Queen Victoria

by Cassandra Miles (United Kingdom (Great Britain))

I didn't expect to find Australia

I took a week city break to Melbourne, being a beach girl this was all The time I’d planned for! Arriving carrying a suitcase 3 times more than my body weight in 42 degree heat was not what I’d expect- I’ve heard that a Melbourne can go from 4 seasons in one day but this was quite the heatwave. Passing through the town centre, McDonald’s looked magical, the idea of a McFlurry and iced drink (backpacker money saving menu) looked too appealing. First stop to refuel and cool, surrounded by the familiar skyscrapers of Sydney’s landscape and the $1 seven eleven coffee offer I felt homely. After arriving at my hostel in the CBD I got straight in the lift to offload the trunk of clothes! As any 21st century backpacker might relate to a wheeled suitcase as the new way forward to save you the back ache and transport you with a wardrobe very neatly folded than rolled up to utilise the Pac-Man of space a backpack has to offer. That night I got to the local bar, talking to the regulars sussing our the best hot spots off the tourist radar along with a few tip offs of the best local cuisine. I met a few runners, in my opinion the best way to explore a new place on foot, we headed out for an AM run. Shaking off the alcohol and running around a leafy park we came to a gorgeous lake! What a sight, it turned out to be. An unexpected surprise before my toast and coffee.. it turned out the route was on the f1 track- not a lot of people can say they ran that on their trip! Getting off track onto another without plan is just exciting, nurturing the human need to explore, I plan on continuing to feed my curiousity and bow to those who also follow their gut! So- pack that 4 wheeler fancy suitcase, take your runners and go explore.