DAYLESFORD

Daylesford is a Spa Town not far from Melbourne CBD. Its has loads of natural springs and thus there are loads of spa retreats, most of which are really upmarket. We decided that we needed some pampering so last weekend, we booked and off we went. This spa retreat we went to was way out in the sticks - total seclusion and the only noise was the birds in the tress - it was bliss!!

The apartment has its own treatment rooms below and so we spent a whole day being massaged n stuff! - it was great!!

We went out and about for a walk on the Sunday and here are some snaps of the countryside and few of the locals. The cockatoos and parrots and pretty standard stuff - they are as common as blackbirds in the UK!

Here the woodland is quite boring compared to NZ. Its a lot less lush (due to it being a lot drier here) and mostly gum trees!

The Great Ocean Road

This road is on the south coast and was built as a war memorial. It goes for ages and the views are amazing. The beaches are mostly surf beaches and you can see all the surf dudes out on the waves almost every day!!! Its a great drive and the day we went, there was hardly any other cars on the road.

A FEW SNAPS OF THE CITY

Supermarkets in Melly are a bit of a hit or miss. But the local markets are fantastic. This is South Melbourne Market - everything is so fresh - its still got a pulse!!!

We went up the Eureka Tower - here are a few snaps from the top!

Hook Turns - Doh!!!!

Because of the trams - you have to go left - to go right!!! This is a total nightmare as not all junctions have these, but those that do, you have to wait in the left then scoot right when an space appears - needless to say its the most scary thing we've ever done driving!!!

Melbourne - The World's Most Livable City

Here are some snaps of a typical Sunday out and about. We can so see why Melbourne is now the top city in the world to live - there is gigillions of stuf to do, great weather and zero crime! - So far we love it. Its been a bit of a shock to us coming from very tranquil NZ to racy Melly but we're now getting into it.

The people are just as friendly and there are so many open spaces - its great. The transport system is amazing (must be close to best in the world) and girls......the shopping is to DIE FOR!!!!!

Today is only the beggining of spring and the temp was about 22 but the weather keeps changing. One minute its fine and sunny, next it was gales and rain!! Everyone says - if you don't like the weather in Melbourne - just give it 5 mins - now we can see what they mean!!!

If anyone is interested here is a bit of background on where we live now. http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/02/06/1075854028808.html

We live here in this apartment block in Melbourne. Its on St Kilda Road which is the main drag into the city from the south. Its a really funky apartment and it has a gym and communal swimming pool. Only probelm is that its so NOISY!!! The trams go along all night and the raod NEVER STOPS!!! We only have the place for 6 months and I think w're moving to the burbs in Jan!