For our 17th wedding anniversary, Dave and I thought we'd have some time alone and explore Melbourne.
The night before our flights, we discovered we were flying in to Avalon airport, which is 50 minutes from Melbourne CBD. Our plan was to have a no car trip. So Dave found we could take the train to the city. Our flight arrived early, we took a cab over to Lara train station and rode the V-line to Southern Cross station.
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| Southern Cross Station |
It was a gorgeous, sunny day so we walked from Southern Cross Station to our apartment in Melbourne's South Bank. Along the way, we spotted a sweet little church which I believe is the 2nd oldest church in Australia.
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Plaque for St Augustine's Church
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Art on the South Bank walkway
(rescue helicopter in the oval) |
The one bedroom apartment we rented is on the 32nd floor. It had a small balcony and an amazing view. Busy streets below and looking into nearby apartments. Not our daily lifestyle. After settling in the apartment, we walked to
Chin Chin's Thai restaurant which was recommended to me. I ordered BBQ Salmon wrapped in banana leaf - which was delicious. Dave was less happy with his meal.
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| Our view from 32nd floor |
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Pedestrian bridge across the Yarra River
The Lock Bridge |
Dave picked our restaurant for breakfast as he wasn't thrilled with my choice from the night before. So we walked to Flinders street, caught a tram and rode for 40 minutes to Fitzroy. We walked a block to find the empty storefront which was the (former) restaurant. It had been drizzling and we were both hungry so I looked on Google maps for nearby restaurants and Dave checked Good Food. We both came up with
Industrial Beans - which was nearby and totally awesome.
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| Dave's choice for Breakfast |
They roast coffee in the warehouse so it was warm, dry and smelled amazing - we looked out to see the rain pour down outside. The food tasted as awesome as it looked.
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| Coconut Crusted Brioche |
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Compressed Watermelon
and Muesli |
After breakfast and the rainstorm, we trammed back to Flinders Station and the National (Art)
Gallery of Victoria, which was closed. (bummer) We decided to visit Federation Square and China Town, where we had lunch at a Noodle shop before walking back to our apartment. The wind had picked up and it was noticeably colder by this time.
Following a rest and a swim, we ventured back out for dinner at Om Vegetarian - with freshly made Indian Dahl and naan bread, rice and veggies, all you can eat.
Our flight was 9am at Avalon so we made a plan to take the airport bus directly from Southern Cross Station - departure time 7am. Overall, a short but enjoyable visit to Melbourne.
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| Skyline near Princess Bridge on St Kilda Road |
