Brisbane to Geelong

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I DEPARTED Brisbane on a mid-morning flight, and the clear sky made for stunning views as we headed southwest over the Tweed Volcano and through the vast plains of western New South Wales. The dry patchwork of farmland was broken up by the meandering Murray River after about an hour, marking the boundary between New South Wales and Victoria. As we began our descent into Tullamarine Airport in Melbourne, I couldn't help but feel excited for the adventures ahead.

After landing, I caught the airport shuttle bus to Southern Cross Station in the city centre. With a few extra hours to spare, I stored my pack and explored the towering glass buildings and winding streets before reaching the Yarra River. After crossing a couple of bridges, I made my way back towards Southern Cross Station, catching a train towards Geelong, which is about 80 kilometres away.

The train journey was a pleasant one, with alternating views of farmland and new residential areas over the plains. After passing through the outskirts of Geelong, Victoria's second-largest city, I got off at North Geelong Station and followed a path along a main road. I passed a Vietnam War memorial before reaching a small park overlooking the Spirit of Tasmania terminal, where I rested for dinner before following the road towards the terminal.

After watching the ferry arrive and berthing beside the terminal, it took a couple of hours for the ship to unload before starting to load vehicles. As a walk-on passenger, I went through a biosecurity inspection before heading on board. Once aboard, I settled into my cabin as the ship departed at 11:30 PM, heading out into Port Phillip Bay. The sprawling lights of Geelong faded away in the distance as we headed eastward towards the narrow entrance to the bay. Sometime around midnight, I headed to bed.