MELBOURNE - FOODIE AND SPORTS FAN PARADISE

Melbourne's central business 
district from the Yarra River

The first thing you notice about Melbourne is its changeable weather. Being prepared for the elements is essential for a good day out exploring the city despite the weather forecast. It can change in a heartbeat.

Practicing point duty amidst 
execution of the"right hook"

The second thing that strikes you is the Melbourne traffic pattern, unique because of the city’s extensive tram network.  

Drivers execute a maneouvre called the “right hook” to navigate certain intersections so that they can turn right while avoiding the tram lines. Not for the faint of heart we discovered as we took our vehicle back to the car rental company.

The central business district is compact and easy to get around on the free Circle Tram. There’s a lot to see.

City Circle Tram outside 
Flinders Street Station

The Botanic Gardens are expansive and worthy of a longer visit than we were able to spend there. A drive through the Sandhurst area, south of the Yarra River, reveals eclectic homes with interesting architectural styles. This part of town was originally home to Australia’s new immigrants but nowadays is chic, expensive and highly sought after. New development north of the river in the Docklands area has transformed an industrial area into modern apartment living and new shopping areas.

Melbourne Cricket Ground

The sports area, east of Federation Square, is testimony to Melbourne’s love of sport. The 100,000 capacity MCG - Melbourne Cricket Ground - is well worth a visit.

Rod Laver Arena nearby, is home to tennis’s Australian Open, and sits alongside several other stadia that host basketball, soccer and rugby.

Albert Park near the Sandhurst area is home to the Australian Grand Prix Formula One Circuit - an absolutely glorious location.

Stay awhile in the Arcades!

What did we enjoy most about Melbourne?  The laneways and arcades that are home to an impressive array of shopping and restaurants. Exploring the nooks and crannies within this area is an absolute must.

An interesting find - hole in the wall coffee shops that operate on an honour system. Customers pay for their coffee by putting cash into a bowl on the counter, taking out their own change while they await the barista's creation of the day.

A particularly fine hot chocolate

The aromas of coffee, chocolate and baking had little difficulty in arousing the senses as we wandered from one storefront to the next. That, coupled with the eclectic architectural styles of the surrounding buildings, made for a great day of exploring.

Melbourne is a foodie’s paradise and if you happen to be a sports fan as well, then you have it made - as long as you have the umbrella handy.