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Published: April 23rd 2006
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Our first sight of Melbourne was early on the morning that we arrived in Australia. We had collected the hire car and were bound for Rye on the Mornington Peninsular, (see previous blogs). The traffic down the highway was horrendous, we had hit peak time.
We continued over a large sweeping bridge heading for the city-link and toll charges. The congestion charges are not as bad as predicted and certainly get you through the city.
As we swept across the bridge I thought, wow, New York, with all the skyscrapers.
After travelling for what seemed like hours, we hit countryside and I thought that's better, never dreaming that I would fall in love with a city, that happened later.
Our next sight of Melbourne was from Mornington where we had gone for the Regatta. To see the city coming up out of the sea on the horizon was awesome. An abiding memory.
If you have read the previous blogs you will know that Melbourne is situated at the head of Port Phillip Bay and can be seen from various points around the bay.
We were very lucky to meet new friends who invited us to
Melbourne
A city and it's river stay with them in Port Melbourne.
We made a list of some of the main areas that we wished to visit and on the first day we set off for a boat trip down the river
.
The river Yarra is a major feature as it runs through the centre of the city and is a focal point for many water-based activities. We went to the southbank to catch a boat to take us downstream to Williamstown, at the river mouth.
The trip is interesting since you see parts of the city that are usually hidden from view. We passed under two major bridges, the Westgate bridge, which we had previously driven over and the Bolti bridge.
The Bolti was very expensive to build and created a lot of controversy.
Williamstown has maintained many of its oldest buildings making it very picturesque.
Whilst we were here the city was being prepared for the Commonwealth Games. The river was to be a major feature. Large fish were put in the water to support, fountains, fireworks and the athletes taking the torch to the games.
There is so much to do in the city that I can
Yarra River
The fish used for the Commonwealth Games only tell you what we did in two days.
After the river we caught a tram. Getting around was easy, a system of trams go everywhere, fast, clean and cheap. The oldest tram is free to use and travels round the city streets, visiting many of the attractions, just hop on and off.
We got off at Flinders Street railway station, a very famous place, recently restored. People have been meeting under the clocks for many years.
Across the road is Federation Square another landmark but a modern one this time. The buildings around the square are clad in metal triangles, the ground is paved in coloured tiles set to represent a dry stream bed. The whole takes you by surprise in it's difference. The area is used as a meeting place, with cafes, concerts, plays and shows. Very lively.
A short walk or ride away are the Fitzroy gardens. There is a large conservatory, cafe and fountains. We had gone to see the fairy tree, an old tree stump that had been intricately carved with all manner of fairy folk. In summer a fairy picnic is held, when children come to the park dressed as fairies.
Trip down the river Yarra
The Bolti bridge from the river Captain Cooks Cottage is now in the park. It was built in Great Ayton, Yorkshire,England and was dismantled and re-built in Melbourne, in the Fitzroy Gardens, a lovely setting for it.
Another short tram ride brings you to the Botanical Gardens, a place of lakes, trees, shrubs and birds.
The William Tell shelter is available to protect you from rain and sun.
The childrens garden is a haven for youngsters.
We just wandered through enjoying the birdsong and spotting the many plant and tree species.
Not everyones cup of tea, but carry on through and you will reach the Shrine of Rememberance. A truly magnificent monument to the war dead.
It stands on a hill overlooking the city. The perpetual flame burns in a cauldron at the foot of the steps. You can enter the Shrine and visit the grave of the unknown warrior.
Outside is a beautiful statue of the man with the donkey, he continually road to the battle front to bring back the wounded.
Melbourne is a beautiful city with plenty to see and do, we can't wait to go back.
If you would like a birds-eye view
of the city and surrounds without leaving the ground, then head for the Rialto Tower. For a small fee you can travel in style to the 55th floor where you will be on the Observation Deck. The 360 degree view is stunning. You will see the tops of buildings and their tennis courts, the river, the docklands, the sea , the mountainsand much , much more, don't miss it.
We were soon to leave Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsular. Our next stop was in the Alps at the town of Bright, surrounded by ski resorts and forests.
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