Melbourne CBD

Spending time in Melbourne in summer is definitely one of the things that I will never do again for the rest of my life. I thought that growing up and living in the tropical, I could handle the summer sun in Melbourne, but it was way out. I felt like a grilled human when walking under the afternoon sun and the hot air did not do me the favor at all. However, this did not happen everyday throughout summer because the day before, I still need my jumper to move around Melbourne. And to add the flavour, I got horrible sun-burn and my skin colour became horribly uneven. But I blame myself for the sunburn because I don't fancy putting on sun-block.

The scorching heat and intense sun ray did not get me remain still and quite in the hostel room. It was time to walk the plan made the night before, taking advantage from the free tram ride around Melbourne centre. All attractions can be reached by riding the free tram ride but do no expect it to be a very comfortable ride, especially in summer. Air conditioner is not available in the free city trams. I did hear complains from visitors, tourists and travellers alike about not installing air-conditioner in the tram. And I guess they forget that free service does not guarantee the comforts and peace of mind. 

 I started the morning by buying some souvenirs at Queen Victoria Market. I think other countries should have this kind of place where it is really easy for the travellers and tourists to buy knick-knacks with various choices and reasonable prices. QVM consists of several areas and not merely a single building. For example, the souvenirs are sold outside of the main building where it is more like a roofed open area.

All sorts of souvenirs (Australians or non-Australian made) are sold here and as usual, I have tough time to choose the right souvenirs to buy because on spot decision making and arithmetic don't really go together. And it is definitely do not together when you shop at the end of the trip where remaining notes and coins do not allow us to simply pick and pay.

Main building of Queen Victoria market

 Once done with the money spending, I walked to the other side of Elizabeth Streer to catch the free city-tram. It did not take too long to board the tram as the tram is available at 10-15 minutes frequency. As advised and suggested by many travellers, it is better to remain on the tram until it completed the circle and while riding the tram, one should study the map and decide on the attractions one wished to have a look. Actually, there are many attractions in Melbourne City itself but it depends on one's choices as well. Personally, I will put the UNESCO World Heritage sites as priority number one, second would be beautiful and bizarre-looking buildings, and third would be the historical places.

There is one World Heritage listed building which is the Royal Exhibition building which is in Carlton. I did not have intention to enter the building (because I don't want to pay anything today) so looking the building from the outside is good enough. It was cloudy and the sun was hiding so I did not get the picture that I want. I have seen a nice photo of this building taken under a clear blue sky.

Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton (tram stop: Nicholson St/Victoria Pde)

After the Royal Exhibition building, I boarded the tram to the next stop which brought me to the centre of Melbourne. There are several buildings such as the Princes Theatre, a cathedral, a synagogue, government buildings and garden/parks. Walking can be tiring and irritating especially under the heat. But it might be a very relaxing walk if the air is much cooler.

A synagogue which I don't know its name.

It looks like a glorious cathedral, or maybe a church. It is really old

Princes Theatre.

 I took the tram again, and walked for 200 m to get to Fitzroy garden. Near the garden, there is cottage which was a home to the infamous captain Cook. It is just a small cottage but the location makes it a good place to see. I was here exactly at noon where the sun ray and heat was at his peek. I could not move around but sheltered under a big shady tree for around 1 hour. I did not feel insecure at all when having a quick nap here. However, my head started to ache and I know I must get back to the hostel immediately. This might be the sign of dehydration and I remembered that I did not eat anything since morning.

So I walked at a quick pace (trying hard to avoid the sun ray) to the tram stop and in less then 30 minutes, I reached Elizabeth st. I bought my lunch and had it in the hostel. It was terribly hot in the hostel as there was no air-conditioner and the wall fan did not seem to help at all.

When the heat was reduced and the sun light was no longer eye-straining, I decided to get to the other side of Melbourne centre, where the Flinders Station and Federation square are located. There were many people at the Federation Square, watching the big screen as the famous tennis championship (the PGA they said) took place in Melbourne.

Flinders Station

A church opposite the Federation Square

After sunset and when there are more people on the street, I started to make my way back to the hostel. Seriously it was nearer than I thought and I didn't have to get on the tram. Got myself a set of Fillet-o-Fish from McD and walked slowly heading to Melbourne International Backpackers. 

The next morning, I got up early, had early breakfast and boarded the Sky-shuttle (Transfer service) booked earlier to Southern Cross station, and from there, I boarded the Sky-bus to Tullamarine airport. Sayonara Melbourne!!