Roadtrip Australia: Van-Tastic Victoria - Tim & Friends

Video - "FINAL ROCK-UMENTARY"

timmyski — Mon, 4 Jan 2010 12:01:00 GMT

Roadtrip Australia: Van-Tastic Adventures Victoria

We couldn't find a fat lady to sing our final song so we decided to do it ourselves! This is 6 Van-Tastic weeks of roadtrip-based Victorian frolicking and fun-anigans in one rock your socks off song!

Follow the adventures and apply to win your own roadtrip in Australia at http://www.vantastic.worldnomads.com, or see what we're up to on Twitter @Van_Tastic and @timmytank.

Video - "SUMMER HOLIDAY"

timmyski — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:36:00 GMT

Roadtrip Australia: Van-Tastic Adventures Victoria

On the roadtrip through Victoria, Australia with Van-Tastic Adventures, inspired by the fact that the Wilson's Promontory remains as unchanged today as it has been for ever, Tim and Em decide to get a little retro!

Follow the adventures at http://www.vantastic.worldnomads.com, or on Twitter @Van_Tastic and @timmytank.

SUMMER HOLIDAY AT WILSON'S PROMONTORY

timmyski — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 00:49:00 GMT

We then made our way to the Wilson’s Promontory National Park. We didn’t really know what to expect but we had heard it was really pretty. This place is incredible! If you only have a short time in Victoria, visiting Wilson Prom has to be a number one priority. There, we saw some of the most beautiful beaches, with pearly white sand, aqua blue water, surrounded by huge burnt orange granite boulders. The scenery is spectacular, I’m going to put it out there; probably the best I have seen in Australia! The national park looks like it is from Jurassic times, with huge mountains, flat plains and gorgeous beaches. It is a very unique looking place. There was a huge fire that swept through Wilson’s Prom last year, but the park seems to be recovering quickly. The fires have left some really interesting and beautiful burnt landscapes.

http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/1park_display.cfm?park=217

The park is protected and so it feels like it is completely untouched by man. Most of the beaches and lookouts are only accessible by walking tracks, in fact half of the island is quite isolated and can only be reach by overnight hikers.

We absolutely loved the Wilson’s Promontory, especially squeaky beach, where we spent most days, just sunbaking and swimming. We also went exploring and climbed around the granite boulders to the neighbouring beach for a little swim. There were so many times where we were the only people on the beach and it felt like the whole place was ours. The Prom is also one of the only spots in eastern Australia where you can see the sun set over the sea. We took some epic pictures of sunsets and Tim got some great time lapses. The next day went for a hike up to one of the lookouts, where we could see all the way up the western coat of the Promontory. There are so many walks and different beaches to visit, we could have easily spent a few weeks exploring. We had such a wonderful few days just hanging out at Wilson’s Promontory. It has definitely been the highlight of the trip so far. You have to visit this incredible place!

For more information on travelling around Victoria make sure you check out:

http://www.backpackvictoria.com/

I AM FULL - SEAL ROCKS & THE PENGUIN PARADE

timmyski — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 00:39:00 GMT

It was time to get in touch with the animals. We went on a cruise with Wildlife Cruises out to Seal Rocks, home to a seal colony 8 0000 animals large! It was really cool seeing so many seals on such a small island, literally every inch of the rocks were covered in seals. And boy do these guys stink!

There was a little house on the rocks and apparently a seal scientist lived out there for 10 years. I don’t know how he did it! We then continued on to the famous Penguin Parade. We got our tickets and wandered down to the beach to watch the Little Penguins come in. It gets very very cold, I ended up wrapping myself in one of our sleeping bags, so make sure you dress warmly! The penguins huddled in groups (called rafts) in the water and started to come in from sea when it began to get dark. All of a sudden, a hundred penguins would just appear on the shore and stand there, looking confused. Then one would decide to take off up the beach and the rest would follow. Once they reach to top of the beach they just chilled out and sat there grooming themselves. They came so close, they were literally a foot from where we were sitting, just hanging out. It was so special and they were so funny and uncoordinated. These penguins are the smallest in the world, reaching a total height of thirty centimetres, which means they are just so little and cute! After a while they waddle up to their burrows in the hills and sand dunes. Occasionally there would the odd penguin who had just eaten too much and had to have a little lie down, in the middle of the path of course! You really get to have an intimate experience with these little penguins, they just wander past and don’t seem to mind all the humans. We walked the boardwalk that meanders through the sand dunes and just watched the little guys battle it up to their houses for ages. There were so many of them, all that could be heard was their chirping. It was awesome!

http://tickets.penguins.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=22&Itemid=38

For more information on travelling around Victoria make sure you check out:

http://www.backpackvictoria.com/

Video - "THE POND OF LIFE"

timmyski — Tue, 8 Dec 2009 15:35:00 GMT

Roadtrip Australia: Van-Tastic Adventures Victoria

On the roadtrip through Victoria, Australia with Van-Tastic Adventures,Tim and Em have made it through the Mornington Peninsula to Phillip Island where they discover the little known Pond of Life and use it to catch some lunch.

