kez & hay travels 06

After taking the night bus from Canberra, I arrived in Melbourne. Tired eyed after yet another sleepless night of travel, I met up with lisa (met in Vietnam) who is to be my travel and drinking companion for the next few weeks.

Although exhausted there's no rest for backpackers and it was straight out to "Neighbours Night" that evening. It was as cheesy as it sounds but great fun meeting Toadie - asking him why he lost the mullet? (after 3 glasses of wine) and dancing wildly to Doctor Carl and his band "The Waiting Room" (after a bottle). The next day was spent strolling around Melbourne, taking in the atmosphere of Austrailia's artistic and sporting capital. With old fashion trams running through the streets and small boats cruising the Yarra River it was easy to relax and feel welcome. We headed to St Kilda for the next few days, only a 10 minute tram ride from the city but away from the crowds and next to the beach - what more could you ask for. We thought it was time to move on though when we started getting recognised as "local Sheilas" - especially in the 4 dollar pizza parlour. The Great Ocean Road was to be our next destination and best of all a bright pink Barbie campervan was to be our transport!!

We took to the road with 8 days to make it to Adelaide. The Barbie mobil was a hit from the start with fellow travellers, getting laughs, stares and even photos! With the tunes pumping we roared (tractor engine, I think) through familiar named towns such as Torquay, Anglesea, Peterborough and Swadlincote (as if). The Great Ocean Road is described as one of the world's most spectacular coastal drives and you can see why with the long stretches of ocean beaches and rugged cliffs on one side contrast with lush forrested areas on the other. We spent 5 days exploring and camping along this tourist route, viewing dramatic limestone cliffs. The most popular being the Twelve Apostles and London Bridge. The Apostles are rocks in the ocean which have been abandoned by the eroding mainland to the sea. Only 7 can be seen now as over time the others have disappeared after being constanly pounded by the waves. London Bridge was once one rock platform linked to the mainland but it collapsed in 1990 with tourists on it!

Wanting to give Barbie and her engine a rest from the sea air we headed into bushland and The Grampians. We drove for miles down scorched tree lined roads passing only Kangeroos and Emus. This was an area hit by bush fires only years ago. Trying to put "Blair Witch" and "Wolf Creek" thoughts to the back of our minds, we camped down for the night, comforted with sausages and beans a la bunsen burner. The next day we visited the many lookouts over the wide bushland but no trekking as it rained the whole day.

We crossed states into South Austrailia on schedule, stopping off in the relaxed fishing port called Robe and the Belair National Park before reaching Adelaide - in need of a good wash!

Next stop, the Outback to discover the Red Centre.............

So it's been a while since my last update, I know but I've been having a well deserved rest from lugging Meshell (backpack) around chez Patricia in Sydney. You'll be glad to hear that the back and shoulders are well and truely rested and ready to hit the road again but as for my liver.... well, you can imagine! We had alot of catching up to do!

 My first two weeks here were spent with all the other tourists - strolling across the Harbour Bridge, taking a tour of the Opera House, relaxing in the Botanic Gardens, hangin' out on the beach in Manly and partying hard in Kings Cross, no sorry that was for my whole duration in Sydney. Then I got a job as a receptionist..... mmmm fortunately that didn't last for too long, I got some extra dollars for it and the Aussie's got some free lessons in Derby slang though!  

With a bank holiday weekend ahead of us at the end of my fourth week, we headed for the Blue Mountains - Bushwalker's mecca. With Patricia at the wheel and me as co-pilot it took us a little longer than expected but we made it eventually and were met with spectacular scenery of rugged cliffs and a never ending valley touched by a eucalyptus haze - yes, the Blue Mountains do have a slight blue tinge to them. The most photographed spot is of the spectacular views of the Three Sister rock formations. According to Aboriginal legends the three sisters were turned into stone by a witch doctor because they had fallen in love with brothers from another tribe causing a tribal battle. We gave bushwalking a try but kept jumping into each others arms at the slightest rustle so headed for the nearest bar.

 Next destination was to see if I could spot Alf Stewart down the surf club at Summer Bay. No luck but plenty of lifeguards to check out and I could see why after being overhauled by a huge wave and nearly losing half of my bikini!

Then it was au revoir to Syndey after five weeks and onto Canberra, capital city of OZ. Canberra meaning "meeting place" in Aboriginal terms has only been around since 1913 and is full of diplomats, civil servantsand best of all ex-colleagues. So supprisingly I skanked accomodation and beers out of one - yes our chuck Michael and a meal out of another - Stuart and Ann-Christine. All of who were fortunate enough (ha ha) to be based in Canberra when a skin flint backpacker came to town and so it was great meeting up with them again.

Being in the political capital I had to take a trip to the Parliment House both new and old - yes they call it old!! and was able to actually sit in on question time, which the Prime Minister attended.  A huge artificial lake is the centrepiece of the city and everything is well spread out around it, so there was plenty of opportunity to see wild Kangaroos and exotic birds in the parks "No Hayley, that's not someone's escaped parrot".

Next stop Melbourne and to see if neighbours do really become good friends.......