So after an early start in Hobart to get our flight (which was delayed) to Melbourne and an 8 hour journey from Melbourne, we arrived in Canberra at 4am.As we were on the grey hound and sleep deprived we were convinced this was a stupid move and even more so once we go off the greyhound when we saw not a single place open or person around.This didn't put us in good stead for our hostel being open 24hrs.Luckily it was, plus we got to check in early and got a lovely comfy bed. Made me very happy plus our beds were so ridiculously comfy.

We got up early and made for the sights of Canberra.Most people I have spoke to who have been to Canberra have the impression that there is very little to do there but I completely disagree.It is full of sights to be seen and we struggled to fit them all into our limited time here.I wanted to stay longer.We headed straight to the National Museum where we got to explore how Australia became the country it is today and have some yummy tea and cake. Then we walked to Parliament house via the Lake and got eaten by hundreds and hundreds of giant ants grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!We got blown along the bridge to Capital Hill & Parliament House.On the map this walk only looked tiny but it took us forever in the end plus it is all up hill.

After our hike up the hill we made it (eventually) to the grand (new) Parliament house with its double decker sized flag metres up in the air!We went on nerdy tour which was actually quite good, where we got to find out that the Australia Government is basically the same as ours but with a few American words thrown in. Anyway enough of the facts, we then did what you have to do if you visit Parliament house, we rolled many times down Capital Hill-grass lines the sides of Parliament House.I got so dizzy!We just couldn't believe that we were allowed to do this.There was hardly any security around the whole of the parliament, in total we saw 1 policeman on a bike, another standing on the roof when we were on the lookout and 2 more once we went through security-that was it 4 in total!!!! Nothing compared to London where there are thousands and thousands!

We must have walked a fair few miles and our feet didn't feel or look too great (or in Stus case smell very nice) so we treated ourselves to some yummy tea (stir-fry) and went for a wander before watching some rubbish Aussie TV.

There are lots of places I hoped we could have fitted into our stay in Canberra that we haven't been able to do.Hopefully we will be passing through again one day soon. What we most liked about Canberra is that most things were free! Including the tours! I suppose there is a lot more to do in other cities that people think are fun but they are so busy and jam-packed and everything is so overpriced.Here you can walk down the street without getting approached or bumping into someone, you can access any of the sights and people want to help you. Plus as a teacher this would be a great place o teach the facilities are great, we are sat in the library now and there are so many things I could use.....anyway enough of that we are heading to Sydney in a few hours woooooo!!So we will update you then.Merry Christmas x x x x

P.S. Canberra is the most Christmassy place we have been to so far!