Mount Dandenong
It was a nice Saturday, 3 more days we were going back soon. Mei Earn (my cousin sister) was not working and she’d promised to bring us to the highest point of Melbourne – Mount Dandenong.
Along the way, we passed through Dandenong Ranges National Park where we saw quite a number of mountain climbers. Took us around 30 minutes drive and we reached the middle of mountain. There’d some shops along the street, I could see it was very old and I found out that was built around year 1891.
My cousin took us to this “Miss Marples” which served some English cuisines. It was packed with people and she told me sometimes we have to wait up to hours.
I’d ordered the special set. Can’t remember the name, something like “xxx Sticks” and Lagsania in British style. Taste good!
After our delicious meals, we walked around the areas and checked out some of the shops and most of them were souvenir shops; there were toys shop, sculptures and used book store. Even I and wife become the shopkeepers!! Haha… 
Later on, we continued our journey and it took less than 15 minutes we have reached the top of Mout Dandenong (SkyHigh Mt. Dandenong) . It was 2645 feet above the sea level if I’m not mistaken.
Not far away, you could even see the city in your naked-eye. Please look closely to those building’s blocks; it was the city’s building. I think other day except winter would be much clearer.
“The Giant Chair” – One of the attractions from Mount Dandenong. Look! Both of us look so tiny.
This place was an excellent weekend’s hand-out; it was quiet and peaceful when we stood on the viewing platform to see across the sites. It really suitable for family’s gathering or picnic.
St Kilda
Next day, after our church service in Crossway with my cousin, she again willing to fetch us to St Kilda instead of let us took trains and tram which might take longer. Nevertheless, we knew Sunday was best time due to the Sunday market on the Upper Esplanade.
What was so famous here? The fun fair Luna Park is an institution in Melbourne and its laughing face symbolic of St Kilda.
Not for us, I think we have Sunway Lagoon Park and Genting Themes Parks which much bigger.
Since it was Sunday, there were kids and people screaming in the park; it was the only outdoor
amusement park in Melbourne. I was amazed it was rebuilt many times (at least refurnished more than 5 times); this park established since 1906.
There were some antique trams passing through St Kilda areas. This was one of it, wonder any food served in the trams?
After we visited the park and walked towards Acland Street which was the food precincts. It is also a long-time favorite of Melbournians and tourists alike because of its famous cakes shops. It is now the number one stop for backpackers because of the busy cafes and close proximity to St Kilda’s beaches.
After our food break, we planned to go back to St Kilda beach, first time for us in winter and we were looking at a beautiful beach but without any people, what a waste! I believe summer time would be pack with people here.
It was actually very near to the city, I think less than 10 km. Whole day was windy and exhausted for us when we walked such a long hours outdoor. But we really enjoyed the ethnic building along the beach and the atmosphere of the beach and scenes.
What a wonderful weather after the morning’s rain, it was not too cold while we walking around the city. So, we decided take a short tour from Flinders station then Federation Square to Yarra River.
After we crossed the river, we reached Southbank Promenade where you can see people walking along the river bank. And my “gang” too – cyclist! Yes, you found cyclists in the morning and evening; it’s so common to see them everywhere in the city. I wish I can do that… but too cold to ride in winter.
Street trick were trying to sell their ideas. Kids love it and parent were busy too!
After a long walk, it’s about 12pm, there’s a food court called – “SouthGate Food Court” near Southgate Promenade. You won’t miss it coz it’s just right in front the Yarra River. We went in and it was crowded due to Saturday.
So we decided to try some local food (no more Chinese food or Asian food). Heard pizza was good in Ozzy, let’s try – “BIG”. We both love it, it cost us about AUS7 for half piece of pzza but it was big – as the shop’s name!
Spend about one and half hour sitting in the food court, you wouldn’t feel bored coz it was nice view looking out from the building and you wouldn’t want to go out, it was warmed inside of coz. Even the birds prefer to take a break here with us.
After the warm pizza, we were heading further to fleet market near art center. And we saw more of this street trick. I think people like to spend time, especially kids love it.
There were some fleet market stalls located under the “Princess Bridge”.
Took a photo near “The Arts Center”.
The building of “National Gallery of Victoria”.
While we were inside the building, we didn’t tour around the art gallery since we don’t have much time to spend in the city. We walked to this books and souvenirs section. And secretly took some photos.
One thing I realized that books were not expensive IF you are earning Ozzy dollar. I found some nice hard cover book was around AUS30. In Malaysia, easily RM150 and above!
Time around 2pm, we decided to walk along Swanston Street where souvenir shops for tourists.
Across the street and there’s a lot of old but Nice building along this street.
Entrance of China Town.
Trams and taxi are both busy moving at the same time. (While I was crossing the road)
Around 3pm in the afternoon, the sky started “dimming”! So, we’d to quickly walk toward Melbourne Square which not far away.
This is one of the land marks of Melbourne Square. By 4.45pm, we could see the sky was getting darker.
After we have done our shopping, we took a tram back to the station, tried not to miss the evening’s scenes. Again, stood above the Princess Bridge and looking at the sunset, Yarra River and the city of Melbourne.
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