Last Post

This will be the last post.

Guys remember to take overseas notification.

Here is the link. www.ns.sg

Limin wrote me a list today on what things to bring and I think I should share it with you guys.

Panties
Jeans
Shirts
Socks
Pyjamas
Toothbrush & Paste
Shaver
Facial Wash
Shampoo & Soap
Gel
Hairdryer
Slippers
1 Towel
Plastic bags
Notebook/Pen
Medicine
Empty Water Bottle
Camera & Charger
HP & Charger
Tissue Paper
*Passport with Visa* important! please double check!

I hope the compilation of places to visit and addresses is going well. We can name it our travel guide. We can include in our travel guide places to eat and also prices of transport etc. We can update the guide as we go along.
I also understand that we will have to make alot of decisions along the way, so please be firm and direct. Don't be wishy washy!

I also suggest that we should be in a buddy system. Josh/Amelia, Limin/Silin, Me/GH/ZH. So wherever your partner goes, you follow.

Anyway, lets meet at 6.45pm on Thursday. Have a light meal, cos I think there are some refreshments on board.
I believe that at this point, we are still a red light for driving, but I still believe that we can make decisions on that as we go along.

I read the travel guide and found out some transport cost information. Money is in AUD. Silin you might want to write this info in the Travel Guide.
Train from Brisbane to Surfer - $40
Bus pass around Surfer - $60 for 3 days unlimited ride
Train from Surfer back to Brisbane - $40
Public Bus in Brisbane - $2
Bus pass in Sydney - $7 OR Bus/Ferry pass in Sydney - $16
Public Bus in Sydney - $2
Tram in Melbourne - $2.60

So I think we can safely put our budget for Transport to be $200 - $300. This estimate is actually very generous, as I believe we will struggle to hit the $200 mark if we plan our trip wisely. We can substitute some bus for cabs etc in case of emergency, so no harm increasing the cap.
If we use the calculations from our previous budget overview in the previous post, we will have about AUD$1054 to spend. Minus Transport, we will be left with about AUD$700.
As we already have events such as Dreamworld, Blue Mountains tour etc covered, we can safely spend about AUD$50 per day. I am ready to give up Lonepine(Hug Koalas) as it is too expensive to just travel to Brisbane to hug some animals. *sniff*
Anyone with me on this? We can spend our day doing something else instead. I'm sure there are lots to do :)
It would also be beneficial to save some money for Melbourne, as although there are DFOs all around in Australia, we can really shop in Melbourne as it will be our last stop. I sincerely plan to spend at least half a day shopping!

A small video about Melbourne


Pack early, prepare and please get international roaming for your phone so we can contact each other in times of emergency.
Happy Holidays!

Slight Reminder

Hi, please pay $48.16 to Amelia ASAP.
Her account no. is 002-47947-8 POSB Savings.

Here are few things I want to announce too.

1. The main reason why we are going to Brisbane (city) is because of Lonepine, hug koala place. I was thinking maybe we can save money by not going back there, and spend some time in Surfer Paradise. We can see koala in Melbourne or Sydney where it is more convenient.

2. Jenolan Caves
I think this cave is quite zai. Its at the Blue Mountain area, but I don't know if we can see both in a day or we can split it into 2. Have to ask the locals.

3. Cataract Dam
The Cataract Dam is the first and oldest of the great dams of the Upper Nepean River, tamed to provide water for the growing population of Sydney.

4. Caves
Some caves in Melbourne. Not sure of the location and details, so need some help in finding out more. There are more details in this website, which Amelia introduced. Its quite good, take a look.
Visit Melbourne Webby

5. The Sydney Opera House. We can don't go there if all of you don't want. Can just tour the outside etc.

Also, I feel that as we are not familiar with some of the attractions, we can be impromptu and make decisions on the spot. It feels adventurous right? Haha!

Budget - Overview

Now that we know how much sunk cost we have, I came up with an overview of how much we can spend.
This is assuming we go to Blue Mountains etc and the tour cost which I estimate it to be around AUD$120.
I still have not factor in Food and Transportation, so what we have left will be even smaller than this.
Additionally, there is still some places which have not been taken in account, like GOR, Philip Island and the days that are still blank. We also have not booked 1 night in GOR.

I'm beginning to worry that we might overspend.
No more 100 oysters :(

Feeling Excited?

Updated!

I'm starting to get abit jittery, as I'm worried that something may cock up.
I checked our flights and program etc, and have a few things to announce.

