Australia. Ireland. What to do?

[PlayingPretend]

So Australia is year 2012. I'll be studying abroad and I'll be there from 5-7 months. I'll be in Melbourne. I'll be doing some more research into it and I should be ordering a guidebook sometime soon. But I'm also hoping to talk to people who either live there or who have been there about "must-sees." Someone told me about the Grand Ocean Road Tour? Something I'd like to do, for sure. And I've heard Melbourne shopping is great. c; But beyond that, any recommendations? And I have a four-day break at one point, so I may use that to take a longer trip somewhere. Recommendations for that, too, are appreciated. This is a bit more difficult than England, seeing as then I had my ex to show me around.

And Ireland, I'm hoping Ireland will be summer of 2013. A graduation gift to moi courtesy of moi, haha. I have a guidebook already on Dublin but want to get a guidebook on Ireland in general as I might travel round a bit. I'm likely to spend time in/around Dublin, however, and in/around Cork. I have one friend who's offered to show me round a bit, but I'd still like to come up with a list of things to do, with company or not. So anyone who's from Ireland or who's been to Ireland have any "must-sees" for me to write down?

And they don't necessarily have to be touristy. I love being immersed in a culture (though the drinking culture of both places, as in any country, is going to have to do without me, I'm afraid ). BUT, I love doing touristy things, also, and shopping for my mother and sister. So I'm pretty much open to anything!