Caught train from Bendigo into Southern Cross then transferred to district train to Hughesdake where I am staying with Anthony and Leanne, Elli's brother. As I have booked to do 3 days of trips around Melbourne. Had a good old chat with Leanne when I got here and she showed me all her beautiful photos of Ayres Rock, Ulura. Had good dinner and went to bed earlyish as had to get up for 6 am.
Wednesday 11th
Up and out by 6.45 to catch the 7.00 train into Melbourne meeting my coach at Russell Square near Flinders Station. All went to plan, and left at 8.15. Had our first morning stop of tea, out of a Billycan and lemmingtons cake. Feed the birds, one little bugger bit me!
Then on to Puffing Billy steam train although it had turned chilly up at Mount Dandenong,good for steam. Enjoyable ride on train and all the kids are allowed to put their feet out.
On for a fab roast lunch at Fergussons Winery in the Yarra Valley.
Then heading off to Healesville Sancutuary. We saw Koalas, Emus- which I feed- Kangaroos, Platus and Tasmanian Devils. As well as a 'Spirit of the Sky' show from all the birds of prey,.
Got back to Melbourne about 6pm home to Leanne's by 7ish knackered.got it all to do again tomorrow!
Thursday 12th
Back at Fed Square again by 7.55 to take my tour to Ballarat. Gold was found here in 1850 and all nations flocked to this area in Aus to become rich!
We stopped to do a city tour,then a quick comfort stop by a beautiful lake where we saw a black swan with signets
Then onto Sovereign Hill wich is very much like The Beamish Museum in Yorkshire. Stepping back in time to the Gold Mining days. All staff dressed up and shops all decked out in period times.
The miners revolt lead to rebellion and the Red Coats where called in. Gave a marching display then fired the riffles, pity they didn't take out some of the hundreds of rude Koreans!
Very interesting and as luck would have it whilst panning for gold EUREKA I found some!
Friday 13th
Did not have to get up quite so early today as not on the coach till 1pm to go to Phillip Island to see the Little Penguins this evening.
Got into Melbourne about 11 ish and went to Captains Cook cottage in Fitzroy Gardens then popped into St Pauls Catherdral and watching some Alley Art at work, before getting to Fed Square for my pick up point.
Off we went stopping at Churchill Island Farm where we watched a sheep dog doing his stuff and sheep being shorn and a quick cuppa.
We then went onto a Koala Conservation Centre and saw many wide awake! They do sleep a lot apparently.
Our driver was very excited about all the wildlife here in Aus and wanted to show us as much as possible so went for a drive right around the Island looking out for Wallabies and Penguin burrows,we saw many of both. Looked out over the Bass Straight wonderful views.
Arriving at the Penguin Parade we had chance for a quick food stop then onto the beach to get a good position to see these little folk come out the ocean and head up their nests to feed the youngsters.
They did not come out of the Ocean till 8.45 ish and we watched under dimly lit flood lights and as photographs are forbidden these are from the free app . We returned back to coach at 9.45 and got back into the City at 11.20 just in time for me to catch the 11.30 back to A & L in Hughsdale. Another long but enjoyable day.
Only one more month here.
Saturday 14th
Hurrah had a lie in till 10then walked to huge Shopping Centre about 15 mins from A & L home.
Left there about 3 to go back into Melbourne Central to see the Film - Dressmaker. Set in Australia a truly lovely film, take your tissues!
Sunday 15th
After breakie went to St Kilda to look around the Markets,a walk on the Pier and lunch in Acland Street, famous for its numerous Cafes and had lunch.
Driving onto Brighton to see the coloured Beach huts and a paddle in the sea. Beach huts cost around $200,000 (£100,000) Only slightly bigger than those in Worthing, how silly.
Back home for tea and cake! Weather was fab. Off tomorrow to Warraambool on the Great Ocean Road by train ( 4 hour trip) to stay with Brenda - Diane off nb Ferndale's Aunt.
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