I have holidays from work (the joys of working in the school system and the eleven weeks holiday that I get a year to do with what I would like.....unfortunately the bank balance does not allow for holidays away for all those weeks, either overseas or within Australia so I usually make do ...I research and read a lot so that sort of makes up for the lack, but when I really have a need I grab my camera and just wander)
The day started early, Linda (a friend that also works in the school system) had a doctor's appointment in Richmond (an inner suburb of Melbourne near the MCG for those that know anything about sporting events and concerts in Australia the MCG is one of the biggest venues.) and we decided that why not take advantage of the fact that we had the day off, the weather was nice and well why not?
Melbourne is a city known for it's street art and we had intended to go to Hosier Lane which is the most famous street for street art in Melbourne (if not Australia itself) but we didn't quite make it there, but it started with some amazing artwork outside Richmond and ended with some more in St Kilda.
After Richmond we took a tram into the city centre (trams are great in Melbourne, especially the City Circle tram which is a free service that circles the city. I love being on this tram, partly to listen to the narration but also because I like to see other people who are enjoying exploring my hometown. Other trams are free within the main city centre so if your legs aren't up for the exploration you can jump on any one and take a load off. I will often do a city circle to get a starting point and then just get off and wander and I think Melbourne is the perfect city for doing just that because you can never really get truly lost but you can always find something you didn't know was there)
Today was a perfect example of that, Linda had been chatting to a woman on the tram who recommended that we go to 333 Collins St
if we wanted to see some beautiful architecture and we took up her suggestion and I am so glad that we did. The question I want to ask myself though, is how the heck did I not know about this place before. The facade of the building is beautiful, like many of the buildings in this area who have kept their original look, but it doesn't prepare you for the magnificent domed entry inside. It is a beautiful spot and understandably has become a favorite spot for elegant weddings and events. 333 Collins was originally constructed in 1891 for the Commercial Bank of Australia and in the 1990s a 33-storey skyscraper was erected slightly to the rear of the main edifice, which has been blended seamlessly to the original building, retaining and matching the grandeur of the dome. (I have been told that it is spectacular at Christmas time so I am going to try and get in for another visit before the end of the year)
After 333 Collins we were in need of food and our wandering led us to 'Betty's Burgers'
which is a great burger joint, the burgers aren't cheap (my lunch of burger, onion rings and the best vanilla shake that I have had in ages was $24 but it sure as hell beats any you can get at McD or HJ/BK) but they were damned good and if I am ever craving a really good burger when I am in the city I know where to go.
From here we made our way to Docklands and although very picturesque I don't think in the working week it has the same vibe as my favorite part of town (which is around Elizabeth St and VIctoria Market). On the weekends with the market on the promenade and more bars and restaurants bustling with life it is better, but I always feel like it is lacking something which is a shame because there is some amazing architecture and stunning sculptures and I know I should appreciate it more.
'Silence' by Adrian Mauriks
was the first piece to be installed on NewQuay Promenade and is pretty impressive and was described by the artist as “a series of forms arousing to the mind, appealing to memory, reminding you of natural things – clouds, a tree, a forest – questioning and gesturing, and at the same time promoting sustainability in all things.” While researching this sculpture I found out there was a Docklands public art walk which is a map and information sheet you can download and find the 30+ different artworks and sculptures that are in and around the Docklands area and I've decided that I need to download that list and wander around the area properly and find them all.
Our last leg of the trip was St Kilda beach. The day had been warmer than we expected and our feet had some reprieve from the heat as we soaked in the water and it made me think how long it has been since I've been at the beach here in St. Kilda (and it's been a long time) and also think how lucky we are that you can be in the heart of the city and 20mins later by public transport you can have your feet soaking in seawater in Port Phillip Bay. It's a beautiful beach with views of the city and bay and in the summer it is swarming with people, so Linda and I were pleased to almost have it to ourselves today. We wandered around the beach and up Fitzroy St and finished our day with another great piece of street art and I am reminded again of the fantastically whimsical, artistic city that I live in and no matter how much of the world I want to visit I am glad that I always have Melbourne to come home to,
station