For our flight from Singapore to Brisbane, we have to check in 90mins earlier from our departure time. Recommended to be 2 hrs earlier.
Our flight is at 9.25pm, so I think we should gather at 7.30pm to 8pm. We can have dinner at Changi Airport and then go through some last minute discussion.

A reminder to Josh/Amelia, remember to print your airline tickets!

By now, everyone should have their visas ready. Please remember to staple it to your passports!

I would recommend everyone to bring a small ziploc bag, where you can keep important documents like your passport, a pen and notebook. You can also hide some money inside just to be safe in case you need some emergency money.

Here is a small checklist. It will be updated as the days get nearer and we start to pack our luggage.
1) Passport
2) Visa
3) Pen and Notebook (Don't underestimate this!)
4) Lock
5) 2 or 3 pin converter
6) Mobile Phone/Charger (For emergency phonecalls)

Also, can anyone bring some extension plugs? So we won't need to fight over power points and we will need only 1 converter to supply everybody power needs.

I found some interesting places we can go in Brisbane. Click on the links to find out more.
Zorb - Roll down the hill in a large ball
Infinity - Some special effects place. Check the video for more. Looks good.
Brisbane Bridge Climb - Recommended by Amelia
Chocolate Tour - Recommended by Amelia. In Melbourne

Also, I have found out that it takes 3 hours to drive to Mount Buller. Wheel chains might be needed. We can find out more when we reach there.

Email from ZH friend

As requested, here is the email from ZH's friend.
Its quite long, so take your time.

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I highly do not recommend the Melbourne Goal as all you'd be doing would be to visit a old jail and undergo shouting like during CST.
Would on the other hand recommend going to the Eureka skydeck (bring your student passes as it would allow you student prices, yes be unscrupulus asians...). Its just a sight see of the entire city, or simply go shopping or lunch at Victoria Market.
Electronic goods are surprisingly cheaper than in Singapore, just purchase over 300 bucks and you'd be eligible for a 11% tax back rebate at the airport (as long as you remember to hand carry it).
You can technically sneak lots of wine back into Sg and wine/liqurer is cheapest at Dan Murphy's which is situated in QV basement.
On the free day, I'd recommend you go skiing if the weather permits. It would set you back about 300 bucks per pax.

Do get lots of nice music when you are driving as it can get very monotonous. Speed at your own risk as they are urber strict on that though the speed limit can go up to 110km/h at some places (just look out for Holden Commodores parked by the side of the road or camera boxes). You get charged a age tax if you're not over 25.
Great ocean road drive is about 285km via the scenic route via the Princess Freeway (M1) to Geelong followed by the Great ocean road drive (B100). Roads are rather long and winding at times especially at the coast. When going back, take the Princess Freeway back all the way to Melbourne (A1-M1).
Not very sure bout the toll points though.

Drive to Philip Island is just as bad (144km on rather straight and bare roads) and when driving at night especially, remember to make sure the driver and the co-pilot is awake. Petrol at this point of time is no more than $1.20 per liter for unleaded 91 and you can get up to 6c off per litre price with fuel dockets from the supermarkets (spend 30 bucks or more).
Drop by http://www.caldermeadecafe.com.au/ for a meal or something on the way to Philip Island.

Places to eat (the most important thing for Singaporeans) wise, I'll not recommend any chinese cuisine since it would be idiotic to come all the way here to eat chinese food.
Melbourne city has a very wide selection of fine cuisine available at reasonable prices and a decent meal (portions here are larger than in Sg so be warned) would cost about 15 per pax, excluding drinks (tap water is free).
You can find lots of food at places like Degraves St, Hardware Lane & Lygon Street (just to name a few). There is a hell load of stuff to choose from and you'd be simply spoiled for choice. Coffee is also an essential part of Melbourneian's lives and you would be gurrenteed to find good coffee here (latte, flat whites, espresso, etc etc).
Please don't be decieved by the looks of some of the places I'm recommending you, the outside may look extremely dodgy but the quality of the stuff being served is just the opposite.

www.trotters.com.au
www.cafeno5.com.au
www.brotherbababudan.com.au
The Quarter: 27-31 Degraves St Melbourne 3000 (No link)
www.movida.com.au
www.innocentbystander.com.au

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Please read through! You will be tested!

Itinerary 2

Recently, Amelia has been wanting to fill in the last 2 days of our itinerary.

I don't have any idea on what to fill those in, so I'm open to any suggestions.
One day in Brisbane and another day in Melbourne.

