10 Days Couple Trip to Australia | Sydney & Tasmania (Part 1)

No more long procrastination !! Finally posted the first part of my long awaited holiday that passed few weeks ago. I definitely don't want to be back at Singapore because the reality sucks. But again, without this, I'm not gonna have the money to travel HAHA so just got to suck it up and face it !! 😂😂

Not to bored you with my introduction, I finally have the chance to visit Tasmania !! We flew to Sydney first as I need to fulfill my bridesmaid duty before flying to Tassie. So we spent 2 nights there and flew to Hobart and started our little adventure ❤ We planned the road trip started at Hobart and ended at Launceston☺I'm really blessed as my boyfriend, Eddie, really planned so much for our trip and he makes sure everything goes smoothly. Love you deep deep my boyfriend ❤❤

Both of us agreed that our highlights throughout this trip are Mount Wellington and Tasman Island Cruise. Without further ado, I'll start from our flight itinerary and hope this post will help you in the future for references if you have intention to visit Tasmania =)

DISCLAIMER

All hotel or restaurant names / brands mentioned in my blog never pays me anything. So this is not a sponsored post and don't worry, I'm writing in purely my honest opinion =)

PS: I've split this itinerary into 2 posting as I realized it's way too much to cram everything in one post and I don't want people to keep scrolling down and feel bored =)

PPS: If you are driving and plan to visit the national park at Tasmania (which you definitely need to LOL), please remember to have your holiday pass for the car, cost around $80 (Australian dollar) =)

Flight Itinerary

We've been searching for the most reasonable ticket price for our trip and in the end, we decided to take Qantas, cost us at SGD 1,915.20 for two. The reason we took this because Scoot and the other airlines almost cost us the same (and the luggage is only at 20kg 😞) There's another choice, Singapore Airlines, but it's freaking expensive for me HAHAHA. But hey, Qantas is good as well =)

Our flight itinerary as per below; we departed from Singapore to Sydney, then from Sydney to Hobart, and the holiday comes to an end where we departed from Launceston to Singapore. Since there's no direct flight from Launceston, we got to stop by Melbourne for short period for transfer.

One day before our flight, we got contact from Qantas that our flight from Singapore needed to be changed to 7:30pm flight as we might not be able to board the flight that we booked. We were quite shocked as this never happened to us. Eventually we agreed to changed our flight and realized we took Airbus A380 (better plane compared to Airbus A330). But oh well, what's more important is that both of us traveled safely and back to Singapore in one piece =)

Flight Itinerary (before we got switched to QF 2 on our departure from Singapore)

Car Rental

I have to admit that car is really important if you travel at Tasmania (unless you've planned to just stay in one place and purchase one day tour package). Eddie booked our car from rentalcars.com; they connect us to different brands of car hire such as Hertz, Europcar, and Avis.

At first, Europcar employee at the counter (Hobart Airport) asked Eddie if he wants to upgrade to BMW (not sure which series) by paying additional $40/day. I told him to think properly if its worth it or not as we will be on roads. Eventually he chose to stick with the first plan (thank God cause we are saving at least $280 !!). To our surprise, we got upgraded to Mitsubishi Outlander !! At the time when we booked it was written that we will only get Kia Cerato Sedan or similar. Outlander is definitely good car and one of the things I love from this car; I can use Android Auto (not available in Singapore yet), connects my phone immediately to the LCD screen mounted in the car and allows me to access my Spotify and Google Maps =)

We paid total of SGD334.71 for 7 days booking. Additional info that you want to know; if you are not the one driving, better don't make the booking cause once you booked, you are the only one meant to drive. They did not allowed other people to drive unless you pay another AUD$50 for additional driver (we saw this situation happened when we returned the car at Launceston Airport)

Our car for the whole trip =) Taken at Wagners Cottages

Accommodation

We booked our accommodations at Tasmania from Agoda.com and Booking.com. Here's the list of the places we stayed:

• Montacute Boutique Bunkhouse
• Port Arthur Motor Inn
• Wagners Cottages
• Sweetwater Villas
• Aberdeen Court Apartments

Meanwhile at Sydney, we stayed at Meriton Suites Chatswood, arranged by the groom and bride =)

I'm planning to write down several notes on the accommodation on a separate post; this will become super long entry if I wrote it down here 😃 The most impressing place to stay for both of us is at Wagners Cottages. Wonderful host, beautiful place, and it's super cozy !! For more details on the accommodation, I will write in on another post and I will update on the link here =) (finger cross that I'm not procrastinating that long HAHA)

Itinerary (do take note all cost from here onward will be on Australian Dollar =) and again sorry that I'm super long-winded with my story HAHA)

DAY 1 - Bye Singapore, Hello Sydney !

