This was my first time trying Choceur Chocolate. I have never heard about them, not to mention seen them any where. I was given a total of 6 pieces, sample size. I estimated each sample block to measure 10 cm by 5 cm each.

As usual, chocolate came in white, dark and milk chocolate. First the White were the pure white chocolate and the White Crisp. As usual, white chocolate are sweeter. This is no exception. Definitely not something I would choose, unless I have craving for it. There were slight milky flavour; make do.

Next is the Milk Chocolate. There were 2 flavours, the pure Milk Chocolate and Hazelnut Chocolate. It was lacking of chocolate flavour. It was like indulging in sugar.

Finally, the dark chocolate version, has always been my fave. Finally, at least these tasted like chocolate. Lightly sweetened was what I enjoyed.

NAHMJ Verdict

NAHMJ didn’t think well of Choceur Chocolate. We thought the cacao was a little too diluted in the chocolate. Though the texture of the chocolate was generally smooth and creamy.

Choceur Chocolate

Where to get them?

In Melbourne, Australia. Probably supermarket.

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It is about ninety minutes drive from Melbourne city.

When you entered the “town”, you will be led to the main street with lots of different shops. One of the first shop we entered was the confectionery shop selling lollies and chocolate.

As we walked further, we reached the Poppet Head, which is used as an observation tower in the park.

We climbed the twenty metres tall shaft to enjoy the view of Ballarat.

One of the highlights in Sovereign Hill is the Red Coat Soldiers. The soldiers dressed in red will parade in the “town” and then perform the firing. At the end of the performance, you can pose with these handsome soldiers for a  photograph.

We continued to explore the “town”.

There were some interesting building in the “town”, like the Empire Bowling Saloon.

You can enjoy a game of bowling here. Everything is very primitive. Unlike our modern days, the pins are manually re-set, bowling balls are manually retrieved. You will get to do more exercises playing the bowling here.

In the town there are houses of the 1850s design, featuring each rooms with furniture

and a school and on-going “classes”.

We attended a “class” at the Ragged School too.

During the 19th century, people used to rear their own live stocks, you will spot birds like the turkey, animals like the goat and horses in the town.

The demonstration that you might not want to missed is the Gold Pouring.

The demonstrator will show you how the gold is melted to pouring them over the mould to setting it and get the end product, gold. It is very interesting.

Other interesting activity is gold panning, try your luck at the Digging Creeks and if you are lucky, you may find gold.

There are also some other interesting building, like the Chinese quarters and the Chinese temple.

It is a fun attraction for the family with especially children. For adult like me, I find it very educational, getting to know the life back then and how gold were mined and how the final gold bar was made.

Sovereign Hill, Barat

Bradshaw Street, Ballarat

Opening Hours

Soverign Hill – Daily 0900 to 1700, except Christmas – closed

Gold Museum – Daily 0930 to 1730, except Christmas – closed

Note: Both Soverign Hill and Gold Museum are closed on Christmas

Admission

Click here for the details

Getting There

By Train:

• Ride the V/Line train from Southern Cross station and alight at Ballarat station, then transfer to the Gold Rush Special. Tickets can be purchased either online or at the V/Line sales outlet

By Car

• The most convenient way to get to Sovereign Hill

Link to check out before you go:

Souvereign Hill Website

V/Line Tickets and Time Tables information

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St Francis Church is a very beautiful church. It stands at its original site since 1845. It was built between 1842 and 1845.

This is the church that I attend mass whenever I am in Melbourne.

