Trips To Australia
2006 - The Koalas
No problems with any of the flights, although we were spread around the plane it was not too far and we were in groups rather than individuals sitting alone, this gave us the opportunity to get to know each other.
Singapore
Got to the Hotel very late in the evening, some went for a meal around the corner in the bar while others went for a walk around the area. Later (around midnight) we all decided to go swimming in the Hotel pool until early hours in the morning, this was great fun.
Next morning the Possums left early for Australia while the Koalas had some time in Singapore. We got up later than the other group but still early enough to visit the sites. We walked from Robertson Quay Hotel down to Clarke Quay. We took the Singapore River Cruise that runs through the city that used to be the lifeline of Singapore. This was a great opportunity for taking photographs as we passed landmarks and the statue of Merlion.
We then walked to the underground train station and went to Little India and then Chinatown. This was a great experience and none of us wanted to come away so early from there, however, we wanted to get as much in as possible. The underground is so fast and runs like clockwork and an absolute fabulous experience, but be aware the doors of the trains will close on you as we found out (standing in the doorway for others to get on) big mistake!!!.
We then went by cable car over to Sentosa, this was ok but we found that you had to pay for a lot of the tours/exhibits etc and we really didn’t have the time to queue for the attractions. All in all we got back to the Hotel exhausted and excited ready for our next venture. We arrived approx 10 minutes before we were due to leave. We had a great time in this very clean city and would have liked more time there. This was the start of things to come and the bonding between the group was first class.
Brisbane
Brisbane Youth Hostel was nice and the food there was plenty and good. We ate there a couple of times and ordered out one night for pizza. Some of the group went to the cinema while others got tickets to an Ozzy rules football game (if possible book your tickets beforehand) we paid at the gate but all the cheaper tickets had gone. Although the game was worth it, some even got autographs from the players at the end.
The Gold Coast was great and would have been nicer if the weather was warmer. A chance for a bit of shopping and chilling out, the buses and trains ran on time and easy to follow, although you do have to check when it comes for paying for transport fees as you can buy tickets that allow you onto trains, ferries, buses etc (not individual fares).
Steve Irwin – Australia Zoo was good and we were lucky enough to have Steve Irwin carry out a Croc show for us! Very entertaining.
Conservation Work
Arrived at Kooralbyn for our conservation work, the Villas were fabulous and our Conservation Leaders and Rangers were great. The resort was open for a drink and a game of pool and up the road another bar that was slightly cheaper. We split the group into smaller groups and they took turns to prepare and cook the evening meals for everyone, they got very enthusiastic about this and we had some very nice meals. We walked for miles uphill for the conservation work this was very strenuous but wow it was great!!!
The Rangers took it upon themselves to finish the week with a BBQ at their headquarters and at their expense for us, they even carried out a controlled burn for us, their hospitality was second to none.
At the end of the week we arranged to go to the Australian Muster and Bush Dance, this proved to be successful and a good ending to the week where they could let their hair down.
Sydney
All arrived with no problems, the Youth Hostel was like a five star hotel and again the staff were great. The ferry and beach trips were again a good opportunity for chilling and shopping. The opera house was nice to see. The bridge climb, well what can I say………….I got all the gear on, got up onto the bridge and my fears got the better of me so yes I had to turn back, the staff were very supportive and tried to make me feel comfortable.
The Hard Rock Café and the Sydney Jewish Museum was absolutely great.
General
I can’t remember half the things I done because it was so much. We got around on all the local transport - double decker trains, buses, taxi, monorail, ferries, the underground and cable cars, if there were bikes available we most probably would have tried that.
I learned a lot from this trip and found it very educational, my group were great, what else could I ask for.
Thoroughly enjoyed and would like the opportunity to volunteer my services again next year.
Thank you for this opportunity.
Nicola Davies (Koalas Team Leader)
