like the most wonderful trip!

    Reply
  • 9 February 2013 at 18:07

    Oh my gosh please can you do a fitness or diet video/ blog post! x

    Reply
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    i love everything about this blog, its way too amazing, can i know which wildlife park was that? =) thanks

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