Follow the adventures at http://www.vantastic.worldnomads.com, or on Twitter @Van_Tastic and @timmytank.

THE CAMPERVAN GRAND PRIX

timmyski — Mon, 7 Dec 2009 23:18:00 GMT

So we spent the morning in emergency trying to get Tim’s ear fixed and we were running late for the Phillip Island Grand Prix. We missed the “Hot Laps”, a race around the circuit in a Holden HSV with a professional driver. But Tim still got to drive Geoff the van around the Grand Prix track. The next day we went back to film some extra bits and ran into the manager, who let us have ago on their go-karts! The go-kart track is a scale replica of the official Phillip Island Grand Prix racetrack, one-fifth its size to be exact. Tim and I got to race around the track and it was so fun! I didn’t realize how much I was going to enjoy it! The go-karts go really fast and it feels awesome being so low to ground and close to the track. As it turns out, I had the fastest time out of everyone on the track! Poor Tim felt terribly emasculated when I overtook him and even worse when the time sheets were released and I had top score! It was a super cool afternoon, I think I especially enjoyed it because I beat Tim!

For more info: www.backpackmelbourne.com

HOLY BUSHTUCKER!

timmyski — Mon, 7 Dec 2009 23:00:00 GMT

Next stop was Phillip Island, famous for its Little Penguin, Grand Prix and as we discovered the Rhyll Fishing Park. The staff at Rhyll Trout and Bush-Tucker really take care of you, and make sure you have an awesome time there and catch plenty of big fish. They hooked us up with a rod and bait and showed us how to master trout fishing at their large dam on the property. There are over 500 trout in the dam, so you are sure to get some bites and test your newly developed fishing skills. We just sat in the sun, with plenty of sun cream of-course, and enjoyed the local wines while we fished! Despite our previous fishing experience (one day at St Kilda), neither Tim nor I managed to catch anything, but not to worry, they have an indoor dam where there are even more fish! I caught a huge trout (almost 1 kg) on my second cast, Tim however, struggle a bit.... hehe. Next stop, the kitchen! Mary, the resident chef can cook your fresh trout a variety of different ways or she can supply you with all the ingredients and you can do it yourself on their barbeques. We opted for the chef, and she did an amazing job. It was definitely the best meal we have had on the whole entire trip, a nice change from cooking in the camper-van. Thanks Mary! After lunch Paul showed us around the property. They have recently planted a huge variety (over 400 different species) of native Australian plants. These plants have been sourced from all over Australia, resulting in a very large and diverse indigenous plantation, which consists of a range of legumes, vegetables, fruits, berries and nuts. In the future these plants will be used as ingredients to cook the trout with. Visitors will be able to catch their fish and then wander through the bush tucker garden and pick the ingredients they wish to have with it. This will make for a very unique meal, which you will only be able to experience at the Rhyll Fishing Park.

If you do make it to Phillip Island, Ryhll Trout and Bush Tucker is definitely worth the visit!

http://www.rhyllfishingpark.com.au/

Thanks Paul and Mary for an awesome day and an amazing meal, we felt very spoilt!

Make sure you check out our video blog :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2ckagucC2k

Tim and Em

Also for more info on traveling Victoria visit:

www.backpackmelbourne.com

THINGS THAT GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT!

timmyski — Mon, 7 Dec 2009 22:52:00 GMT

So we said goodbye to Mornington Peninsular and headed to Phillip Island. We had a quick stop off on route at the Moonlit Sanctuary, its about an hours drive from Melbourne, directly between Melbourne and Phillip Island. This was a really magical place, we got to meet some of Australia’s rare and endangered species which can only be seen at night. At dusk we set off on our adventure through the sanctuary where we got to get up close and personal with loads of animals. We wandered through the sanctuary with our lamps stopping to feed our furry little friends along the way. Some of the highlights were feeding the Tassie Devils whole rats, the tiny little squirrel gliders, the Koala (Tim’s favorite) and off course feeding the large pack of friendly little wallabies. We spent ages taking picture with the wallabies. They were just so cute and had the most beautiful faces, I got a little obsessed!

