(Continuation of my travelogue posted on 22.01.26 and 23.01.26)
Link to Part I: KNOWLEDGE SHARING: TRAVELOGUE OF MY VISIT TO AUSTRALIA -PART I
Link to Part II:KNOWLEDGE SHARING: TRAVELOGUE OF MY VISIT TO AUSTRALIA -PART II
Visit to Blue Mountains and Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park (29.12.25)
After taking a good rest in the motel, we resumed our journey early in the morning to visit the famous Blue Mountains, and in the evening we visited the Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park.
Visit to the Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains is one of the most popular tourist destinations near Sydney and offers a perfect combination of adventure, nature, and breathtaking views. It is well known for thrilling rides such as: The world’s steepest passenger railway, The Scenic Skyway with a glass floor, and The Scenic Cableway with a glass roof
There is also a beautiful boardwalk through ancient rainforest, which allows visitors to enjoy close views of tall trees and unique vegetation.
From the various viewpoints, we had spectacular views of the Jamison Valley and the iconic Three Sisters rock formation. The experience was truly unforgettable, and it felt amazing to witness such natural beauty just a short distance from Sydney.
Sleepest Passenger railway
Persons waiting to board the train
Options for ride
Three sisters rocks below the white clouds
Another closed passenger rail moving on steepest rails
Steepest rails on which the train travels
Board walking track
Scenic Cablewaywith a glass floor in the middle through which we can
see the sceneries below.
Visit to Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park
After completing our visit to the Blue Mountains, we drove back to Sydney and visited Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park, which was located close to our motel.
Featherdale Wildlife Park is a premier attraction that showcases more than 2,000 native Australian animals. Spread across 3.29 hectares (8.1 acres), the park has one of the largest collections of Australian fauna in the world.
Some of the animals we saw included: Kangaroos, Koalas, Penguins and Various birds and reptiles
Long nosed Potoroo
The park is well maintained and focuses on conservation and education, helping visitors understand Australia’s unique wildlife. Entry was not free, and we purchased tickets at the entrance. We spent a pleasant and informative evening exploring the park and taking photographs.
The Great Ocean Road Drive (03.01.26)
After resting until 02.01.26, we set out for the famous Great Ocean Road by car. The distance from Melbourne was approximately 275 kilometers, and it took us about four hours to reach.
The Great Ocean Road is considered one of the world’s most beautiful coastal drives, offering stunning views of: Vast
ocean stretches , Dramatic
cliffs and Lush
rain forests
According to Tourism Australia, it attracts millions of visitors each year for its natural landscapes and cultural significance.
The road was constructed b returned soldiers between 1919 and 1932 and is home to famous landmarks such as: The Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and Otway Rainforest
Visit to the Chocolate Factory
On the way, we visited the Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery in Bellbrae. It was a delightful stop where we could watch employees making chocolates through a glass partition. We also purchased a variety of chocolates and enjoyed the sweet experience.
Making of chocolates in the factory
Show case of Chocolates
Beautiful view of the beach and ocean
Beaches on the way to the Great Ocean Road
The Twelve Apostles
The Twelve Apostles are a group of limestone stacks located off the shore of Port Campbell National Park.
Interestingly, despite the name, there were never actually twelve stacks. Originally, there were nine, and now seven remain standing. From the main viewpoint, six are clearly visible, while the seventh lies slightly away from the main platform.
The Twelve Apostles (Limestone stocks)
The sight of these massive rock formations rising from the ocean was truly breathtaking and one of the highlights of our trip.
Visit to Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne (04.01.26)
On 04.01.26, we visited the famous Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne to shop for gifts and souvenirs.
Queen Victoria Market has been Melbourne’s most popular shopping destination for over 130 years. It is a paradise for shoppers, offering: Fashion and vintage clothing, Handmade accessories and Souvenirs and gift items
It is an excellent place to find unique items at reasonable prices, and we enjoyed strolling through the lively market atmosphere.
