The sail from Tasmania with ‘Spirit of Tasmania’ was quite a rough experience. It’s relatively expensive (if you count the ferry and the bus from Hobart to Devonport), time taking and it’s hard to get some sleep without the cabin, just on the cold seat (the budget option). But the worst was the motion sickness from the windy weather. Well, survived!

Marja’s friend (met 11 years ago last time!) Andrew offered us his place to stay over the weekend. That was so nice of him, and we really enjoyed his place, positioned near the sport centrum, beach, tram stop and city. It was also great to see how we haven’t changed too much in 11 years. Before just studying and partying together in Holland as exchange students, now doing more some “adult stuff” with serious working lives etc. But that was the only difference – never get old 😉

Melbourne is great! It’s such a lovely city, absolutely fantastic! The original plan was to drive also the Great Ocean Road, but we left that for the next trip – long driving was anyway ahead soon in New Zealand, and it seemed that there was plenty to see in Melbourne itself.

So, what did we do… We went to a pub in strangest place ever, a hidden gem in a long alley behind garbage bins (http://www.thecroftinstitute.com.au/),

 

…went to a birthday party of Andrew’s friend, and felt so welcomed and ate there kangaroo steak,

…had lovely bbq at Andrew’s rowing club,

… went to Italy (Little Italy).

In the city we were wandering around the streets, and saw for example the Queen’s market. Close by there were few nice pubs with good Happy Hours, a jug of beer for 10 AUD! The main square is Federation Square with St. Paul’s Cathedral.

We visited the Parliament of Victoria (http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/visit) with free guided tour!

The weather was very nice during our stay. They say that in Melbourne, you have all four seasons, and even within one day! And that indeed is the case, one morning freezing, and afternoon burning hot! But we were lucky! We also went for a run to the beach (St. Kilda) and enjoyed the sun.

One day we visited also the Shrine of Remembrance (http://www.shrine.org.au/Home), a war memorial. There is a really good museum of Australian war history, from far past up to the peace keeping operations of today. Even if not interested in war history, it’s definitely worth of a visit, at least because of the view! And the entrance is for free!

We took the city bikes for one day (4 AUD per bike), that is something to recommend!

Andrew took us to Yarra Valley for the world-class wineries. We had tasting in three wineries, one chocolate factory and one cheese factory. Great area with wonderful views, we should take the ideas of how to market our countryside back to home!

After great times in Melbourne, it was time to change the continent! It’s quite sad feeling, we enjoyed Australia so much. But, time to move on, New Zealand, get ready!