Arrived in Melbourne a week ago. I have been staying with my family in the suburbs of Melbourne whcih was really nice, because after the last month or so it was good to now be in a home environment again.

Anyway, my cousins took me out most days to show me around. On the first day I went into the city, had a wander around the CBD area and then got a tram to St Kilda. There was a festival on during the weekend called the Moomba Festival where there was live music and concerts, water ski competitions on the Yarra River and other such festival activities. We didn't stay for long however because it was so hot. While I was in Melbourne the temperature averaged about 40 degrees. The following day my cousin took me back into the city and we went up to the Eureka Tower whcih gave you great views of the city including the bay and beaches, Albert Park and the CBD. Afterwards we headed back down to the city and had a walk along South Bank where some of the good bars and restaurants are and the Crown Casino.

The following day we took a road trip out to the Great Ocean Road. This was great!!! We stopped off briefly for some photo's at Bells Beach and then started the very very long journey along the coast. We stopped at a place called Apollo Bay for fish and chips - I know, I don't like fish, but this flake that we had was lovely!!! We continued along the road stopping off to take photo's - the coast was amazing. After SIX hours we got to the Twelve Apostles, should really be re-named the nine apostles now as a few more have been destroyed by the sea. But the views along this part of the coast were beautiful - I may have over done it on the photo's but it was worth it. From there we went onto Loch Ard Gorge.

A couple of days later Rowena (my cousin) took me to the Macedon Ranges just outside the city where we had a devonshire tea...hmmmm tasty!! and then to Memorial Cross which faces the city of Melbourne. We went to Sanetorium Lake which was supposed to have grey kangeroos and koalas knocking about, but no such luck in catching a photo!!

On the last day in Melbourne I went to a meet at Flemington Racecourse - famous for holding the Melbourne Cup each year. I had a couple of bets and came back home 75c lighter which isn't too bad!!

Anyway, the week pretty much flew past in Melbourne because I am now in Sydney!!! The weather is more pleasant here which is good because it was getting really hot in Melbourne - I shouldn't complain should I?!!!!

Will catch up again soon once I've done something of any interest in Sydney...take it easy!!