Nothing much that we did on the first day, since we reached early morning at 7am Australia Time (AUST). We took the train from International Airport to Central Station and changed train to Chatswood. It took us around 30+mins and cost at $19+ for one pax. Hence, if you are travelling with families, I think it will be better to take the taxi or Uber (they are using Uber instead of Grab).

Reached at Meriton around 8.30am, but because we can't check in, we left our bags with concierge and went to grab brekkie at Salt & Light. Then, went back Meriton to check in and sleep until 2pm (too tired as we did not sleep properly during flight). Afterward, we visited University of Sydney; the uni that I used to attend to, and took quite a number of pictures. 

We had our dinner separately as I had dinner with the bridal party team at The Ground in the city. Went back to sleep at 10pm (we never sleep this early LOL) as I have to be

Salt and Light, near to Chatswood Station

University of Sydney building which has become a tourist attraction nowadays.

DAY 2 - Bridesmaid Duty

Woken up at 5:30am and showered. Bride mentioned that I need to be there (Meriton North Sydney) by 6:30am to get make up done. So I took the Uber and reached on time. But, it urns out that there were slight miscommunication and the make up artist only reached at 7ish. Oh well, at least we still managed to be at the reception place (Sergeants Mess) on dot (probably a bit late, but nah, guests always can wait for the bride aye haha).

Morning sunrise from Meriton North Sydney Level 29

City view from Meriton North Sydney

The place is beautiful, ceremonies went smoothly, and the bridal party off to take another photo shoot at Bradleys Head Light Tower after the wedding lunch. There is bit of problem in the transport (three of the bridesmaid were stranded LOL) but again, we managed to solve it (thanks to Uber ! haha). I did not join the after party with the bridal party as I just want to sleep and rest before heading off to Hobart the next day.

Bradley's Head Light Tower

DAY 3 - Bye Sydney, Hello Hobart !

We took breakfast at Cafe New York. Food was so so, not too bad; if you have other choices, please go to your other choice, cause I rather regretted that I came here (I rather go back to Salt and Light, but we would love to try different places since we are on holiday).

We took Uber to Airport at 12pm (flight at 3ish) and encountered such friendly driver; talks to us for the whole journey about everything and anything. Thanks to him, the journey felt shorter and the conversation topic was very  broad that we can learn quite a bit from him =) Touch down in Hobart at 5ish in the late afternoon, took our car at Europcar counter. Then we head to Montacute for check-in, which took us around 20 to 25mins.

Greeted by the Devil at the Hobart International Airport (near to the luggage carousel)

Once settled down, we try to search surrounding if anything worth to check out. Since it's already late and no shop opened on Sunday night, we decided to just take a stroll while making our way to go the dinner place that I've booked. We passed through the Narryna Heritage Museum, then took a stroll at St. David's Park, passed by St. David's Cathedral and finally had our dinner at Urban Greek (recommended by a friend of mine). That's wrapped up our first night.

Narryna Heritage Museum (from outside of the gate)

At St. David's Park entrance =)

St. David's Cathedral

The cute pet at Montacute Bunkhouse =)

DAY 4 - Mt Wellington, Old Hobart Town, Richmond Bridge

Started the journey with our first stop at Mt Wellington and it took us almost 45mins (you can reach around 30mins timing) cause Eddie took the wrong route (he did not realized it until I mentioned how come it took so long 😂). We were supposed to take a sharp right turn, but we missed it LOL. But anyway, we still managed to get back on track and see the wonderful view from top =) The weather was extremely cold on that day thanks to the wind.

Panorama view from top =)

The Pinnacle at Mt Wellington

Mt Wellington

After the cold wind, we were quite famished and looking for stuffs to eat. Eddie found out a place wanted to give it a try; Riversdale Estate. However, after looking at the price and review, we decided to go Frogmore Creek. The food and wine is equally amazing with the view of the vineyard  😍 . Oh yes, they have wine tasting option as well. Totally recommended this place.

