Some say you haven’t visited a place unless you spend more than 24 hours in it, and to an extent I agree, but I have to say I rocked Melbourne in 23 hour and 40 minutes. Melbourne is a diverse city that loves art, culture and sports, mix that with abundant parks, historic architecture and sunny beaches you have a little something for everyone. No wonder Melbourne is the favorite city for many.
After taking the sky bus from the airport to town and learning to navigate the trains and free tram I arrived at the first piece of historic architecture, Flinders Street Station. This stunning train station dates back to 1854 and is the oldest train station in Australia. Myth has it that there was a colossal mix up with the design firm who won the competition for building the station, and they sent over the wrong design. The station that stands now was actually for a station in Mumbai, India which is why it has a slight Indian touch with its yellow facade and green copper dome, but either way it's impressive.
With very little time, I hit the streets looking for the world famous Hosier Lane. It’s one of the many small streets and alley ways that is covered the entire length in graffiti street art. This is art Banksy would be proud of, in fact, he did contribute to Melbournes art scene, but an unknowing artist covered it with their own work, but it was fun to take time to see all the creativity.
I crossed the street and sat down to google the location of my next stop only to find out I was actually in it. Fed Square. It is Melbourne’s public square and the civic, cultural and community heart of the city. This venue covering 3.2 ha hosts art galleries, events and a diverse range of food and drink options. I didn’t have enough time to see an event there, but just strolled through this gorgeous complex. I don’t know if technically ate at Fed Square, but it butts up to the Yarra river, and it was a beautiful day, so I enjoyed the sun while watching boats go by at The Riverside.
Next I was on a mission to find some penguins. The worlds smallest penguin can be found at nearby Phillips island, but I had also heard that they have been know to come into the pier at St. Kilda in the evening. This was close and free, two things that I love. So towards evening I took the tram out there to hopefully catch a glimpse of this cute little buggers. The beach was a hustle and bustle of people enjoying the beginning of their summer, and I figured I can’t go to Australia and not have dip in the water, an ice cream and a snooze on the beach. So nice.
As the sun started to set I headed out to the pier, but as I got closer I realized my meeting with little cute penguins was most likely not going to happen. The breakwater was closed for renovations, and although they left a section open for people to fish of the pier this was the wrong side. So sad. No penguins, but I did see a wacky looking building that I wanted to check out in the shape of a giant clown head. Weird. Turns out it is Luna park. Opened in 1912, this is the oldest amuzement park in Australia. I didn't go in, but just seeing it was impressive. Apparently they brought in the experts at the time from Coney Island, which is why it's named after the iconic New York theme park.
So I happened to be in town on one of the busiest weekends of the year for Melbourne.... The Melbourne Cup. As I said before, Melburnians love their sports and horse racing is high on the list. The first Tuesday of every November is the biggest horse race of the country, similar to the Kentucky Derby. It is known as " the race that stops the nation." It was first introduced in 1861 and has run every year since except for a few during WWI and WWII. Now I had a plane to catch at 12:10pm, and the Flemington race track was about a 30 minute ride by train. The gates opened at 8:30am. Would I have time to be a part of this nationwide horse race. Would it be worth it to buy a ticket? Then I thought if I was in Louisville, Kentucky on the day of the Kentucky Derby, and if I had an opportunity to check it out, would I? Hell ya!!!! So I did it! Took the tram in and had a great conversation about art with Bruce, a Melburnian who was working as a volunteer at the race. It made the 30 minutes fly by. Then I lined up with all the fancy hats and dresses and was through the gates by 8:45am.
I could feel the energy and excitement. All the fresh roses with music filtering through the pristine venue added to the excitement so that when I stepped out on the lawn and saw the statue of the beloved horse, Makybe Diva, it was worth all the stress and expense. I strolled around the lawn, up to the boxes, through the carnival plaza where concerts would play later in the day. It was enough to make me want to miss my flight to Uluru. I did get to be the first person of the day to make a bet on the horse that I thought would win.
But although I really wanted to stay and at least see one race I knew I would be angry with myself if I didn't make that flight, so about an hour after I got there I took the empty train back into town all without even seeing a horse. I have to say I did feel like a time traveler back in the 1920's watching the opposite train going to the races full of fascinators, fedoras and colorful fancy dresses.
I did make my flight on time and although I didn't see one penguin or horse, Melbourne was worth the trip. I can't wait to go back to see more. Oh and one more thing, while I got a spot of cell service on the road out to Uluru to my camp I looked up who won the race. Wouldn't ya know it? Fight to Win...the horse I bet on. So advise of the day...if you really want to do something find a way to do it. It will all work out.😁
Looks like a blast! Thanks for sharing, keep up the good work