Flew Tiger Airways in Melbourne. It's such a budget airline you don't even get to go into the terminal. I was escorted from the plane to a shed out the back of the terminal to collect my bag and then shoved through a gate. Of course that was after I actually got on the plane. First it was delayed for over an hour and then we sat in the plane for ages without any air conditioning because the plane was broken. We could have walked to Melbourne in the time it took to get that plane off the ground.

I think the plane ride was an omen for the rest of this trip unfortunately. The rain came the next day and was there to stay for most of the week. Which meant that I got to explore all the indoor attractions in Melbourne!

Melbourne Museum was OK - bit too natural history focussed for my liking. The tourist circular tram goes at a snail's pace and is about as informative as I'm good looking. City Museum gives a good social history. The moving image museum in Federation Square was probably the pick of the lot though. Quite weird seeing my old games consoles in a museum though.

Went up the Rialto tower to take a look around town. To be honest, there's not a lot to see up there - apart from the sports stadiums. Exploring at ground level is more interesting. There's some interesting sculptures adorning the streets. My favourite has to be the rather aptly titled 'cow in a tree' which strangely enough resembles a cow lying upside down in a tree and is based on a real event (I think it had something to do with the cow getting stuck in the tree after flood waters receded). Also nice walks round by the river (got some great sunset photos from there) and down someof the lanes and alleyways.

Had to check out the MCG while I was here too. Being the cheapskate that I am I opted to go and watch a state cricket match rather than pay for the tour (and quite frankly I suspect the tour has more AFL than cricket content anyway so it would have bored me). It's a huge place (100,000 seating capacity) and needless to say it was pretty empty when I was there. Still - I had to climb right to the top of the highest tier just to say I'd been to the top. It's a long way up! I'd love to be there when that stadium is full. But surprice surprise, after one session the heavens opened.

Queen Vic market was worth a quick visit too. It beats Paddy's market hands down. Lots of tacky tourist nik naks so that's sorted a few prezzies out. Came back there at night to see a band playing and loads more food and tourist stalls. Met up with Austin which was nice as it has been quite a solitary visit otherwise. And I've forgotten to mention - it was nice to get a proper pint for a change rather than those silly schooners.

Finally - the highlight of the trip: Phillip Island. Brilliant day. Headed out on a mini bus tour past Brighton Beach (real sand here and they look after their beach sheds far beeter than tose at its British namesake) and to a kangaroo rescue centre (they're lovely animals) and then onto Phillip Island itself. Spent the day hunting for penguins, had pizza on the beach with the seaguls and then headed on to the penguin viewing area. As the sun fell these tiny birds swarmed out of the sea and waddled up the beach in their hundreds. Culdn't beleive how small they were or how close we were able to get to them. One even decided to strut its stuff on the boardwalk itself. It was a really good day out and definitely the best thing I've done this week.

Next up: the Great Ocean Road to Adelaide.