A Trip To Melbourne - SMPK 1

Embarking on a trip to Australia is like stepping into a living postcard, where every corner unveils a new marvel of stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. From the iconic sun-kissed roof of the Sydney Opera House to the otherworldly beauty of the Harbour Bridge, Australia offers a unique blend of cosmopolitan cities, rugged wilderness, and pristine beaches. With a rich indigenous history dating back thousands of years, coupled with waves of immigration from around the globe, Australia boasts as a vibrant multicultural society. Join me on a journey as we delve into the heart of Australia, unraveling its rich culture, and discovering what makes this country such an unforgettable destination.

BRISBANE + GOLD COAST

On Saturday, 27th of April 2024, SMPK 1 BPK PENABUR held an Australia Student Immersion Programme for the year 8 and 9s during which students were exposed to living their lives as Australians. They'd attend school, explored local areas, as well as live in houses with their host families ( unlike usual stays in hotels ).

As the students arrived in Brisbane, they were separated into 3 different groups based on their respective schools. We stayed and lived there like locals for a week - going to school, strolling around parks and malls, visiting zoos and amusement parks.

MELBOURNE DAY 1

After a week in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, on Sunday, 5th of May 2024 we transfered to Melbourne. We were all gathered at Cavendish Road State High School - the school we visited for the programme - by 7 a.m. then quickly headed to the airport. The 3 groups were expected to meet by 9 a.m. at the Brisbane airport for a 12 p.m. flight. 

As we waited, my friends and I ordered chicken bites and chips to enjoy whilst playing cards. We played mindlessly until we were finally called to board the plane. As we arrived in Melbourne, we were given 2 hours to stroll around Holsier Lane, Flinders Street, and St Paul Church. Students ran around, trying to make the most of the limited time they had to look around. 

Holsier Lane is an iconic laneway renowned for its vibrant street art and graffiti. It's a popular cultural hotspot attracting both tourists and local artists who continually refresh the walls with dynamic and colorful artwork. The lane offers a unique and ever-changing urban gallery experience for pictures. 

Flinders Street is one of Melbourne's main thoroughfares, known for its historic railway station - Flinders Street Station - which serves as a central hub for the city's train network. The bustling street features a mix of historic buildings, modern skyscrapers, shops, cafes, and cultural landmarks. And lastly, 

St. Paul's Cathedral, a cathedral and a prominent architectural landmark. Constructed to feature impressive stained glass windows and a striking spire. The cathedral is an active place of worship and a popular tourist attraction, offering a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city.

Panic surged within me as my friends and I had to sprint back to the bus to make it in time, whereas those who were late were to be punished and fined $100. By 7 p.m., we had a full dinner at a Chinese restaurant then headed to the hotel and checked in.

After we settled in, a few of my friends and I met in the lobby to go out for a quick night craving. We took the tram and strolled a few metres to a local yoghurt shop nearby called YO-CHI. We were able to choose our own flavours and portions, as well as select toppings of our choice. We stayed for perhaps an hour or two before heading back to the hotel to rest for the night.

MELBOURNE DAY 2

The next morning, my roomate and I got up at 7 a.m. for the hotel's self-service buffet style breakfast. By 9 a.m., all the students had been gathered in the hotel lobby to head to our first destination, Brighton Beach. 

Brighton Beach is a renowned coastal suburb famous for its colorful, iconic bathing boxes that line the beach. These brightly painted wooden huts provide a picturesque backdrop and are a popular subject for tourists. The beach offers calm waters suitable for swimming and various water activities, making it a favorite spot for both locals and tourists. It took us approximately an hour to arrive and  we only had about 15 minutes to quickly explore and take photos before moving on to our next location. My friends and I took turns taking pictures for one another. We were so rushed that I couldn't enjoy the beach fully.

Our second destination was Panny's Chocolate Factory. Located on Phillip Island, the journey there took us about 2 hours, which was too long I believe that we wasted too much time. This popular destination for chocolate lovers and tourists features a chocolate-themed visitor center with interactive exhibits, including a chocolate-making process display and hands-on activities. Visitors can explore the chocolate museum, enjoy delicious chocolate samples, and purchase a wide variety of handcrafted chocolates. The factory also has a café offering sweet treats and beverages, making it a delightful experience for all ages. As we got there, we were served fish and chips for lunch before entering the factory. The factory was really unpredictable. There were demonstrations on how to craft chocolate from cocoa beans, arcade-style games where points were kept tracked to be exchanged for chocolates at the counter, as well as numerous machines where we could try making and eating our own creations. The experience was truly unique, however I would say that this was a rather small factory that wasn't worth the long drive.

Our next stop was only 30 minutes away : the breathtaking Nobbies Beach located on Phillip Island which boasts their picturesque coastal spot of unimaginable natural scenery and wildlife. We were only given 15 minutes to quickly explore and get photos. We then had a 4 hour long drive back to the city for our final stop, DFO South Warf, one of Melbourne's major shopping destination. They feature over 120 stores and are known for offering a wide variety of discounted brand-name goods. It had been 5.30 p.m. by the time we got there thus again we had to rush around as malls there close by 6 p.m.

We then had dinner at a Chinese restaurant in China Town before splitting our own ways to go shopping. I got some boba with my friends, as well as some shoes and snacks to take back home. By 10 p.m., we'd all returned to our own rooms to pack and rest for tomorrow's journey back home.

MELBOURNE DAY 3

It was our last morning, my roomate and I woke up at 4.30 a.m. to get ready and finish packing as we were expected to be ready in the hotel lobby by 6 a.m. We had our hotel's breakfast then quickly checked out, load our luggages, and departed to Melbourne Airport. By 10 a.m. we boarded our flight back home.

Overall, this Australia Student Immersion Programme was an amazing experience which will definitely be an unforgettable memory for me!