December 2nd was a sea day heading south easterly passing various capes lining this section of the coastlines of the states of South Australia and Victoria. Particularly prominent along this coastline is Cape Nelson. Situated in southwest Victoria there is a large lighthouse which was constructed in 1885 and forms part of a state park. Fortunately, we were sailing close to the coastline since a medical emergency happened on board and a helicopter rescue was necessitated.

Melbourne: Originally part of New South Wales, Victoria became a colony in 1851. The discovery of gold and development of agriculture launched Melbourne’s rise to prominence and prosperity. Melbourne is a green and welcoming city – home to the Australian Open Tennis, the Melbourne Cup and numerous sporting occasions.

We decided to tour the city on our own today – having visited Melbourne several years ago. First, we headed to Fitz Roy Garden and its Conservatory, Captain Cooks cottage and River God Fountain. Then onto the Treasury Garden with its water spray fountain, past Parliament House, Parliament Garden, Princess Theater and St Patrick’s Cathedral.

Back to center city along Collins Street with its high-end shops and restaurants to Swanston Street past City Hall and up to the State Library (surrounded by pro Palestine protestors

 slowing my access to an internet connection) then on to Queen Victoria Market passing the city baths and the huge intown campus of RMIT (Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology).

Heading back to port we passed Flanders Street Station, Federation Square, St. Paul’s Cathedral over the Yarra River and to the Skydeck – We headed up 88 floors in 40 seconds to a 360-degree view of the city below.