Melbourne has kept us very busy - so much to do and see. A very "alive" city with something to cater for everyone. We've loved it! AND the weather has been perfect - beautiful sunny days and great temperature!!
(The only time I have had trouble with the pics - some just didn't want to be seen - couldn't down load them for some reason, but managed to salvage some.)
The first day we spent meandering the CBD exploring the historic buildings, parks, areas (precincts as they are called in Melbourne) and ionic places in this beautiful city with Nev and Carol. We really enjoyed our orientation trundle around the city in the Free Vintage Tourist tram - the informative commentary highlighting all the interesting and historic aspects of the city. Lunching in Lygon Street was most enjoyable!
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The old (heritage) and the new (contemporary) is big in Melbourne,
but this is a little crazy on the RMIT University building |
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| The State Library of Victoria |
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| The historic Courts are now part if the RMIT University |
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| Intricate and interesting architecture - Romanesque |
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The inmates yard at the Old Melbourne Gaol
Is that Carol? And Pete behind bars? |
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Looks pretty grim!
Ned Kelly saw his last days here before he was hung. |
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| Lovely Lygon Street |
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| Lots of character and atmosphere! |
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| Very nice lunch with Nev and Carol |
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| Carlton Gardens with the roof of the Melbourne Museum shooting out of the trees |
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| Lovely terrace houses in Carlton |
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Carol found a Pepper Tree in the Gardens
The beautiful buildings of the State School across the road |
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More coupling of the old and new - the ultra contemporary cube
associated with the Melbourne Museum and the IMAX theatre
contrasts with the round dome of the gracious Royal Exhibition Building. |
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The beautiful stately Royal Exhibition Building-
certainly displays 19th century prosperity.
It is the only major 19th century Palace of Industry exhibition building in the world to survive intact! |
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Along side the Exhibition Building is the IMAX Theatre and the Melbourne Museum
How different can architectural styles be! |
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The contrast of architectural styles and their different shapes and features
are prominent in the buildings in Melbourne's CBD -
makes it very interesting! |
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| More lovely Terraces |
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The main entrance to the front of the Royal Exhibition Building.
It was designed in 1878 by Melbourne architect Joseph Reed for the 180-81 International Exhibition.
The event attracted entries from 33 nations and showcased products of the industrial revolution. |
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Together they form Australia's first built Heritage Site.
They were inscribed on the World Heritage List and National Heritage List in July 2004.
As a national treasure the building is now in the care of Museum Victoria. |
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| Lovely Carlton Gardens - complemented the Exhibition Building nicely |
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In May 1901, the building hosted the opening of the First Australian Parliament.
A few months later, the Australian flag was first unveiled in the building and flown above the dome
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| The Royal Exhibition Building's ionic fountain |
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The Carlton Gardens are integral to the Royal Exhibition Building's appeal and status.
They retain the same original layout and many of he original features including trees, lakes and fountains. |
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Federation Square-
Home of The Melbourne Visitors Centre; Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia;
ACMI-Australain Centre for the Moving Image
There are also lots of restaurants,cafes, bars and open public spaces.
A very busy, popular and much used area.
How do you feel looking at this strange building in the Square!? |
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The side of Parliament House
Main pic of all PH I couldn't download |
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The lovely Hotel Windsor
The Windsor is Australia’s only surviving grand 19th century city hotel
and only official "grand" Victorian era hotel.
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The Education Department -
2 Treasury Avenue! |
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| The Conservatory in Fitzroy gardens |
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| Flowers and plants were beautiful - very healthy! |
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This is what we would look like in he 18th century!
Very stylish! :) |
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| Lots of edible plants and herbs in the garden |
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| Enjoying Captain Cook's garden |
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Guess what this is?
The loo! It was built over a big open drain at the back of the yard so all was washed
away with the water that flowed through the yard. Novel! |
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| An iconic point and building in the Melboure CBD |
DAY 2 was "Moomba" day for Pete and I. We headed into the city and watched the annual Moomba parade, along with what felt like the whole of Melbourne - think the amazing weather brought everyone out! - as well as the festive occasion! After the parade we took the opportunity while we were in that area along St Kilda Road to visit the Shrine of Remembrance, and take a stroll through the beautiful Botanical Gardens, viewing the Observatory, Government House and the Sidney Myer Music Bowl along the way.
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2012 Moomba theme took everyone on an adventure from the farm to the kitchen to the dining table to party time -
MELBOURNE IS DELICIOUS |
THE PARADE
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| The dragon we saw in Bendigo! |
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Fantastic display of historic bike styles!
