A Memorable One-Month Journey to Australia
15 December 2025 – 16 January 2026
After a gap of nearly three years, I am happy to resume writing on my blog with this travelogue of our one-month visit to Australia. The journey began on 15 December 2025, when we departed from Chennai, and concluded with our return from Melbourne on 16 January 2026. This trip was a perfect mix of family bonding, sightseeing, and discovering the beauty of Australia.
✈️ Trip Planning – Turning a Dream into Reality
The decision to visit Australia was finalized in September 2025, following an invitation from my brother’s son, who is settled there. He arranged our tour visas, flight tickets (Chennai–Melbourne and return), and health insurance, which was mandatory for the visa process.
My wife and I prepared for the trip by purchasing suitable clothing and travel essentials. Adding to the joy, my brother-in-law and his wife also joined us, making it a delightful family tour.
✈️ Journey to Melbourne – 15 December 2025
Our onward and return journeys were booked with Scoot Airlines, the low-cost arm of Singapore Airlines. Though the airline does not offer in-flight entertainment or phone /laptop charging facilities, the journey was comfortable overall. Since I had taken my laptop with some Movie DVDs , I could see some movies in the Laptop. I could see many passengers using their Apple Ipad , Samsung Tablet etc. to view movies. Those who want more comfortable journey , can book tickets in Singapore Airline, Malaysia Airlines , Cathy Pacific Airlines who provide better facilities.
Both trips involved a stopover at Singapore Changi Airport ,Terminal 1, with a layover of about 3 to 4 hours.
The scheduled flying time was approximately 4 hours from Chennai to Singapore and 7 hours from Singapore to Melbourne. However, on the day of departure, the flights were delayed at both airports. As a thoughtful gesture, Scoot Airlines provided snack packets to all passengers as compensation.
After breakfast at Singapore Airport and a few hours of waiting, we boarded the connecting flight and reached Melbourne close to midnight. After completing immigration formalities and collecting our luggage, we were warmly welcomed by nephew ,his wife and my brother's daughter ,her husband and driven to nephew's home in a Melbourne suburb.
🌆 First Impressions of Melbourne – 16 December 2025
After a good night’s rest, we set out to explore Melbourne’s Central Business District (CBD). The city impressed us with its modern infrastructure, cleanliness, and vibrant atmosphere.
One of the highlights was the stunning water fountain and laser show in rvier Yarra, which looked even more magical in the festive season. We also visited a nearby shopping mall beautifully decorated for Christmas, filled with lights, ornaments, and holiday cheer.
🏡 Family Time & Local Visits
On 17 and 19 December, we took a relaxed break from sightseeing and spent quality time visiting my brother’s daughter’s house and my brother’s granddaughter’s home. These days were filled with warmth, conversations, and shared meals.
🌊 Williamstown Beach & Temple Visit – 18 December 2025
On 18 December, we visited Williamstown Beach, one of Melbourne’s finest bayside destinations. Located along the Hobsons Bay Coastal Trail, the beach offers spectacular views of Port Phillip Bay and a peaceful atmosphere perfect for relaxation.
Later, we visited the Kundrathu Murugan Temple, where we spent some quiet and spiritual moments.
⛏️ Stepping Back in Time – Ballarat Gold Mines (Sovereign Hill)
20 December 2025
Our visit to Sovereign Hill in Ballarat was one of the most fascinating experiences of the trip. This open-air museum recreates life during the 1850s Gold Rush, with remarkable historical accuracy.
We saw people panning for gold in flowing streams, watched gold-moulding demonstrations, and met actors dressed as 19th-century townsfolk. The underground mine tour, horse-drawn coach ride, and replicas of old-style shops, hotels, and schools made the visit both educational and enjoyable.
🐠 Wonders of the Ocean – Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium
22 December 2025
On 22 December, we visited the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium, located along the Yarra River, near the Flinders Street Viaduct. The aquarium showcases marine life from the Southern Ocean and Antarctic regions.
SEALIFE AQUARIUM
Walking through the aquarium, we were thrilled to see playful penguins, massive sharks, majestic stingrays, enormous sawfish, delicate seahorses, and thousands of colorful tropical fish. The interactive displays, feeding sessions, and diver presentations made it a memorable experience for all age groups.
Ferry Ride to Sorrento and Gondola🚡 Adventure to Arthur's seat
24 December 2025
One of the most memorable days of my trip to Australia was our visit to Queenscliff, Sorrento, and Arthur’s Seat along the stunning Mornington Peninsula in Victoria.
We started our journey by driving to Queenscliff, a charming historic seaside town known for its beautiful beaches, lighthouse, and relaxed coastal atmosphere. From there, we boarded a ferry to Sorrento, another picturesque beachside village located across Port Phillip Bay.
My nephew drove the car onto the ferry along with several other vehicles. Once the ferry began to move, we got out of the car and went up to the open deck. The view was absolutely breathtaking — endless blue waters, cool sea breeze, and the distant coastline on both sides. It felt like a mini cruise! The ferry ride took about 45 minutes, whereas the same journey by road would have taken nearly three hours, making the ferry both scenic and time-saving.
On the Deck of the Ferry
View of scenery from the ferry
After reaching Sorrento, famous for its golden beaches, limestone cliffs, and vibrant cafés, we continued our journey to Arthur’s Seat Eagle, located about 314 metres above sea level. This is the highest point on the Mornington Peninsula and offers spectacular panoramic views.
We went up the mountain in a gondola (🚡), also called a winch ride. As the cabin slowly ascended, we could see the ocean stretching far into the horizon, lush green forests below, and small towns dotting the landscape. The peaceful silence and the cool mountain air made the experience even more magical.
At the top, we enjoyed our lunch while soaking in the breathtaking views of Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne skyline in the distance, and the winding coastal roads. After spending some time, we returned by the gondola.