My friend recommended this place, call Point Nepean.
He mentioned that as Philip Island's Penguin Parade is in the evening, we can go to this place in the day.

I highly recommend we go to Mount Buller for some skiing for our last day in Melbourne. Not sure how much or whether we can do it in a day though.
As for Brisbane, I have checked the tourbook and the only things interesting are the national wildlife parks. So, I can't contribute on this.

For our GOR trip, the sights I am hoping to see are the 12 Apostles and the Grampians National Park.

So feel free to let me know any suggestions you want to go. :)

Single In Australia

Was watching videos in YouTube when I came across this.



We might get to see some of this!

Accommodation

Accommodation booked so far
- Brisbane (Gold Coast)
- Sydney

Brisbane
We have booked Surfers Beach Holiday Apartments for AUD$245 per night.
Each person will thus pay AUD$35 per person per night. So 4 nights would be AUD$140.
Amelia paid for the deposit *claps*
Click Me!

Sydney
We have booked Altamont Hotel for AUD$166 per night.
Each person will thus pay $AUD23.50 per person per night. So 4 nights would be AUD$94
Josh paid for the deposit *claps*
Click Me!

Melbourne
We are still in midst of selecting.
Please be patient for the time being. I believe it can be concluded in the next few days.
As for accommodation in the GOR, i don't think it will be a problem as there are numerous hotels there and the worst case scenario is we might have to pay abit more, something like AUD$50 per person per night.

Good job everybody, we have saved quite a sum on accommodation. Allows me to go there and eat 100 oysters :)

Visa Application

People, please do not forget to apply for Visa.

The best is do so early, so there will be no need for panic. I expect everyone to successfully applied for Visa and get it ready before the Exams.

Click HERE to apply for Visa online.

Step 1: Click on Apply for ETA
Step 2: Click on Agree and Proceed
Step 3: Fill out the details in the form
Step 4: I'm not so sure right now as I haven't apply for it. Check back later for details.

The cost of the visa is AUD$20.
Payment is by credit card only. The cards accepted by this site are American Express, Diners Club, JCB, Mastercard and Visa.

:)

Why you need to HUG Koalas

Top 5 reasons why I want to go Lonepine to hug Koalas!

5.
4.

3.

2.

1.Not sure why this one is white colour though

And here is a bonus video of this super cute Koala! Enjoy!

Sydney Hotel

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi Yuanwei

Your booking has been allocated one King, one Double and three Single beds.
I concur with the rates you have outlined below for a total of AU$664.00
for your 4 day stay with us. A deposit of AU$166.00 is required when
you confirm the reservation.

We accept Visa card, Mastercard and Amex.

Bye for now.........Alan

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Anyone willing to help pay first? :)

Choose your Hotels!

We have been contacting hotels/hostels/motels/B&B for the past few days, and we have received several offers. I have filtered the expensive ones out, so that leaves with the cheap ones. I have also taken away those that do not have private rooms, private toilets and Air-Con.
I have included Air-Con as I don't want to regret sleeping in a hot, stuffy room even though it is Winter. Not going to risk my sleep.

Please choose your accommodation wisely as we are going to have to endure with it for 4 nights! The list is not yet complete, as some hotels have yet to get back to me, but some hotels have given me deadlines to reply, which is why I need your decision soon.

Legend
All prices are in AUD
The price given is the total amount for 7 of us. So 1 person is that amount divided by 7
7 means 7 of us sleeping in 1 room
4,3 means 4 of us in 1 room, and 3 in another room
3,2,2 means 3 of us in 1 room and 2 in 2 rooms

Brisbane

1. Brisbane Manor
7 - $235
3,2,2 - $255

2. Snooze Inn
3,2,2 - $307

3. Brisbane City Backpackers
4,3 - $280

4. Brisbane Backpackers Resort
4,3 - $255


Sydney

1. Altamont Hotel
7 - $166

2. Billabong Gardens
4,3 - $240

3. Sydney Wattle
4,3 - $300

4. Alishan International Guesthouse
4,3 - $285

5. Rooftop Travellers Lodge
4,3 - $218
(Can only book 2 weeks before holiday)


The list is not complete, but there are ample choices to make. Just let me know your priority :)
Remember to research abit on the hotels you have chosen, to make sure that it is the one you are looking for.
i.e clean, cheap and safe.
Look at photos or search for reviews.

Thank you!

