Extra pictures from our Melbourne 2013 holiday

Melbourne has an integrated transport system and the City Circle trams are free. With the Myki card you can take the tram, bus or metro all over the city. After a couple of days we knew the tram network inside out.

Matthew and Sarah by their front door near Melbourne University. The university campus is very pleasant with some traditional and some modern buildings. Sarah works at a convenience store nearby.




Melbourne lies on the Yarra River, and the trams run all the way to St. Kilda beach. There are river cruises to Williamstown at the mouth of the river.

There are many smart modern buildings alongside the river

With my friend Margery on Immigration Bridge

We visited many beautiful gardens including the Royal Botanical Gardens, Carlton Gardens, Fitzroy Gardens and Flagstaff Gardens where we saw possums.

Saturday 23 November

The view from above of the Melbourne State Library

We leave Melbourne today after a very pleasant stay. We were up at 8.30 and had our last breakfast at Brother Thomas. Porridge and flat white coffees. Then the dreaded packing: luckily everything fitted in. Then checkout and meet Matthew and Sarah at the State Library.

Our flight departs at 19.30 and we will take a taxi from the Radisson Hotel to the airport. We fly to Singapore and on to Zurich, where they have had snow.

On one of the library balconies

The State Library was an interesting building and also housed three exhibitions today. We looked at Melbourne's heritage in more detail. Afterwards we had lunch in Mr Tulk cafe - I had a delicious tuna salad and an orange and passionfruit drink. Then we walked in the rain to the RMIT gallery to see an exhibit of music posters and recreations. Then back to the hotel to read the paper until it was time to leave.

We all took a taxi to the airport and said goodbye to Matthew and Sarah. I think we all enjoyed the chance to explore Melbourne together. Now we have two long flights and a cold return to Switzerland to look forward to.

Friday 22 November

Inside the Royal Exhibition Centre - an impressive building

Our last full day in this varied and colourful city. We took a tram to the university and discussed future plans with Matthew and Sarah. Then we walked to Carlton Gardens for a guided tour of the Royal Exhibition Centre, a World Heritage Site. We learnt about its design for the 1880 exhibition, which was intended to showcase Australia's and other countries' products, and its conversion to a future home for the first Federal Parliament in 1901.

The Royal Arcade where we almost got locked in

Then we had lunch in the Bond bar of the Melbourne Museum, before visiting the museum's Forest Walk and the indigenous garden. We also looked round the Melbourne heritage exhibits. Then back to Matthew and Sarah's room for a rest. We exchanged Christmas presents.

We had dinner at Jimmy Watson's again: I had bangers and mash. Delicious. We took 3 trams home, calling in at the Royal Arcade where the Christmas decorations were up.

Thursday 21 November

Richard sitting in the members' area

The forecast was cool and showery so we took coats when we had breakfast. I had porridge. We made a short visit to Melbourne Museum to go to the gift shop for something special. Then we took another tram to Federation Square, and saw a protest by Indonesians outside the Parliament building. We all took the 70 tram to the MCG. It was quite warm and sunny after all. We walked all round and saw the statues of famous cricketers and footballers.

A bridge over the Yarra against a backdrop of skyscrapers

We bought tickets for a guided tour of the stadium and joined a big group. The guide was excellent  and took us all over the stadium into the stands, dressing rooms, the Members' areas and the Long Bar where on match days there's a strict dress code. There is a long waiting list for membership. The MCG also hosts Australian Rules football.

We had lunch in the MCG bar and watched the First Test at the Gabba on TV. Australia batted and Broad got 4 quick wickets. It was exciting.

Then we took a boat trip to WilIamstown on the Yarra river and saw all the bridges and the modern buildings and the boat marinas as well as the container ships.

We planned to go to Bennett Street Jazz in the evening. In the event, it was crowded so we just stayed for one drink, and then went for dinner to Seamstress, which served quirky Asian food. It was excellent. The waiter was very friendly.

Wednesday 20 November

Me and Margery near the National Gallery Victoria

Today we are meeting Margery, a friend who joined ZIWA this summer but who lives nearby. We enjoyed a leisurely breakfast at Brother Thomas and read the free daily newspaper, The Age. Interesting insights into Australian politics.

