possum52

No, I'm not saying that at all. All I was saying is that to be able to use the offers to various attractions, you will need the Explorer Myki card. I believe the card is able to have more money added to it, just like my own Myki card. If you interested in the Explorer Myki and want to confirm this, I suggest you email the PTV and ask - ticketingservices@ptv.vic.gov.au - just so you know for sure.

No, a compeltely different card. The Myki Explorer is a pack with a Myki card already downloaded with enough money to get you around Melbourne for the day and it includes offers to various attractions when you show the specially marked card. Myki explorer

If you like history and or older buildings, the State Library situated on Swanson Street is well worth a visit. For those interested in sport Melbourne Park where the Australian Open Tennis tournament is played is close by, just a 10-15 minute walk along the Yarra River as is the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground - tours are very interesting.

The cheapest option for the train is now $18.39 off peak, or $19.53 peak (Opal or contactless) or if you buy a single ticket it is $20.60.

Just a point, the bus shuttles are not provided on days where there is a turnaround. For example QEII is in port today and there aren't any shuttles as it is the end of one cruise and the start of another.

Hope the tradies get everything done quickly Mr Gut and that the assesors are generous! Flad you grabbed Maxi first! A couple of weeks ago, our suburb had a big storm and lighning struck houses, electric poles etc, Many people had TVs, NBN and Foxtel boxes, fidges and freezers damaged. Fortunately we just lost power for a few hours.

For a normal economy class passenger who is not a Qantas Clus member or Qantas Silver, Gold or Patinum Frequent Flyer, on a domestic flight the limit is 23 kg checked luggage. Business class is 32 kg. Checked Baggage Qantas Domestic

We have been to the Vanilla Plantation on Lifou about 10 years ago as part of a ship excursion. It was interesting but I doubt I would go back again.

Australians are not normally tippers but what many do is round the cost up eg the taxi fare is $27, I might round it up to $30 if paying by cash just so I didn't have extra coins to carry. If buying a coffee and the cost was $4.80. The change would go into the staff tip jar on the counter (not every cafe will have one - my usual cafes don't). Most Australians pay by card these days, particularly since Covid struck. If you are paying by card, and you want to tip, ask the taxi driver to add the tip to the ammount you are paying.

Yes they did, but they were talking about Hobbiton/LOR excursions from the three ports they are visiting. Others has talked about reaching the Hobbiton set from Tauranga. I just explained that Hobbiton was on the North Island and what they could do from Christchurch. Perhaps write a reply to the OP rather than to me as I am not wanting to visit any of the LOR sites.

Yes they did, but they were talking about Hobbiton/LOR excursions from the other ports they are visiting. Others has talked about reaching the Hobbiton set from Tauranga. I just explained that Hobbiton was on the North Island and what they could do from Christchurch.

I don't think you have too many options other than what was suggested in the post above or a taxi van as long as you all plus your luggage fit in.

If you want to visit Hobbiton, Tauranga is the only port of the three you mentioned that you can go there from.

Here you are - NZeTA

From Airlie Beach, it is almost impossible to do the GBR by yourself. On the ship's excursions, you will be picked up directly from the ship and returned there which means you don't have to tender in and out to the port which saves alot of time and if you happen to be late back the ship will wait for you. I really like Airlie Beach - it really depends if you want to snorkle, be involved in other water activiities or want to sight see, on what you decide to do. Port Douglas - there is Hartley's Crocodile Adventures. Or just spend the day wandering the town, having lunch or a drink close to the beach.

Hobbiton is on the North Island and Christchurch is on the South Island. It is likely to be a tour to the area where parts of the movies were filmed perhaps Mt Sunday where the city of Edoras was built and filmed.

Do you just tap and go or do you have to sign each time you use your card?

I don't think they do Cafe Cut at our BD but toast is probably thick enough for me. The best fruit loaf toast I have ever eaten was at a cafe on the foreshore at Warrnambool. Very, very nice and came with jam made by the cafe chef.

Thank you for your posts of life onboard the Grand. I have enjoyed reading them.

I usually buy the fruit loaf from Baker's Delight too but have it sliced for toast - if I had it unsliced, it wouldn't last very long.

No, you can only apply on the app or if you don't have a sutiable phone you will have to apply for another tourist visa. Aus ETA - Important information about the ETA All ETA-eligible passport holders must apply for an ETA using the Australian ETA app. For more information, see our Step by step guide. If you are unable to use the app, you can apply online through ImmiAccount for another visa that suits your needs. European passport holders may be eligible for an eVisitor (subclass 651)

For the Aus ETA, you have to use the govt app available from the app stores on your phone. You cannot do it online anymore. The link you have provided is not for the ETA.

I do like cheesymite rolls/scrolls Les but for hot cross buns, no way! From Baker's Delight

I buy fruit buns all year round from our local bakery. Very yum!

I've seen it referred to as a paste or batter.