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| Coherent ending to our reccie; after time to reflect | |
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| Topic Started: 20 Jun 2007, 08:41 AM (3,246 Views) | |
| Nagiboy | 20 Jun 2007, 08:41 AM Post #1 |
A phenomenon
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For my 500th post I thought I would give a summary of our recent reccie, fill in a few gaps that my rather drunken post "drunken post" failed to cover, and also summarise the positives and negatives that we experienced, and that helped us make our decision as to whether to move to Victoria or stay where we are in the UK. On day 9 of our reccie we checked out of the Frankston Big4 and headed off to stay with our friends in Clifton Springs on the Bellarine Peninsula. Our journey would take us on the Nepean Highway through Mount Eliza, with a quick exploration of the estates and a look at Half Moon Bay and Canadian Bay. Back on to the Nepean and into Mornington again for a quick look around the estates before taking a leisurely drive along the Esplanade through Mount Martha and down towards Safety Beach. Our opinion on Mount Eliza, Mornington, and Mount Martha - lovely places but as we looked round there was something that just didn’t click for us. We can’t quite explain it but they were not for us. - I had previously said the price tag attached to the area put us off, but on reflection this is not the case. Back to our drive we continued along Marine Drive/Point Nepean Road stopping off at various beaches so that we could all have a run around Posted Image (click the miage to open slideshow), passing through Rosebud and reaching Sorrento for a bite to eat. I have to admit that the drive from Mount Martha to Sorrento was lovely and passed through some great places where I could see myself retiring to. I’m not saying that they were full of old people just that I wouldn’t mind seeing out my final days in places like them. Sorrento was a great place with what looked like some lovely cafes/restaurants, although I picked what turned out to be a rather average place for lunch before catching the ferry over to Queenscliff. Sue (Scouser) had described Queenscliff to me as the place that time forgot. I must admit that my initial impression as we drove through it was pretty much the same , I was expecting tumbleweed to pass in front of the car at any given moment, but then Kath pointed out that the buildings were really just great examples of old buildings and that the place was actually quite modern. By this stage Sam was getting very excited at the prospect of seeing “his girlfriend” ( they are both only 4 but we have already had talk of a wedding) and so we headed straight for Clifton Springs and our friends Fran & Keith’s house. I think the kids had thought they had died and gone to heaven. After 11 days of very few toys they had a whole house full to play with. The kids nearly outlasted us grown ups and didn’t get to bed till nearly 11pm. I also got my first taste of playing on a Wii - very addictive. Day 10 We were given a tour of Clifton Springs and Drysdale, where we had a lunch in a local café that served great chocolate milkshakes. I must admit my first impressions as we drove and walked around were that this was a very quite backwater without much going for it. In the afternoon we visited Ocean Grove with what looked like great surf beaches , and Barwon Heads, which had a nice play area and beach on the Barwon river. Next stop was Port Arlington. Even though it was a late in the day and cloudy you could still see the skyline of Melbourne’s CBD. Posted Image (Click image again) We thought the beach area was lovely and enjoyed a stroll along the pier where we watched the numerous fishermen and women catching what we have been led to believe were baby Salmon. ( Not sure if the same type of Salmon you get in the northern hemisphere). When our friends went to pick up their eldest child from school Kath went along to have a look around. Now this had not been pre arranged, but the Assistant Principal dropped what he was doing and quite happily showed off the school’s facilities. Kath was impressed with the large adventure play area within the playgrounds, the sports facilities which knocked spots off what is available locally to us in the UK. She was most impressed with the computer suite which comprised of about 30 very up-to-date pc’s all with TFT screens. That evening we spent at a restaurant where the kids play area was covered by CCTV which meant us grown ups could enjoy a chat and a meal whilst making sure the kids were safe and happy by watching the them on the TV. Day 11 Eastern Beach, Geelong and the shopping centres. Out of everywhere we saw/visited during our reccie we are both of the opinion that Eastern Beach was our favourite. It was just lovely, everything about it. The kids really enjoyed the play