Melbourne in Summer

I was intending to update before heading off but I figured I should take the opportunity to share my Melbourne travels!

As far as cities go (that I've visited) this has to be one of the only ones I could live in for an extended amount of time. So many parks, public transport, culture, accessible history and some family. We've done the invaluable free tour which I recommend for every city that has one. From there we've seen Southbank markets, the rooftop bar, Fitzroy swimming pool star-spotting (in 35 degree heat, who said Melbourne was always cold?) and the Immigration museum. 

This is a shot of the rainbow delivered by a short burst of passing rain last night. We had dinner at the permanent truck stop and bar at Thornbury which my auntie, who is way too young and trendy to be my auntie, found to share with us. It consists of an onsite bar that plays host to a number of different street food vans, different every night. A reasonably priced, cultural cuisine experience. We sampled Mexican, Brazillian and Indian last night but I'm told there's often a range including German and others. Really worth the 20-30 minute trip from the city. 

The immigration museum was brilliant too. It gives you a great in depth look at all the different cultures that have gone in to making Melbourne what it is today. At the moment they have a visitor created piece which allows people to write a little something about their background and home. Some of the replies are about how lucky they feel to be Australian and others are shocking descriptions of what individuals have gone through to now finally become residents, or citizens.

I caught the tram to Ripponlea Estate this morning too, for a colonial, upper-middle class view of Melbournes history. The mansion is set on 14 acres along with gardens, an archery hut, ballroom, pool, fernery, lookout tower and a lake complete with grotto. It even has servants quarters, which give a great little snapshot into how different life was around a century ago and back. I also became a member of the National Trust, something I've been considering for a while now. For only $45AUD (concession) I can get free access to most of the world's National Trust properties. 

Even meandering through the streets of Melbourne is great. The public transport is so efficient and the middle of the city doesn't have the hectic feeling other cities seem to possess. There's history around every corner too which is brilliant for me. 

That's enough from me today, time to get back out there and check out some shops and museums!

Happy travels! :)

Caitlin