Australia - A Memorable Trip

During the Christmas vacation, Mr & Mrs Umai decided to tour Australia, so we signed up for a 9-day 6-night OZ Tour covering Gold Coast (Brisbane), Sydney and Melbourne cities. Overall the experience was fantastic and filled with fun and satisfaction, thanks to Reliance Tours.

Believe it, although the tour fees cost more than other tour operators, the service and accomodation venues provided were good and comfortable. Even the tour itinerary was well planned and not tiring at all.

Most of all, we had great joy in shopping for souvenirs, shoes, shirts, local food and fruits especially during Boxing Day (26th Dec), after the Christmas break where most items reduced by 20% - 70% from original price.

This blog illustrates the activities and tour itineraries according to categories, starting with FOOD, LANDMARK/SCENERY/FUN RIDES and NATURE.

(A) FOOD

Croissant with Cheese and Bacon in Movie World (Gold Coast) was very nice and yummy. The bacon was tender and not tough, with rich texture of cheese. Priced at $AUD 5, this is justified by its taste.

For dessert, we had the Strawberry Cheese Cake, at $AUD 3.90 a slice.

This Bacon+Lettuce Sandwich was quite juicy, at $AUD 8.90 a portion...but not so special. We highly recommend the below Yogurt by Dairy Farmers which cost only $AUD 3.69 a tub of 550g.

Orchard Peaches & Mangoes (No. 2 Choice)

Vine Passionfruits (No.3 Choice)

Field Strawberries (No.1 Choice)

And a great deal of Wall's Magnum Ice Creams...

Magnum Sandwich at $AUD 3.50 a stick. Nice and creamy...must try!

Magnum Colombia Aroma at $AUD 3.20 a stick...very rich with coffee flavour and creamy.

And Seafood at Sydney Fish Market was simply awesome...

Fresh Oysters

The Blue Sea Crabs

The Southern Rock Lobsters

The Spanner Crabs

Cooked Fish and Chips at $AUD 6.50 a box...economical and delicious.


Baked Cheese Half Lobster at $AUD 15.00 and two pieces of Cheese Baked Oysters at $AUD 4.00 were succulent and rich in taste...we had 3 portions at one go!




McDonald's set meals at Melbourne - Mighty Angus (Beef Burger) and Chicken Bacon Deluxe were simply delicious and appetizing. Total cost at $AUD 19.00 for two set meals.

Sarsaparilla drink or tasted more like Sarsi cola drink at $AUD 2.30 a bottle which we tried in Ballarat's Sovereign Hill.

Potatoes and Bacon at Paradise Farm in Gold Coast...buffet spread included in the Entrance fees. Not sure how much it cost...

Grilled Fish with abundance of salads and greens...at Paradise Farm.


BBQ Beef Steak...well done but very juicy and tender...one of the best steak ever tasted at Paradise Farm.

(B) LANDMARK/SCENERY/ADVENTURE

The Opera House in Sydney

Marching in of the Red Soldiers in Sovereign Hill in Ballarat.

The steepest train ride in the world found in Blue Mountain.

Shrek in 4D at Movie World in Gold Coast.

Mike Myers in action at Movie World Parade

Sheep shearing demonstration at Paradise Farm in Gold Coast

Sheep shepherding at Paradise Farm in Gold Coast

Aerial view of Melbourne from Qantas domestic flight

An adventurous 10-minute helicopter ride around Gold Coast Surfers' Paradise and Sea World vicinity.

Beachfront at Surfers' Paradise in Gold Coast

The Three Sisters formation in Blue Mountain, 2 hours drive from Sydney city.

The City of Sydney viewed from Sydney Tower (misty weather)

Beautiful coast line along Surfers' Paradise in Gold Coast

(C) NATURE

Kangaroo at Paradise Farm

Sleepy Koala at Paradise Farm (Koala is not a bear, but a marsupial)



The Dolphine show in Sea World, Gold Coast