Queen Victoria Market
SHOPS IN THE MARKET
Visit to Melbourne Skydeck (06.01.26)
On 06.01.26, my brother’s daughter and her husband took us to the Melbourne Skydeck, located on the 88th floor of the Eureka Tower.
At 297.3 meters above ground, it is the highest observation deck in the Southern Hemisphere. From there, we enjoyed 360-degree panoramic views of Melbourne, stretching up to 75 kilometers in all directions. The view of the city skyline was absolutely stunning.
Eureka tower on which Skydeck is located
At the entrance of the tower
Views of Melbourne buildings from the Skydeck
Views of Melbourne cricket stadium and other stadiums from the deck
Visit to Phillip Island – Penguin Parade (10.01.26)
On 10.01.26, we drove to Phillip Island, which is about a three-hour drive from Melbourne, to witness the famous Penguin Parade.
The Penguin Parade is a nightly wildlife event where thousands of Little Penguins return from the ocean to their burrows at Summerland Beach. It is the largest colony of Little Penguins in the world.
Entry was not free, and tickets had to be purchased in advance.
Entrance of the Visitors centre
Details of Penguins visited the previous day
Unfortunately, on the day of our visit, very few penguins appeared on the beach, although 1,089 penguins were reported the previous day. However, we were lucky to see a few penguins walking along the ramp while returning.
Other Visits
During the remaining days of our stay, we also visited: Sai Baba Temple in Melbourne, Dendy Beach, Some beautiful lakes and A lavender farm near Melbourne
Departure from Australia
We boarded our return flight from Melbourne to Chennai on 16.1.26 and reached Chennai on 16.1.26 midnight with a break at Singapore Airport.
In Melboune Airport ,there was no checking of tickets and passports at the entrance by Security Guards as done in the airports of India. We could easily walk inside the Airport upto the Check in place with my nephew and his wife who did not purchase any ticket for the entry. Check in ,getting boarding passes and loading our baggages were done by my nephew and his wife using the scanning machines without any manual intervention at the checkin counter. It was really surprise for me to see how everything is fully automated in the Airport and how easily the passengers and visitors can enter inside the Airport without checking at the gate..
Scanners to checkin and to get Boarding passes
Self baggage drop system and entering the details of the bags in the scanner
Final thoughts of our visit
Traffic and Public Discipline in Australia – A Comparison with India
During my stay in Australia, one aspect that impressed me the most was the high level of discipline followed by people, especially in traffic and public places. When compared with Indian conditions, the difference was very noticeable.
Traffic Discipline in Australia
Vehicles
strictly follow lane
discipline and
traffic signals.
Pedestrians
are given first
priority at
zebra crossings.
No
unnecessary honking; horns are used only in emergencies.
Speed
limits are clearly displayed and strictly
followed.
Drivers
patiently wait in queues without trying to overtake unfairly.
Seat
belts and helmets are used compulsorily.
Public
Discipline in Australia
People
stand in proper
queues at
bus stops, shops, and offices.
Public
places like parks, buses, and trains are clean
and well maintained.
Littering
is very rare; dustbins are used properly.
People
respect personal
space and
privacy.
Punctuality
is valued; services run on time.
Comparison
with Indian Conditions
In
India, traffic rules are often ignored,
and lane discipline is poor.
Honking
is very common, even when unnecessary.
Pedestrians
often struggle to cross roads safely.
Queues
are not always followed strictly.
Public
cleanliness depends largely on individual awareness.
Thus Australia shows how strong civic sense and discipline can make life smooth, safe, and stress-free. If similar habits are adopted widely in India, especially in traffic and public behavior, our cities can become much more organized and pleasant places to live.
CONCLUSION:
Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed our one-month stay in Australia, especially in Melbourne, by visiting many important and interesting tourist places.
My sincere thanks and appreciation go to my nephew, who made this trip possible by arranging our visa, tickets, accommodation, and by driving us to various destinations. Without his support, this memorable journey would not have been possible.
This trip will always remain one of the most beautiful and cherished experiences of my life. π✨
