Well after an overnight in Auckland we flew to Tahiti to be met late at night with steamy warm air, a Polynesian band plus dancers and heady scented flower necklaces....we stayed overnight close to the ferry in Papeete the capital, and then after a huge downpour got on the catamaran ferry to the island of Moorea...lucking we didn't have to lug our cases on the ferry which I thought we would...they were whisked off us and the next we saw was on the quay at Moore...

Another photo

Great fun exploring the era of the gold rush !

Decided to not go to Melbourne as we didnt want to be in a city.....so off to Ballarat......an old gold mining town famous fir the 1800's gold rush....and the Eureka stockade..... A good choice....the gold rush story is so engaging... but first stop was the wildlife park which on a dull showery day was perfect....not many folk around and so much time to engage with the animals which were loose and wandering around....lots of skippys were very inquisitive...........

Twelve apostles