World Australia Victoria Melbourne

Our Round the World Trip

Sydney to Melbourne - Australia Dec 9, 2012

9TH December Today we travelled by train to Melbourne The train leaves Sydney Central Station at 07.42hrs due to arrive in Melbourne at 18.56hhrs. We travel by a train service known as Country link Out of hotel before 6:30am down to station to check in cases. Train left on time, 17 stops on way across New South Wales into Victoria state, passing through main junctions of Cootamundra, Wagga Wagga and Albury. Saw lots of sheep and cows thinly spread across pale dry land. Landscape was similar across vast distances, with a few hills, limited water and trees. Start of summer here meant the wheat in the heart of the grain area had been largely harvested, with one stop showing a huge pile of grain covered in blue plastic with another one being formed. Speed restrictions on some parts of the line meant we were behind schedule for the first part of the journey but we made up the time later so arrived on time. Monday 10th Exploring Melbourne City ambassadors giving tourist info and maps. Walked to Federation Square. Caught free visitor shuttle bus for full circuit lasting 1.5 hrs, went past MCG and Ethiad stadium, parks and Parliament House. Then walked to docklands and around Central Pier, sat outside pub in sunshine with a beer. Quiet area on a Monday, whereas the city centre was busy with Christmas shoppers. Thursday 13th Hot day with clear skies all morning which then clouded over but still hot. Walk to St Paul's Anglican Cathedral first, then drink in Fed Square. Free city bus to MCG to walk around stadium, then across bridge to Rod Laver stadium and the tennis courts etc. Watched juniors playing tennis tournament between NZ and Victoria. Back across foot bridge, past ornamental bells playing their lunchtime tunes, along river side. Stopped for sausage and beer. Back to Fed Square, then on city circle tram circuit of the city square. Walked up Elizabeth St. Clouds darkened and we reached hotel at 4pm just before it started to rain. Out later for Mexican meal dodging the drizzle. Last Day in Melbourne Friday 14th Wet day, mostly drizzle while we were out, some heavier rain early morning. Walk up Bourke Street to St Patricks Catholic Cathedral. Crib in side chapel with Mary, Joseph and animals; shepherds in another side chapel and wise men yet further away. Water features outside on the pilgrim path with bible verses and poetry. Walked to Queen Victoria market, one of largest open air market in Southern Hemisphere, open 5 days per week. Lots of leather stalls, souvenirs, Ugg boots, etc Still drizzling so caught free bus to Docklands then walked through to catch free tram back to Fed Square. City busy on Friday night near Christmas.

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