park and we thought that the whole waterfront was wonderful and the Bollards are a quirky bonus. It was whilst we were at Eastern Beach that Kath commented for the first time that Australia could be home and to be honest I felt the same. Now I know Geelong is not to everyone taste as some say that it is ruined by the industry that is on view., but in our opinion this is not the case. Yes it is there in the background but it does not spoil the view or feel of Eastern Beach. I think the best way to describe Eastern Beach is to let you view pictures of it…. Posted Image As for the shopping centres - well they were shopping centres which are pretty much standard where every you go, however the major difference we noticed between UK and Oz ones was the lack of gangs of youths hanging around wearing hoodies and looking intimidating. That evening our friends were having a house party , not sure if it was for our benefit or not, but we met lots of really friendly people, who were genuinely interested in us and why we were considering moving to Australia. By the end of the night we had been offered so much help and advice (including a 7 berth caravan to stay in if we ever needed it.) and had drunk so much VB, that I decided it would be a good idea to make a post on a BV. Day 12 After spending most of the morning recovering from the night before we headed out to Torquay. A pleasant half hour drive and we were there. A bite to eat at a nice bistro and off to a large adventure play park where the kids released more of their endless supply of energy and I twisted my ankle jumping off a platform to rescue Leah who had hurt herself. The play park overlooked the beach along Surf Coast, and in my personal opinion appeared to be nicer than anything we had seen on the Mornington Peninsula. A quiet night followed, with a pizza from the local takeway, where they served the largest pizza I had ever seen, a monster at 2ft by 1ft. Day 13 We spent the morning having a closer look around Clifton Springs/Drysdale taking more time to explore the estates and what was on offer there, in terms of houses for rent/sale, and land for sale. There were some very nice houses with good bay views (well they were good from our car - so can I only imagine they were better from the houses’ balconies) and then for our final afternoon we headed back to Eastern Beach. Not to be put off by a little bit of rain, we had a quick bite to eat at The Beach House restaurant, before the kids hit the play park again. We then took a stroll along the waterfront to the Carousel, which the kids thoroughly enjoyed. To finish off our trip I treated the family to trip on a seaplane , which was a first for all of us. We had a 15 mins aerial tour over the salt works, picked up the route along the Barwon River, flying over Kardinia Park back out over the bay before landing. Everyone fully enjoyed the quick trip, although Sam then wanted to go on the helicopter ride to see how that compared.Posted Image Day 14 Very early rise (5am) to get to the airport for 7am to catch our flight back to the UK via Singapore. Returned the hire car to the airport and forgot to fill the tank up as we actually left later than we intended to, and the b*st*rds stung me for $2.20/litre for them to fill the car back up. We liked Melbourne Airport, well as far as airports go, but were very disappointed with the flight from Melbourne to Singapore. (Singapore Airlines). We felt as though the stewardesses ignored us, they were very slow in responding when we called them for something, perhaps we were just spoiled on the flights over….erh NO!! Usual service was resumed for the flight from Singapore to Manchester. Confession now … I treated myself at Changi Airport - bought myself a Tag Heuer watch (always wanted one since I was knee high to a grasshopper.) but have since found out that it was absolute bargain compared to the price I would have to pay for it in the UK. So were we glad to return to the UK , well yes and no. A major difference became very apparent to us when we clearing customs. We were greeted by perhaps the most miserable employee of HM Customs there has ever been. We just about got grunts out of the woman concerned. Kath commented on how she had noticed that Australians returning to Aus we greeted with “Welcome home” from the Australian customs officials. WHAT WE LIKED Melbourne CBD and the skyline The attractions in the city from the Aquarium to Eureka Tower The helpful staff on the public transport The Botanic Gardens The kids playgrounds that are everywhere in the suburbs The size of the properties that are available Being so close to the beach The food The winter weather ( it felt like summer) The ease with which we were able to set up a bank account and the speed with which the ANZ got a named bank card sent to us ( 3days) The friendliness of the people in general WHAT WE DIDN’T LIKE The supermarkets (at first) - but we think it is a case of us having to adjust our way of shopping - probably for the better The ovens with a bar/heater at the bottom The crap heaters in the Big4 at Coburg Jetlag WHAT WE LOVED The Bellarine Peninsula Eastern Beach at Geelong Clifton Springs/Drysdale - the more time we spent there the more it grew on me and the more I saw the attraction of living some quiet but within very easy driving distance to some wonderful places. Drive in bottle shops A FEW THANK YOUS Fraser and Rachel, and Gary and Sue for taking the time to meet up with us and showing us around the areas where they live. Sue (Scouser) thanks for the offer and sorry we couldn't make time to meet you. Eltham - I still feel that from the moment we visited Eltham our reccie took an upwards turn and made us realise that Melbourne definitely had something to offer us. So what are we going to do next….. As soon as the house sells, book one way tickets, say our goodbyes and settle in Clifton Springs/Drysdale. We really can’t wait. |
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| Lorraine44 | 20 Jun 2007, 09:18 AM Post #2 |
A phenomenon
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What a great report :thumbsup: you soon get used to the supermarkets, believe me! you have no choice but to adapt really and you soon stop pining for Sainsburys! My husband is heading back to the UK next week and I can honestly say I can't think of anything foodwise that I want him to bring back with him. I agree with you about Geelong beach too, I'm happy in Eltham so wouldn't want to actually live there but it has a "feel" to it and is near enough for us to spend a day there. I feel the same as you about Mornington too,, great place for a day out but it didn't grab me,, probably totally different if you actually live there! I hope the house sells really quickly for you and that you are soon back on Aussie soil :D |
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| bigAPE | 20 Jun 2007, 09:42 AM Post #3 |
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Thanks for this really interesting report. We've been to Mornington a couple of times and having moved from the Beach in Cornwall find it a bit of a dissapointment. But we are going to give it a chance and spend a few weekends investigating what the area has to offer. On my first visit out to Oz we went to Torquay and I thought it was lovely, I'm not sure if that is Eastern Beach, but it looked the same. Again this is somewhere that we need to look at further, but my husband doesn't seem to have much interest in moving towards Geelong. Eltham is somewhere I am yet to discover, although I have heard it has a good reputation and I really like to look of Eltham College for our kids. The only draw back is that it isn't close to the sea, which I think is a high priority for us. I'm saving this trip for a nice sunny day. Great report. Gill |
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| Nagiboy | 20 Jun 2007, 09:57 AM Post #4 |
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Gill, Eastern Beach is in Geelong. Just for you here is a picture of the beach at Torquay - not the best but all I have Posted Image Matt |
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| koalakim | 20 Jun 2007, 09:59 AM Post #5 |
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Hi there Sounds like Melbourne convinced you in the end! Yep, UK airports really welcome you back. I used to get soooo depressed just walking through T3 at Heathrow, waiting for hours for your baggage etc! Anyway, glad you had a good recci in the end and that you have found somewhere you would like to settle. We have been out to Torquay once years ago and keep meaning to go back and explore more of that area. I found a great house to rent there but poss too far out at the moment but something to keep in mind for the future. Hope all your planning and sorting out goes well and you'll be back here before you know it! Good Luck Kim |
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| welshlass | 20 Jun 2007, 10:16 AM Post #6 |
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Hi Nagiboy Read your post and really enjoyed it. I'm glad that you enjoyed your trip & that you all had a safe trip back to the the UK. I must admit that i'm a bit biais when it comes to Geelong, we have been there now 3years now and still enjoy the place, My favorite beach is Torquay which is about 10mins from where we live.i've only ever lived in Geelong though so i can't really compare it to anywhere else, but i think it has a nice feel to it ,if you now what i mean. So where ever you decide good luck in your adventure.. :waving: Bye Welshlass :flower: |
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| Bordy | 20 Jun 2007, 11:28 AM Post #7 |
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Great report, amazing what you can write when sober.
