Airdog,
Sounds like you inadvertently tried to land the plane before it was ready, and a succession of bounces turned into a balloon. This means you still had flying speed whilst on the ground.
Try to imagine preventing a plane from landing during the flare by gradually increasing back pressure to keep the aircraft aloft. You need the mains close to the ground (within say a foot or so, but not touching). Eventually, the wings will give up and you will settle on the mains.
Maintaining back pressure through the roll-out will ensure max drag (to continue the slowing-down process) and will keep the nosewheel off the ground until it, too, settles of its own accord.
Ask your instructor to demonstrate. Above all, do not try to force a 172 to land if it doesn't want to...it will balloon and/or land on the nosewheel, both of which are undesirable.
Perservere, have another go, don't despair & remember to enjoy yourself!
Oz is a nice place to fly, done a bit there myself.