We had a fairly comprehensive coach tour of many of the Melbourne sites of interest this morning. Our guide is a bit edgy but very interesting.
Melbourne trams are free within much of the city. We didn’t manage to ride on one. Melbourne MuseumMCG, more hallowed than Lords in this part of the world!The Royal Exhibition building built in 1879 when there was worldwide competition to build the best Exhibition buildings. It is currently hosting a Russian Exhibition, note the Lada. Temperatures are fine, around 27°Melbourne has lovely gardens. This is Fitzroy Gardens, established in the early 1860s when Melbourne was very young indeed. Captain Cook’s cottage in Fitzroy Park. It was built in Yorkshire in 1755 by his parents. An Australian bought it in 1934, brought it home and rebuilt it here!I initially thought this meditation group was perhaps an Anthony Gormley installation: I have never seen human beings stand so perfectly still.Albert ParkThe Formula One race track in Albert Park, being prepared for action. Standing on the finishing line. St Kilda West, a Melbourne suburb. St Kilda WestLunar Park Amusement Park in St Kilda West The Shrine of Remembrance, built after World War One, but now in memory of all fallen Australian Soldiers. It was the first to be built in honour of the men lost rather than in celebration of a victory. In the afternoon we crossed one of the many bridges over the YarraAnd visited the busy South BankIt had almost a Bank Holiday feel. There were many hen parties around. Flinders Street train station, built at the start of the 20th century, used to be a favourite meeting place. St Francis’ Catholic Church, Built on the 1840s, it is the oldest Catholic Church in the date of VictoriaWe went to Vigil Mass there. The congregation was predominantly immigrants.
We had booked for a meal on the Southbank for 8pm but Patricia has walked far enough and we were both very tired.
We finished up sharing a room service lasagne and a bottle of red wine; there was plenty left for tomorrow!
Australia and New Zealand 2020 