How I Drove Over 1,000km in Melbourne in a Hyundai Getz

 

Yes, you read that right. Back in 2012, on our very first trip to Melbourne, I racked up over 1,000km in just 5–6 days — all in a humble Hyundai Getz.


We packed in quite an adventure: watching penguins waddle ashore at Phillip Island, cruising along the Great Ocean Road, experiencing snow atop Lake Mountain, and even taking to the skies in a helicopter.

And through it all, the little Getz never missed a beat. Sturdy, reliable, and fuss-free — it handled every twist, turn, and kilometre without a single complaint. Not bad for a modest hatchback. 😀

For our first adventure, we headed to Lake Mountain Alpine Resort, about 120km from Melbourne. The drive through the Yarra Valley was beautiful — reservoirs, farms, and quaint little towns lining the way.





At the resort entrance, we paid AUD40 only to find… hardly any snow. 



A couple of hours later though, the weather changed dramatically: first rain, then hail, and finally — snow! Woohoo!



As magical as it was, we soon realised it was time to head back before our little Getz got stuck. The drive down was tricky at first, but conditions improved quickly, and the rest of the way back to Melbourne was smooth sailing.

The following day, we set out to explore the Great Ocean Road — a journey of more than eight hours that finally brought us to the iconic Twelve Apostles. While the helicopter ride over the cliffs was an unforgettable highlight, I found the drive itself just as rewarding: a relaxing stretch filled with sweeping coastal views, charming towns, and perfectly timed stops along the way.







On another day, we made our way to Phillip Island for the Penguin Parade. Watching the penguins return to shore at sunset was truly one of the most incredible experiences we’ve ever had. Right on cue, they waddled back from the sea — a perfect reminder of the Almighty’s remarkable creations. We then lingered as the penguins milled about around us before finally retreating to their nests.





On the way, we also stopped at the famous Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. As a motorsport fan, it was a thrill to see the venue of the iconic MotoGP race. To top it off, nature gave us an extra treat — a stunning double rainbow arched across the sky.






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Dapatkan buku 'Kisah Hidup & Budaya Pop Anak Gen-X' di SINI

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