Showing posts with label Australia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Australia. Show all posts

Sunday, April 04, 2021

Itinerary beyond ordinary - Perth

traveling to Perth
Hello Perth.. here I come.. AGAIN!
Back in 2014, I experienced "Autumn" in Perth; and 2 years later I got a chance to experience both "Spring" and "Summer" in my back-to-back trip. In my latest visit to this wonderful city; Perth welcomes me with their best season of "end Winter" and "early Spring" at one single trip in September 2019. #precovid
stamping
yeah, I was a frequent traveler

Best morning view from my room at Travelodge Hotel, Hay Street

Unusual itinerary to inspire next adventure..

For a short trip to Perth, we always thought to have a normal, simple, short-distance kinda itinerary such as travelling to Fremantle, visit Caversham wildlife park, and of course city and shopping tour. 
How about this time we travel a bit further to north.. for more adventure
way to Lancelin
less than 2hrs journey from Perth CBD

LANCELIN SAND DUNES

Lancelin sand dunes
beautiful white sands
If you are travelling by car, you are only allowed to stop at the first hill of the sand dunes. Careful with the limestone and small broken dead coral or shells mostly at the entrance. 
Me, I rather paid for $20 for the 4x4 ride because it's safer especially on these sandy steep off-road; can cover wider and higher areas, plus it comes with professional driver. For a bigger group, you may take the 20-seater 4WD. Strictly no tourist bus is allowed. Whatever mode of transportation you choose, just please be safe, take extra alert and always be careful. 
4x4 ride Lancelin sand dunes
yes, I enjoyed the thrill~
Lancelin sand dunes
Lancelin sand dunes
the end of the white desert. 1.5km from the beach

As for the sandboarding activity, I don't think it is suitable for babies (I saw some parents sand-boarded with their toddler) and definitely not for those with back problem and pregnant women. 
Some tips while sandboarding : always wear eyes' cover or the best is sunglasses (also applicable while riding on the 4x4), advisable to wear slipper/crocs (not easy to get rid the sands from socks and shoes) and make sure you empty your pocket (jacket/pant). Ain't easy to find your lost keys/handphone/valuable in this constantly changing teeny-tiny sands. Trust me.

There's no toilet available at the sand dunes, but please don't pee around. The nearest public toilet is 1km away. Behind the toilet, you may access to the Lancelin Beach.

Lancelin beach

NAMBUNG NATIONAL PARK

80km away from Lancelin is the famous limestone formation of the Pinnacles Desert. Some people like me (yes, I do) very appreciate this kind of nature formation. I've seen some in Taiwan, and South Korea and they are quite fragile. We are not supposed to ruin it by touching or standing on it just for the sake of Instagram photos. If you are lucky enough, you can see some emu or wild kangaroos wander around at this desert. If you are taking a bus to reach here, you need to walk about 100m from the parking space via walking trail. However, you may drive circling the desert which takes 1-2hrs by car/suv/any small vehicle with specific drive trails and speed limit, of course. 

Pinnacles
 

CERVANTES

Hungry? Try $35 half grilled lobster set at Lobster Shack, only 20km away from Pinnacles' T-junction. For those who are not eating a lobster, you can try their delicious set of Fish&Chips at $18. Better taste than Cicerello's in Fremantle. But Lobster Shack only open during lunch hour roughly from 11am to 2pm. The place is big because they cater for group travelers. Please expect the long queue at the counter and also the serving time as they freshly cook all order. Enjoy indoor or their cozy open-air dining by the sea - but quite freezing during winter.

Lobster Shack cervantes western australia
Lobster Shack cervantes western australia
Lobster Shack cervantes western australiaLobster Shack cervantes western australia
Lobster Shack cervantes western australia


Adventure continues.. when

full news

Due to the fatal accident happened right at the Pinnacle's T-junction that afternoon, the authority closed the road for hours. For that, we have to take a longer journey back to Perth CBD. It was very tiring and we arrived Perth city right after sunset. Nevertheless we still enjoyed the scenery, especially these wind farm.


.
I was supposed to go to Perth by end of March 2020, but unfortunately the whole plan has been cancelled due to Covid-19 pandemic. Sadly, that trip supposed to cover:-
  • Fruit picking experience - at Golden Grove Citrus Orchard, Chittering Valley where you are not only allow to pick the orange, but also bring 2kg home; enjoy the fruit and juice tasting at the premise and, enjoy the tractor ride as well. Such a great idea for farm experience. 
  • Scavenger Hunt - organize by Two Feet & a Heartbeat at the Kings Park. Autumn can be very good 'hunting' season, especially at this 1000-acre beautiful park. 
  • Mandurah for canal scenic cruise. For the small group, can try Mandurah boat & bike tour. 


