"Bev & Barb's new Melbourne Page " a Melbourne Travel Page by BeverlyTyler

PHOTO: MELBOURNE AND THE YARRA RIVER WHICH FLOWS THROUGH IT. THE FLINDERS STREET RAILWAY STATION IS CENTER PHOTO. TAKEN FROM THE RIALTO TOWERS OBSERVATION LOWER DECK.

Melborne is so easy to get around by tram and there is so much to see and do. We arrived on Saturday night just after the Brisbane Lions won the football championship at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)against the local Collingwood Magpies. We had a late dinner in a pub where the locals gathered and they were having a good time anyway and very friendly. A few came over to our table and we exchanged ideas both sports and political. This is a very friendly and helpful town and the people really help to make strangers (tourists) feel at home. We also discussed bars and beer in general, raising children and the terrible effects of shopping malls, organized sports for children and TV shows.

PHOTO: FLINDERS STREET STATION. This 1899-1910 station is a glorious piece of architecture. There are other wonderful examples including St. Paul's Cathedral across the street. We walked to the South Bank Market (only on Sunday), bought a few items and then walked to the Rialto Towers and looked at the city from above. We toured the wonderful Immigration Museum. (see Tips) A real treasure and a fantastic way to learn about Australian & Melbourne history. We also walked along the Yarra River and through the Melbourne Royal Botanic Gardens (see special tip) where we had lunch.

PHOTO: CAPTAIN COOK'S COTTAGE IN FITZROY GARDENS.

The gardens and parks in Melbourne are a special feature. In addition to the area along the river there are a number of parks and gardens through the center of Melbourne. Capt. Cook is special to both Australia and New Zealand and this cottage was brought from England and renovated here to include a great deal about this explorer who put the Southern Hemisphere on the map - literally. You could spend hours in this small museum and a full day exploring the parks and Botanic Gardens.