Australia : Around Melbourne

After enjoying the scenic view at Great Ocean Road, we spent the rest of the holidays going around in Melbourne city by walking around, enjoying the cool breeze (roughly between 12 - 18 Celsius).

Melbourne CBD (Central Business District)

To get around the city, is best by taking the tourist tram service which is free. There is a free tourist tram service running each day from about 9am till 9pm. If you prefer to walk, be sure to wear your most comfortable shoes. Distance between the blocks are quite far actually. The main station is the one in Flinders Street. We had tried to walk around the city, but ended up in the tram as well. Melbourne CBD is huge, and the free tourist tram is the best way to get around quickly.

Flinders Street Station are easily recognized from its distinguished architecture from the surrounding area. With colors brighter than the rest of the building, it serves as a popular meeting place, as well one of the busies public transportation intersections. You may lost track of time when you are wondering around the city. If you decide to take a ride home near to evening rush hour, advise to board the train at Flinders Street Station (its the last & the first station in all its services). As for us, we took the Pakenham service and stop at Noble Park, located in Zone 2. The fare for Zone 1 + Zone 2 is AUD10.60.

From Flinders Street Station, we went to Federation Square where the buildings architectural design are just amazing (located just opposite of the station). Here you can find the tourist center with loads of information and discount pamphlets that may be useful for certain attraction. The tourist center is located underground. If you are looking for budget hot coffee, the cheapest you can get is from the 7Eleven at only AUD1.00. Right in front of Federation Square stood the huge St.Paul's Cathedral Anglican.

From Flinders Street Station, take the tourist tram clockwise towards the Harbour City (the very last stop). The architecture here is more of a modern concept. There are few sculptures surrounding the area. We definitely had fun taking pictures with 'them'. During our visits, the Amazing Body Works exhibition was held there. The exhibition was just amazing. I get to hold the actual lungs and stomach. Harbour city is just another shopping malls with an open concept. From Habour city, take a walk along Harbour Esplanade and you'll find a "cow on a tree" sculpture. It was funny and impressive, which reminds me of the movie twister. Definitely not to miss sculpture.

Next is the Webb bridge. Another artistic architecture in Melbourne. To get to Webb bridge, take the free tram counter clockwise and get off at the Village Docklands / Harbour Esplanade stop. The Webb bridge will bring you towards South Wharf where the big DFO (Direct Factory Outlet) is situated. This is where both of us shop at discounted price. It got most of the big brands with factory outlet price tag. Good place for bargain hunters, but not for food lovers. The best deal was buy 1 free 1 Levi's jeans at the price of AUD25. All the sample goods was selling at AUD10. I went into Kathmandu and get a good deal for full zip black macro-fleece.

Melbourne have a few markets, but one of the best is the Queen Victoria market located nearby to the city.It is one of the must go places. This is where you can get item at a bargain price. Souvenirs here are cheap, comparing with the one in the city center. Be sure to check all the goods before paying. Victoria market has it all, I guess. Its huge and covered. On one end there is a Spanish donut and on the other end is the American donut. I prefer the Spanish donut more. Am not telling how cheap the souvenirs are, because I bought all of it here.. hehehehe. Need to go there to find out the prices.

St Kilda & Port Melbourne

These two places are located just outside of the city, yet its near. Took a tram from Flinders Street Station towards St Kilda. St Kilda located by the beach. Along the walkway from St Kilda to Port Melbourne situated our solar system sculpture. Yep its a long walk if you want to complete the whole series. St Kilda market is open on Sunday (unfortunately we have to pass on this one). From St Kilda, took the same tram towards the city, and we get off at Domain Interchange /St Kilda and head towards the King's Domain Shrine Reserve at the top of the hill. The Shrine of Remembrance is one of the largest war memorials in Australia. In memory of those who has fallen in World War I.

Bridge Road Richmond.

Bridge Road is renowned for shopping. Or stop at any of the many cafes, restaurants and bars to rest your feet or catch up with friends. Sitting outside, you could catch a glimpse of the landmark MCG and the city's impressive skyline. Classified as a Heritage area, you only have to walk along the street and read the bronze plaques on the Bridge Road buildings to be transported back in time. There's also the Discover Yarra Richmond Heritage Walk for those who want to live and breathe this region's colorful past. Don't forget to head to the Richmond Town Hall, there you will find a wealth of information about the cultural side of Bridge Road.

This is where I bought an Esprit jeans for just AUD17! Luckily I went there on my very last day in Melbourne. Or else, I might be broke before the holiday about to end. Cotton On here have the best deals. Very highly recommended to shop here. Put on the most comfortable shoes, the whole stretch is about 2KM long.

Going home.

Thanks to our host, Ameena & husband for the 5-star hospitality you've given us. All those home cooked food was just yummylicious. Thanks for sending us at the Southern Cross Station early in the morning just in time to catch a Sky Bus heading to Melbourne Tullamarine airport. The Sky Bus fare is AUD16 per way or AUD26 return (valid up to three months upon buying the ticket).

My next big trip will in year 2011, New Zealand... If God willing (Insyallah)