Wednesday, August 26, 2020

Shopping at Gold Coast, Australia

Malaysian = Shopping!
Shopping = Malaysian!

Undeniable, Malaysian is very synonym with shopping. Especially Malay. Yeah, we are shopping freak!

I've been in this travelling industry for 12 years (already). Taking thousands of Malaysian traveled domestic and overseas. All I can conclude for sure, apparently we Malaysian have a lot of money to spend, to buy those souvenirs we don't really need. How generous, for you to support local economy. But sadly, I also experienced (few times) when some Malaysian who got mad like hell until red-faced (some were crying) and make scene at the public area when they didn't get to purchase for a piece of Hard Rock T-Shirt or AAA grade of handbag or a set Saree. I'm not kidding, this is based on true incidents. Relax.. it is not the end of the world if you couldn't get the item. But, don't get me wrong, doesn't mean that I hate shopping. But I'm a light shopper, I'm just hate to carry heavy luggage...

However in this entry, I'm still pleased to guide you on the shopping places in Gold Coast.

Harbour Town

Similar to any other shopping outlet or brand outlet or premium outlet in the world, Harbour Town offers branded items at a cheaper price - on selective items, and depending on season and brand. With more than 180 stores, Harbour Town opens roughly from 9am until 5:30pm except on Thursday.

For tourist, you may get the Tourist Discount Card from Tourism Lounge at South West Entry (bus parking area). And those tourist who come in group, there's complimentary shopping bag you may request. Also for Muslim, please get the key to the prayer room from the Tourism Lounge's officer. The prayer room is about 50m from the Tourism Lounge, next to Afends.

I managed to grab a $138 (after 20% discount) Fossil Couple Watch. 

And these $99 watch is only $79 each after 20% discount. 
Nope, I didn't buy. Enough with one new watch on my wrist.

For Halal Restaurant at Harbour Town, you may try Malaysia Makanan at 8Eight Street, close to Fossil Store.



Surfers Paradise Night Market

Besides enjoying the sea breeze and the smell of the beach, you can also "cuci mata" at the night market for the local art & handicraft

But please bare in mind that the night market opens only on Sunday, Wednesday and Friday from 5pm to 10pm. Here, I bought some soft Nougat and a lipbalm made from honey. p/s : Nougat in Perth is wayyyy cheaper. Half-size of soft Nought in Gold Coast cost me $8 each, while at Mondo Nougat in Perth is selling at $10-11 for the whole-size of soft Nougat.

Walking down the street to Surfers Paradise Beachfront Market is totally safe even at night. From the hotel I stayed (The Island), it's only 10mins walk via Hard Rock Cafe and Cavill Avenue Pedestrian Walk. 


Hard Rock Cafe

Attention to Hard Rock T-Shirt collector; there's no need to put a fight with me because you may get your favorable dream T-shirt around $40 on your own.

Nahh I didn't buy any Hard Rock T-Shirt this time. Enough with those T-Shirt collection I owned.
But I do bought $10 Movie World Original T-Shirt and some cheap shirt @ Target.
Hard Rock Cafe and Woolworths


Woolworths

The entrance to Paradise Centre Shopping Mall is at the corner by Hard Rock Cafe, there's the way to Woolworths in Surfers Paradise. Woolworths in Gold Coast is similar to the one in Perth, where you can buy cheap Barista Bros drink at $3 (Barista at Coolangatta Airport sells at $4.32 each, while mineral water at $3.. damn expensive!.. psssst Barista in Malaysia at RM13 each), Salsa sauce at $1.50, Whittaker's chocolate at $2. But, don't be surprise, you also can find Corelle bowl or plate at $6-7 each (Woolworths in Perth does not selling Corelle product).

Apart from Woolworth, I also bought some Corelle bowl at Pacific Fair. Why Corelle? Because it's cheaper in Australia. Back in Malaysia, even during warehouse sale the price can be RM40-50 each compared to Corelle in Australia at $6-7 only.


Pacific Fair Shopping Centre

With more than 400 stores, Pacific Fair is considered as a huge mall for me. I visited Target, Big W, Kmart and some window shopping around mall. 

1 dollar, guys!


To get to Pacific Fair, I took a Tram Ride called TRANSLink (you can buy go explore - day ticket at 7e), from Cavill Avenue Station (close to Hard Rock Cafe) to Broadbeach South Station. Only 5 stations away. Then, take about 400m walk to the entrance of Pacific Fair. 

Tuesday, August 25, 2020

Makan @ Gold Coast

Golden Legends Malaysia Seafood Restaurant
I've been to this restaurant twice for dinner, with two different menus.
Menu A : soup, deep fried whole fish with soy sauce, deep fried chicken with prawn paste, Tom Yum seafood, bean curd, mix vegetables, seafood omelette, fruits & Chinese tea
Menu B : soup, whole fish with sweet & sour sauce, sweet chili chicken, sambal egg, mix vegetables with garlic sauce, bean curd, Assam-style seafood, fruits & Chinese tea.
Both menus are nice!