:D It just goes to show there is more to Melbourne than the Mornington Peninsula although I have to admit I love visiting down there. I think if you felt the Geelong area is for you just now then you will love it even more from November onwards when we start getting our sunny 25 to 30 degree days. Good luck with the next part of the jigsaw. |
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| Lorraine44 | 20 Jun 2007, 11:40 AM Post #8 |
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Are there 2 Torquays?!! these are some pics we took earlier in the year, it looks very different! Posted Image Posted Image |
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| buzzy--bee | 20 Jun 2007, 12:21 PM Post #9 |
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Fantastic report and photos - thanks for taking the time to post this mate. Simon |
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| cazzy | 20 Jun 2007, 02:08 PM Post #10 |
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Hi Nagiboy and family Lovely post and nice to see some positive comments of Geelong and surrounds. We have been here 17 months and are very happy. I agree with both you and welshlass that the area just has a nice feel about it. Best wishes with all your plans. |
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| Lindsay Clan | 20 Jun 2007, 02:24 PM Post #11 |
 
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Lovely post and glad to hear that you really liked Oz after your reccie. Good luck with the house sale and all the preparations for the final move. |
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| Tony & Emma | 20 Jun 2007, 03:58 PM Post #12 |
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Cracking post, and very similar to our thoughts when we reccied in Januray. We werent take with Melbourne at all at first, but Eltham was also a turning point for us. By the time we came away, it was a no brainer - Melbourne all the way! It's a strange place in a way, it's very true what a lot of people have said in that it gets under your skin. It's not all glitz, there's a lot going on under the surface, it has soul. We can't wait to get back out there and settled - 10 weeks on Saturday until our one-way ticket whisks us away from the UK. Best of luck with your plans nagiboy. |
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| gringo1974 | 20 Jun 2007, 05:35 PM Post #13 |
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Really great report and photos, given us alot to think about, and got us even more excited. Cheers and good luck with everything :Beer: |
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| mark 'n' joe | 20 Jun 2007, 05:57 PM Post #14 |
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Great report, looking forward to visiting in October to see for ourselves and also gave us some ideas on places to visit. Hope your house sells quickly and good luck with your new life. Joex |
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| Kaz and Malc | 20 Jun 2007, 06:25 PM Post #15 |
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Brilliant report Nagiboy! Your thoughts are so similar to mine. I thought Geelong beach was brilliant. So clean and beautifully landscaped. Its the perfect beach for anyone with small kids. I would have liked to see Torquay beaches because thats where we were told we would have to go to get some surf. I was disappointed to see that your piccie of Torquay beach didnt seem to have any surf though! Are you sure its Torquay. The ones posted by Lorraine look just the job, notice all the surfer dudes. Does the surf disapear in the winter :blink: Your pictures of the Mornington beaches were just like ours. Not terribly inspiring, but it is winter I guess. Our shots of Bayside beaches weren't much better, although my favourite one, in Sandringham, funnily enough was taken on a superb sunny day ;) If anyone has more photos of Geelong surrounds/town etc. would love to see them. We only really had chance to see the beach area, which as I understand it has had millions spent on a 'face lift'. Do the town centre and suburbs live up to this lovely image ;) I didn't get to see Eltham either, which was originally on my list of places to check out. So again, if anyone has any photos or reports, would love to see them. I'm so glad you have come back and made a decision. I'm so jealous, as we are still in limbo about making a decision. Based mostly on the job front. Just wish we could decide what we are doing and just get on with it. Nice to have you back anyway :waving: Karen :flower: |
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| ValeSpark | 20 Jun 2007, 06:56 PM Post #16 |
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Great post, really interesting. Loved the pictures of Torquay, great reminder of my last visit. (I would post some piccies, but a thieving git nicked my laptop just after returning from my last trip so lost all the recent photos, that I had not got round to backing up.) :mah: Pete |
