Cathy and I both enjoy visiting Melbourne for it's culture, great cafes and pubs and the annual Comedy Festival. This year, we got a great package deal on Expedia, that saw us get return flights for both of us and 3 nights accommodation for just $750.oo. Great price by any standard, we thought.
This trip also gave me the opportunity to play with my new toy, a better quality digital camera, that I had lots of fun with, (thanks to Cathy for her patience). Anyway, I'm generally happy with the pics from the new toy, but I have lots of work to do, as it has so much capability, more than I'll ever need or understand.
Day 1: Flight to Melbourne and walk to market.
The package included an early flight to Melbourne via Jetstar.
Sydney has it's harbour and Melbourne has the Yarra River. this is the bridge that crosses the Yarra at Flinders Street Station. We consider it the main bridge, although there are several.
As you can see, we were blessed with good weather.
Melbourne has alot of historical buildings and landmarks which it is quite proud of, including a vast array of walkways and cycle ways.
This is the view of South Bank and the Yarra River, standing on the Princes Bridge near Flinders Street Station. South Bank is aligned with several bars and cafes, making it one of our favourite places in Melbourne just to sit and watch the world go by.
This busker taking advantage of passing pedestrians on the bridge.
Again on South Bank, there are several companies offering river cruises along the Yarra passing under several iron bridges along the way. When the tide is high, the boats pass very closely under the low bridges and even become unpassable if the tide is too high.
Being our first day in Melbourne, we decided to take a walk to South Melbourne Market, about a 40 minute walk south of the city.
Apart from the expected fresh fruit and vegetables, this market has several stalls inside selling great food.
Well this was unexpected. These murals were so detailed and decorated the markets on several walls.
Everyone who knows my beautiful wife, also knows that she enjoys her food. Here she finds a lolly shop and out comes the purse. One of many "seek and destroy" missions she completes over the next four days.
Out side, we find a Spanish Paella Bar that we discovered last time we visited Melbourne.
This guy's an artist, not just a cook in my opinion.
This bar's paella has won the best award for paella out side Spain. That's a big deal.
These food trucks are getting quite popular in and around the city.
On our walk back, we pass by the War Memorial, The Shrine of Remembrance.
The flame stands in front of this monument.
With this inscription.
As you'd expect, the grounds are decorated with several statues.
We then decide to spend some time unwinding, with a walk along South Bank and a quiet Cider.
Again, the Princes Bridge is beautiful from any angle, with it's iron frame.
Close up on it's name plate.
One of the many river boats passing by. Note how low they are built to pass easily under the many low bridges.
Looking west to yet another bridge.
As we had a very early start to the day, with an early flight, we made our way back to the hotel for an afternoon Nanna Nap, but not before visiting one of the famous "street art lanes".
The thing with these lane ways is that they are continually changing day to day. No sooner does an artist finish a piece, when someone else comes along and paints over it. The smell of the spray paint is so strong it makes your head spin.
I call this piece "The divorced Husband". Apparently a plastic mould of a violently removed penis, complete with entrails, is art. Go figure.
This guy just starting on his own piece.
And this guy almost done. At this stage we're walking around high as kites.
Other tourists admiring the art.
Much of it is very good and displays talent.
A very wise quote.
Alot of detail in this one.
Another busker trying his luck.
One of the better paintings.
Our first night's show is an act from the UK which we enjoyed very much.
And held at the Elephant and Wheelbarrow pub, which became our favourite hang out.
Day 2: Trip to Mt Dandenong
Today was set aside for a day trip to Mount Dandenong, using Melbourne's fantastic public transport system. As we made our way to Flinder's Street station, we pause for this pic of a church's staircase. That's me trying to be artistic by the way.
Melbourne's beautiful and historic Flinders Street Station in all her glory.
Close up of its clocks out front.
Across the road stands the beautifully constructed St Paul's Cathedral.
As we were a little early, we had a light breakfast and took a little look around before catching the train.
Once again, the bridge is the subject of my camera.
Just east of the bridge is a rowing club, and the rowers are out for an early morning row on the river.
