Melbourne, Australia

The atmosphere feels relaxed compared to larger airports, with easy access and a welcoming vibe. Since the terminal is compact, boarding is often done by walking across the tarmac to the plane, which gives you a last chance to soak in the dramatic alpine views before departure.

Our flight from Queenstown to Melbourne will take about 3 hours and a half.

Melbourne

we arrived in Melbourne around 4:00pm, just enough time to check in our hotel, rest a bit and then we are headed out to dinner in Fitzroy. Staying at the Citadines on Bourke put us right in the heart of Melbourne, and our evening walk to dinner was full of atmosphere.

We passed bustling streets lined with restaurants, their tables spilling onto the curbs, creating a lively, European feel.

Along the way, we admired the Parliament House glowing beautifully at night,

The exterior of Melbourne’s Parliament House is grand and imposing, a fine example of 19th-century architecture.

Its wide façade is built from local bluestone and sandstone, giving it a stately presence, while the sweeping flight of stairs at the entrance adds to its sense of formality. Rows of towering Corinthian columns dominate the front, beautifully lit at night so their details stand out against the dark sky. Ornamental lamps and balustrades complete the picture, making it one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and a striking sight during an evening walk.

We are now leaving the Parliament house and continue our walk.

The Princess Theatre with its ornate 19th-century design, glowing marquee, and intricate façade is beautiful at night.

The huge sign announcing Sunset Boulevard starring Sarah Brightman made it feel especially vibrant. The bold display lit up the street, drawing attention to the theater’s role as one of Melbourne’s premier stages.

Seeing that grand production advertised against the backdrop of such a historic and beautifully detailed building added a sense of excitement and cultural richness to the walk.

I was interested if we could get tickets to see the show but unfortunately, the show will not start for another week and we will be gone by then.

We are now leaving the Princess Theatre.

The walk took us through the quieter Parliament Gardens before we continued on toward Fitzroy, blending city energy with moments of calm and history.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral has a dramatic Gothic Revival façade that immediately captures attention. Its dark bluestone walls contrast with lighter sandstone details, and the pointed arches, rose windows, and intricate tracery give it a soaring, medieval character. Twin spires rise high above the entrance, adding to the cathedral’s vertical elegance, while at night the lighting accentuates its sharp lines and rich textures.

In front of the cathedral stands a striking sculpture of Jesus, arms outstretched in a gesture of welcome and blessing.

The figure provides a human warmth to the imposing façade, reminding visitors that behind the grand architecture lies a place of faith and reflection. Together, the building and sculpture create a powerful sense of both awe and serenity.

Arriving in Fitzroy, the scenery shifts noticeably from the grand boulevards and historic landmarks near the city center. The streets here are narrower, lined with low-rise buildings that feel more intimate and eclectic.

Many walls and shop fronts are covered in colorful graffiti and street art, giving the neighborhood a raw, creative energy.

We sat at the chef’s counter, where we watched each dish come together like a performance

The Grace Darling Hotel, a landmark on Smith Street and one of Melbourne’s oldest pubs. The grey and white stone exterior with its corner position gives it a distinctive look, standing out among the more modern and graffiti-covered surroundings. Built in the mid-1800s, it has a rich history tied to the city’s early days, and today it’s known as a lively spot for food, drinks, and live music. Its heritage façade adds character to Fitzroy, blending old-world charm with the neighborhood’s creative edge.

We passed by a Board game store.

It looks like people are really enjoying playing board games.

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