I got the chance to come to melbourne instead of staying in Brisbane for a week and im so glad i came - Melbourne has been great, so much to do and the weather has been good at times, so cold at night, like being back in Scotland!! We're talking bed socks, 2 sheets and a blanket and im still cold...wheres my hot water bottle when i need it??!!

Ive done so much this week and quite disappointed because there is so much more i wanted to see. Our first night was an experience to say the least, we didnt realise that the gran prix was on all weekend so struggled to get accomodation but managed to get a hostel in north mebourne for $20 a night which is real cheap...we should have guessed it would be a bit of a dive! It was above a trashy looking pub and all the guests were shouting -welcome to hell!!! we agreed with them! It was only 10 bedded dorms and the rooms were minging to be honest and my bed had a hole in the slats, never got much sleep cos the pub opened late so after a sleepless night we checked out - well we couldnt as the staff were all in their beds!! Eventually got out and went to our new hostel - what a difference, its been like a palace all week and for the first time in 4 months ive slept in a double bed!!!

So ive done all the touristy things - went to Fitzroy gardens, Treasury Gardens, Federation Square, Queen Victoria Market, Brunswick Street to see all the cool wee shops, Southbank where the casino is and loads of cool and expensive restaurants, Digital harbourside and The NGV and Australian centre for moving images to see the film design exhibition!! busy busy busy. Also got the chance to meet up with Dawn who i worked with in Ninewells - was good to see a familiar face all the way out here!

Went to St Kilda on the sunny day to the beach and pier - was amazing, so quiet and topped up my tan, the shops there are cool too, so many cake shops, just had to try one!! Ended up back in St Kilda on the sat night with Sam and her other essex friend for a few drinks, reminds me a bit like byron bay, quite hippy and seems so far from the city when its only down the road.

The highlight of the trip had to be Great Ocean Road - paid for a day trip, totally worth the money. The weather wasnt too great and ended up raining later on in the day, hence why the photos look a bit gloomy!! The 12 Apostles were amazing, im glad i can say that i have seen upclose one of the 7 wonders of the world! Had a trek in the rainforest, not ideal in flip flops but good all the same. had such a great day - you can probably tell from the photos!

This is my last day in Melbourne so going to do a bit of shopping, need to stock up on my autumn clothes but im reluctant to buy anything as im home in about 4 weeks!! My next stop in New Zealand for 5 days....i cant wait!!!