Come Alive In Melbourne

Blue sparkling horizon

Where oceans kiss the sky

Creatures of wonder

Greet all the passersby

A peaceful journey

Along meandering roads

Accompanied with cracks of waves

Celebrating life where ever it goes

Puffing Billy steam rattles

Singing howdy mate to all

Where Bolt Bridge meet the sun

My heart suddenly runs just there

Koalas and kangaroos;

Tennis, cricket and food;

Just a verdant city of Victoria

Floods my dreams day in and out

No brownie points for guessing the place because it is literally impossible to not guess one of world’s most livable cities from these hints. Yes I am talking about Melbourne! It all started with Roger Federer’s first visit to India. I missed the chance to see him play live in India and all I could think about was - next Rod Laver arena aka Australian Open. (Big chance missed) And then it was the Aus- India cricket series. And finally Indiblogger’s Travel contest in collaboration with TourismVictoria website (http://www.visitmelbourne.com/India.aspx) – ‘What's your reason for falling in love with Melbourne, the most livable city in the world?’

So this post is all about my Melbourne love Mate! And yes, I have already listed the main reasons for falling in love with this Cosmopolitan lately, but guess what, there is way more to it than just a sporty soul!

Melbourne is a cultural and artistry melting pot. It is known for its quirky street art and graffiti donned alleyways and music, live raw enthralling music in lanes and corners of the city. From Federation Square and Bourke Street to Hosier and Rutledge Lane and Degraves street, this city is a canvas that allows you to splatter the colors from your palette while it entertains you with music. Don’t believe me? Well this video will convince you guys for sure.

And as much as I love art and culture I enjoy history! Nothing leaves you speechless and nothing gives you a story more than the places that helps you connect with history. From wooden pews, to intricate carvings and vibrant stained glasses – St. Paul’s Cathedral is an exemplary gothic structure of the 19^th century.

St Paul's Cathedral

Close by, is Flinders Street railway station – one of the oldest and grand stations of the country. And from there starts the cultural walk of aroma, of sweet bitterness and of freshness. Did you know Melbourne is called the coffee capital of the world? Flinder's Street Station is surrounded by various shops, coffees hubs and cafes, and the coffee culture is ensconced here to such an extent that the walk through the lanes is equivalent to talking a café cultural walk (as unique as it sounds).

My Attempt at recreating the magic of the Apostles on Paper ages ago

To talk about Melbourne and not talk about the 12 Apostles and the Great Ocean Road is just not possible. The 12 Apostles have been a symbol of Victoria for years and just imagine - you on a long drive, accompanied by the symphony of breaking waves and cold southern whizzing winds and the destination – Peaceful company of Nature’s wonders! How would one not fall in love with it? And if you thought that was all the natural bliss of this city you are in for a surprise. Melbourne has more than 480 hectares of gardens and parks.

The Eureka Sky Deck

And if I say I am all about nature and history and art I would be lying. Who would not want to see a place from bird’s eye view! Luckily Melbourne has two such spots – The Eureka Tower Sky Deck 88 and Shrine of Remembrance. Both easily accessible by the City Centre Tram which is a free travel service that runs in Melbourne. Yes you read it right – Free! And if you don't have vertigo issues and can get more adventurous, you also have the option of Hot Air Balloon! Still not in love with the place? 
For now I want to be at the Shrine of Remembrance at the 11^th Hour of the 11^th Day of the 11^th Month. Why?  Well, the center has a stone inscribed “Greater Love Hath No Man.” The roof of the Shrine has 2 holes and at the 11th Hour of the 11th Day of the 11th Month a shaft of sunlight crosses the stone and the word Love is illuminated by sunlight. Have read a lot about it so would love to witness it.

Shrine of Remembrance

Okay coming down to my normal not so elaborate plans of when in Melbourne – Watch Federer play in Rod Laver Arena, Sip fresh brewed coffee in a café overlooking the Yarra River at sunset, and spend a lazy early morning in Alexandra Gardens re-reading Lord of the Rings and then spend a stunning evening at Bathing Boxes. *Not elaborate at all, right?*

The Bathing Boxes

Contest Time!

Okay enough about me and my dreams! If you were to visit Melbourne, "Which of these places would you want to visit in Melbourne and why?"

Do leave a comment below and the best answer (chosen by me) stands a chance to win voucher worth INR 500 from Indiblogger and Tourism Victoria.

Contest Last Date – 5^th Jan 2015.

The contest is now closed.

For more details click Here.

Results will be declared on My Blog so do follow or subscribe to keep track :D 

Drum Rolls!!! And the winner is Rajvi Doshi for her simple precise and straight from heart comment:

Lovely post..I would love to visit Melbourne for coffee. I love coffee! And to have it with a Masterchef in his kitchen would be an amazing experience. And maybe I could make authentic Mumbai Pani Puri for him also! :D :DRajvi Doshi.

P.S. - Except for the painting, all pictures are taken from Google or Indiblogger