Another beautiful day over the Yarra River.

Up and off to another business meeting, this the last for at least a week. Interesting meeting and very worthwhile.

Back to the hotel and our Melbourne holiday began. Hit South Wharf - a boardwalk along the river where there are restaurants etc. interestingly no fencing along the boardwalk - just open sides and water below. Apparently this part of Melbourne has only been developed in the last 15 years or so. Used to be derelict factories etc. Now attractive, lots of modern buildings including the big new convention centre.

Over the river we walked most of the length of Collins Street which, at the far end, is part of the shopping area. Very cosmopolitan feel. Plane trees lining the street giving a very European feel. Had a little wander around part of the Lanes but weren't impressed with the bit we saw. May go back tomorrow and see if we can find the interesting part which Eddie's now read up on.

Walked up past City Hall, St Paul's Cathedral and into Federation Square, the city's hub for celebrations, festivities and the like. Intriguing buildings in the square. And a huge screen showing the tennis Open - women's semi finals. Saw Sharapova win her semi final. There's a viewing area in front of the big screen with deck chairs and circles of fake grass matting with big squidgy bean bags. What an amenity.

From there we got on the Circle tram - a heritage vehicle that does a circular tour of the central area FOC. In fact all the trams in the central area are now free. Took a full circuit - best part of an hour and a great way to orientate ourselves. Went past the harbour area, round past the Parliament building, got our bearings on other landmarks.

Back to the hotel. Drink in exec lounge. Out onto South wharf for a bite to eat. At least, that's what we thought. Though there are lots of bars and restaurants along South wharf many were closed and most had past their best for the day. People sitting drinking, watching the Australian Open (Murray playing tonight) but nothing much going on eating wise.

Decided to give it a miss. Now back in the hotel, me at screaming point with the Off Exploring site as it won't let me log in - keeps telling me it doesn't recognise my password so I reset it and get a message saying it is successfully reset but then when I use it immediately afterwards it again says it doesn't recognise me. I am so frustrated.

Just managed to log in (next morning). Still won't let me upload photos but let's see if it lets me post this blog entry ....