Tuesday, Sept 3

Melbourne.

Caught the train in Lara at 8.04 and in central Melbourne (Southern Cross Station) within 50 mins. Looked like a promising day and warmed up right onto the late afternoon.

My first call was to the Visitor Information Centre in Federation Square to obtain a map and some idea of the places to visit. The Square is a recent development right beside Flinders St Station.

I spent most of the day walking for a change although my train ticket also covered me for buses and trams. I walked out to the Sports Precinct (20 mins) to do the tour and museum of MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground)....the Croke Park of Melbourne. This precinct also has the Rod Laver Arena (Tennis), Hisense Arena (Netball and Tennis) and AAMI Park (Soccer).

The tour of the MCG took about 75 mins and visited the usual spots - pitch side, dressing rooms, boxes, the top deck, the media centre etc. I was disappointed that the guide (obviously) built his guidance around cricket. I had hoped that it would be more about AFL football.

An impressive size of stadium. Capacity of 110,000; dimensions of pitch is 180m by 140 m; artificial sunlight on that part of the pitch in the shade of the stand; 25,000 seats reserved for members of the MCC; MCC is limited to 100,000 with a waiting list of 200,000.

Afterwards, I visited the museum of Australian Sport. The exhibits that appealed to me were Cadel Evans’s bike that he rode into Paris to take the Tour crown and also the AFL section featuring Jim Stynes.

H

Took the Tourist tram to the Old Jail (only closed on 1994). During the tour of the Watch House, each was given a charge sheet, was searched,  mugshot taken and put into a cell, door locked and lights off. Sergeant Stone treated us as if we deserved to be there...very realistic.

In the Jail, much was made of the tale of Ned Kelly and his escapades. It also featured the gallows and an article on the ’art of hanging’.

In late afternoon strolled through Southbank on the side of the Yarra River. Lots of eating spots right down to the Crowne Casino. Throughout, there were tidy small lanes and arcades with cages and colourful displays.

At 6 met up with Julie, Columban and Naomi under the clocks at Flinders St station. I was told that people have been meeting at this spot since the 1800s. Took a few photos there and had dinner across the street in Young and Jacksons...another iconic meeting place. Really enjoyed catching up; and Columban will be running the Sydney Marathon while I’ll be there.

After farewells, I rushed to catch the 9.10 train home and just made it. Legs felt tired now for the first time today. Thomas met me at Lara Station to finish out a most enjoyable day.

...and thank God for a lovely day.