We all met at Federation Square Visitor Centre; Margery brought her Swiss friend Elizabeth. We decided to stroll along the north bank of the river and saw the Federation Bells. We crossed over Immigration Bridge and had lunch in one of the many bars on the south bank. Four of us had fish and chips. Margery gave me a cookery book she had edited.

In the Botanical Gardens

Then we visited the theatre nearby and saw a costume exhibition, and took some photos near the NGV. Then we decided to split up. The four of us walked through the beautiful Botanical Gardens by the perennial garden, and we admired the indigenous plants and trees. We went back to the hotel for a rest.

In the evening, we ate at the Mint nearby. The wine was nice but the food was only average.

Tuesday 19 November

A very sunny, hot day. After breakfast we met up at Federation Square and took the 16 tram to St. Kilda beach. We sat on our new beach towels and paddled in the sea. At midday we had a beer in a shady bar and then had cheeses for lunch.

We strolled along the Esplanade, and then returned to the city as it was very hot. We read books and showered, and later met Matthew and Sarah again at the Night Noodle Market. Crowds of people were there. We just had wine, as the food queues were extremely long.

We took a tram to Hardware Lane and dined at The Mill, a very nice place. We all had fish.

Monday 18 November

Eureka Skydeck from the ground

A sunny warm day. After breakfast, we met at the Eureka Skydeck and took the lift to the 88th floor. From 300 metres up, we had a clear view of all the Melbourne landmarks as well as the Yarra river, the docks and the sea.


Then we walked to the National Gallery of Victoria, which had free entry, and saw the China exhibition. We had lunch in the Tea Room cafe - small sandwiches and Morgan's Bay Sauvignon Blanc. Then we visited the European art exhibition.

Fantastic views all round from 88 floors up

In the afternoon, we took the tram to Lygon Street and saw the film Blue Jasmine, the latest Woody Allen. Quite sad with some humour. Then we had dinner at Brunetti before taking a tram and walking back to the hotel. We watched Wire in the Blood on TV.

Sunday 17 November

At Gateway one could pick strawberries and taste chutneys

Off to Yarra Valley for a winery tour. We all got on the Cafe Bus tour with our friendly driver Charlie, and had a comfortable ride to the first destination, the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie. We tasted several types and had a hot drink. Then on to Coombe Farm winery for a lively introduction to sparkling, white and red wines. The Nellie Melba Blanc de Blancs was nice.

Then on to Gateway wine and produce shop where we could pick strawberries and taste cheese. A nice place. Next to the Dominique Portet winery where they blend wines from other wineries. The sparkling rose was nice.

Killara winery was set against the Dandenong Hills

We drove to Healesville for a picnic lunch of sandwiches, dips and cakes and saw birds such as ibis and cockatoo. We saw a large reservoir and dam there. Our next stop was the White Rabbit brewery where we tasted cider and brown ales. Our last stop was Killara winery where we sat down to antipasti and tasted Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Sangiovese. We bought 3 bottles there and enjoyed the view and the sun. It was a very pleasant trip.

We came back to the hotel to finish the crossword and have a rest. Sun again tomorrow, we hope.

Saturday 16 November

The new Docklands development doesn't have much atmosphere

Up at 9am, and had poached eggs on toast for breakfast. Brother Thomas has put his price up. We took a City Circle free tram to Docklands, and looked at boats and had a coffee. When Matthew and Sarah arrived, we explored the new shopping centre but weren't too impressed - no atmosphere.

Many exotic fish in the Sea Life Aquarium

Then we took a tram to the Sealife Aquarium and spent two hours there. We saw sharks, rays, turtles, sea horses, a salt water crocodile and many other fish. The highlight was the penguins, some of whom were caring for babies. We went across to the Crown entertainment complex for lunch of pizza in one of the many riverside cafes.

Penguins share the baby care on their nests

Then we walked along by the Yarra river until we reached Victoria gardens, where we saw a food market being set up. We were tired so decided to return to the hotel.


In the evening, Richard and I went to Max Bar in Hardware Street for a delicious meal of bruschetta and lamb rump and veg with Black Jack Shiraz. It was raining.

