Melbourne

After our time in Byron Bay we got on a 13 hour Greyhound ride back to Sydney, where we met our friend Michael. Two days later all 3 of us flew to Melbourne. Melbourne was not in our original plan, but we had heard many great reviews on this city, plus my 27th birthday was coming up and I really wanted to go to the Melbourne cup to celebrate. Toni and I have never been to the races before, so just mearly going was an experience, but to go to the Melbourne Cup- one of the biggest yearly horse race events in the world, was very exciting for us. Even the whole process of getting our outfits and putting them together was exciting.

We had a really good time, and the weather held out for most of the day, there was a bit of rain but by that time we had drunk so much Champagne that it didn't bother us; Toni even won a little money on one race which was lucky. The atmosphere was amazing there were so many people, it was buzzing. We loved it so much that we are definitely going to go to Ascot next summer back in England, and maybe one day even go to the Melbourne cup again.

Toni and I used to be avid Neighbours fans when we were younger and would always watch this soap opera when we would get home from school. So when we discovered we were going to Melbourne where it is filmed we knew we had to go on the Neighbours tour which cost around 70 bucks each.

Three words for you- DON'T DO IT!!! Unless you are a mad fan and watch the programme religiously and I mean all the time. It was the most dull, boring tour Toni and I have ever been on, save your money. If you choose not to listen to me, don't say I didn't warn you.

Melbourne is such a beautiful city, its not as modern as Sydney or Brisbane, it has more of a historical look and feel to it. However, in complete contrast to what I just said, Melbourne does have the biggest Casino in Australia. There is also a beautiful Botanical gardens and river, and in addition like many cities there are also many museums, bars, and restaurants. We were only in Melbourne for 5 days, 1 of which we spent at the Melbourne Cup and one of which we spent on a Neighbours tour. We also drove a few hours outside of the city and visited the coast where we stayed the night at a mates beach house. But what we did see of Melbourne we liked, and would certainly go back.