Climbing the staircase from the river, back up to the station.
Apparently this is the home of Percy Possum.
Cathy knocked and knocked but he must have been out partying.
This is the English Garden. just nearby.
And then this wishing tree and the story that goes with it.
Back in the day, the area was heavily wooded and a father was searching for his four year old son, when he came upon the tree and looked through it, only to find his little boy sitting beside the creek.
Cathy was looking through the wishing tree for the love of her life. "I'm over here my dear". Apparently it wasn't me she was looking for.
A few lovely wooden carvings dotted the gardens.
Then this large, tree sized sculpture.
It resembled an Australian style totem pole.
Being autumn, the trees were a beautiful golden colour.
Looking out over the lookout with the city in the far distance.
Also a lovely spot to sit and admire the surroundings.
On the way up by bus, the driver told us about the William Ricketts Sanctuary.
After a while, I realised that I have watched a few programmes about this place and the artist that worked here.
This is a must visit place while in Melbourne. We absolutely loved being there and felt fortunate to have stumbled upon it.
From what we could make out, each sculpture is made of clay and baked in a kiln he used on site.
The man often spent long periods of time with Aboriginals, where he gained a great understanding of their ways and learnt to deeply respect their closeness to the natural surroundings.
There is a very easy path to follow around the grounds, which leaves you feeling at peace with your surroundings.
Beautifully created sculptures with such perfect detail of many people he spent time with.
More and more sculptures around every corner.
This one had a tiny little fountain in the bowl he is holding, but can hardly see it.
His cottage was purchased from the outskirts of Melbourne city for 50 pounds, dismantled and reassembled on the grounds where the sanctuary now stands.
This particular sculpture of an aboriginal Elder was particularly special and stood proudly under cover. He seems to be saddened by what has become of his land perhaps?
Cathy makes the small climb up to a grotto type structure.
The entrance resembled a forest temple of some kind, again adorned with such beautiful timeless art work.
Then this at the alter.
How's this for a beautiful. one of a kind bird bath?
And these fantastic works of art just kept coming.
From memory, this one depicts the artist himself, surrounded by the aboriginal children he spent so much time with.
There was so much of his work that I took pictures of most of them and simply couldn't reject many of them at all.
Some were very large such as this one.
This one of a young girl in deep thought upon a rock.
This one of an elder overlooking his land.
This huge mural like sculpture telling a story.
And approaching the exit we find this one. I loved taking photos of these beautiful sculptures, however. it's nothing like seeing this place in real life. Entry is free, however we'd encourage giving a donation as we happily did. A truly awe inspiring place to visit and one that we will remember for life.
A 15 minute walk down the hill, we find this little cafe restaurant to have a light lunch that we enjoyed thoroughly as we did lots of walking today.
Rather than wait for half an hour for the next bus, we decided to walk further down the mountain to another bus stop and appreciate the area on the way down. The autumn colours were stunning.
After a big day out of sight seeing and exercise, we made our way back to the hotel for an afternoon nap, before taking a shower and heading out for our second comedy festival show. Here we pass the station by night, what a spectacular transformation.
Tonight it was time to watch the lovely Cal Wilson, who put on quite a show.
And here she is live on stage. As you can see, we scored great seats.
Day 3: Victoria Markets and Docklands
Ordinarily, we'd have walked about the city, but the rain was heavy at times and found the trams so easy to use.
This is the front face of the markets and I read that there was a move to make a the Queen Victoria Market a heritage sight.
Although we have been to many great food markets in Europe, there are none that match this one in Australia.
The fresh food shops are like no other and their produce so superior and fresh.
As you can see, it;s not cheap but you get what you pay for.
Cathy spots me taking a picture of her search and destroy, breakfast mission and runs for it, to protect her identity.
Surprise surprise she found a bakery.
These guys pose for a pic.
Cathy takes her food missions very serious as you can see.
This bread shop was to die for.
You can also buy local wines from all over Victoria here.
I can't get past the delicatessens.
If you can't find a cheese you like here, there's something wrong with you.