Friday 15 November

Captain Cook's cottage had been painstakingly rebuilt

The sun came out at last today, and so did the crowds. After a late start, we walked to Victoria Market where I bought some socks and looked at the opal jewellery. We then took two trams to Treasury Gardens and looked out for a place for lunch.

After visiting the JFK memorial, we crossed over to Fitzroy Gardens with its beautiful trees. We met Matthew and Sarah at Captain Cook's cottage. Inside we saw the 18th century kitchen and bedrooms, and heard a dialogue in North Yorkshire accents. Then we admired the pretty garden.The cottage of Cook's parents was transported brick by brick from Great Ayton. We posted cards in the red British pillar box outside.

Rod Laver tennis arena was open for us to stroll round

Then we looked round the outside of the nearby MCG and Olympic stadium, and also went into the Rod Laver tennis arena. We found a tram going towards Matthew and Sarah's house where we had tea and Anzac biscuits.

We had dinner in the courtyard of Jimmy Watson's restaurant. We had sparkling wine, barramundi or pizza, and desserts, plus New Zealand SB. We looked in a bookshop before returning to our hotel.

We stopped to stroll in Flagstaff Gardens opposite and saw possums in the trees - an adult and a mother and baby.Cute!

Thursday 14 November

Brighton Beach near Melbourne was our first stop

The kangaroos were quite lively but we couldn't get close to the koalas

Another bad night. Then up at 8.30 and breakfast next door. I had delicious porridge. Had to get a new room key. We met Matthew and Sarah in the hotel foyer for our day trip to Phillip Island.

The bus picked us up and was full. The weather was wet and windy all day. First stop Brighton Beach, near St. Kilda, to see the colourful old beach huts and have an instant coffee. Our guide Liam was very laid back.


Then off on the long drive to Phillip Island, over the Bunyip River. We stopped at Maru wild animal centre for a  meagre lunch of one sandwich, and chance to see koalas, kangaroos, wallabies and dingoes.

Next stop was a chocolate factory, not a patch on Lindt. Then a brief stop at a famous surf beach. We stopped in Cowes for a meal but everywhere was closed. Then Nobbies rocks to see seals, but no luck. We admired the volcanic blow hole where a cave had formed.

Nobbies volcanic rocks but no seals today

Then at last to the penguin parade. We had seats quite near the front but no photos were allowed. A seagull stole my egg sandwich. We saw lots of small penguins emerging from the sea and coming up the beach in groups to find their nests. It was cold and wet but exciting.

There was a long drive back to Melbourne arriving back at 11.30pm.

Wednesday 13 November

The Royal Exhibition Centre is a World Heritage site

We woke late after another disturbed night and went for breakfast at our usual place. We arranged to meet Mathew and Sarah later. Pouring with rain again. We took the tram to Exhibition and walked through Carlton Gardens. We saw the Royal Exhibition Centre, a World Heritage site, and then went into the modern Melbourne Museum. We got tickets for the IMAX show The Blue Planet.

The Aston Martin DBS used in OHMSS

After the film we went into the Bond bar with film posters and cars from the Bond movies. We got a drink and had lunch when Matthew and Sarah arrived.

Then we all went to see the exhibition about Aboriginal life and culture, the Forest Walk and the Body and Mind exhibition.


We split up and returned to the hotel, still raining. Had a glass of 'champagne' in the hotel bar.

Part of the Aboriginal life exhibition

Tuesday 12 November

Lawyers congregating outside the Law Courts

A gloomy day. Cool and rainy. Breakfast at Brother Thomas again. Then Richard and I walked down William Street past the law courts to the Immigration Museum in Flinders Street. Rather a sad place, telling stories of different people's attempts to be accepted in Australia, and their journeys to get here. Today PM Tony Abbott is anxious to keep them all out.

At Federation Square outside the Moving Image museum

Then we walked in the rain to Federation Square, a modern meeting point, and had beer and pizza at Beer Deluxe. Then we spent an hour in the Ian Potter Art Centre for Australian art by immigrants and others from the colonial period. I wasn't too impressed by most of it. We went back via the post office, where I bought stamps, to rest in our hotel. Meeting Matthew and Sarah for dinner.

