Port of Beginnings
(Pictured above: Somewhere near Tel Aviv, idk where because this isn’t my photo)
Every man’s adventure has a beginning. Every journey to Universal Studios Australia also has a beginning. Here at the park, you begin your adventure at the Port of Beginnings.
Founded by an explorer named Dominious Wilford and his colleagues (who are named after other key people who helped build the resort), and modeled after port towns in middle eastern countries like Israel, Turkey, and Lebanon, guests are greeted by the sight of the Universal Australia Hotel, inspired by Disneyland Paris’ entrance hotel, Universal Beijing’s entrance hotel and the Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul (the hotel also serves as the park’s ”weenie”).
Passing under the hotel, guests emerge in the middle of the port’s main street. The first thing they see is the Solar Muffin Bakery, which serves baked goods, sandwiches, and breakfast, on the right. On guests’ left is the Universal Trading Company, the shop where you can get any and all Universal themed items, including wands, hats, toys, shirts, and books. Right next to it is the Portside Imports shop, which contains rare and imported goods from other countries. As you head along further, you will spot a Starbucks and the Island Candy Shoppe, which sells nothing but candy and sweet treats. A little bit upwards, next to the candy shop (and the closest establishment to the entrance of Cybertron) is the Nefis Grill, a counter service restaurant that serves casual American and Australian dishes and adventurous Middle Eastern dishes. Across from it is one of three table service restaurants in the park, Confisco Tavern. There is a mix of Turkish, Italian, Egyptian, Spanish, and other Arabian food served here, with less adventurous options for the children. A bar is also located next to this restaurant, which is also the closest establishment to the entrance of DreamWorks Destination. At the end of the street, where a castle would be if this were a Disney park, is the land’s only “ride”, the Island Skipper Tours. Based on the defunct IOA attraction, you can either board a boat to Ancient Greece at the other side of the park, or you can do a round trip excursion through Universal Lagoon.
The path splits apart into two directions, Cybertron is to the left, and DreamWorks is to the right. In the next episode, we will be heading right and meeting some popular (and at times memetic) movie characters. Please stay tuned for what’s to come.
