Howdy mate!
After a three-hour layover at Vancouver, we got on Air Canada flight 37 for a 16-hour flight to Melbourne. A personal record of longest flight, about 700 km longer than the Newark to Mumbai flight I had taken years ago.
Things to do
Melbourne is the second largest city in Australia, with population of 4.7 million, nearly the same as the population of New Zealand. OnlyMelbourne is a good place to find all the things to see and do in Melbourne.
Getting around
The best transit option from the airport to the city center is by SkyBus. Takes about 30 minutes to arrive at Southern Cross Station. There are lots of coin operated luggage locker in the Southern Cross Station. However it took us a while to find one that is available and functional. Make sure to get some coins before setting out to find the locker. There are ATM in the area to withdraw cash and stores near by to exchange for coins. I opted for buying some bananas for a dollar at a 7-11 to breakup the 50. Other than the lockers within the train station, there are a few privately operated luggage storage services in the area as well.
It is really easy to get around in the city center, almost all the attractions in the city are served by the Route 35 – City Circle (Free Tourist Tram). In addition to the Free Tourist Tram, riding any trams within the free tram zone is also free.
City center
Melbourne residents take their coffee very seriously. There are plenty of highly rated coffee shops around city center. Unfortunately, coffee shops do not open on Sunday. I will have to come back again for the coffee. Even so, there are still plenty to see around Melbourne.
Southern Cross Station is the transportation of Melbourne. SkyBus operates 24/7 between Southern Cross and the Melbourne Airport. From the station, it’s walking distance down the Spencer Street to the Yarra Riverbank.
Crossing the Yarra River to the south bank, there are Melbourne Convention Center to the west and Crown Melbourne to the east. Lots of great restaurants in both areas. A short walk away is the Sandridge Bridge, a pedestrian only bridge converted from the old train track. Incorporated along the bridge are – The Travellers – a series of giant steel sculptures, depicting the waves of immigrants who journeyed to make Melbourne their home.
Further east of the Sandridge Bridge are the Princes Bridge, Federation Square, ACMI, and Flinders Street Station. Across the Flinders Street from the Flinders Street Station is Hosier Lane. It is no more than 100-meter long and is covered with graffitis from to to bottom.
Yarra Valley
Yarra Valley is a great place for a day trip outside of Melbourne city. Plenty of rolling hills, short hiking trails and vineyards. Chandon produces their renowned sparkling wines right here. Visitors can take a self guided tour of the facility. A tasting room is on premise along with a cafe overlooking the vineyard. TarraWarra Estate is a vineyard and a museum. The museum displays the private collections from the estate owner.