Continued my voyage inland along the course of the River Murray, Australia's longest river. At 2,375 km it traverses a large part of the east of the continent and drains an awful lot of land.

The early settlers used the rivers to explore the interior and set up communities all along the river. Part of the joy of exploring new countries is to come across vibrant and thriving communities, living lives in places you never knew existed,

Such is the Riverland, a string of towns along a section of the Murray, each with their own character and purpose.

Now in a new state, Victoria, and the town at the top, Mildura. Some lovely old buildings. Popped across the border into Wentworth, located at the confluence of the Murray and Darling Rivers. They welcome people with a tractor on a pole. They like tractors up here.

Had a relaxing couple of days in Adelaide. Visited the botanic gardens and took in a couple of museums. The museum of immigration was particularly interesting as it detailed some of the stories of some of Australia's immigrants as well as the effect their arrival had on some already here.

Took a trip down to Geelong on the tram, for a refreshing walk by the sea. Didn't get as far a Brighton, but hit the outskirts of Hove.  Refreshing trip apart from the flies. I had forgotten how tenacious they are in Australia. Not like the polite flies in England, these ones are straight in your face, no holes bared.

Said goodbye to the Southern coast and headed back to Perth to catch the plane east.

Said goodby to Perth with a twilight trip on the Swan River. I think the captain had done the trip before, but it was a bit worrying when he got the crew to sit on the roof of the boat to see if we were going to fit under the bridge.

For a test I put Sidney into my sat nav and got told it would be 4110 km and would take me 45 hours to drive. I guess flying part of the way was a good idea.

Now in Adelaide, just 1450 km from my flight home and a 15 hour drive to come. Just as well I have 10 days to do it in.

Short day today as I've lost another 2.5 hours by flying east. South Australia is now on daylight saving, and its nice to see the evenings giving out.

Finally escaped the searing heat of the centre and flew down to Adelaide where I was greeted by a torrential downpour.

Spend a couple of days in Adelaide enjoying the sights of the bay and the Lofty Mountain Range. Picked up the car and for the last few days have been travelling the Great Ocean Road where there is some stunning scenery. Visited the twelve apostles today, although you could only see seven of them from the road. Staying in Geelong before travelling into Melbourne tomorrow.