22Feb2015-Dandenong and Tom Hse

(1) Dandenong 1000 steps Kokoda Walk

Located within the Dandenong Ranges National Park, the 1000 steps Kokoda Walk is a unique and renowned tourist spot at Mt Dandenong.

The 1000 steps boasts the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk, a popular walking trail of this area. Nicely maintained by rangers, the Kokoda Track is a beautiful walking track with adjacent forested areas, bushlands and various scenic points.As the name suggests, the 1000 steps includes 1000 stony steps that lead to the popular One Tree Hill, starting at Ferntree Gully near the ranger’s office and the cafe at the top end of the car park.

Apart from the amazing experience of the trail itself, one can also enjoy the area’s scenic spots, beautiful parklands and numerous view points.

For some of us it was a struggle but for Robin it was a walk in the park as he is a mountaineer frequently on mountaineering trips around the world.

The Dandenong ranges are covered in thick temperate rainforest, predominantly of tall Mountain Ash trees and dense ferny undergrowth.

On our upwards trail, we saw colorful parakeet and kookaburra bird. Kookaburra is native to Australia and it's loud call sounds like echoing human laughter and can be rather eerie.

On our downward trail. we spotted 2 wallaby at different spots. At first we thought it was a baby kangaroo but Fred told us that it was a wallaby. Wallaby belongs to the same taxonomic family as kangaroo.



(2) BBQ at Tom's house

Tom invited us to his house at Fernlea, near Dandenong, for BBQ dinner and wine. We took turn to use the toilet to bathe while Tom and Serina prepared the dinner and drinks. Thanks to them for all the troubles and great dinner and wine.

Tom and his family

All at ease

Tom's house

Great food and entertainment

      Our aspiring Melbourne singer, Nat, belted out the songs "Saving all my love for you" and "
      Impossible"


Other Platypus Links :
20feb2015 Melbourne Chapel St n Fitroy
21feb2015 Melbourne South Melb Market, DFO and St Kilda
23feb2015-Melbourne Great Ocean Rd 1 day self drive                  
24feb2015-Melbourne Sunny Ridge, CBD and Casino
25feb2015 Sydney-The Rock n Sydney Bridge
26feb2015- Sydney Blue Mountain
27feb2015 Sydney Botanical Garden n Bondi Beach
28feb2015 Sydney Fish market, Opera House, Mamak