The Vintage Cycle Club of Victoria |
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Colourful costumes
There were many Cultural groups participating from the Melbourne community-
India;Indonesia;Mexico;Papua new Guinea and others were parading. |
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| What a Cafe!!! |
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| Kitchen instruments and young chefs!:) |
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| Fine Dining! |
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| The Magic Pudding |
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| The Golden Retriever Club of Australia |
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| Lots of energetic and talnted dance and gymnastic groups, as well as sports groups, participated |
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| Amazing cakes!!! |
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Fruit and veges
and a liquorice all sot?
A clever and very colourful float! |
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Th 2012 King and Queen of Moomba arrive on their thrones -
Harry Kewell and natalie Bassingthwaighte |
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| Where to visit now!? Lots to see! |
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| Victoria Barracks |
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| The Observatory and Government House viewed from the Shrine |
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| Great view of the city skyline from the Shrine |
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| The Observatory |
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| They even had a Children's Garden |
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| Fern Gully |
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| Lovely lawns and lakes |
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| Beautiful Black Swans |
THE FUN AND ENTERTAINMENT
As we came back to the Alexandra Gardens on the banks of the Yarra River we were greeted with the festivities of Moomba in full swing - rides, amusements, music, free concerts and all sort of fun and interesting activities - again with most of Melbourne there! It was a great atmosphere and we even took some time out to enjoy one of the free concerts. A walk along Southbank and a late lunch rounded off another great day!
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| Amazing weather! Amazing crowds! |
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Crazy stomach churning rides!!!
We watched! Didn't dare stand underneath them :) |
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| Great display of slalom water skiing on the Yarra. |
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Three days of free concerts! They had a fantastic lineup to cater for all ages and tastes!
We watched Josh Pyke - very good! |
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| Street sculpture on the Yarra boardwalk at Southbank |
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| Lots of entertainment along the boardwalk! |
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| Pavement art - very intricate! |
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Glass carriage rides!
Cinderella and Prince Charming! |
DAY 3: Today we headed to Caulfield Race Course and had a look at the Caravan, Motorhome and Camping Supershow, before journeying back into the CBD and taking the 1.5 hour Free Tourist Shuttle bus tour which covered all the cities precincts - again an excellent informative commentary. We'd recommend this and the Vintage Tram for anyone visiting Melbourne. With both you can hop on and off at the points of interest and venues along the way - excellent ways to see and learn about this amazing city.
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The heritage Post Office Building
corner of Little Bourke St and Elizabeth St |
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The Arts Precinct -
The Atrs Centre;Performing Arts Museum;NGV International;the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art(ACCA);
Malthouse Theatre;Melbourne Recital Centre.
It has numerous galleries and performance spaces-verymodern architecture |
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| La Trobe's Cottage in the King's Domain |
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Sports Precinct-
MCG; the National Sports Museum; Rod Laver Arena; Melbourne Park; Olympic Park; Hisense Arena and AAMI Park |
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The MCG
The National Sports Museum is also here |
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The Eureka Tower on Southbank
Interesting Design Features and symbolism: Eureka Tower is named after the Eureka Stockade, a rebellion during the Victorian gold rush in 1854. This has been incorporated into the design, with the building's gold crown representing the gold rush and a red stripe representing the blood spilt during the revolt. The blue glass cladding that covers most of the building represents the blue background of the stockade's flag and the white lines also represent the eureka stockade flag. The white horizontal stripes also represent markings on a surveyor's measuring staff. |
The Skydeck is on Level 88 and is the Southern Hemisphere's highest viewing platform, and has the world's only Edge Experience - a glass cube which projects 3 metres out from the building - WITH YOU IN IT! A great view of Melbourne!
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| China Town |
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| The Comedy Theatre |
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| The Univerity of Melbourne |
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| More interesting architecture and design |
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| Victoria Markets |
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| The Mint |
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| The new New Quay and Waterfront City area in Docklands |
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| Etihad Stadium in Docklands |
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Southern Cross Station
Very contemporary architecture, contrasting with the only other "above ground"
station in Melbourne, the historical Flinder's Street Station |
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The 297.3-metre Eureka Tower in Southbank
Completed in 2006 and was the tallest residential tower until surpassed by one in Dubai
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There is still a lot to see and do in lovely Melbourne but it will have to wait until or next visit!
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