Marvel me, Melbourne!

   The Firefly Coach pick-up point was just around the corner from the Sydney Central YHA. The 12 hours overnight journey to Melbourne though was not as comfortable as on a Plus Liner bus.

    Marvellous Melbourne, here I come! Passengers were given two 20 minute pit stops in the boondocks - at Wagga Wagga and another obscure small town.  

Destination: Southern Cross Station on Spencer St. Just about five blocks walk to the YHA on Flinders St.

     The free tram service passes by Flinders St. Station. It runs on a grid and takes people to many of the city attractions - the Fitzroy Garden, Treasury House, Parliament House, the Museum Complex, Victoria Market,  Italian & Greek enclaves.

    With the free tram and bus service, tourists save on transportation around the city. The only time I took a cab was on my last day. 

   It was a cold blustery morning when Harpreet (my daughter's Malaysian Sikh friend, who have worked and lived in Melbourne for the last 11 years) joined me for a walking tour of the Library, Chinatown and alleyways filled with eateries. We stopped for Italian food when it poured around lunch time. Unforgettable conversation about 'mail order brides'. 

  

The edgy, innovative architectural design of the 'Fed' 

or Federation Building, across the street on the left of Flinders St Station.

Beware of suave gentlemen looking for younger 'catch' 

while waiting for their older, rich wives to return from wash room breaks!

One of the gateways on Swanston St, Chinatown.
Had spicy seafood for dinner at one of the Korean restaurants and slushy
green tea at a Taiwanese tea house with Marieke, Amy and Choy.

Bridge over the Yarra, with the Tower in the background.
I should have forked out AUD16 for the elevator ride
to the observation deck on the Tower!

The iconic Arts and Cultural Centre.
Across the Yarra from Flinders St.
Turn right and walk all the way to the enchanting Crown Casino. 

Pretty flower beds fronting the Treasury House.
Perfect respite from a stressful day at work.
Nice spot too for wedding pics!

Etihad Stadium at Docklands.
There are many discount outlets at the malls in Docklands.
Marieke splurged on bargain shoes and I got a colourful ensemble
 of wrap around skirt, top 'n poncho from a Nepali boutique.
There was a 'teh tarik' and 'satay' place too.
Many Malaysian students and parents shop here.



Not much space in the six share at Space Hotel.
Located at the corner of Russell and Victoria.
Opposite the Melbourne Old Gaol 'n RMIT.
Friendly front desk staff.


 
YHA Central on Flinders St.
Close to Southern Cross and Flinders St stations.
Same price for four share, more head and leg room too.