Itinerary

As requested by Si Lin, and I think everyone would like to know more about it too, this is our itinerary so far.
Feel free to comment on it or give any suggestions to it, as this is just a rough guide.

4th June, Day 0 - Depart Singapore at 9.25pm
5th June, Day 1 - Arrive in Brisbane at 6.50am. Check in at hotel. Dreamworld
6th June, Day 2 - Movieworld
7th June, Day 3 - Lonepine and St John Anglican Cathedral
8th June, Day 4 -
9th June, Day 5 - Depart Brisbane at 10.15am and arrive in Sydney at 11.50am. Check in at hotel.
10th June, Day 6 - Blue Mountains
11th June, Day 7 - Hunter Valley
12th June, Day 8 - Sydney City, includes Opera House, the Rocks etc
13th June, Day 9 - Depart Sydney at 11am and arrive in Melbourne at 12.30pm. Check in at hotel. Try to squeeze in Old Melbourne Gaol.
14th June, Day 10 - Great Ocean Road Drive Part 1
15th June, Day 11 - Great Ocean Road Drive Part 2
16th June, Day 12 - Philip Island
17th June, Day 13 -
18th June, Day 14 - If time permits, some last minute shopping before we depart Melbourne at 2.30pm and arrive in Singapore at 10.45pm.


The blank days (8 and 17 June), are still empty, so we can slot anything we want in there.
We can shuffle our program around, meaning that we can do Philip Island first instead of the Great Ocean Road Drive etc.
Please suggest if you want to change the schedule, ie shorten Great Ocean Road Drive to 1 day or go to someplace that you have in mind etc.

I have included the links of 3 new locations that you guys might be interested in going. Click on them to learn more. I will put them in the Places to Go too.
St John Anglican Cathedral
Hunter Valley
The Old Melbourne Gaol

Hope you enjoy the holiday! :)

Cheap Cheap MUST BUY!

After emailing for the past few days, I think I found a very very CHEAP place to stay in Brisbane!
Everybody shout "Yah!" now!

It is a 7 person dorm at $23 per person per night. It has a bathroom attached.
As we have 7 person, there won't be any strangers staying with us. :)

The hostel name is call Somewhere To Stay. To see more about the place, click the link below.

CLICK ME

I seriously think that this is the best we can get in Brisbane.
Another backpackers hostel offered me $40 per person per night. Its nearly twice as expensive as Somewhere To Stay.
As it is a dormitory, the beds are probably double decker and it can be quite cramp.
I can't really find a good photo in the website, so I will probably ask them more about the rooms if you guys are interested.


EDIT*
Turns out that the hotel is not very highly rated after all.
It seems there is NO air-con. So we will probably die of heat if we stayed there.
Next please!

Bad News With Budget

This post is somewhat bad news.

Our original intended budget was supposed to be $2500.
However, this was plan with budget airline and from the 5th to 17th.

However, as you all know, this has changed to Qantas and the airline cost was increased by $200.
Our holiday was also extended from the 4th to 18th.
Due to the extension by 2 days, all costs will approximately increase by $200+. This is taking in account accommodation for 2 nights and expenses for 2 days.

So, as a result, our costs has increased by $400.

Due to the increase in costs, management has decided to retrench some workers.
Just joking =P
Due to the increase in costs, our budget will increase from $2500 to $3000.

On another topic, accommodation, has been discussed alot lately.
I have searched the web and have located a few hostels that are cheap.
These hostels provide 3 different kinds of rooms.
1. Big Dorms with Shared Toilets. These can accommodate about 10 people.
The price of this ranges from $25 - $28.
2. Small Dorms with Shared Toilets. These can accommodate about 4 people.
The price of this ranges from $30 - $35
3. Rooms with Private toilets. These can accommodate 1-4 people.
The price of this ranges from $30(unsure, check back later for confirmation)-$50

As you can see, the prices differs by about $15 to stay in a private room with private toilets.

I leave it up to you guys to choose what kind of rooms you would prefer.
However, as some hotels are nearly fully booked, I hoped you will be able to get back to me asap. We don't want the same thing happening just like our airline tickets.

In the meantime, I will be contacting other hotels/hostels to find the best possible price.
Happy holidays!

Updated Schedule!

This is the updated schedule we will be taking.

Farmstay has been taken off the list and we are going to add one of Sydney's attractions in it.
Someplace like Hunter Valley. :)

Keep in touch for the full schedule, coming soon!

Airline Schedule - Not in use.

Deleted as no longer in use.