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| dolly | 20 Jun 2007, 07:10 PM Post #17 |
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Fantastic post, makes me want to get on the plane now! Katie :D |
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| OzTennis | 20 Jun 2007, 08:27 PM Post #18 |
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Some more Geelong (admittedly around Eastern Beach!). More Geelong info etc at: http://www.intown.com.au/ http://www.geelong.vic.gov.au/Visiting_Geelong/ http://www.walkabout.com.au/locations/VICGeelong.shtml Posted Image Posted Image Posted Image Posted Image Posted Image OzTennis :flag: |
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| OzTennis | 20 Jun 2007, 08:33 PM Post #19 |
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And: Posted Image Posted Image Posted Image Posted Image Posted Image All taken on a winter's day in July 2006!! OzTennis :flag: |
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| Nagiboy | 20 Jun 2007, 09:01 PM Post #20 |
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Its been said before , but you do take a good photo OzTennis :thumbsup: |
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| OzTennis | 20 Jun 2007, 09:12 PM Post #21 |
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Confession time! My brother and his wife took them with my camera while we were up at the shops in central Geelong. :D I should have added before that all your reccie reports were excellent and interesting reading and viewing. The name Clifton Springs conjures up memories for me as many an enjoyable round of golf was played there with my pals from Uni - back in the days when the estate was just starting. One of them also had the family caravan right next to the pier at Portarlington so we used to spend a lot of time there in the summer. From there we would also play in the many good tournaments on the grasscourts at Geelong and go to the surf beaches on the other side of the Peninsula. Of late my parents (sadly my father is no longer with us) used to really enjoy a trip to Queenscliff and nearby Point Lonsdale. I'll post some other piccies if I find time. OzTennis :flag: |
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| BoekieOH | 20 Jun 2007, 09:13 PM Post #22 |
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G'day Matt and Kath, Glad you made it home ok, best bit is Melbourne finally got to you both. So what about work then, if you've fallen in love with Eastern Beach, best you only accept the job in CBD, or you thinking of some other line of work. Anyway, hope the house sells quick, see you soon, Sue's kept some more shortbread for Sam. Gary and Sue :mate: :waving: |
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| Nagiboy | 20 Jun 2007, 09:43 PM Post #23 |
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G'day mates, It will be the CBD all the way for me. Found out that Keith (the guy we were staying with in Clifton Springs) currently works on the opposite corner of the block where I will be working and he says the commute is quite easy on the train. Quite a few of the people we met around the area also commute either by train or car to the CBD and all say it is generally ok, but obviouly there are are some bad days. So Sue are you branching out in to any other lines of biscuits? I'm sure we can always find some taste testers for you :D :have a beer: Matt and Kath |
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| chrisnlou | 20 Jun 2007, 10:00 PM Post #24 |
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Hi Guys Glad you all made it back without to many probs. How was the jetlag from this end? You have put some great posts up along your journey some very interesting reads. Chris found the drunken one especially amusing :D Really glad you found somewhere where you all feel you will be able to settle and one day call home. We exchange and complete our house sale at the end of July and are off in August just hopping around on the job front but its coming together. Hope to catch you on the other side Chris and Lou :mate: |
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| NTH SHARMAN | 21 Jun 2007, 12:06 AM Post #25 |
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Hi Nagiboy and Co. Sounds like you had a fab time. How you managed to do so much I'll never know!! I was reading your post this morning while eating my brekki and as much as I enjoyed everything you had to say, and looking at the piccies, I couldn't wait to get to the end to see what the final verdict was. When I read your last few words (and this is going to sound so mushy) the hairs on the back of my neck stood on end and a big smile broke out on my face!! I just felt so excited for you all. So here's hoping the house sells quickly for you. Keep us updated. Tracey, Neil and Hayeigh :thumbsup: |
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