Great Ocean Road Day 19. Melbourne.

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GOR Day 19 Melbourne
Day off today in Melbourne city. The second time up the Eureka Tower and just as good as the first time with brilliant views on a cloudless day of all the surrounding buildings, river Yarra and the coast. A cruise ship was in the harbour along with the Spirit of Tasmania ready for its evening departure to one of my favourite places. Next was a visit to the Botanical Gardens but were waylaid by the amazing building that is the Shrine of Remembrance. It is like a labrynth inside with excellent exhibits of all the conflicts involving the Australian forces. I would recommend a visit to this by anyone. The Botanical Gardens are also a must see with the extensive variety of plants and trees including the inevitable bird life. We saw Moorhens, Coots, Bell Myner, Mynah Birds, ducks and many more. Some of the trees were massive and perhaps a favourite was the Morton Bay Fig tree with its long fin like roots above ground. There is also quite an extensive herb garden and a fern gulley with many varieties on display. Eventually my hip gave up and I had to make a retreat and limp back leaving Bill to finish off the visit alone on the best day for weather of the whole tour.

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