Melbourne is known to be Australia’s park and garden city. Some of their parks are within walking distance from the city while some are located a few hours away from the city. Australian BBQ is a huge part of their culture  that is why most of their public parks have built in barbeque grills. On our first week, my in-laws took us to Dandenong Ranges National Park where we fed cockatoos and had Aussie barbeque. It was was our first time to eat a Kangaroo meat!

Here’s Mikko’s photo with a Cockatoo on his shoulder. Cockatoos are intelligent, social, good natured, active, acrobatic and very affectionate. They can live over 70 years!

Here he is feeding a colorful Crimson Rosella Bird. Most Rosella parrots are red others are yellow and orange. They are an exact opposite of Cockatoo parrots. Their are gentle and quiet but they make excellent pet birds when hand-fed and played daily.

Mikko with Mama, Michelle (Ate Letty’s youngest daughter) and Nathan (Michelle’s boyfriend)..

Nicholas, Mikko, and Maddie striking a pose while waiting for their barbeque..

After the barbeque party, we transferred to Sky High Mount Dandenong. This place is famous for weddings and other special functions. This is their own version of Tagaytay hence the cooler weather. Aside from the function venues, Sky Hight Mount Dandenong is also famous for the majestic views of the sunset.

Here’s a photo of a stunning sunset at Mount Dandenong…

Still on our first week, Shelley (husband’s niece) toured us around St. Kilda. She took us to Luna Park and we rode the ghost train!

Lining up for the ghost train 🙂

Here’s a photo of  the iconic “Mr. Moon” with his open mouth at the entrance of Luna Park.

Luna Park was established on December 13, 1912. It has undergone several renovations and revivals throughout its history. Luna Park in Melbourne was inspired by Luna Park in Coney Island, New York.

 

After Luna Park, Shelley took us to the nearby beach. The boys rolled up their pants and ran around the shore! then a after a few minutes, we finally headed to Shelley’s posh place to have an Aussie BBQ dinner with the rellies (Aussie slang for relatives). Sadly, I have no photos of the Aussie BBQ party and hot chocolate drinks at Chocolateria San Churro as my camera got drained 🙁