Australian Odyssey: Melbourne
Following our rellie-bash in Canberra, we boarded a flight and headed for Melbourne, another city on Australia's east coast. We found a city as different from Sydney as could be. We were warned that Melbourne was more "laid back" than Sydney, but instead found a vibrant and exciting cosmopolitan city.
The cab ride from the hotel ended here. "Why are you stopping here?," I inquired. "This is where your hotel is, mate," came the cabbie's answer.
It was my great fortune, as I wandered around the city, to find a "camera district," much like they have in New York. Unlike the U.S., the large, independent retailer is alive and well down under. This camera store, Michael's as I recall, even had a photo museum.
Aussie graffiti.
One of Melbourne's highlights was its zoo, the oldest in Australia and widely considered to be one the top three in the world. Of particular interest is their aviary.
A monitor lizard, I believe.
Fascinating tree trunk, of which Australia has no shortage.
I was glad that I sprang for the 75-300 IS lens and that I bothered to bring it. Shot a lot of photos in the aforementioned aviary:
Although I readily admit that he's yawning, I still like this photo.
This meerkat seems quite sincere.
Not as loud as he looks.
Not a great photo, but I love this fellow's iridescent glow.
Yours truly posing before Captain Cook's cabin, actually a residence he built for his parents. It's in a park in central Melbourne.
Chinatown eatery around the corner from our hotel.
Yet another impressive war memorial, the Shrine of Rememberance:
A shrine to those who fought and died in WWII.
The eternal flame at the Shrine of Rememberance.
On another day we took a tour of Phillip Island and a working farm, where we ran into this unlikely fellow.
Stopped by BMW of Melbourne to check out the new K1200GT.
They had a small fleet of police bikes ready to go.
Melbourne is also home to a magnificent cathedral, St. Patrick's:
Melbourne was perhaps my favorite visit, with the possible exception of Perth. If you ever have a chance to go anywhere in Australia, I highly recommend it.
If you're interested, the rest of the pictures are here.
Next stop, Road Trip on the Great Ocean Road to Adelaide.
Thanks for reading. C & C welcome.
The cab ride from the hotel ended here. "Why are you stopping here?," I inquired. "This is where your hotel is, mate," came the cabbie's answer.
It was my great fortune, as I wandered around the city, to find a "camera district," much like they have in New York. Unlike the U.S., the large, independent retailer is alive and well down under. This camera store, Michael's as I recall, even had a photo museum.
Aussie graffiti.
One of Melbourne's highlights was its zoo, the oldest in Australia and widely considered to be one the top three in the world. Of particular interest is their aviary.
A monitor lizard, I believe.
Fascinating tree trunk, of which Australia has no shortage.
I was glad that I sprang for the 75-300 IS lens and that I bothered to bring it. Shot a lot of photos in the aforementioned aviary:
Although I readily admit that he's yawning, I still like this photo.
This meerkat seems quite sincere.
Not as loud as he looks.
Not a great photo, but I love this fellow's iridescent glow.
Yours truly posing before Captain Cook's cabin, actually a residence he built for his parents. It's in a park in central Melbourne.
Chinatown eatery around the corner from our hotel.
Yet another impressive war memorial, the Shrine of Rememberance:
A shrine to those who fought and died in WWII.
The eternal flame at the Shrine of Rememberance.
On another day we took a tour of Phillip Island and a working farm, where we ran into this unlikely fellow.
Stopped by BMW of Melbourne to check out the new K1200GT.
They had a small fleet of police bikes ready to go.
Melbourne is also home to a magnificent cathedral, St. Patrick's:
Melbourne was perhaps my favorite visit, with the possible exception of Perth. If you ever have a chance to go anywhere in Australia, I highly recommend it.
If you're interested, the rest of the pictures are here.
Next stop, Road Trip on the Great Ocean Road to Adelaide.
Thanks for reading. C & C welcome.
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Comments
-Fred.
http://esiggins.smugmug.com
I had a look around your site. Really interesting layout and some very nice photography. I'll stop in from time to time.
Thanks!
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Another Great series....if you keep this up I may have to go home with our exchange student.
I love some of the bird photos as well as the last one of the church.
Hope you will post your next stop!
Dan
Mickey57
Thanks, Dan. I appreciate your comments. There's about six more I'll be putting up over the next week or two. Keep a lookout.
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