We seemed to have enjoyed our time here but perhaps allowed a little too long. As cities go though they certainly cater for everybody's needs. Our dinner on the colonial tram took us round the city at night and the meal was superb - probably the best since we have been here and the champagne, wine, beer and liqueurs were certainly flowing. They poured us out and we certainly had our moneys worth without making a spectacle of ourselves. Because Ray had endur...

We took a coach trip out to Phillip Island situated to the south east of Melbourne. Stopped on the way at a dairy cattle homestead but they had a few other rescue animals there like wombats, kangaroos, emus and numerous types of ducks. Although not the ideal setting we were pleased to see a wombat as have not managed to see one in the wild. We also went to a Koala sanctuary and took photos of several of them in their natural habitat. Phillip Island reminde...

Entering Melbourne was another story - very disappointing. As we approached the suburbs from the north west we thought we might turn right round and bring our flight forward to Brisbane. We gave it the benefit of the doubt and have to say we have warmed in the last few days (even though it is renowned for its changeable weather - all 4 seasons in one day). Melbourne is much bigger than we expected and as with all cities its population has different levels of pro...

Before heading into Melbourne we detoured north from Geelong about 60 miles to Ballarat that saw the gold rush of the 1850s. We weren't too impressed as it looks like that is where it stayed. There is a living museum at a place called Sovereign Hill but the rest seems like it needs a revival. So back south to Melbourne. Jen and Ray