G'day folks, well it's been a month since my last blog, crazy how time goes so quick. Therefore, thought it was time for an update plus internet is free at the mo in hostel. From my last blog I was in Port Macquarie which I really enjoyed with an option of only 9 different beaches! My next stop was Newcastle which was a bit weird, as a city it was very quiet. I went into the main centre on a Saturday night & could not believe how empty the bars were. Luckily I was staying at a place called Cambridge Hotel which had live music with up & coming indie artists.

I arrived into Sydney for a few nights, done the normal touristy stuff like visiting Opera House, Harbour Bridge, the Rocks, Botanical Gardens, Darling Harbour & King's Cross. Unfortunately while I was there the weather was awful - it rained nearly every day so did not bother going to the beaches while staying in Sydney. I then went onto Penrith to visit relatives; Di & Garry was very nice to accommodate me. They showed me sights around the Blue Mountains which was breathtaking & many of Sydney's' beaches (incl Manly & Bondi).

Went back to Sydney for a couple of nights to get a feel for it, but overall it has not made a big impression. I then went onwards to Canberra - the Capital city of Australia! What can I say about Canberra, it's called the garden city & it's very spread out - literally to walk from place to place takes some doing (even though its only 1cm on the map!). I find it quite good though, nearly every National monument, museum is free to visit; so explored some of these. It was all good but after a few days it was time to move onto Melbourne.

Melbourne is one of my favourite city's I've visited so far, up there with Kyoto. To me there seems to have a certain good-feel atmosphere, people are friendly, its lively, mixture of modern & old areas and it follows its sport. I really got into Aussie Football rules there which is a mixture of football & rugby but its not (comprende!?!), it is quite exciting especially the last quarters when I saw a couple of games. While there had to go on a Neighbours tour which was AMAZING! On the trip met up with the legend of Dylan Timmons (who?) - he put Sky up the duff & pushed Paul Robinson off a cliff. Also went on the great ocean road trip which was brill, just like the city - can see myself visiting Melbourne in the future.

Currently have been in Cairns for a week now & it's been good - so much warmer than Melbourne, it was cool to be back in T-shirt & shorts again. While here I have been chilling out by the esplanade, gone snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef (got used to it after third attempt!) but really enjoyed it when I could actually breathe through the snorkel! Off to Townsville tomorrow, heading my way back on the east coast towards Brisbane. Miss you all & take care!!