This really was a magical experience and a unique way to see some beautiful animals. The owner and operator Michael Johnson clearly loves these animals and has set up several breeding programs to ensure the existence of the endangered species. The Moonlit Sanctuary is voted in Victorias top 30 tourist attractions ad it is easy to see why. It was a really special evening, thanks Michael!

Check it out at:

http://www.pearcedale-conservation-park.com.au/

Tim and Em

Also for more info on traveling in Victoria visit:

www.backpackmelbourne.com

A-SCUBA MATATTA, WHAT A WONDERFUL PHRASE

timmyski — Mon, 7 Dec 2009 22:37:00 GMT

So while we were filming “Whales Blowhole” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmzjX1N2zlY) Tim had to jump off a pier, and even though we got it first take I made him do it again and he burst his eardrum! Oops! :( So poor old Timmy had to sit inside and edit all day while I went diving! We headed to Portsea, a very beautiful, and very posh town at the end of Mornington Peninsular. There, BAYPLAY taught me how to dive! At first I thought I wouldn’t be able to do it, I was finding breathing through the mouthpiece quite difficult. I was worried we would have another skydive situations on our hands, but once I was in the water everything came naturally and it was fine. In fact, I was loving it! We practiced in the pool for a bit, just to get our buoyancy and breathing right and then headed for the sea!

Portsea is a great place to go diving, it has a huge range of wildlife including the famous Weedy Sea Dragon, Victoria’s pride procession! So we just dove around the Portsea pier looking at all the creatures. There were lots of puffer fish, I kept trying to touch them to make it inflate, but apparently you have to squeeze them quite hard to make them do it. It was a really fun dive and I am definitely going to do it again!

Thank you Bay Play for an awesome day in the water!

http://www.bayplay.com.au/

Also, make sure you watch our video, which has some footage of the dive:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2ckagucC2k

For more info on traveling in Victoria check out:

www.backpackmelbourne.com

HORSING AROUND!

timmyski — Mon, 7 Dec 2009 22:30:00 GMT

Today we went for a trail ride down to the beach with Gunnamatta Trail rides. It was a lovely ride through the National Park to Gunnamatta Beach. Once we were on the beach we went for a long canter along the sand. It was lots of fun, Tim especially enjoyed it and there were no groin injuries!

http://www.gunnamatta.com.au/

Make sure you check out our video blog on the H.O.R.S.E!

www.vantastic.worldnomads.com

Tim and Em

Also for more info on traveling in Victoria visit:

www.backpackmelbourne.com

MAGICAL WATER - A DAY AT THE HOT SPRINGS

timmyski — Tue, 1 Dec 2009 00:02:00 GMT

We were feeling a bit indulgent so we decided to go to the Peninsular Hot Springs in Rye. These springs were actually really cool and we had a lovely evening relaxing in the “magical water”. The water is classified as a “Sodium Chloride Bicarbonate Spring”. The therapeutic benefits of bathing in this type of thermal mineral spring are said to include the alleviation of neuralgia, bruising, breaks, articular rheumatism, stiffness of the shoulders, skin diseases, recovery from fatigue, infertility and muscular complaints.

I think I am cured!

There were 6 different pools, all different temperatures, one of which was basically a human cauldron. Tim managed to get in though. There was also a sauna and a special wiggle machine. “Wiggle machine” is the technical name for a Zen Chi Massager, basically it wiggled your whole body from your ankles, it felt really weird but really good.

We managed to spend 4 hours there and only left because we were starving. Check out the pictures of Tim’s feet!

http://www.peninsulahotsprings.com/

Tim and Em

Also for more info on traveling in Victoria check out:

www.backpackmelbourne.com

BOTTLE NOSED AND BAD ASS!

timmyski — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 23:53:00 GMT

For me, today has probably been the highlight of the tour so far as we went swimming with dolphins! Tim and I once again exposed our very raw, burnt faces to the harsh Australian sun and took a boat from Queenscliff into Port Phillip Bay to swim with wild dolphins. It was so cool being able to swim with these beautiful animals in the wild. I think if they had been captive it would have just really upset me. The dolphins are really inquisitive and enjoy coming to play with the snorkelers. My favorite part of the trip was actually swimming the Australia Fur Seals. These were the rejected males from nearby breeding colonies so rest assure no sharks were going to come and join us. These guys were quite the bachelors, just chilling out on their house, popping in and out of the water to check us out. They were so beautiful and agile in the water, and came right up close to say hello and play. Tim was even touching them! Snorkeling around the bay was really beautiful and we got to see loads of wildlife, including the infamous sea dragons! We even caught some crabs and cooked them on board for a little snack. The crew from SEA ALL DOLPHINS SWIM were awesome and showed us how to surf the back of the boat just like the dolphins. It was a great out on the water and this time we didn’t get burnt, yay!

