Farewell Melbourne

---

Today was our last day in Melbourne, we were due at airport at 4pm for 6pm flight so we had most of the day to potter around. We slept in a bit before having a good look around Federal Square and heading for our traditional breakfast (in this case brunch) by the river.



Following that we enjoyed a very relaxing and pleasant walk through Alexandra Gardens, a lovely gardens and park right in the heart of Melbourne - a bit like a mini Hyde Park London. There were lovely peaceful walkways, some really cool sculptures and nice garden, water features. I lovely way to unwind and spend a couple of hours and reflect on a pretty full on week!



Issues with the small group of dickheads on tour aside we have had an amazing time! The three big race meetings: Derby Day, Melbourne Cup Day and Oaks (Ladies) Day were just awesome - definitely a bucket list experience! Everything was top quality from the venue, to the races, to the whole extravaganza around the previous two! Just an incredible experience. Visiting the Busuttin stables was also a highlight and something we wouldn't have been able to do if we weren't on the Sporting Tours tour.



Melbourne was an fantastic city, super easy to get around. People were also incredibly friendly, a couple of times we weren't sure of directions and before we could even ask people came up and said 'don't you need a hand..." pretty amazing.



We were out at the airport early so got to hang out in the Koru Club for a while which was really cool. It was a very smooth flight home.I watched a very highly rated (but I thought boring) New Zealand film - Stray. Then listened to music for rest of flight - landed to Guns and Roses Paradise City "take me home to Lower Hutt City where the grass is green and the girls are pretty..... 😊



In a rock segway, when we were collecting our bags from the hotel a couple of roadies from Slipknot were getting the bands gear. They were good blokes and impressed that amongst all the people waiting we were the only people who knew who Slipnot were (I'm guessing we wouldn't have been the obvious choice in the who's heard od Slipknot competition!)

---

Photos

Alexandra Park
Beautiful park in the heart of the city

Bronze sculptures
There were many sculptures and other interesting pieces of art throughout the gardens.

Armistus Day
Impressive display at the airport