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Iconic Melbourne – and some Fluro Animals
When Jess was here a little while back, we ducked into the Melbourne CBD to take a few snaps of some iconic Melbourne scenes. The one icon in particular that stands out in my mind as “bloody oath, that’s Melbourne” is the mustard coloured, dome roofed Flinders Street Station building.
The building itself is not what you would call a stunning work of architectural beauty, but there is something about it that just screams character. Its old school clock adds to its charm. But for mine its all that goes on around it that makes it what it is. There is a certain buzz around Flinders Street as the hub of Melbourne’s public transport system (however dubious it may be).
Typical Melbourne saying: “meet you on the steps at 7 for some brews mate”. Translation: “rendevous at 7 o’clock on the steps at Flinders Street Station to proceed for some delicious beverages, good friend”. The steps are a famous (maybe infamous for some) meeting place for all types. Party-goers, school-kids, businessmen and women suited up, footy fans on the way to the MCG. In fact, so many people use it as a meeting point its a wonder anyone finds anyone at all!
Another Melbourne icon rolls past with its well known “dinging” sound rising above the noise of a working day, the tram. A much loved and hated feature of Melbourne’s roads, the tram ferries commuters from Flinders Street to all corners of the CBD.
Across the road, Federation Square with its trendy bars attracts a crowd of post-work corporate crowds looking for a way to unwind after a long week in the office. Fed Square, as we Aussies call it in our traditional way of shortening names, was much maligned for its supposedly radical architectural design. It has however become a place for the people of Melbourne to gather and watch live performances on the stage, sporting events on the large screens, or simply chill with a coffee on a morning break.
Cross the bridge and you get a view down the Yarra River over to the field of so many dreams, the Melbourne Cricket Ground. One of the great stadiums of the world, and sentimental home of Australian Rules Football, it is another of Melbourne’s most loved locations.
Just down St Kilda Rd and you’ll find the National Gallery of Victoria, regularly hosting some of the world’s outstanding art. We didn’t go in on this occasion, but there were some pretty sweet fluro animal sculptures just keeping it real on the outside.
Once the hunger and thirst hits, seek out Degraves St, a tiny alleyway on Flinders St on the opposite side from the station itself. Trendy as can be, the coffee there is sensational – as generally Melbourne coffees are. The eats as well are delicious, including an amazing soup kitchen. Check out some of the street art while you’re there.
Whether in Melbourne or elsewhere, accomodation is essential in travel endeavours. You might like to check hotel reviews for some useful references, both here and worldwide. There is no shortage of options around the CBD.
Been to Melbourne? Some thoughts on more sights about Flinders Street? Drop a comment below.
good old Melbourne town! Nice to have you back for a bit Jamie! Come down Friday if your not busy – Pesty birthday! Love the pose too mate!
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It took me a long stare to wrap my mind around those animals. They look like CGI wireframes placed on top of the picture. Do they look this way in person, I mean, even with the benefit of depth perspective?
That picture of Jamie is very high fashion – very Something Uomo.
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jamieandjess Reply:
July 28th, 2011 at 9:51 pm
yeah, its a bit that way in real life too. it took me a double take to work it all out. they are pretty cool though.
just practicing for my runway debut!
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Hi! Love your photos of the Fed and Flinders St. Station! Those animals are sure funky looking – I wonder what they would look like, illuminated at night. Loved the Vietnamese food on Victoria St. in Richmond, and the number of funky places in Fitroy, too.
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jamieandjess Reply:
July 28th, 2011 at 9:53 pm
oh man, victoria st food is the best!! we particularly like binh minhs (bring it on banquet)!! a couple of weeks ago we went and the whole place turned into a disco. thats another story though.
havent checked out the animals at night, but youre right i reckon they would look awesome. might nip down there sometime soon.
thanks for checking out our site!
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You have some beautiful pictures!
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I enjoyed this post Jamie! I’ve never been to Melbourne, but from your photos and descriptions it sounds like a really great and friendly city. I hope to visit someday and maybe “meet you on the steps mate.”
