Being a typical English tourist in Melbourne

Trip Start Oct 14, 2005

Trip End ??? ??, 2006

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Flag of Australia Melbourne, Australia
Wednesday, December 28, 2005

In the end I have spent 13 nights here in Melbourne, that is a very long time for me, and the longest I have spent anywhere on my trip, I would have left sooner but trying to sort out my trip to Tasmania, was very difficult I wanted to leave on the 2nd or 3rd, but no availability, until the 5th, but I have managed to squeeze in a 7 day tour, and then fly out on friday 13th for a ridiculously cheap price. I can also justify the extended stay here with the fact that I had to first negotiate Christmas and New Years not an easy time to travel especially to Tasmania, or Sydney, in the end I have given up on going to Canberra, it's just not practical, and as it is often described as dull, I think it is best to give it a miss.

So Melbourne, in my 13 nights here I have seen a lot, and this city has grown on me, with it's semmingly endless supply of free entertainment, by this I include, the free tram, the free tour of the MCG, free access to the NGV (national Gallery of Victoria) not to mention the huge parks that surround the area, including Batman Park, and the royal botanical gardens, the nearby Beaches at St Kilda, and the far superior, but less popular South Melbourne Beach, and the street entertainment, whether it is the dancing fountains near the exhibition centre, or the federation bells chiming out some times recognisable songs sometimes not, or the numerous street performers, fire jugglers, breakdancers, guitarists, there is always something to entertain and amuse, on a sometimes blisteringly hot evening, or a cold summers night

Every body needs good Neighbours

.

They say that you are either a Melbourne or a Sydney, I am currently writing this in Sydney, and I have to say I prefer Melbourne, it is more compact than Sydney and has a lot more character, and of course Melbourne is the home of Neighbours, and yes I did go and see Ramsey Street, and it was really cool, check out the photos. Also, not mentioned in my free round up of the city, is the view from the Sofitel tower/hotel, where you can access for free the 35th floor, and get a great view of the city, the best view is from the toilet, with it's glass wall, an interesting place to take a leak. Although I did feel a bit silly to have my camera in my hand when another bloke walked in.

New Years Eve was a highlight of my time in Melbourne, at midnight I had negotiated an exceelent position to witness 4 of the 5 consecutive fireworks displays, held along the river Yarra, the company was good as well, asn we got free champagne and strawberries of some weed smoking strangers, despite the alcohol ban.

I did enjoy my time in Melbourne, but I think 13 nights was too long to spend in 1 place, but onwards, finally, to Tasmania.