We got up and ready for about 9.30am. I had a sudden urge to try and eat healthily so I had muesli for breakfast and tea without sugar (I usually have 2, or 3 if I'm hungover!).

The kids and Neil had gone to work and school so Sian took us to see the new parliament building. It seems strange that in such a new town there has already been the need for a new one!

It was quite interesting to look around. In the house of representatives we listened in on a talk being given to primary school kids. The kids know so much more about Aussie politics than I have ever known about English politics. Apparently it is compulsory to teach it over here which is a really good thing - less kids will end up clueless like me and voting based on the MP with the most unusual name or the colour of the party (I'm exaggerating...slightly). It is also compulsory to vote here and you get fined if you don't. I suppose because it is a new country they can bring in sensible (and I think obvious) rules like that from the word go, whereas we have a few thousand years of history/tradition to contend with whenever we want to change something.

After the new parliament building we headed into town and I bought a new hoody and some long pj bottoms to keep me warm in New Zealand, as well as a selection of skincare products because I have neglected the 'cleanse, tone, moisturise' ritual since I've been away and I miss it. After our quick shop we met Neil on his lunch break and he bought us a coffee which was nice of him. We then headed to a supermarket to buy some food for our journey to Melbourne, before saying our goodbyes and setting off at 2pm. The journey (our final Greyhound journey!) took nine hours which I found quite relaxing. I felt quite ill though and lost my appetite for the pasta salad which I had brought with me.

When we arrived in Melbourne we successfully negotiated the tram system and found our hostel, The Nunnery. It is a converted nunnery in what I think is a Victorian building. We had booked a 12 bed dorm but were very happy to find out that we have been given a 3 bed dorm - essentially a private room - result!

I used my new skincare products and put on my new pjs, and now we're all in bed, tired from out journey.

Can't believe this is our last stop in Australia!

xxx