Melbourne Trip-Day 1!

On Wednesday, February 25th we set off for Melbourne for a 3-day trip. We decided to take the train since the kids had never traveled that way and it's a pretty cheap (and relatively stress-free) way to travel. They were so excited!

First train ride

Lydia did a lot of pointing on the train

We packed light for the trip since we had to switch trains a couple times. Everyone had a backpack, we hauled one medium suitcase and a lightweight stroller. That’s it!

Once we arrived in Melbourne we headed for our hotel (which was only a short walk from the train station) to dump our luggage. We got to check in early which was nice! We had a 10^th floor 2-bedroom apartment with an amazing view of Carlton Gardens. The kids were amazed at the tall buildings and hustle and bustle of the city. Barry and I enjoyed seeing their excitement about a large city. We can only imagine what Lydia was thinking! HA!

Carlton Gardens via Mantra Hotel

View of Melbourne buildings and peek at St. Patrick's Cathedral from hotel

Kids and Barry on hotel balcony

After Lydia had a nap we headed out to explore the city. We rode a tram to Federation Square/Flinders Street Station. There were so many shops to look at and the kids were happy just looking around. We stopped in The Little Book Room (a bookshop dedicated to children's books). The streets definitely had a European feel to them.

Degraves Street, Melbourne

Federation Square, Melbourne

Flinders Street Station, Melbourne

The kids were also intrigued by this (see below) street artist. Barry and I have encountered similar artists on the streets in Europe, so we knew what this was about, but the kids were asking us if it was real, etc. We just handed them change and told them to see what would happen. They were shocked when he moved (which he only does if you feed the bowl change). It was also funny to watch other people's reactions.

Elvis street artist

McDonald's is called Macca's here

Melbourne has a reputation as a city of art and we saw it everywhere. Most colorful and exciting for the kids was the street graffiti (some of which were not appropriate for kids). Still, it was something to experience and we had to capture it in photos.

Street graffiti and hanging shoes

Colorful walls!

We had a walk through Chinatown. 

Chinatown

Hannah and Kiernan in Chinatown, Melbourne

In Carlton Gardens near our hotel was a great playground! If we had to live in a large city we would want to live near a park and playground like this one! 

Playground at Carlton Gardens

Seesaw giggles!

Barry had dinner plans with some nutritionists/researchers on Wednesday night, so the kids and I ordered room service and relaxed.

Melbourne is the second largest city in Australia. It was neat to explore it with the kids. Day 2 was full of even more fun...look for that blog soon!

Sarah