Riversdale Estate

Vineyard 

Frogmore Creek

From Frogmore, we continued the journey to Richmond to visit Old Hobart Town and the Richmond Bridge. I was quite surprised at Old Hobart Town; they really took an extra effort to build place. We spent almost an hour plus. Before we walked to Richmond Bridge (took us 15mins time to go), we had our coffee at Ashmore (located opposite Old Hobart Town) just to refresh our brain 😃 

Old Hobart Town signage =)

Inside Old Hobart Town

The garden inside Old Hobart Town

Richmond Bridge

We were quite tired from the outing; completed our planned itinerary around 4pm. We took the decision to eat pizza from Medici for our dinner, head back to our room to chill and Netflix. The pizza was not bad if you're not expecting much haha, but the smell of the pizza from the shop is definitely tempting so much that we couldn't resist. Day 2, wrapped !

DAY 5 - Officers Quarters Museum 1832, Tessellated Pavement, Port Arthur

We left Hobart town at 8ish in the morning and drove all the way to Port Arthur. Took us around an hour plus; we stopped by two places for short time (each stop around 10 to 20mins). We reached Port Arthur at 12pm. First, we went to the officers quarters museum. It was quite creepy place since it's like out of nowhere; it looks like a haunted house for me. It was bit dark, without any lighting; probably cause they will be doing maintenance service (saw the notice but couldn't really remember).

En route to our next stop =)

The signage (don't even remember why I never took the whole building picture LOL)

Port Arthur map explanation at the Officers Quarters Museum 

We continued the drive to Tessellated Pavement, just another 2-3mins drive away from the Quarters Museum. To look at the scenery, you got to walk down the passage, around 5mins time. If you are the type of person that loves to look at building and not just the nature, I suggest you don't come here 😄

Tessellated Pavement

The other perspective of Tessellated Pavement

Random shot while walking back to car-park at Tessellated Pavement

After taking few pictures, we finally made our way to Port Arthur. We purchased the entrance tickets at $90 for two adults. It seems expensive but it's included the 40mins of walking tour (introducing you to the background story of this place) and 20mins of harbor cruise =) It's one of the magnificent historic site, but I felt creepiness at one of the buildings. Probably because I know the story of the place and thinking that someone being locked-up for 23 hours with no words to be uttered, no face shown to the public, and even you're outside, your name will be hid too; too much to take in for me. I rushed Eddie to get out of the place ASAP as I can't stay in that place any longer.

Port Arthur

Isle of the Dead & Point Puer Boys' Prison from the harbor cruise

Panorama view of The Penitentiary

The Asylum. Now it has been turned to a cafe and museum =)

Inside the Separate Prison

Eddie helps to take picture at the Church building

One the houses in the historic site

After spending almost 4 hours taking picture and learning history, we decided to head to our accommodation to check-in and rest before having our dinner at 1830 Restaurant & Bar; located inside the office to purchase the entrance tickets. Can't imagine people willing to spend money to do Ghost Tour at Port Arthur as it looks extremely creepy for me haha (we can see the buildings from the restaurant). Finished with dinner, we went back to rest and prepare for special highlight of our holiday, Tasman Island Cruise 😍😍

That's wrapped up the first part of our couple trip itinerary. You can continue to read on the second part of the itinerary by clicking here =) (link will be updated by end day or tomorrow =))

The Pelican Residences and Suites Krabi

Disclaimer

I'm not sponsored by the premises or any brand to write on this post. Hence, any content written in this post is written is completely my honest thoughts.

So here's the review of the accommodation that I've booked throughout my holiday at Krabi (you may read all about it by clicking here =) <shall update this link soonest possible> )

Enjoy reading and pamper your eyes through the picture I've taken with mostly my phone Huawei P20 Pro.

First question you might have asked, how do I choose my accommodation since there are tons of choices? Trust me, I've been there and I had so many doubts as well to choose the place that I'm gonna stay for few days during the holiday. It gives me HEADACHE !! =(

Thanks to Booking.com, I managed to see the different premises at Krabi and to which beach they closer to. FYI, there are few beaches such as Ao Nang (visited the most by tourists), Railay, Phra Nang, Tonsai, Klong Muang, Nopparat Thara and Tubkaak. Since I've stayed at Ao Nang before, this time I tried somewhere else which is Klong Muang.