Church of St Francis

326 Lonsdale Street VIC 3000
Tel: 03 9663 2495

Website: http://www.stfrancismelbourne.org.au/

Mass Times

Weekdays Mass:

Monday – Friday 0730, 1100, 1205, 1305, 1730;

Saturday 0800, 1100, 1205

Weekends Mass:

Saturday Vigil 1800,

Sunday 0700, 080, 0930, 1100 (Choral), 1230, 1330, 1630, 1800

Exposition: 1430 – 1730

For more Catholic Churches Mass Schedule

http://www.cam.org.au/Church-in-Melbourne/Parishes-Mass-Times.aspx

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It is still running on its original route from Belgrave to Gembrook (and back to Belgrave)

We entered through the simple door, got our entrance tickets but as we were a little too early for the next ride, so we explored the town. We saw a second hand shop, a few cafe and restaurants. We decided to buy some fish and chips as our lunch later.

The first station to broad the train was at the Belgrave.

We were still quite early. We were the first passengers. We explored the station, took some photos, chatted with the station master. We were told that one way to enjoy the Puffing Billy and the view along the way better is to sit with your legs hanging out of the train. We tried, took some photos. This way of riding the train may be fun & enjoyable and allow you a good scenic view but it wasn’t comfortable.

It is a relatively simple looking train. Nothing fanciful in the carriages or the train.

The train moved in a slow pace (comparing to our modern train). It passed through the greens and over a wooden bridge.

We stopped over Lakeside and strolled around the area to enjoy the view and our lunch. We spotted a number of Crimson Rosella, very friendly, not wary of human.

Then, very soon, it was time for us to head back to Belgrave but on the way, there were some stops, one of the stop was Emerald. We went down from the train to enjoy the view.

We spent almost three hours at the Puffing Billy. This tourist attraction is best for children, even adult enjoyed themselves.

Puffing Billy

1 Old Monbulk Road, (PO Box 451), Belgrave 3160, Victoria, Australia
Tel: (03) 9757 0700

Opening Hours

Each day there are about 4 departure as early as 10.30am. Click here to check the website for the time tables

Getting There

By Train:

• Belgrave Train line from Melbourne CBD to Belgrave station. Follow the blue line on the platform to Puffing Billy.

By Car:

• Driving to Belgrave is one of the great option.

Link to check out before you go:

Puffing Billy Official Website

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My friend’s husband make some deep fried chicken with cheese for our lunch. While we were enjoying the home-made food at at one of the benches in Heavesville, a bird, in the above picture decided to have a share and kept coming to “steal” our food. The fragrance must have attracted the bird.

After our lunch, we moved on, the first animal we saw was the Kangraoo.

There were different species of Kangaroo in the Sanctuary. As I did not know the various species characteristics so I couldn’t identity which is which.

What attracted me was the way the Kangaroo slept, like sleeping beauty.

I was attracted by the Platypus and that was my first time seeing them.

Look so cute. They swim fast and I couldn’t get them on my camera.

Like I mentioned earlier, the main feature of Healesville Sanctuary is that they have mainly Australia natives animals so I took a few of them.

There were many birds, many which I don’t know what they are. Some of the birds were staying in the same big cage.

The last animal we saw before we left the Sanctuary was the Dingo. As we exit, the keepers were walking the Dingo. I went forward to give them a pat. They didn’t allow me to do that but when my sister was there recently, she was allowed.

Performance

In all zoo, there is always some performance.

No surprise in Healesville Sanctuary, they too have a performance.

I managed to catch the birds in action.

Verdict

Healesville Sanctuary is a place for the family, especially with the little ones. For the bigger boys and girls, it is also fun to learn about the different animals. I have a great time at Healesville Sanctuary. Thanks to both Jean and Gordon for hosting.

Healesville Sanctuary

Badger Creek Rd, Healesville VIC 3777, Australia
Tel: +61 3 5957 2800

How to get there?

By Car

For more information, click here.

When to go?

Any time of the year.

Link to check out before you go:

Healesville Sanctuary

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I went to the Blue Mountains with a colleague who have migrated to Melbourne. As she has been to the Blue Mountains so I need not do my homework this round. She shall be my guide.

We took a train from Sydney and alight at Katoomba. It was a pretty long trip, it took almost three hours to get to the Blue Mountains. We knew that the ride is going to be long so we woke up at about six and we reached the Blue Mountains at ten plus.