We took a taxi to Little Bourke Street where Chinatown is located. We had dinner at the Golden Orchids with spring rolls, soup, pork, beef, chicken and fried rice. It was OK but not outstanding.

We travelled home on the metro deep underground.

Monday 11 November, Remembrance Day

On 11 November there were crowds at the Shrine of Remembrance

Woke once during the night.Then up at 9 for breakfast at Father Thomas, a nice cafe nearby. We met Matthew and Sarah at the hotel and took 2 trams to Melbourne Arts Centre.

There we crossed over to the gardens and walked to the Shrine of Remembrance. We just missed the ceremony at 11.00 but saw soldiers firing a cannon and a band playing. Many school parties were visiting the shrine and its war memorials. At midday the sun shone down onto the floor plaque inside the shrine. Australia took part in both World Wars as well as the Vietnam War.

The Botanical Gardens had many beautiful trees and flowers

Then we explored the Botanical Gardens and the gift shop. There were many colourful flowers, birds, trees. We had lunch in a cafe outside before seeing the cacti and the lake. We took a visitors' shuttle bus to the university quarter and said goodbye to Matthew and Sarah, before returning to the hotel for a rest.

In the evening we went out for a Greek meal in Lonsdale Street - Tsindos. Two musicians were playing. We had hummus and aubergine salad with pittas, then lamb and chicken souvlaki, with Crooked Horse Shiraz. Walked home in the rain.

Sunday 10 November, Our first day

Springtime in Flagstaff Gardens

Woke at 2.30 am in our room at the Radisson Hotel. I read my book, The Geneva Trap by Stella Rimmington. Couldn't get back to sleep until about 7am. Then we woke again at 10 and had a rush for breakfast at the hotel. Rather disappointing food and service. Then we walked round Flagstaff Gardens until Matthew and Sarah arrived.

We walked down William Street as far as Flinders Street and saw the old Flinders Street station. We paid a visit to St. Paul's Cathedral, a 19th century neo-Gothic building.

Flinders Street station

Then we crossed over to Federation Square with its modern cobbles and quirky buildings. We saw a protest by Thai people. Then we went into the Optic cafe for a coffee and a cool drink, and lunch of a cheese platter and Carlton beer.

Inside St Paul's Cathedral

After lunch we went into the ACMI museum shop selling film souvenirs, before taking a free visitors' City Circle tram round the city centre. We passed parks, museums, government buildings and the docks, before alighting at Flinders Street.

From there we took a tram to Melbourne University and went to have tea with Matthew and Sarah in their apartment. They gave us presents of wine, earrings and a guidebook and we had green tea and Anzac biscuits.

 Dinner at Masani, a posh Italian place. I had roast pork and shared a dessert.

Friday and Saturday 9-10 November 2013, flying to Melbourne

The A380 boards on two levels

We left home at 8.15 by taxi to Zurich airport. Weather 9 degrees and sunny. No problems at the airport. We boarded our A380 Singapore Airlines flight to Singapore leaving at 10.45, and put our watches forward 7 hours. On the flight we had dinner and breakfast, and a good choice of films and TV. The service was very attentive and we had lots of cool drinks. I watched the film Gambit with Colin Firth, and two American TV crime shows.

The koi pool at Changi airport

We arrived at Changi airport at 5.20 am when most of the shops were still closed. We peeped in the butterfly garden and saw the koi pool. We had a 2 hour wait for our next flight to Melbourne, which was 3 hours ahead of Singapore. The seats were less roomy on this flight, which was very full. I watched the film The Sapphires, about an Aboriginal girl band who sang in Vietnam. We were offered two meals but I just had one, breakfast.

The flight was on time, and after waiting quite a while for our bags, we met Matthew and Sarah at Melbourne airport. We took a taxi to our hotel, the Radisson on Flagstaff. We gave them small presents each and then had dinner at the hotel restaurant - blue eye fish with potatoes and asparagus, and some Victorian Pinot Grigio. Hoping for a good night's sleep.

The day before

Packing for Melbourne. The weather there is very changeable and still cool. We are flying with Singapore Airlines via Singapore to Melbourne, arriving Saturday evening. They are 10 hours ahead there. Looking forward to arriving, seeing our hotel, the Radisson, and meeting Matthew and Sarah.