Melbourne

We loved Melbourne from the first minute we saw it.  It is a city of contrasts, huge modern skyscrapers and old fashioned trundling trams.  The recently developed South Bank of the river is full of smart cafes and restaurants, with great views back to the city:



Dancing Fountains on the South Bank

Federation Square is the cultural centre of Melbourne. Here we visited the Australian Centre for Moving Image, and the Ian Potter Gallery which is home to a large collection of Australian Art.  We enjoyed some great exhibitions, and listened to lunchtime classical music in the square's concert hall.  The modern architecture isn't everyone's cup of tea, but we enjoyed our coffee with this view:



Inside Federation Square

Our cultural exploits concluded with a visit to the colourful Melbourne Museum:



Melbourne Museum

A trip to Melbourne wouldn't be complete without a trip to the famous 'Ramsay Street' of Neighbours! We had a very wet day, but all the houses were still recognisable from all those hours watching during our childhood and university years!



H & G outside the Bishops house on Ramsay Street!

On our last evening, we went to watch an 'Aussie Rules' football match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. It took us a while to work out what those rules were, especially as there were numerous umpires performing comical signals and flag manouvres!



Footie at the MCG