4 and a bit weeks in Australia (to, and from, Canberra)

Our route through to the Australian Capital of Canberra takes us to Kosciuszko National Park - Kosciuszko being the tallest mountain in Australia at 2228 metres - via the Alpine Way, through dense forest, stopping at various lookouts on the way.

A little wildlife on the way, including naughty Kangaroos not looking where they were going and Paul having to pull up sharply, as well as another Emu family - this time, 8 kids! Actually, I've since found out that the collective term for a group of Emu's is a 'mob'. Interestingly, the collective term for goldfish is a 'troubling'. Fascinating.

We spent the night in the ghost-town that is Thredbo - a skiing village, though they haven't had snow for months apparently. Hardly anyone around, and nothing open, though we get a nice warm room at the YHA.

Up early the next morning to find a couple of inches of snow lying around us and lots of icicles hanging! Unbelieveable, though thankfully the roads are remarkably clear, but we make an early exit anyway. Shame, seems like the walks around here would be good, especially taking a ski lift to the top.

Via Jindabyne, we make our way on to Canberra itself. Luckily we arrive at the weekend, making parking easier for our stay at the huge Central YHA. We track down a Starbucks and use our BOGOF voucher, but using the saving to buy a cake.

We walk along the main road up to Capital Hill and Parliament House, an impressive building, finished in 1988 at a cost of $1.1bn. Arrived just in time to catch on to the 4pm guided tour. By the way, the building houses one of the original Magna Carta's - one of the better specimen's apparently.

Finished the day walking back via the loop of Lake Burley Griffin in the warm sunshine. Watched Austin Powers in bed that night!

Next morning, walked back up towards the lake, but around up ANZAC Parade to the Australian War Memorial and Museum - brilliant museum, I wish we had more time here. The museum houses 'George' - the 'lucky' Lancaster Bomber and there's an interesting film/re-enactment to watch. MUST SEE!

Leaving (underrated) Canberra on the Hume Hughway again, taking the coastal turnoff through Moss Vale to Wollongong. Nice to sea the see again.

Arriving late afternoon, we check in to our hostel and, soon after, make our way towards the harbour/lighthouse to see some waves crash in, as well as seeing some whopping pelicans.

Watched the Australian Music Awards - Midnight Oil receiving a Lifetime Achievement-type award.

Wandered around town and along the waterfront the next morning, before heading up to Bulli Scenic Lookout, giving views over the Illawarra Escarpment. Saw, but again didn't hear, another Kookaburra.

Another walk nearby, from Foothills Road through gorgeous (Cabbage Tree) palms and Eucalyptus trees.

Blue Mountains and Sydney to follow...