Tim and I both highly recommend this trip. It was so much fun. It also probably one of the only spots you can swim safely with seals and swim with wild dolphins.

http://www.dolphinswims.com.au/

Thanks to the Travis, Willo, Rob for making it such an enjoyable day. These guys clearly love their jobs and went to such an effort to ensure we had the best time.

Thanks guys!

Em and Tim

Also for more info on traveling in Victoria check out:

www.backpackmelbourne.com

Video - Roadtrip Australia: VICTORIA - THE HANGOVER

timmyski — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 04:20:00 GMT

On his roadtrip through Victoria, Australia with Van-Tastic Adventures, Tim wakes up from his monster night out partying in Melbourne with Rhys and ends up having quite an unexpected day - as he tours the set and meets the cast of "Neighbours".

View the previous day here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UX0C9X87Vs0

Follow the adventures at http://www.vantastic.worldnomads.com, or on Twitter @Van_Tastic and @timmytank.

TO RAMSEY STREET!

timmyski — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 23:46:00 GMT

If the trivia night wasn’t enough for us we also went on the official neighbours tour. We got to go to the neighbours school, studios and of-course “Ramsey” street, which is actually called Pin Oak court. Our Irish tour guide, Jerry, was very entertaining and new loads of facts about his favorite soap. You also get to meet and chat to a cast member. Because that day they were busy filming at the studio, we actually met up with Irish Connor from the show. He was lots of fun and told us the ins and outs of working on the show and what everyone was like in real life. It was a great afternoon, big thanks to the guys at Bunyip tours for organising it.

Big thanks to the guys from Bunyip tours for the super fun day!

http://www.bunyiptours.com

Em and Tim

Also for more info on traveling in Victoria check out:

www.backpackmelbourne.com

SOMEONE CALL A DOCTOR!

timmyski — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 23:36:00 GMT

After our fishing adventures, we went along to the official neighbours trivia night at the Wheelbarrow and Elephant pub in St Kilda. I never knew how much the Brits were into neighbours! The pub was packed to the rafters with tourist from the UK who were absolutely loving it. Three cast members from the show turn up every week, we were lucky enough to meet resident vet Steve Parker, the gorgeous Elle Robinson and the one and only Dr Karl Kennedy. The cast members came around to meet everyone in the pub and say hi and have a chat. Everyone also got to take some pictures with them, which will undoubtedly be set as facebook profile pics around the world! Allan Fletcher, aka Dr Karl Kennedy, aka Fletchy comes every single Monday to meet his fans and you can tell its his favourite night of the week, he loves it! Fletchy rocks out with his band at the end of the show, singing some awesome covers and some of his originals. As well as meeting all the cast, Tim got to hone in on his acting skills and do some lines alongside Dr Karl. Make sure you check out the video blog!

www.vantastic.worldnomads.com

It was an awesome night out in st Kilda, a definite for any backpacker visiting Melbourne. The Neighbours Trivia Night is consistently voted as the number one backpacker night in Melbourne and it is easy to see why!

www.neighboursnight.com.au

Em and Tim

Also for more info on traveling in Victoria check out:

www.backpackmelbourne.com

Video - "THE FACE OF FEAR"

timmyski — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 15:32:00 GMT

Roadtrip Australia: Van-Tastic Adventures Victoria

On his roadtrip through Victoria, Australia with Van-Tastic Adventures, Tim buys a computer chip on ebay that measures your level of fear, so he takes Em skydiving to test it out!

Follow the adventures at http://www.vantastic.worldnomads.com, or on Twitter @Van_Tastic and @timmytank.

SCARY SKYDIVING!

timmyski — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 23:23:00 GMT

So we turned up at Lilydale airport, about 45 minutes drive from Melbourne in the Yarra Valley, and I was expecting to do my first ever skydive. I was pretty nervous, but I thought after I did it, I would be able to do anything, my fear of heights would be overcome, forever! Basically, I would be invincible. We had a basic plan of the film we were going to make and Tim started filming while I got ready and started to freak out! I felt pretty stupid because everyone else doing the dive was super chilled about the fact we were jumping out of a 10 000 feet high plane!

