Seeing as we had been in Melbourne for nearly a week, I best spend a day actually exploring the downtown area. Unlike other cities I have visited, Melbourne has a functional and seemingly well-labeled public transit system which is even comprehensible to travelers (until you try to drive with the trolleys – just don’t). Downtown Melbourne is an amalgam of old, classical architecture styles against hard, modern shapes and designs.
The weather lords decided they would have some mercy and we finally got a break from the heat.
Since it was raining, we skipped over the botanic gardens and opted for a walk downtown. Melbourne is known for its laneways filled with restaurants and shops. We made sure to stop and eat at one for lunch.
After lunch with a Kiwi friend, the sun poked out from behind the clouds and we took the trams back to the royal botanic gardens and shrine of remembrance.
The Shrine is dedicated to the live of Australian service men and women who fought in many wars throughout the years, and is cleverly designed so that at 11:11 on 11 November, the sun illuminates the memorial inside. It’s also replicated via lights at certain points throughout the day, but we didn’t coincide with any of those.
Being a giant building made of stone, the inside was dark, cool, and a nice respite from the now-vicious sun. There were many photos, relics, and interesting presentations about significant battles Australia participated in, including Gallipoli. It was well-done and worth the several hours we accidentally spent wandering around in its maze of exhibits.
We finished our day with rooftop drinks atop one of Melbourne’s many rooftop bars. We managed to snag a table just before the post-work hh crush hit and enjoyed the view and sunshine.
Next up: a heinously early flight over to New Zealand!