Apparently as per the review I read, Klong Muang is one of the beaches that started to become famous for tourism. However, it's only for those looking for peaceful holiday (no noisy party unlike Ao Nang) with their loved ones (be it friends or family). This is the main reason why I made my decision to stay near this beach =)

There are few different accommodations at Klong Muang, and I decided at Pelican as it suited my budget and from the pictures I saw through their own website or booking.com. I've read some of the reviews, some mentioned that the premise is quite old and needed renovation, suited more for family holiday and not for couple (😞😞) and that moment was crushing me .. Why you asked? Simply because I planned this holiday for my boyfriend as his birthday trip and I hope to have good time spent as couple and learning about each other even deeper. But anyway, doesn't matter as I've booked and it's not refundable cancellation, so I just have to go ahead with it.

A plus point before I even visited the place is for their efficiency and effort the staff took to reply to my questions on the platform given. I requested to have my check out at 6pm as our flight is at 10pm. I know it's kinda not possible, but I still give it a shot. To my surprised, they actually giving me late check out until 2pm (good enough !! but I still want to have it at 6pm LOL). So, I asked them if there's any cost incurred if I really want to extend it to 6pm (for 4 hours from 2pm). AND YES !! They will only charged me at THB 1,000 (estimated around SGD $40) which I found it quite reasonable =)

The distance from Krabi International Airport to Pelican (thanks Google Maps!)

Without further ado, let's see what Pelican Residences and Suites look like !! =)

I would say that I'm quite impressed (although it looks like quite an old property just like what some reviews mentioned) but at least it is still looking good. There is quite a short distance walk from the security guard post to the reception but if you booked your tour, they will always pick up and drop you off at the reception so no worries ! =)

The signboard =)

You can even say a prayer every single time you go out or come back as they have Four Face Buddha statue at the entrance =) 

Four Faces Buddha just right at the entrance

The reception area

The employees are really friendly ! The check-in process was fast (probably cause we were the only one checking haha) but yeah, everything went smoothly and it took around less than 10 minutes =)

The refreshing welcome drink !! Totally love it =)

Scroll below for more picture of the property =) The facilities are quite complete, from fitness center, business center, kids club, and swimming pool.

The Fitness Centre just located beside the reception =)

The only restaurant on this place where we had our breakfast 

The swimming pool is bit small, but it still looks okay since we only utilized the pool on the very last day (the jacuzzi is not working 😐quite sad).

Swimming Pool

So as you can see from the pictures, the property is not that big hence you will definitely find this place quite private if you are travelling as couple =) But to be honest, this place is popular for family who travel with kids as well (since I think the room is quite spacious to fit)

Let me bring you to the room pictures. For your info, I booked the lowest category which is Deluxe Suite (fit for two persons) and oh my ! I was extremely surprise cause it looks like a Studio unit !! It only cost me at SGD 300+ for all 3 nights =)

Inside the room from main entrance

Kitchen (with big fridge !!)

The kitchen set. You can cook stuff and then just let the room attendants to wash it if you're too lazy HAHA

The bedroom =)

The wardrobe inside the bedroom (safe locker, bathrobes, slippers and umbrella all provided!)

The big mirror in the bedroom 😍

Inside the bathroom (bathtub!! my favorite because I get to soak myself with Lush Bubble Bath)

The other side of the bathroom. They have shower head if you don't like to shower in the bathtub

Isn't the room looks impressing? It also has balcony that can be accessed from the living room and bedroom and direct access to the swimming pool !! So basically we can access the swimming pool whenever we want to 😇

View from our balcony

Our balcony =)

Outside view of the balcony =)

I'm taking this picture when I'm in the swimming pool, showing you another perspective of the property =)

So that's it!! If you've stayed this place before, please share with me your experience in the comment box. If you haven't been to this place, I hope this post can help you a little bit deciding =)

You can book your room straight from their website, just click here and it will direct you to their website =)

BONUS picture: I helped my boyfriend to celebrate his birthday, hence I put some balloons and happy birthday banner =) and yes he is 34 this year ! Hahaha !!

Location:

The Pelican Residence and Suites Krabi

185 Moo 3 Klong Muang, Tub Kaak Rd.

Nong Talay Krabi, Thailand 81110