Chic City of Melbourne

Listed as one of the world’s most livable cities, it is not surprising for quite a number of my friends have happily migrated to Melbourne. People who live in Melbourne enjoy the many interesting cultural attributes, convenient and reliable public transportation system, proper health care services, comfortable (but sometimes crazy) climate, low crime rates, peaceful multicultural atmosphere and others. What else would you ask for more in comparison with other less fortunate places in the world?

Being sophisticated and contemporary, upbeat and trendy, Melbourne has uniquely blended in these modern elements together with its historical structures of ornate Victorian architecture. With the formation of its citizens from so many different races and background, it has given Melbourne such vibrant colours that will no doubt bring your senses alive.

Attractions in 'the city'

Melbourne city is actually pretty small for me but it is known to be ‘big’ because it consist a wide spread of low urban density stretching far especially towards the South East side. The place where all the cool happenings actually take place is commonly called ‘the city’ by the locals, which usually concentrates around the areas of Flinders Street. (At least for the tourists anyway)

1854 Flinders Street

One of the iconic historical landmarks at the city is the Flinders Street Station. Built in 1854, it is Melbourne’s first railway station. Now, this railway station still sees hundreds and thousands of commuters going in and about on a normal weekday going to work. It is also a popular meeting spot for the Melbournians as it goes with the idiom “I’ll meet you under the clocks” referring to the rows of clocks on the building which indicate the time of departure of the trains.

It is nice to look at this beautiful architectural structure with its modern high rise buildings in the background. If people-watching is one of your hobbies while at a foreign country, pick a nice seat out at the Young & Jackson’s pub opposite the station and enjoy a cold beer in hand on a warm summer day. It has been in business for more than a hundred years, and still a popular hot-spot.

The austere interior of St Paul Cathedral

Around the corner of Flinders Station, stands the austere looking St Paul Cathedral, built between the years of 1880-1891. St Paul Cathedral is famously known for it stained glass on both sides down the aisles. I like visiting churches like these. It is more than just a religious setting; it reminds me of the great efforts, ingenious details and creativity that people would put in to build such great churches. It represents the wonders of God that shows in the art forms and ornate designs of these churches. I like sitting on a solid wooden pew, my heart will quiet down as I enfold myself in the solemn presence of the church. Sometimes there’ll be a whiff of burning incense with some soft jingling of bells along with silent prayers by other people sitting around.

The work of art itself in Ian Potter Centre

For each and every of my visits to a foreign country, I’ve always make it a point to drop in at the National Art Gallery. Local artist always reveal not only the interest of their heart, often times, it showcase the spirit of the country itself. In Melbourne, there’s Ian Potter Centre: National Gallery of Victoria. This sleek-looking futuristic glass and steel structure has often times snatch the limelight off its Victorian style neighbours. Inside the centre houses the collection of Australian painters such as Modernist Sir Sidney Nolan, Arthur Boyd, Australian impressionist including Frederick McCubbin, Arthur Streeton and many others. Art portrays a country’s soul, to fully understand a country; a visit to the National Gallery is a must.

Melbourne is such a charming city. Relaxing, peaceful and cultured, I would very much love to live a couple of months in such an ultra neat ultra tidy city like Melbourne. Maybe someday…