Learning is a journey and in traversing our way around it, we should also enjoy the ride. When better to sharpen our English skills than while travelling? So, this week, in the pursue of getting another stamp on our language passport, let’s venture outside of the Melbourne city centre to soak in nature.

Escape Melbourne for the Mountains  

About an hour’s drive from the Melbourne central business district, the Dandenong Ranges National Park presents the perfect escape from city life. A set of low mountain ranges, they are the remains of an extinct volcano last active 373 million years ago. The national park is well known for its towering Mountain Ash trees and lush fern gullies, making it an ideal spot for tranquil forest walks and relaxing picnics. Living among the greenery are native birds, including crimson rosellas, kookaburras, the Powerful Owl and the elusive Superb Lyrebird, as well as other native animals like wallabies and wombats.

Conquer the steep but beautiful trail of 1,000 Steps, officially known as the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk, which departs from the Fern Tree Gully Picnic Ground and winds up a steep hill along a creek through lush rainforest before emerging into a clearing where you get can enjoy great views of Melbourne through the trees. The Dandenong Ranges is also home to some stunning waterfalls, namely Olinda Falls and Sherbrooke Falls. Another way to enjoy the beauty of the ranges is by taking a step back in time on board the Puffing Billy – Australia’s oldest and best-preserved heritage steam railway.

Travel the Great Ocean Road

Set off along a scenic coastal drive of the Great Ocean Road and forget about the trivial things in life as you come up close with the 12 Apostles. These majestic limestone pillars were once connected to the mainland cliffs but due to wind and waves, were battered down into 45m-tall columns. Due to similar forces of nature, there are only eight Apostles left at the moment. Did you know that the 254km Great Ocean Road is the world’s largest war memorial built by returned soldiers from 1919 to 1932 and dedicated to their compatriots who perished in World War I?

Talk to the Koalas

With its idyllic beaches, rugged coastlines and captivating wildlife, Philip Island makes a perfect getaway for families. Swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and surfing, you can do it all here on this island. Set aside another day to see the dingoes, Tasmanian evils, wombats, and quolls at the Maru Koala and Animal Park, before heading to the Antarctic Journey at the Nobbies to learn about the fascinating world of Antarctica. Come face-to-face with koalas in their natural habitat at the Koala Conservation Reserve, and at sunset, watch little penguins waddle home to their burrows at the Philip Island Penguin Parade.

Words and Phrases to Learn:

venture – undertake a daring journey

heart of (a city or place) – the centre of (a city or place)

traverse – travel across or through

soak in – spend time experiencing the feeling of the place

extinct – no longer in existence

towering – extremely tall

lush – growing luxuriantly

tranquil – free from disturbance, calm

native – of indigenous origin

elusive – difficult to find or catch

conquer – climb successfully

steep – of slopes, stairs rising or falling sharply

stunning – extremely impressive or attractive

take a step back in time – travelling to the past

scenic – providing views of impressive or beautiful natural scenery

coastal – of or near a coast

trivial – of little value or importance

majestic – having or showing impressive beauty or scale

battered down – damaged, broken down

forces of nature – earth’s powerful climatological phenomena, such as wind or rain, that humans cannot control

dedicate – nominate a piece of work in someone’s honour

compatriot – person from the same country as you

perish – die, especially in a violent or sudden way

idyllic – extremely attractive and picturesque

rugged – having a rocky, broken, uneven surface

captivating – something that holds your attention

habitat – natural home of an animal or plant

waddle – walk with short steps and a clumsy swaying motion

burrow – hole or tunnel dug by a small animal

Mastering English is possible when you have good teachers. At ILTI, students are taught by highly qualified and experienced teachers who range from heads of schools, heads of English departments, and SPM paper markers to native speakers. To find out how you, too, can learn from the best, visit ilti.edu.my or call us at 010-395 3067 today.