Day 11 (25 Dec 2017) : Launceston – Warrnambool
Today, we took a mid morning flight (10.05am) from Launceston to Melbourne. We had chosen to fly on Christmas Day as many places of interest in Australia are closed and this is probably the most efficient use of time.
The drive from Murphett’s Cottage to Launceston Airport was about 15mins. DH dropped us at the departure hall and went to return our rental car. Check in and immigration was relatively smooth. Our qantas flight was a propeller plane, so cabin bags had to be put into the cabin hole before we boarded our plane and we collect them when we leave the plane. Only small duffel bags can be brought into the cabin.
Qantas is a full service airline, so we were served water and snack during our short 1hr 15mins flight.
Car Rental in Melbourne
We had booked our car rental in Melbourne with Thrifty as well. As it was Christmas Day, the counter at the airport was closed, and a notice at the counter directed us to the main Thrifty office at the Parkroyal hotel just opposite the airport to collect our car. The hotel is connected to the airport via an overhead walkway. While DH and DBIL went to handle the paper work for our cars, the rest of us went to get our lunch.
We were again ungraded to a Pajero Premium. Yippee! DBil got the Pajero Sports. When we compared, the space was about the same. The main difference between the 2 vehicles was the Pajero Premium can be converted to a 7-seater.
Our Pajero Premium was relatively new too with mileage of about 4300km. We paid A$729 for their 5 days rental including GPS and ultimate protection cover to bring excess to zero. There was again a A$200 deposit which was refunded to us within 2 weeks of our return. Btw, they did not accept cash payment today as it was Christmas Day and they only accepted credit card payment. There was a service charge of 1.1% for visa. Amex was more expensive.
Lunch @ Nandos
It was close to 12 noon when we arrived at Melbourne Airport, so we decided to have lunch there. Furthermore we were sure it would be difficult to find a place to eat outside the airport today since it was Christmas Day.
We did not fancy burgers and so was happy to find that there was a Nandos at the airport. Our family of 5 decided to get 2 whole chicken with 2 large sides. I wasn’t sure how big the portion was. For once, it was not enough and we ordered another a chicken with 1 large side.
Thunder Point Coastal Reserve, Warrnambool
After lunch, we picked up our car and headed to Warrnambool. It was a long and boring drove. Almost 4 hours of straight roads. Very easy to drive but very very dull. I normally try to stay awake to keep DH company during long drives. But on this occasion, after lunch, I could not keep my eyes open. After a short nap, I woke up feeling really guilty. The 3 kids were all still sleeping at the back. I started taking out the snacks and feeding DH.
Upon arrival at Warrnambool, we headed straight to our Deep Blue Hotel & Hots Springs where we were staying for the night. We checked in, settled our stuff and headed out to Thunder Point which was just 5 mins away.
Thunder Point Coastal Reserve is adjacent to Warrnambool’s beach and offers one of the best coastal scenery in the area. We wondered along the coast and walked along some of the board walks. The waves were strong and in some sections there were hardly anyone else. Gives a very rustic wilderness atmosphere.
We did not hang out too long at Thunder Point as we needed to go back to the hotel to prepare dinner.
Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs, Warrnambool
We decided to stay at Deep Blue Hotel & Resort as we expected that it would be difficult to find a restaurant open on Christmas Day, and we would need a place with kitchen facilities to prepare our own dinner. We had booked a 2 bedroom penthouse (A$615) for my family of 5 and 2 standard Qween Studio (A$230) for Dsis’s family and my parents. They did not charge DSis extra for the rollaway bed for DN. The 2BR penthouse was very expensive but we had no choice as other apartments with kitchen facilities were not taking reservations of one night during this holiday period.
The hotel was beautiful and had a cheery and homely reception area. We had thought we could use the hot spring in the hotel, but unfortunately, it was not open that day as it was Christmas. We were a little disappointed.
Our 2 bedroom apartment was beautiful and had a wonderful view. It had a spacious living room and large dining table. The bedrooms were cosy. The extra double sofa bed was at a separate entrance area when we entered the apartment.
The apartment also had its own laundry room which which had a washer and dryer. It was so useful and convenient. The whole evening and night, we were running continuous cycles of washing for ourselves and DSis!
The kitchen was well equipped and had enough cutleries and utensils for us. Everything was very clean and well maintained. We had bought disposal cutleries and plates from the supermarket thinking that a 2 bedroom apartment for 5 may not have enough for all of us, but we need not have done so.
This evening DSis prepared pasta and salad with DMum’s help. My responsibility was only the Campbell soup! Hahaha!
We had a lovely and simple Christmas dinner. The beautiful apartment was well enjoyed by everyone and really no regrets paying the high price for it.
Next up: Day 12 : Great Ocean Road