Melbourne

Arriving in to Melbourne, we were glad to make our way through the arrival lounge early, but we were only faced with one problem... we had no idea what the person that was picking us up looked like. SO after searching the crowd of about 200 people, hopeful that someone would recognise us ( no one did ) we decided to approach the guy that according to Arlene “looked like he was looking for someone” ( As if the others weren't ) and out of everyone it was the right guy – womans intuition or 6th sence??? So after a quick introduction to George ( Lawrie – originally from Bonnybridge ) we were off to meet the rest of his family & make ourselves comfy in his house. Julie and Stevie were just as welcoming, and for the next 3 weeks their home was our home.

After settling in for the first few days, Cruse & Debbie arried and as a result we spent the next 2 days drinking with them, whilest managing to squeeze in a coulple of touristy things. We went up the Eureka Tower which is one of the highest buildings in Melbourne, and there is a room in it called the edge which is all frosted glass. The room moves out so that you are overhanging the building, accompanied with suitable sound effects, and the occasional shudder, then the glass clears, and you are left standing over the city.

The next few days we didn't do that much, just planned out our trip, and then used the mazda 121 ( or the bubble as it'd known )that we had from George and Julie to drive round the grand prix track. Not that we timed ourselves, but we recon that we weren't that far off the pace the formula 1 cars set...lol
After that we visited where the Melbourne Gold Cup is run( Flemington Race Track ), but unfortunately there wasn't any horses running, to lose our money on.

Next we travelled to Great Ocean Road to see the 12 apostles which are limestone columns that stand just off the mainland. Despite the short distance on the map it took over 4 hours to get there, but the views were stunning.

That apart, we have been trying to come up with a plan as to the way we are going to travel around Australia. George suggested that we look into House sitting, which is when you stay rent free in someone else's house looking after their pets whilest the are away. So after signing up for it we are now going to be staying in Woodgate Beach for the next 5 weeks, and have also got a house with a pool in Sydney between Christmas & New Year...for free. YEAH!!