The entire day was mainly on our feet. At the end of the day, it was very tiring. Our first stop at the Blue Mountains was at the cascade. It was beautiful. The surroundings looked very much like the rainforest.

As we walked further, we finally get a view of the Blue Mountains. It is indeed blue.  I was curious why the blue mountains blue so I looked up the website and understand that the blue mountains has a dense eucalypts and the dispersed droplets of Eucalypt oil when combined with water vapour and dust particles scattered refracted rays of blue lights. Among the Eycalyptus trees, I saw some unique straight green trees.

Katoomba falls

When we were around the Katoomba falls, we spotted some ducklings.

A bigger duck was at the lead and smaller ducklings followed closely behind. It’s very like a mother duck leading the children with her.

Echo Point – Three Sisters

The highlight was the Three Sisters around the Echo Point.

According to an Aboriginal tales, there were three sisters, ‘Meehni’, ‘Wimlah’ and Gunnedoo’, were turned into stones by a witchdoctor to protect them from the harm of three brothers who wanted to take the three sisters for themselves by force. 

Elysian Rock & Gordon Fall

We visited the Elysian Rock and the Gordon Fall before heading for Leura Village.

Leura Village

Leura Village is one of the few towns within the region. But since this is nearest to the our stop we decided to end our visit with some snacks and coffee here.

There was a number of shops, including a candy shop, some pastry and cakes shop, cafe, restaurants and many more.

We didn’t have time to visit them all as we need to spend the next many hours on train ride to get back to Sydney.

We walked towards Leura train station to board the train back to Sydney. It was a tiring but a worthwhile trip. My suggestion is that to spend a night at the Blue Mountains before heading to your next destination. This will be less tiring.

The Blue Mountains

Blue Mountains

How to get there?

By Car:

• Drive from Sydney via Parramatta and entered by Glenbrook/Lapstone.

By Train:

• Board the train from Sydney and alight at station Glenbrook, Springwood, Hazelbrook, Wentworth Falls, Mount Victoria, Lithgow, Leura or Katoomba deepending on which part ot the Blue Mountain you want to visit. We alighted at Katoomba.

When to go?

Anytime of the year. If you doesn’t like the cold, then avoid July to September.

Link to check out before you go:

Blue Mountains Australia

Transport Sydney Trains

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I ordered the scones and a cappuccino. The texture of the scone was very different from what I used to have. It was rather soft and fluffy, somehow between the texture of the cake and bread. I find it very unusual but definitely unique. The scones were served with jam, as usual. It was not served with clotted cream, but served with whipped cream.

I enjoy the scones, cappuccino and my time spent lazing in a corner of Parramatta Park.

If needed, you can make a reservation online.

Lachlan’s Old Government House Restaurant

Old Government House Parramatta Park, Parramatta, NSW 2150
(enter the park from Pitt St)

Tel: +61 (0)2 9687 2662

Website: http://www.lachlans.com.au/restmenus.htm

Reservation: http://www.lachlans.com.au/makebooking.htm

Opening Hours

Monday – Friday 1000 to 1630; Saturday – Sunday 1000 to 1630, 1800 to 2200

Getting There

By Bus:

• alight at the bus stop along Pitt Street – 705, 708, 711, T60, T61, T62, T63, T64, T65, T66

Enter park via the entrance near Pitt Street

Rating: 8/10

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Sydney Markets

The Rocks Market

George St, The Rocks NSW 2000, Australia
Tel: +61 2 9240 8717

Opening Hours

The Rocks Market: Saturday – Sunday 1000 to 1700 (Playfair Street, George Street, Jack Mundey Place)

The Rocks Foodie Market: Friday 1000 to 1500 (Jack Mundey Place)

I like The Rocks Market best. There are a good variety of items on sales. From clothes to painting to snack to dogs’ collar.

I bought a dog collar from The Rocks Market for my sister’s dog.

