I am off to Melbourne, Australia in 8 days! I have five weeks there, staying with cousins. My itinerary includes: one week in Lady Elliot Island (at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef), three days at Ayers Rock, a week in Melbourne, a drive along the Great Ocean Road, and a drive to Sydney, returning via Canberra.

I would really appreciate suggestions as to "must-sees" in Melbourne and vicinity; interesting places to stop along the Great Ocean Road, and along the ocean route east to Sydney. Any B&B's you would recommend, restaurants, beautiful landscapes? (I know beauty abounds along the routes I will travel, but I would love to hear from those who have been there, what their favourites are).

I am also interested in organic farming, including dairy farming, so if anyone has any knowledge of such places within driving distance of my intended routes, that would be welcome.

A last question; I have a 24 hour stopover in Auckland on my return, December 23rd at dinner time to December 24th at 7:30pm. I would like to visit a museum, shop for hand-knit New Zealand sweaters, and walk,walk,walk. Any suggestions as to what area of the City to stay in, and a reasonable place in which to stay? I was wondering about the YWCA; it is inexpensive, but I don't know if it is well located for access to shopping and museums.

I have been so busy with work, that I have had little time to research prior to my departure, and welcome any input to help guide me in planning once I get to Melbourne.

Thanks! Terry in Vancouver, B.C.