OK, I might have a solution. Waiting to hear back from my friends in Manly. If i just come back to SYD on Friday night I can still spend all day Saturday with them.

This would shorten the time in MEL but not too badly. It would be Monday morning to Friday evening. Then I just have to decide if I want to carry on with the car as planned, but just strive to be back Wednesday, and only have a smidge of Wednesday, all of Thursday, and part of Friday in MEL, or just stay in MEL the whole week - with or without the day trip with a tour operator.

ps. Bunyip looks great! and pretty cheap, too.

That looks like a workable plan. I would keep Melbourne & the GOR in your mix.

Now it's booked.

Mon morning to Friday evening in Melbourne. So, three full days plus most of Friday and half of Monday.

I think I will do the all-day coach tour. Three days or even two days is too much. I hear Melbourne is very charming and I'd like to spend more time there.

Now for Melbourne lodging!

Thank you again everyone for giving me logistics ideas!

Sounds good! Be sure to go to the Tourist Office in the middle of Melbourne, you can't miss it --lots of great information. We picked up a free walking tour that was us and another couple. Guide had lived in Melbourne FOREVER and was a wealth of interesting tidbits about the city. Try to get to the Fitzroy neighborhood - I think you might like it. Lots of cool street art and small shops. Great for photography. Wonderful restaurants in Melbourne. Probably the best food we had on the entire 6.5 weeks in Australia. Also fun to hop on the free tram and see where it takes you. I think you'll have a great trip!

flygirl- if you want to meet in Melbourne let me know.

Bokhara and Northie how do I reach you? I don't use my name here on fodors but if you go to "Facebook travelers group who can't be named" maybe ID yourself and I'll find you?

Northie I think you're there already...

Hi flygirl, drop me an email at bokhara77 at hotmail dot com

Sent!