Getting There

By Train:

• Circular Quay station, walk towards the Sydney Harbour Bridge

By Bus:

• alight at George Street near Hickson Road – 311, 431, 433

• alight at Circular Quay Stand B: 422, 423, 426, 428

• alight at Circular Quay Stand C: 436, 438, 439, 440, 443, 470, 500, 501, 504, 506, 507, 510, 515, 518, 520, 555, L38, L39, M52

• alight at Circular Quay Stand D: 301, 302, 303, 309, 310, 323, 324, 325, 326, 373, 374, 376, 377, X73, X74, X77

• alight at Circular Quay Stand E: 333, 380, 389, 392, 394, 396, 397, 399, 890, L94, X94

By Ferry:

• Alight at Circular Quay.

For more ways of getting to The Rocks Market, looked up at the Rocks Market webpage.

Rating: 8.5/10

The Paddington Markets

395 Oxford St, Paddington, Sydney
Tel: +61 (02) 9331 2923

Opening Hours

Saturday (only) From 1000

The stores set up in the Paddington Markets is mainly by the local designers and artiste.

There are a total of about 150 stores.

It will open its door to customers on every Saturday from 10am, rain or shine.

Getting There

By Bus:

• alight at the first stop after Paddington Town Hall – 380, 333, 378 (blue and white)or M40 (red bus)

• alight at Paddington Shopping Centre on Oxford St – M40 from Chatswood

• alight in front of Max Brenners or Mitre 10 Hardware in Paddington Shopping Centre – 333, M40 or 380 from Bondi to the city

For more ways of getting to Paddington Market, you can visit Paddington Markets website on Transport to Paddington Markets

Rating: 7.5/10

The Paddy’s Markets

Cnr Hay St & Thomas St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Tel: +61 1300 361 589

Opening Hours

Haymarket: Wednesday – Sunday & Public Holidays 0900 to 1700; Closed on Monday and Tuesday

Sydney Market 2129: Friday 1030 to 1630; Saturday 0600 to 1400 (fresh food; Saturday 0600 to 1400 (Swap & Sell)

The Paddy’s Markets is a indoor market and it opens almost daily. It is make up of the Haymarket and the Sydney Market 2129.

It has quite a number of souvenirs stores and lots of other stores selling different items from Korean accessories items to clothes.

Getting There

Sydney Market 2129

By train:

• Alight at Flemington Rail Station, about 3 minute walk from the station

By Bus:

• 408 from Burwood to Flemington rail station, about 3 minute walk to the market

Haymarket

By train:

• Alight at either Town Hall or Central Stations, about 5 minutes walk

By Bus:

• Sydney Explorer stops right outside market

By Light Rail:

• Alight at Haymarket and the market is on the right

Rating: 8/10

Sydney’s Fish Market

Pyrmont Bridge Rd, Pyrmont NSW 2009, Australia
Tel: +61 2 9004 1100

Opening Hours

Daily 0700 to 1600 except on Christmas day. Check for the opening hours at SFM webpage for the exception.

For all who like Seafood, a visit to the Sydney’s Fish Market (SFM) is a must.

Sydney’s Fish Market offers fresh seafood both cooked and raw for public to purchase. You can buy your food and eat at SFM or you can choose to take away.

Getting There

By Bus:

• Alight at Harris Street and Pyrmont Bridge Road – 443, 501

By Light Rail:

• Alight at Fish Market station

By Community Bus:

• Free bus offered by South East Sydney Community Transport (SESCT) on Thursdays and Fridays, stops at Sydney Fish Market.

For more information, visit the Sydney Fish Market on how to get to SFM here.

Rating: 7.5/10

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The German village is lined with numerous fachwerk houses on both sides of the Main Road. There are lots of shops ranging from chocolate, bakery, mineral stones, Hahndorf and German specialities and many more.

You can see parks and garden along the two sides of the Main Road.

