A Walkabout in Melbourne

Today I ended up touring around on my own in Melbourne.  Sue dropped me off at the V-Link train station in Lara and I headed into the city around 10am...but not until we figured out how to get money put on the train pass...not an easy task I must say!  The train ride was about 50 minutes and about 60km in total. I got off at the Southern Cross station...a fairly large above ground station in the heart of Melbourne.

         

I had a bit of an itinerary in mind so decided to start off by walking to the Queen Victoria Market...the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere.  The walk took me about 20 minutes and upon arrival this is what I saw...

                                           

                                          

NOTHING!!  I guess it pays to read things carefully, because the market is closed on Wednesday.

Not to worry, because instead I just jumped on the Melbourne Visitor Shuttle and toured around a few sections of the city I wasn't going to have time to see by foot. I jumped off the bus just down from Federation Square...Melbourne's cultural and civic hub.  Lots of preparations going on for NYE tonight.

       

I then headed over to Flinders Street Station...a 100 year old rail station with lots of charm that was full of hustle and bustle.  I absolutely loved the architecture...

       

                                   

                                        

Across the street from Flinders Street Station was St. Paul's Cathederal....one of the finest examples of architecture in Melbourne.  Beautiful stained glass and Gothic design make this a stunning place to see...although no cameras were allowed without a permit.  You'll just have to come and visit for yourself to truly appreciate it. 

While crossing the street I came across these beauties having a rest before taking another group out for a ride....gorgeous!

                                        

My next item on my list to do was a walking tour of the famous Arcades and Lanes.  I really knew nothing about this until Sue mentioned it to me the other day. Melbourne's little laneways started as rear access to properties facing big streets.  Many were later roofed as "arcades" to provide cover from weather and to make more space for crowds and shops.  What a magical experience I had travelling for the next 2 hours through all the little lanes and beautiful arcades...a true highlight!!

      

                                   

Before I even started my self-guided tour I was pleasantly surprised by my first stop...lunch at Perkup Burgers on the incredible Degraves Street...a Mecca for Melbourne's cafe society.  The best homemade veggie burger I've ever had in the tiniest restaurant I've ever been in. The vibe was very eclectic and the lineup for orders never stopped.  Loved everything about it!!

                                    

                                 

As I left my little oasis I took a stroll up the street only to find more and more eclectic little food places, shops and even funky hair salons. The tiny street was packed with people enjoying their food and coffee or perhaps listening to the incredible band that was busking at the end of the street.  I loved  the vibe and energy on this street so much I walked up and down it a couple times...what a find!!

                                 

                                   

                                             

                                          

From here I strolled through Centre Place with it's large number of cafés and people filling all the tables in the center of the lane, Block Arcade with its beautiful mosaic floors and fascinating shops...a Tea Room actually had a huge lineup to get in...and Royal Arcade which is the oldest shopping arcade in Australia (1869).  As I came out onto Bourke Street I was greeted by a crowd of people listening to a band. After sitting to listen to a few songs from this European band I decided I liked them so much I bought their CD...Our Symphonic Life.

      

When I finally finished my stroll through the Arcades and Lanes I decided to sit for a bit and enjoy a local cider at Federation Square...it was a quick stop as I soon realized how hot it was outside and I needed some shade.  I decided to walk down along the waterfront at Southgate and take in some of Mebourne's spectacular views from above and below. 

                                          

       

       

       

Thankfully during my walk I came across some much needed visual aids to make sure I didn't get run over...

       

Driving on the left hand side of the road can create some challenges, like getting in the wrong side of the car, walking on the wrong side of a path or even passing people on the wrong side when walking...don't even ask about crossing the street or driving!!

I finally decided I was getting a bit tired of walking around after 5 hours and decided to head back to Lara. I thought I would take the free city circle tram, but it was so packed with people I just decided to walk back to the train station...my poor feet.

       

By 5:15pm I was back in Lara...I didn't even have a nap today!!  John BBQ some shrimp and we all had dinner out on the patio enjoying the nice weather...about 26 degrees...while having a well deserved cold Corona or two. 

Instead of going to Geelong to see the NYE fireworks, we decided to stay at home and enjoy the evening on the patio while chatting, "dancing",  swimming and maybe even doing a little dress up to bring in the new year....as Finley said "we're having a party"...even the dogs got involved!!!

                                   

A great way to finish 2014 and so glad I was able to spend it catching up with Sue and John and finally meeting their little princess Finley...and of course Chief and Kenya.

Happy New Year 2015 from Lara, Australia!!!

See you in 2015...