Hey there! Whilst still in Melbourne the girls and I hired a car to drive the Great Ocean Road which was such a good idea! The drive was amazing and we saw some stunning views of Bells beach, the 12 Apostles and even some Koalas (they're such cuties). After a 12 hour long coach journey we hit Sydney and decided the best way to get around on our first day in the city was by taking the tour bus (proper little tourists aren't we!). The Sydney Opera House was very impressive and so was the harbour bridge. We didn't pay to walk over the top of the bridge as it was bloody expensive (about 80 quid- no thanks!). So we did it the budget way and walked across as far as we could without paying and climbed the tower for a 'just as good' view at a mere 4 pounds. I'm turning into a bit of a geek as I found the history behind the building of the bridge actually quite interesting. That night the girls went out drinking but I stayed in as I was too excited about our day trip to the aquarium we had organised for the next day, and I didn't want to spoil it with a nasty hang over!. It was so much fun, I love sea stuff so much!. My favourite part was patting a baby shark, and viewing the big fat scary ones!! (oh and seeing nemo of course). Afterwards we had a stroll along Darling Harbour We took a trip to the fish market over the weekend and I acquired a new taste - Oysters!- So Joe you'll have to take me to loads of posh restaurants when I get back thanks. We had a few lazy days on Bondi and Manly beach. They're the nicest commercial beaches we've been on so far - definately beats Bournemouth!. We joined the local dragon boat racing team for a training session- Never again!. There was about 16 of us in the one canoe-type boat, racing another over a lake (with visible jelly fish I might add!). My arms and back still ache so much!! Hope you had a good birthday Michele xxxxxxxxxx