Hi All
An update on our adventures in Australia. 5th April we flew to Perth. Spent a couple of days looking round. Perth is a small but friendly city and Fremantle was great. 7th April we pick up a hire car and drive about 300 km S.E of Perth to visit Mick and Alex (my niece and her husband) who live 'outback' near Dumbleyung. This is the real Australia. Not another building for miles. Big sky full of stars. Very dry and very peaceful.
We can understand why Alex loves being there. We really enjoyed our visit to the 'outback'. Ken Ann Jim and I decide to drive to Margaret River for a short trip. Big beaches lots of wineries. Pick the wrong day to do wine tasting (Good Friday!!) everything closed. Australia still has old fashioned laws when it comes to licensing. Ken and Ann go on to Melbourne while Jim and I stay with Mick and Alex till 16th April when we flew to Adelaide to stay with Peter (an old mate from Mecca Sportsman circa 1970/80's). Adelaide is a lovely place, very 'English' streets full of trees and well kept homes. Really nice feel to the whole place. Great to spend time with Peter and catch up.
On 21st April Jim and I take our leave of Adelaide for the 'Great Ocean Drive' down to Melbourne. First day not too much in the way of views on the drive. Stay one night in Mount Gambier (only town for miles) then early start next morning. Breakfast in Portland
(Victoria) where the countryside starts to look much more lush and green, then pick up the ocean road. Fantastic views over coastline. Very long narrow twisty road right on the side of the sea. Finally reach Melbourne late and in darkness. Make our way to Berwick village to meet Andy and Jane (our hosts for the next few days) We had great fun in Melbourne and the surrounding area thanks to Jane and Andy who showed us round and spent time with us. Melbourne is a very lively city lots of live music etc.
1st May meet up with Ken and Ann for the flight to New Zealand.