Melbourne

We had two full days in Melbourne. What a relief! It was our last stop and we wanted to slow down a bit. Correct? Not really. Turns out that Melbourne is huge and there are must see spots a few hours away.

Well, the day began early. Again, we started to walk as parking in Melbourne can be as excessive as it it is in Sydney.

First, we went to the Queen Victoria Market. Very interesting place, but we definitely went through the wrong door -which is by the way the main at the front.

Well, we stepped in and the most nasty smell was impregnating the atmosphere. Yes, as we looked around all we could see was raw meat and fish across the hall. It was completely enclosed space to have such a thing! OMG!

We almost ran away from the place until we got to a bigger open area that had all fruits and vegetables. On the sides? Clothing and souvenirs. Very organized and convenient for locals. Huge! A little pricy. Overall, pretty nice.

Next on the list was the Old Melbourne Prison. Living in the heart of the city, its really hard to see it from a different perspective. It has been completely eaten by the cement jungle. But you could say its interestingly unique.

Very close to the prison, was the majestic Royal Exhibition Building. Confined within the natural wall of an exclusive park and gorgeous gardens, it stands prideful in the back. I guess it takes art to see art.

A few steps down, we got to the exquisite Princess Theater and the elegant Parliament House. There were literally right across each other. Quick pictures and we were out!

A little further was St Patrick’s Cathedral. A magnificent building that certainly stands out. Tourist can always visit free of charge but they do have to respect service times. Unfortunately, we did have to wait just to take a look inside. Believe me, is a must see inside and out.

Immediately after we had a pleasant visit to the Fitzroy Gardens. What a delight! Gigantic green spaces in which bicycles are not allowed. Just pedestrians, joggers and families enjoying a good time.

Next, was the longest walk to Federation Square. We did try to take the subway and the train but didn’t succeed. Got confused with the Sunday times. Ah, whatever! The temperature was mild and we wanted to see it all! I was enjoying the walk to the fullest. No problem this time!

It didn’t take that long, after all. If it did it was just because we were stopping all the time to take pictures of literally everything around. Melbourne is pure magic! Life and bricks. Green and marvelous modern designs.

Federation Square is apparently where everything happens. History, art and culture. The city at its heart. The city at its best. Everything seems to revolve around it. You cannot miss this chance.

We walked around and noticed that each of the buildings had a unique design. Some were clever, some others minimalist, modern, more colorful or mysterious. Each one of them stood out. I wanted to take a picture of all! The true art was hiding within the details. WOW! I had never seen anything like that!

Everything was so bright, so crowded, so intense. We kept walking to visit St Paul’s Cathedral. Iconic and just right across the street. Free to visit and widely open for tourists. A true religious gem at the heart of downtown.

In front of the cathedral the traditional Flinders Street Railway Station which keeps its conservative look, but has been completely renewed on the inside. Full of life going all around. Tourists, locals, and everyone that needs to use it or wanted to check it out.

Next on the list was a boat tour that we reserved to go over the Skyline. Got the tickets early and just had to wait in line. It looked like it was going to be magnificent. Extremely friendly weather, people at the river practicing all kinds of sports, and joggers all around. The place, also filled with restaurants and shops. It literally has it all!

Melbourne is just gorgeous. There is no other city in the world that can even get close. Modern and classic. Green and brick jungle. There was no where that we looked and were not shocked. Certainly, a place to consider when visiting. A must see in any list.

Of course, after a good sunburn we wanted to stay indoors. So we decided to jump on the Eureka Skydeck. Fantastic views of the city all around. However, tainted glass did spoiled the show. They do offer two external spots to take pictures but the have a maximum capacity and its hard to get to them without waiting in line.

The Shrine of Remembrance was like two train stations ahead. Exhausted, we decided to go for it. No more walking. It was getting hot and getting late. Wise decision, got there fast with no problem at all. Easy instructions on the train and very nice people helping out!

We got to the war memorial a few minutes before close. Not that we didn’t know that. We had the perfect time to explore and go up, getting the most magnificent views of Melbourne in the horizon, right behind. Highly recommended spot!

Last for the day were the Royal Botanic Gardens. Gigantic, majestic, exclusive. Indeed, a wonderful weekend plan for families and free of charge. We spend there a few hours and didn’t regret it. They had all types of flowers and nature setups: for roses, for rain-forests. You could see and enjoy everything on site!

We did reserve the best for last. We were going to St. Kilda Pier to watch the Penguins come in at night-best and more certainly after 9 pm. The wait is long but well worth it. Can also get a little chilly and windy, so please if you are planning on putting in your list remember to have a good jacket on hand.

The next day was going to be a long drive to The Gables Lookout and Twelve Apostles. Both spots are along a great ocean road. Probably the best scenic drive I’ve had in my entire life. No time to sleep, just to relax and enjoy.

The Gables Lookout was stunning, majestic and very much an easy 20 minute hike. Few parking spots were available, but we were just lucky enough to get one. The space at the lookout is also reduced, but the magnificent views just take your breath away!

A little more crowded were the Twelve Apostles National Park. Yes, there was a lot of people but it is completely worth it. Plenty of space to look around. The drive, the hours, doesn’t matter at all. Unbelievable rocks stand prideful upon the ocean. Bright blue sky and deep blue water. Wonderful breeze! Words are simply not enough.

At the end of the day we visited the Werribee Park Gardens and Victoria State Rose Gardens and Organ Pipes National Park. Both a little less magnificent that we anticipated.

The best part came last. A dream came true at the Organ Pipes National Park. It happened as we discovered these little kangaroos just sitting eating some grass. They looked back and didn’t even move. They were happy to see us. They couldn’t care much. I just stared at them for as long as I could. Until more people came and then, they ran out! Had to see them jumping! Spectacular memories!

But WOW! What an unforgettable experience! The best way to say Good bye!