ADIP: Melbourne, Australia

A Day in Pictures
Melbourne, Australia

In 1825 John Batman was sailing a skiff up the Yarra River when he hit a sandbar. Rather than admit his mistake, he announced to his crew that he had found the “ideal place for a village.”

And so Melbourne (say: Mel-bun) was born. Actually, Batman first named it Batmania (thankfully cooler heads prevailed and the name was later changed).

Today Melbourne is Australia’s second largest city – and many consider it the country’s best kept secret.

It is an impressive, cosmopolitan city with an active arts community, a fierce love of sports, and according to one recent report, 30% more restaurants than the city’s population can support.

Shopping is plentiful in the city’s central business district. Buskers provide entertainment along the Bourke Street Mall, a pedestrian shopping street. You haven’t really lived until you’ve heard techno-pop played on the didgeridoo.

Melbourne’s excellent aquarium, located on the northern bank of the Yarra River, features an amazing Antarctica exhibit, complete with King and Gentoo penguins.

Trams are the foundation of Melbourne’s efficient public transportation system.  During our few days there we were able to easily explore the city. And it’s a fun way to get around town.

Melbourne’s easy charm and sophistication provides an interesting contrast to Sydney’s in-your-face beauty.

The public art, ethnic neighborhoods, well-designed green spaces, back alley bars and excellent restaurants work together to create a place that is more impressive than the sum of its parts.

It doesn’t take long for a visitor to figure this out: Best not to pick sides in 150 year rivalry between Melbourne and Sydney. It’s like trying to decide whether to go on a date with Grace Kelley or Sophia Loren.

To truly appreciate Australia and begin to understand how this country is changing, it’s best to experience both.

More pictures of Melbourne are posted here.