The guys at MELBOURNE SKYDIVE CENTRE were really cool and Dan, my tandem buddy, assured me that I was going to have the best time, and that free fall was the most amazing feeling you can ever have.

http://www.melbourneskydivecentre.com.au/

These guys have an amazing set up going. Not only do you get to jump from 10 000 feet but you get to fly over the gorgeous Yarra Valley for 25 minutes.

So after all the safety briefing and explaining what I had to do (not much), we headed up in the plane. At about 5 000 feet I thought it was well and truly time to jump out over the lego land below and by the time we got to the top I was absolutely petrified and I just couldn’t do it. I felt pretty bad about letting everyone down, I am such a wimp! I am also officially the first person to pull out, EVER!

After a quick cry we made an emergency dash to the local Lilydale shopping mall and bought a blonde wig and Tim took over for me. It was very kind of the guys to offer us a second jump. Tim has been a true gentleman and assured me it was the best thing he has ever done in his whole entire life. Tim now wants to become a skydive instructor…

The crew at the skydiving centre literally have to best jobs in the world. They obviously love their jobs and ensure you have the best time possible. Everyone that jumped that day left with the biggest grins on their faces. They also provide you with some awesome footage of your jump so you can relive every second of the experience. Check out an example of the amazing footage you’ll get in our video blog!

www.vantastic.worldnomads.com

Em and Tim

For more info on travelling around Victoria visit www.backpackmelbourne.com

Video - Roadtrip Australia: VICTORIA - SEA SIGHTS TO CITY LIGHTS

timmyski — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:15:00 GMT

On his roadtrip through Victoria, Australia with Van-Tastic Adventures, Tim travels the Great Ocean Road from Apollo Bay to Melbourne, dropping in to the capital of surfing in Torquay, Victoria!

Follow the adventures at http://www.vantastic.worldnomads.com, or on Twitter @Van_Tastic and @timmytank.

MELBOURNE MADNESS

timmyski — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:41:00 GMT

So I enjoyed the beautiful drive along the Great Ocean Road to Melbourne, stopping for lunch in Torquay. A totally sick surf spot and the HQ for rip-curl which was the reason for my visit. That will be explained in my next vid, but while there I should say I popped into the surf museum. If you are into surfing (and you wouldn't go otherwise!) you'll love it.

But I was soon ready to head the rest of the way to Melbourne to see my mates. As it turns out, even though I know them all from totally different walks of life, all three of them live on the same street! St. George St in Fitzroy, and it is obvious why super-cool part of town and a great place to start my adventure there!

First I caught up with Rhys (a welsh-man living in Oz), and just popped to a couple of locals although didn't over do it because we knew the next day was going to be a big one! I had heard there were loads of secret bars in Melbourne CBD so I decided I want to put together the coolest bar crawl vid possible. I'll try not to spill to many beans but it was awesome fun!

Highlight being the Edge Experience on the sky-deck! Basically you're on the highest pulic viewing area in the southern hemisphere (300m high) you stand in a small box covered in frosted glass, the box slides out of the building so you are above thin-air, you hear the sound of breaking glass and the frosting instantly disappears leaving you stand above 300m of nothingness and then concrete and fast cars! Pretty wild even for some gnarly dudes like me and Rhys. I say gnarly, we basically thought we had been brave as hell by daring to jump approx 3cm off the floor, however the next group in were a family and they were happily running around and lying down etc. Fairly embarrasing but, whatever!

Next my amazing girlfriend Emily arrived in at Melbourne airport and joined the tour, to get rid of my hangover from the night before we decided to go wine-tasting in the Yarra valley! Now I don't know if you are any good at maths but: (hangover)+(stupidly hot weather)+(champagne at 11am followed by consistant wine-tasting all day)=(sleeping in the bus the whole way home)!

Thanks to Dave from Epicurean Day Tours for all his awesome hints, tips and unexpected extra touring!

Next up sky-diving, Em doesn't know yet! Watch this space!

Video - Roadtrip Australia: VICTORIA - SEE SEA SEALS

timmyski — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:14:00 GMT

On his roadtrip through Victoria, Australia with Van-Tastic Adventures, Tim goes sea kayaking with Apollo Bay surf and kayak shop to meet some very friendly seals - they are just like dogs but wetter!

Follow the adventures at http://www.vantastic.worldnomads.com, or on Twitter @Van_Tastic and @timmytank.