possum52

Our daughter in law works for the State Sports Centre Trust and her office is at MSAC (Melbourne Sports And Aquatics Centre) which is situated beside the track. She, in past years has not been able to work due to the GP as it is almost impossible to get to there because of barriers and security and no car parking.

Yes Linda, it is a very dangerous beach. Only board riders who know the conditions should use it. It would likely be a rip that took them. I would hope there would be signs saying it is dangerous but in saying that our local life saving club where Rob and I are life members is always rescuing both adults and children from the mouth of the river located in our suburb. There are signs everywhere close by stating that it is dangerous and do not swim there. But every summer there are numerous rescues because either people don’t read the signs, don’t understand them or think it won’t happen to us. There was a local man who it is believed rescued more than 80 people by himself from around 1935 to close to his death in 1980 from near the mouth of the river.

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I actually thought it meant a chef's hat but didn't think Lyle would be wearing one at the Penguin Parade.

Good idea Lyle. Just layer up if the day is cool/cold as it can be in March but then it can also be quite hot. Our son and his family usually go to the Penguin Parade at least once a year and it doesn't matter what time of the year they go, it is usually cold while waiting and watching the penguins. I assume, without looking it up touques means what we call beanies - knitted caps like this -

Sadly a fourth person who was involved in the drowning incident at Newhaven, Phillip Island has died in hospital, Victoria Police have announced.

As Lyle and Lynn are wanting to go to the Penguin Parade and only perhaps staying one night, they would be better to arrive in Phillip Island as early as possible so they can actually see some of the sites on the island other than just going to see the penguins. Sunset in mid March is around 7.45pm so they would need to be seated will before then. So I would suggest they drive to Lakes Entrance which then leaves around a four hour drive to Phillip Island. Lyle, make sure you book for the Penguin Parade. Penguin Parade It can also be quite cold in the evening so make sure you have suitable clothing and even a rug.

As Lakes Entrance is more a tourist town and has around twice the population of Orbost, I would think there would be more accommodation choice there. In saying that, Orbost is roughly half way between Bateman’s Bay and Phillip Island. Metung is beautiful.

Linda, Orbost and Lakes Entrance are both on the Prince’s Highway and on the route from Batemans Bay to Phillip Island.

As it is the NZeTA, of course the price is in NZD which today is around USD 31.70.

I am not surprised that this has happened. It is still very much the wet season in that area, so it has continued to rain heavily at times. Enjoy Skyrail.

Were you looking at booking.com or directly with the hotel? When I looked yesterday, there were plenty of places available in March next year on booking.com. Perhaps contact the places you are interested in and see if you can book more than a year out.

Sounds good Lyle. Unfortunately we don't live close by but we can arrange to meet up for lunch. We can plan it closer to the time.

You should be able to drop off your luggage at the cruise terminal when you check out of your hotel. Luggage Drop off At Auckland Cruise Terminal

Thanks Lyle, it looks very nice. It is on a very busy road but very close to the tram line, there is a tram stop just around the corner. The Royal Botanic Gardens are a ten or fifteen minutes walk away and the Shrine of Remembrance is even closer. Not sure if you will be able to access the GP track or not. It is usually fenced off and not accessible to the public some time before the event much to the annoyance of the locals.

That's great Lyle. May I ask the address of the apartment?

Lyle,the GP is not until Sunday 16th March. Racing will start the day after you fly out. I just checked Booking.com for dates 9th-13th March and there are plenty of choices available at reasonable prices.at the moment. Perhaps have a look at booking sites and if you find something you like, contact the property directly and see what the offers are. But I would suggest booking soon and getting free cancellation as close to your date as possible.

The coastline of Greater Perth borders the Indian Ocean, not the Southern Ocean. The South Island of New Zealand is classed as being in the Pacific Ocean.

The road to Port Douglas which is currently closed is how you would get to the Daintree. I believe you can go inland which is a 3+ hour trip. At this time the road is expected to open by the end of this month and Kuranda Railway is due to open around the 12th February. In saying that there is always the possibility of more damage if another cyclone hits the region. There is one possibly forming in the Coral Sea at the moment but it is not known where and when it will make landfall.

I do too Mic. We've always found a good variety of bread rolls onboard. In fact they are usually so good, I have to restrict myself to just one.

We actually didn't have a choice for where we sat, usually we would do the same as you.

Or you get wet, if the sea is a little rough as happened to us in Bali. It actually was quite pleasant and don't recall the fumes from the engine at all.

Yorkey's Knob is where the tenders drop off passengers for Cairns. There is likely to be a shuttle taking passengers into Cairns from Yorkey's Knob. Cairns is a beautiful city with lots to do. Airlie Beach is a very pretty little town. I would do both, but if you really want to have a day to yourself on the ship, perhaps Airlie Beach is the place to do it.

Taxi or Uber is the best way to get to your hotel from the airport. It will cost approximately $65.

Kumara chips are hot, like french fries, only made from kumara (sweet potato).