Day 1
We have made it to Australia and the first stop Melbourne. Considered to be the cultural capital of Australia, Melbourne can be best described as a vibrant, modern and stylish city. It is one of the most popular destinations for tourists.

I was looking forward to seeing Lindsay, Campbell and Ollie for 5 days and getting back to a civilised way of life!! Lindsay was able to pick us up from the airport when we arrived and took us to her work were we could then explore the city for the day.

Starting the day in Federation square, Melbourne's iconic meeting place. Where we visited the visitor information centre, The National Gallery of moving image and the Victoria National Gallery. The ACMI celebrates, explores and promotes the moving image in all of its forms - film, television and digital culture. In the Victoria National Gallery, beyond the water wall cascading down the entrance, you'll find international art spanning from the ancient to the contemporary.

Along the Yarra river we took a walk along Southwalk and sat along the river before heading back to meet Lindsay to head home :)

After a well needed freshen up we were able to do our washing (which is a luxury when you are travelling!) Campbell then lit the Barbie in true Aussie style were we were treated to a Steak and wine - which I haven't had since leaving home.

Day 2
St Kildas
St Kilda is a remarkable place. It is situated on one of the most picturesque points of the Bay a short distance from the city, has sandy beaches and I am sure our first beach of many in Australia. We sat and watched the world go by on the beach for an hour before taking a stroll along the pier and heading back to the city centre.

MCG tour
I know it wasn't Boxing Day when the stadium was packed and the Assie's are being beaten by England but I decided to take a tour of the famous international stadium the MCG.

The highlights of the guided tour included visiting the Long room, library (founded in 1873), MCG tapestry, player changing rooms, Ron Casey media centre, Crocket Bictoria Bill Lawry Centre, City Terrace with the view of Melbourne's Skyline. The tour guide was very knowledgable and I understand why the MCG still stands today. Whilst we were there we also visited the National Sports Museum which is dedicated to Australian sport. The exhibits include the Summer and Winter Olympics, history of the MGC and sports including cricket, rugby, basketball, soccer and horse racing.

Before heading back to meet Lindsay at her work we thought it would be nice to buy a bottle of wine and beers to enjoy alongside dinner however coming from Asia where you don't think about having ID I was turned away!! We decided to get some nice cakes from the bakery instead! Which went down a tread after our Australian fish and chips - battered shark, dim sim and potato cakes. Another Aussie first experience to tick off the list!

Day 3
Day three took us to visit the Docklands via the free City loop tram stopping off at the State Library to visit the Ned Kelly exhibition. We enjoyed a morning walking round the city and a cold drink in the harbour.

Situated in the heart of Southbank in the iconic Eureka Tower, the Skydeck stands at a staggering 297 metres above the streets of Melbourne. As the highest public observation deck in the Southern Hemisphere it offers unparalleled views over Melbourne. We visited in the afternoon and enjoyed a birds eye view of the iconic MCG and sporting precinct, Port Phillip Bay, Albert Park Lake and the Botanical gardens which we were visiting later that afternoon to experience the Moonlight Cinema.
Lindsay had tickets to the Moonlight Cinema which was showing Sisters in the iconic Royal Botanic Gardens’ Central Lawn.we arrived early to get a good spot and relaxed watching the sunset before the film started.

Day 4 - day out with Lindsay and Ollie
Sunday came round so quickly, which meant a 'family' day out first stop was Healesville Sanctuary. Where we watched Australia’s majestic birds of prey and magnificent parrots in a spectacular show before heading to watch the tales of Platypus Creek. I was so excited to see my first Koala but I am looking forward to heading to Queensland where you are able to cuddle them!

It was Valentine's Day after all so we did stop off at a Chocolatier to get an ice cream for Ollie and to taste chocolate of course :) and after a drive through the Yarra Valley with a stop at De Bortoli vineyard for some wine tasting before heading home to have an Aussie pizza.

It was such a great day and gave us a chance to see the country side of Melbourne.

Day 5 - Great ocean road tour
Bobbi and I decided that with the limited time in Sydney that we would book onto a day tour to experience the Great Ocean Road. We had to thank Lindsay for dropping us into the city for 7am and heading into work early on a Monday morning.

The tour got underway once we had picked everyone up in the city. We Stopped along the coast at famous surf beaches, Memorial arch and at Kennett River to spot wild Koalas. We also drove through Lorne, where they host the falls festival but die to the bush fires this year it had to be relocated. The bush fires completely destroyed both side of the Great Ocean Road in sections along the coast. The next stop was Apolo bay and time for some lunch.

After lunch, drive and a walk through the Otway rainforest, see the giant and uniquely famous rock stacks that are the 12 Apostles and see the rugged shipwreck coast of the Loch Ard Gorge, Gibsons Steps and London Bridge before returning to Melbourne. The day was fantastic and worth the early start!

Day 6 - heading up to Sydney
Before we left Melbourne to head up the coast we had one more morning in the city. We visited Victoria market And the National Gallery which has a great exhibition on the body and mind.

I would like to say a missive thank you to Lindsay and Campbell for having Bobbi and I to stay we had such a great time and have fallen in love with Melbourne.