Not to forget the fresh fruit and veg section. Fantastic quality and presentation.
This doughnut bus just outside, had a huge line up after an hour or so.
This pallet sculpture reminding me of work. Great.
More buskers, outside the market.
Leaving the market, we catch the free city circle tram to the Docklands.
Save me a seat Cath.
Ok, maybe not.
The docklands is a bit of a strange place. Both times we've visited, there seems to be no-one around and not much happening at all.
Still worth a visit for a seat at a bar though.
These newer apartments stood out nicely. I thought.
Making our way back to the hotel, we visit the Treasury Gardens just across the road while we had a break in the weather.
Great weather for ducks apparently.
Then this lovely scene.
My girl sitting to have her photo taken.
Hi again Cath.
The Mercure, Treasury Gardens, where we stayed.
The day ended with our final show at the Comedy Festival. Jason Byrne. This is the third time we have seen this guy and I can honestly say he is the funniest comedian we have ever seen. No one comes even close to this guy's comedy and we will always watch his shows at the festival.
You can watch a sample of his work here, although it's nothing like being there.
Day 4: Day trip to Saint Kilda (Final Day)
So we decided to have a pleasant breakfast in one of Melbourne's famous ally ways on our final day.
Once again, Cathy has another successful mission and seeks out a suitable venue.
The atmosphere is really pleasant, especially since it wasn't raining.
After breakfast, we made our way to Saint Kilda by tram. First stop was this Communal garden that we stumbled on. I have seen and heard about these but was pleased to be able to visit one.
I think it's a fantastic idea, particularly for city dwellers who may not have room for a vegetable garden.
Various pieces of art was also on show throughout the garden.
They even had a chook pen.
There was even a cafe on site where the community and visitors could sit and enjoy the surroundings.
It seems that various people had their own small plot that they can tend and grow their own fruit and vegetables.
This old ute advertised the local farmers market.
We then made our way to the boat harbour.
It even had a high rise for smaller boats to dry dock.
Looking back to the city, with the skyline standing proudly in the distance.
Nearby, is Melbourne's version of Luna Park. not unlike the one in Sydney.
St Kilda beach is good to visit but I wouldn't rate it as a swimming beach. Hard to beat the beaches in Sydney and NSW coast.
Hi again Cathy.
A lady rabbit and dog man. I have no idea what it all meant but it looked interesting.
Then on to St Kilda Pier.
This historical pier is well worth the visit.
It truly is a walk back in time and well maintained.
This little rest spot half way in case you get tired.
The pavilion at the end of the pier is now a cafe, while keeping it's identity.
Looking back to the beach from the pavilion.
Pleasantly surprised, we discover that there's a penguin rookery at the end of the pier within the break-wall.
We even manged to find a few and photograph them before some moron tourists decided to stick their selfy stick in there for a close shot, scaring the penguins deeper in the rocks.
Peek a boo.
Yachts moored at the end of the pier.
Nice day for a swim.
I'll just scratch my beak.
Hey where's my lunch?
This park runs along the beach and was quite pleasant to walk through.
What ???
Time was getting on, so we caught the tram back to the city and decided to spend some more time on the Yarra River, South Bank as a final hoorah, before collecting our bags and going to the air port for the flight home in the evening.
How many bridges do you see with a cafe sitting on one of it's piers?
Bizarre isn't it? But it seems to work well, unless the people walking above you decide to drop their cigarette butt down into your coffee.
Another walk about South Bank, to appreciate those iron bridges.
Cathy admiring the Yarra before bidding goodbye.
The engineering involved in these are quite amazing.
More of the city skyline.
Notice the subtle colours in the buildings?
Looking back one last time from Princes Bridge.
Looking up Flinders Street from the station.
St Paul's Cathedral, just across the road.
Quite magnificent inside.
After a great four full days in Melbourne, it was time to fly home on an evening flight.
We will more than likely return to Melbourne in a couple of years, again for the Comedy Festival. Great fun as always, and can recommend it anytime, but this time of year is best. There's always something happening and the weather is perfect.
