Thurs, 30th Oct, 2014 Notleys Campground, Bendigo to (Sharon) Melbourne, (Stephen) Maryborough

Another beautiful day – cool 12 degrees. I managed to jam everything – 3 sets of shoes, fascinator, dresses, pants, coats etc into overnight bag and a backpack. We had a trolley thing so tied them to that and I was all good. Finished packing up, said goodbye to Barry and Gayle. Finished packing up, said goodbye to Barry and Gayle. Managed to pack everything into an overnight bag and a backpack. Drove into Bendigo Train Station and said bye to Steve. Hope he finds some gold!!

Onto the train at 9.34am, comfortable seats with big windows to watch the world go by. Chatted with a lady across the isle then to the two gentlemen opposite me. Passed the time well.

Heading into Southern Cross Station I saw the big rolls of steel on the rail wagons that we had seen back in NSW.  There is a huge ferris wheel. Got off and found the Metro train to Flinders Street Station. A family was near me talking about what train to take then all of a sudden I heard the boy was screaming. His dad was on the ground having an epileptic fit – the poor wife had him and some older ladies grabbed the boy cuddling him. Security arrived and helped out – poor things.

Short train ride to heritage Flinders Street Station – lovely old buildings. I came out the exit on one side of the Yarra River. The pedestrian bridge was just in front – all the wire rails were covered in Love Locks. Lots to take photos of when I get sorted and dump off my bags. Across the bridge and onto Southbank Promenade then up a short street to the Southbank Travelodge. Unfortunately when Sandra put the room in my name they didn’t change it to Sharon so they rang Sandra – luckily they were on their way to the airport in Cairns and she could confirm who I was. Our rooms are on the top (11^th) floor – nice room not a great view though.

I enjoyed standing in the shower!!! Then went for a walk to find some lunch. Wandered around the block then down onto the Promenade. Lots to look at – people too!! All the bars/bistros were all full. Found one that has happy hour cocktails!!! Found a nice café nearby and enjoyed a toasted wrap and coffee. Bought some coffee and milk from the 7 Eleven as the coffee in the room is yuk!

Back to the hotel to wait for the girls to arrive about 6pm. 50 or so Germans arrived on a bus. Then the girls were there – so great to see them all. Got rooms organised, dropped off their bags – finished off the champagne they had from the limo they came in – I missed it arriving!! View from Sandra and Sandie's room - Great bee.

Bev and Kathy’s room is on the otherside and they have a great view.

Looking towards the Yarra and Flinders Street Station from the corner of our building as we head down the elevator.

A passer-by took this great shot of us “girls”.

Down to the Promenade to look for somewhere for dinner. Onto the bridge to watch the rowers.

Great looking bar under the pedestrian bridge.

They have great maps – 3D with the high buildings shown. Will have to check out Skydeck in the tower beside us.

Lots of weird art work – or should I say fashionable!!

Wendy found her “heaven” café.

Tree lined – lovely area.

What great aim birds here have – they managed to poop on Wendy’s toe!!

Lots of buskers.

More art.

This looks like a fun ride.

Headed into the Crown Casino. Great waterfall near the stairs. Lots of restaurants in here.

Found an Italian place having dinner special including a glass of wine for $20.

Steve rang – all good at Paddy’s Campground near Maryborough. He is with Bruce and Gayle again for the night as they are heading north tomorrow. No gold yet though!!

Lovely decorations – the ceiling was covered with little hanging silver clovers.

Beautiful lights everywhere.

Good maps as we were getting lost. Crossing over the street to another section.

One of the many Casino entrances.

Great lights overhead of the main foyer with the waterfall near the stairs.

 Music played and the water danced to it - that's a leaping water spout. Took a video.

Out into the cold through the revolving doors. Lovely lit trees along Southbank Promenade.