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Your post makes me miss Melbourne! I used to live in Burwood when I was little and went to Bennettswood Primary School (no longer there, but it’s right next to Deakin University). Your shot of Yarra River definitely brings back memories of childhood for me! Great post!
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I really like Melbourne – and the surrounding area. Can never make up my mind which I like better – Melbourne or Sydney – so I usually try to fit both in whenever I’m in Oz.
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jamieandjess Reply:
July 28th, 2011 at 10:05 pm
ill put my vote in for melbourne (no bias there at all)! to me it just seems like a more complete city. now that ive alienated all our readers from sydney, ill have to make sure to write some good stuff in the future to win them all back!
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That posed photo in Federation Square is cracking me up
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jamieandjess Reply:
July 28th, 2011 at 9:54 pm
what if its a serious pose and im changing career paths? ha. way too much zoolander is a more likely explanation.
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Beautiful photos! Those animals are certainly new…they’ve been doing things at the art museum with those fountain areas for awhile now – always an interesting creative installation.
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I love the fluro animal sculptures! They’re amazing! I’ve never been to Australia, but have been told that Melbourne is the place for me to go.
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jamieandjess Reply:
July 28th, 2011 at 10:03 pm
melbourne is generally regarded as the cultural capital of australia. definitely plenty of art as well as live music, restaurants, and of course sport. plus, it has the world’s best coffee. as if thats not enough of a reason to get here on its own!
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Those animals are amazing!
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Jamie, you know me and my love for sports. Would have to check out the Australian Rules Football match if I went!
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Hi,
You did a splendid job in taking those photos! Those animals, what king of software did you use for that…
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The animal sculptures are so cool.
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Great photos – especially of the animal sculptures.
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I love the neon wireframe animals. Haven’t been to Melbourne but someday. By the way, speaking of art have you guys been to the MONA in Tasmania. I keep hearing about it and heard it’s cool.
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Ah Melbourne, my spiritual home!
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My first introduction to Melbourne! You’ve painted a very cultural and artsy picture of the city, and I really liked it! The fluoro animals are very cool. The pink giraffe is my favourite.
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Cool photos… and those animal statues look ridiculously cool. I don’t know if it’s just the photography on those, but they look like they glow!
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Ahhh Melbs, rad as! Killer bluesteel. There is also Hosier Lane (Graffiti Lane), housing some sweet urban art.
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The photos are stunning! what more in personal? the animals are cool and amazing i wonder how on earth they were able to do that
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I like how “meet you on the steps at 7 for some brews mate” pretty much sums up everything! Heck if I stood there long enough I would probably make some new friends!:D Love the animal sculptures at the National Gallery of Victoria.. very cool indeed:)
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Hi Jamie and Jess,
Melbourne looks like an interesting place to visit. You have some cool photos here. I like the nice-looking dome-roofed building. I can see the character and charm you mentioned.
I remember being in Zurich train station and my mom mentioned the tall clock inside being the meeting point of everybody there.
I love those cool animal sculptures, amazing! I wonder what they are made of.
Fantastic post, simply delivered but with a certain pull. Thanks for sharing!
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I’ve been to Melbourned, but missed those freaky looking animals…. great pix!
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Looks like it has that old world charm. Enjoyed my tour, especially loved those fluro animal sculptures and the street art is pretty impressive too!
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Oh, those animals are sweet! If the art on the outside is that cool, I bet it’s worth going inside too.
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Never been to Melbourne. I was sent by my company in Sydney for a product training last year and I so wanted to see the National Gallery of Victoria because that’s where my dad used to work. Sadly, I never got the chance to visit the place. Those animal sculptures outside the gallery, what are they made from?
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Oh wow! Those buildings are amazing… awesome photos… That’s what you call “stunning work of architectural beauty”!!! Melbourne looks like an interesting place to visit. love it
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Tennis, & Cricket!
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