As the community in Hahndorf is mainly Lutheran, a Lutheran church was built to serve the residents of Hahndorf Village.

Other monuments and buildings you can find in Hahndorf are the Minenwerfer, the Memorial Institute, the Old Village House and the Village Market.

Here in Hahndorf, there is a Hahndorf Craft and Produce Community Market at every fourth Saturday of the month, except December. It is opened from 8.30am to 1pm. It is at St Paul’s Lutheran’s Church.

Nearby Hahndorf, there is a Beerenberg Strawberry Farm, where you can pick strawberries and buy some strawberry jams. And there is a Hahndorf Fruits and Vegetable Market selling the local produce of Adelaide Hills. There are some nearby vineyard for visit as well. If you are keen to explore Hahndorf better, go on a walking tour. You can choose between the Huffendorf Tour (90 min) at $25 AUD or the Strassendorf Tour (45 min) at $18 AUD. Booking through Hahndorf Visitor Information Centre for these walking tours are essential. You can either email Hahndorf Visitor Information Centre or call them at 0477 288 011.

If you need to make any enquiries, obtain more information or make any accommodation or tour, you can visit the visitor information centre at 68 Main Street, Hahndorf.

Adelaide Hills Visitor Information Centre

Hahndorf German Village

Adelaide Hills, South Australia

Getting There

By Bus:

Coming from Adelaide City: 841F, 860F, 864, 864F, N864 – Alight at Mount Baker Road (North side) at either stop 55 or 56;

Other buses: 835, 835A – Alight at Mount Baker Road (North side) at either stop 55 or 56

Opening Hours

Depending on the shops, opening time for most shops are around 0900 to 1730 daily.

Link to check out before you go:

Adelaide Hills Visitor Information Centre

Adelaide Metro website

Hahndorf Fruits and Vegetable Market

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On a clear and blue sky day, you may see as Kangaroo Islands too. There are walking track around Mount Lofty, embark on the Henysen trail and pay a visit to Waterfall Gully.

I took a bus from Adelaide City to Crafers Park & Ride to change to Bus 823 that will take me to Mount Lofty Summit. The bus arrive at the stop at some interval so I waited for quite a while. While waiting, I just look around and took some photos.

Bus 823 took about 10 – 15 min to get to Mount Lofty Summit. Along the way, there were a few stops. When I finally arrived at the Mount Lofty Summit bus, I was greeted with two signboards.

First of the two signboards was indicating the opening time of the Mount Lofty Summit Visitor Information Center and its Restaurant opening time. Mount Lofty Summit Visitor Information Center opens daily from 9am to 5pm. The Summit Restaurant opens from 9am to 5pm for Monday and Tuesday; 9am till late on Wednesday to Sunday. I don’t know till how late but I guess till the restaurant is empty.

Second signboard was informing visitors on the free guided walks available on every Thursday at 10.30am. If you are interested, take note and put it in your itinerary. Visitors are to gather at the Lower Car Park, Lampert Road, Piccadilly.

Once you are at the summit lookout point, you will see a white column. This was originally used as an observation deck but was later used as a lighthouse.

I walked further and saw the walking track.

I didn’t get a good view as the sky was very cloudy. But vaguely, I could see Adelaide City.

I get the view of the Piccaddilly Town was can be seen from the side of the summit. I waited for quite sometime, hoping that the cloud will clear so that I get a better view. Unfortunately, luck was not with me that day. It didn’t clear till the afternoon.

I went during winter so it was pretty cold. I saw the thermometer on the summit showing 10 °C. Do bring along a jacket if you are going on either winter or autumn.

Mount Lofty Summit

Mount Lofty Summit

How to get there?

By Bus:

• From Adelaide City, 865, alight at Crafters Park & Ride, change to 823.

When to go?

All time except Winter. During winter, it rains and the probability of not getting a clear sky is high. If you are keen to track, the track will be slippery and is dangerous.

Useful link

Mount Lofty Summit 

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