31 May: Melbourne

Melbourne: 8am. After a long bus ride through moonlight bush and a cold run to a bathroom that was outdoors and out of heating or hot water for my hands. There was nothing better to come to than a raining, busy, cold city. And a hotel without a room ready. To be honest, it rained most of the day and so when our room was ready I spent most of it sleeping in a king-sized bed. These pictures are from other days, but show the evening walk I took with Shannon.


Melbourne is known for its tram system. This is one of the old trams traveling around the city centre. I did not ride one, but I thought that there should be a picture of one.

The Yarra River and some colourful buoys in it. Behind them is the yellow building known as Flinders Station. There's a lot of great walking along the Yarra, especially with all the shops on the south bank.


A wide shot of the Yarra river and a great reflection. When Melbourne isn't raining, it really isn't that bad. So, I admit due to the inclement weather on the 31st, we got off on the wrong foot.


Southgate is a really big shopping centre on the south bank of the Yarra. There's a lot of great restaurants there as well. Shannon and I went to La Camera (an Italian joint) to celebrate my birthday early. We enjoyed some wine and chicken risotto and a view of the river. Then a walk to walk off the risotto and gelato dessert.

Almost every major city seems to be getting a ferris wheel. Melbourne is right along with them. I didn't get to ride it, but I did take lovely photos of it. Mostly because I was on the wrong side of the river.


Sunset over the CBD of Melbourne. Some of my best photos came out of Melbourne. After supper we went back and I managed to fall asleep quickly. I guess at this point jet lag caught up with me rather quickly. I also wanted to be ready to enjoy my 23rd birthday to its fullest.