Shiraz Persian Restaurant
Located not too far from The Island Hotel and close to Golden Legends Restaurant.
At this restaurant, I tried Joojeh Kebab (boneless chicken), Koobideh Kebab (minced lamb), Bamieh (tomato sauce with lamb & Okra stew), Zereshk Polo (slow cooked chicken Maryland), fresh salad, Persian Rice, bread and Hummus.

Paradise Country Farm
 An Aussie BBQ Lunch with the choice of Chicken, Fish or Beef. 
Fresh from the grill every time you place order or once you present the meals voucher. 
Free flow buffet of pasta, salads and chips.
The restaurant is right behind this ticket counter.

Movie World Legends Dining
Buffet lunch served Blackbean Chicken, Beef curry, Steamed Fish with ginger, Hokkien noodle stir fry, mixed vegetable, salads, mini spring rolls, hot chips, pasta and fruits.
Sadly, the restaurant is not operating during my visit. Click here and scroll down for the story.
 
Malaysia Makanan @ 8Eight Street, Harbour Town
I haven't tried this restaurant. 
But highly recommended by a Malaysian who works at Fossil Store.

Shopping at Gold Coast? (Teaser)

'Big' catch from Gold Coast, Australia..

Cheap items from Woolworth
Target, KMart & Big W @ Pacific Fair,
and Surfers Paradise Night Market

$138 Fossil couple watch @ Harbour Town


more info coming up! click here

Tuesday, August 18, 2020

Movie World , Gold Coast , Australia

I know it's been a while since my last post. I've been busy these couple months. Apparently, not because of work (ain't travelling since Covid-19) but with life. Sadly, I was miscarriage (again), hence I've undergo D&C procedure. Then, fibroid removal and follow-up treatment for my hypothyroid.. Still unsure the cause of lost. Most of my days were spent at the hospitals (plural).. I went to Columbia Asia Hospital Puchong, Andorra Hospital, Subang Jaya Medical Centre, Hospital Putrajaya, Klinik Kesihatan Putrajaya & Klinik Kesihatan Salak.. ~wow~ quite a list. Alhamdulillah, we have good gynae in town. And I'm still working on to have our own child soon. InsyaAllah~


Enough for the 'away' explanation. Now, back to the main story.

After took 8hrs flight back from Saudi Arabia on 4th November, I took another 8hrs flight from Kuala Lumpur to Coolangatta Airport, Gold Coast, Queensland on 8th November. 

Tired? Of course! 
Jetlagged? Definitely! 

But luckily the itinerary for the Gold Coast trip wasn't so tight. We only need to cover Paradise Country, shopping at Harbour Town, shopping at Pacific Fair Shopping Mall, Hard Rock Shop, Surfers Paradise Beach and... 

Warner Bros. Movie World!


It's a bird! It's a plane! No, it's SUPERMAN!!

Click the photos to enlarge..
So that you can see the face of this handsome guy clearly
*wink wink*
 

with sporting and cute Supergirl all-the-way from Malaysia

Rides, anyone?
 
DC Rivals Hypercoaster (the tallest, longest, and fastest in Southern Hemisphere)
and Green Lantern Coaster

Superman Escape roller coaster
 
Love this ride ~ Scooby Doo's Spooky Coaster
Batwing Spaceshot

Are you a big fan of BATMAN?
 
 

other attractions available
Hollywood Stunt Driver (available at 11:00am and 1:50pm only)

 
Wild West Falls Adventure Ride

WB Studio Showcase


Warner Bro's Movie World is not only for DC Superheroes,
(Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, Flash, Aquaman)
Green Lantern and Shazam,
but also a place for Scooby Doo, and Looney Tunes characters
(Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Tweety Bird, Sylvester, Road Runner + Coyote)
.. and Tom & Jerry.

Last but not least, the street parade
 
again... this handsome Superman! waving at me ^_^
 

Streets Star Parade presented by Magnum, begins at 3:30pm at the Main Street.



If you are coming in group, actually you can have HALAL Buffet Lunch at 
MW Legends Dining Room. The lunch starts at 12noon
and the location is right behind "Lockers" and next to Ricks's Cafe Americain & Rick's Bar
 

Although I already received the Meals Coupon that morning, 
unfortunately the MW management has done a mistake. MW Legends is closed that day!!
Hence, they upgraded us to Ricks's Cafe Americain & Rick's Bar, instead.
It's NOT a Halal Restaurant. So, after a short argument, finally I managed to get some refund.