So I went to Canberra and Sydney (from Melbourne) about last week with my family since they're here for my G-day.
We went for a road trip! Yes, new experience for me.
TRANSPORT
We rented a MPV from Apex the morning before we departed. The per day rate was $106 including premium insurance and unlimited kilometres. Apex so far is the cheapest car rental option in Melbourne which is a merit to us travelers right? Except that their only store location is near Melbourne airport (quite far from Melbourne city!). They easiest way to get there is by cab, which might cost you substantial amount of money (around $40). The cheapest way is to call Apex and ask them if they could fetch you from Broadmeadows train station. If you get a yes, then catch a train at Melbourne Central for a Craigieburn line. Then get off at Broadmeadows station. Their shuttle should be waiting for you then!
JOURNEY
Our destination was Canberra for that day which is about 8 hours drive from Melbourne. We opt for the shortest distance (with the help of GPS, of course!) which is NOT the coastal drive. The view through out the journey was mainly pokok-pokok kering (since it is summer time) and farms with cows and sheeps. There's NO R&R stations with lots of food store. There's only rest areas where you could have a picnic, so don't forget to pack your meal.
ACCOMODATION
We stayed at Alivio Tourist Park which is about 15 mins travel by car to the city. I booked a cabin for 6 pax for $178 per night. The cheapest options i've got from Booking.com and to my astonishment, the cabin was so convenient, with ovens, microwave and stove for you to cook your meal. There are pans as well, but if you're not so yakin using the pans (muslim things), just buy a cheap pan to use (you know what i mean right?). As for us, we only use their the microwave and oven, foods in our own container.
There were 2 double-decker beds and 1 queen bed. My whole family loves the cabin. Not so much fuss since we didn't spend so much time in there, just for sleep and breakfast to be honest. The staffs were friendly and helpful too. You can just ask them 'where to go in Canberra'.
WHAT TO DO IN CANBERRA
The night we arrived, we went pusing-pusing the city to see it during the night since we only stayed there for one night.
During the night, we went to:
- Mount Ainslie - beautiful look out point facing the city, to be precise, the parliament house. There are heaps of wild kangaroo on the way up the mount that you can see. This mountain visit is free! go lahh
- Pusing-pusing around new and old parliament, Australia National University (ANU)
During the day:
- New parliament. We get in the parliament to see the hall they use to bersidang. You can choose either to join the guided tour or touring it yourself! we didn't join the tour, having to catch up with time. Besides, there is a cafe and post office as well if you like to send a parliament postcard to anyone.
- Australian Memorial War. The architecture is beautiful, at a glimpse there's an area that looks a bit like alhambra, Spain. The entrance are facing the parliament. During my visit, there were war memorial expo if you like to see. For more info, click here.
- Cockington Green Gardens
- Embassy Area
- Australia National University
- Where to pray? We prayed at Masjid Abu Bakar, in front of Malaysia embassy
- Where to get halal food? There's one pide and kebab restaurant in Yarralumla. The kebab's (about $10 ea) were so good. There's few halal foos here as well.
