New Zealand and Australia on Crystal Serenity

We arrived in Dunedin on Feb. 19. Settlers -many Scottish- came here in 1861 to search for gold in Tuapeka River Gully. Today the Scottish heritage still holds. We arrived and entered the Dunedin’s gorgeous and impressive train station to take a train ride along the coast where the gold miners had traveled to look for gold on the Taeri Gorge Railway.  In the afternoon we walked about town. There was a bagpipe competition happening which was very fun to watch. We visited the amazing art museum in the heart of downtown. Last stop was the Cadbury Chocolate factory where we spent all the New Zealand money we had left!

Dunedin Railway Station is a jewel in the country's architectural crown. Designed by George Troup, the station is the fourth building to have served as Dunedin's railway station. It earned its architect the nickname of "Gingerbread George".

Picture of the train we rode 77km. on along the coast. It was great fun!

Home of largest Cadbury Chocolate factory

Bagpipers everywhere!

Inside of rail station

It was a rocky and long 2 days at sea, but we arrived in Hobart safe and sound. Being at sea on the Serenity is very busy with interesting lectures, classes and activity to meet anyone’s desires. There is , also many spots to relax and read one’s book. Life is good on this ship.

With the River Derwent at its heart and Mount Wellington rising above it, in Hobart the tranquility of a city from a bygone era coexists with the vibrancy of a pocket-sized modern metropolis. Hobart’s European beginnings are evident everywhere, from quaint settlers’ cottages to the lofty porches of colonial mansions.
Once bustling with whalers and entrepreneurs, 19th-century sandstone warehouses now serve as dockside cafes, artist’s studios and restaurants, where you can enjoy excellent cuisine and fine wines. Discover Australia’s history in the nearby Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, enjoy classical and modern music in a variety of venues, or go to the theater, in this city of festivals.

Our first view of Hobart was wonderful! We were so happy to see land after 2 days at sea. We did an excursion in Hobart to Tasmania’s heritage and wildlife park. What fun we had there getting close and personal with Koala bears and kangaroos!

Hobart from ship as we pulled in.

Entrance to Park

Feeding the kangaroos- such sweet animals.

The Koala Bear is the softest animal I have ever felt. An absolute charmer!

Tasmanian devil- a marsupial resembling a dog. They have unpleasant temperaments and a screechy growl- not very lovable! They are almost extent and many have died in road kill. They have not learned how to avoid cars!

After visiting the wild park we went back to Hobart and walked about town. This was a pretty waterfront town with lots of nice shops and places to eat. They had pretty gardens and lots of fountains. We enjoyed walking the neighborhoods and looking at the gorgeous colonial homes.

Sculpture on walk to ship.

This is a wonderful walking city with tree lined boulevards and miles of parkland, all decorated with colonial-era structures. The City center is called the “Golden Mile”. The first morning there we took a bus tour of the city and hit all the important sights. This helped acquaint us with the city so we could plan out our afternoon and 2nd day.We had a great afternoon going through the Art Center and Museum. The aborigines art and history was fabulous. The building itself is a piece of art and architectural delight. We walked all through the botanical gardens. They were gorgeous and huge! We sat and had a beer on the river with some friends we met from the ship. It was a perfect afternoon.

Eureka Tower is named after the Eureka Stockade, a rebellion during the Victorian gold rush in 1854. This has been incorporated into the design, with the building's gold crown representing the gold rush and a red stripe representing the blood spill during the revolt.

In remembrance of those who served and those who died in the Great War of 1914-1918 and armed conflicts and peacekeeping duties since. The Shrine of Remembrance is Victoria’s largest and most visited war memorial and is probably Melbourne’s most recognised landmark. It is a permanent and lasting memorial to the ANZAC spirit which is confirmed by the number of visitors to the Shrine throughout the year and the many people who attend the more than 120 ceremonies that are held at the Shrine annually. The Shrine is located on Melbourne’s most recognised boulevard, St Kilda Road, just south of the Melbourne central business district.

St Patrick’s is an integral part of Melbourne, and its history tells us much about the State’s birth and growth. Situated on the fringe of the city grid, close enough to the heart of Melbourne to be a powerful presence and breathe with a life of its own.

Botonical Gardens

Fedration Square- a lively area with lots of people and activity

Part of the Art Centre

Day 2 we rented bikes and rode along the river and city. It was fun and a great way to see a lot of the city and some surrounding areas.

Cool Sculpture along our biking route

Wonderful Museum!! National Gallery of Victoria.View of City from River

Leaving Melbourne

If you’re visiting Melbourne, these are things you won’t want to miss:

-Southbank
-This development beside the Yarra River has quickly become the main focal-point for the city area. Here there are upmarket restaurants, food courts, interesting shops and a fabulous promenade along the river bank. Some of the highlights for us were:
-Gardens
-Melbourne has some of the finest gardens of any city in the world, many of them within a half mile of city center.  A morning in the Royal Botanic Gardens is one of the great treats of visiting this city.
– St Paul’s Cathedral and Flinders Street Station
– Arts and Cultural Center On Federation Square
– Kings Domain Gardens
– Shrine of Remembrance
– Queen Victoria Market
– Law Courts & Flagstaff Gardens
Of course there is lots more than this to see and do in Melbourne.This is what we were able to cover in 2 days.

Sydney is a beautiful City and I was overjoyed to be here for the second time. Last time was 12 years ago and it has not changed much from then.

Woke up on Serenity and this is the view I encountered from our veranda. What a great way to to be welcomed to Sydney!

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