We drove into Melbourne during what was probably one of the worst disasters in Victorias’ history – the bushfires that have claimed over 200 lives. Although the fires were well north of Melbourne and life went on all around as normal, we sometimes felt that perhaps we shouldn’t be there as tourists. Such disasters are naturally very personal to those directly affected. However, we soon found that Melburnians are keen to ensure that life goes on as normal as possible and were soon made to feel welcome anywhere we ventured.
Melbourne itself grows on you – it takes time, we found, to get accustomed to the place. Once achieved however, it seems to quickly get under your skin and the 3 days we spent there didn’t feel enough. As Australia second city, it is a bustling but amazingly efficient place with the largest tram system in the World – some 1500 trams serve a 60 mile radius.
We spent one evening until late on an organised tour watching ‘little’ penguins emerge from the sea to their burrows at Philip Island. Believe it or not, this spectacle is watched by many thousands every week! By the way – this was a Caroline special request (demand).
Melbourne blends the old with the new with aplomb and you’re never far from the next interesting place to visit. The river areas is buzzing with restaurants and bars – a great place to waste lots of time! Overall a good few days in Melbourne and certainly glad it was on our itinerary.
Now we fly to Cairns on 13th Feb.
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