Melbourne is not the ideal place for a winter getaway for someone like me living in the sunshine state! However, the lure of a football game to see my favourite team was enough to warm the heart. If time permitted, I could even visit my Offspring#1 who had moved there!
He was happy to show off his new home city. On our first morning, in freezing temperatures, we had breakfast in an open air café (alfreezeco!) in Degraves Street. It was in the middle of a busy thoroughfare. Choosing a strategic position below a gas heater, I wondered if I had chosen the right season to visit. I slowly warmed up while eating pancakes and watching the world go by on either side.
You can get the Skybus from the airport to Spencer Street Station in the CBD. They run quite regularly. Staying in or around the city is convenient and public transport is great. I loved the trams … easy to get around and free within the CBD limits. You do need to purchase a Myki travel card as they do not accept on public transport. It seems rather unwelcoming, especially for tourists who may be in town only for a few days.
Sports stadium
Later that evening, I visited the retractable-roofed Etihad Stadium for the first time. There was an electric atmosphere as the Eagles and Bombers battled it out on the football field. Alas, it was not a happy hunting ground for my team. Offspring#2 was delighted as he barracked for the opposition.
A glass of wine and a post-match Thai dinner in Chinatown helped dull the pain of the loss. Eating out is a real treat with so many restaurants and different cuisines.
A tour of the world-famous MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground) is a must for sports fans. It’s home to football in winter and cricket in summer. The tennis complex and Rod Laver Arena is close by too.
Shopping
Half a day of shopping at the direct factory outlet at South Wharf was not enough. We supplemented it with some more retail therapy walking up and down Chapel Street the next day. My excuse was … to clock up the steps on my Fitbit! The result was plus 18,000 steps and minus a few 00s in the bank account. There are plenty of shops in the Bourke Street Mall. Queen Victoria Markets are open on the weekend for fresh produce and unusual arts and crafts.
Great Ocean Road
Next on the agenda was a drive along the Great Ocean Road – 240 kms of pristine coastline. It’s a scenic drive, more enjoyable as a passenger than as a driver. A small section runs through the Otway Forest surrounded by magnificent eucalyptus. Koalas sitting overhead in trees watched as we whizzed past. It was interesting to learn that the GOR was the product of an initiative to provide employment for the scores of WW1 returned soldiers.
You can stop along the way at Apollo Bay and Point Campbell. We had a bird’s eye view of the 12 Apostles (or however many are left now). These limestone formations in the sea used to be gigantic but have been gradually chiselled by the crashing waves.
Back in the city on our final day, we took a boat ride down the Yarra River and an elevator ride up the Eureka Tower. It’s a great way to view the fantastic architecture and numerous bridges.
Melbourne was declared “the most liveable city in the world” on the weekend we were there. I’d like to think our presence contributed to this title in some small way!
The weekend flew by and we headed back home for some sunshine and defrosting! Four days is enough as a sampler but there is so much more to see. Offspring#1 will welcome a further opportunity to show us more of this pretty city. I will time my visits carefully, making sure my maternal instincts come to the fore when football, cricket or tennis matches are scheduled in Melbourne.
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