Few weeks ago I went to Melbourne to catch up with my friend from Croatia who was traveling around Australia. I haven’t been there before so I was really excited about this trip. It was so good to have the opportunity to visit Melbourne just for a few days. It took me 4 hours to get there from New Zealand, how great is that, to have Australia wthin a stone throw distance?

Melbourne reminded me of Auckland, but, much bigger Auckland. In this city live three times more people than in the biggest city in New Zealand. Melbourne has almost the same population as the whole New Zealand and you can see that on the streets. So many people in the rush, public transport is crowded, traffic jams …

Weather in Melbourne was almost the same like in New Zealand, a bit warmer of course, but still very changeable. One day was over 30 degrees (this is the temperature that we don’t even have here) and then on the next day 9 degrees, rain and wind. In the end, you don’t know what to wear. At all times you need to have the clothes for all weather conditions.

I would say that Melbourne is really cool, fancy, sophisticated city. Not really the kind of the cities that I enjoy. I’m not saying I didn’t like it, just it didn’t really leave an unforgettable impression on me. Maybe I expected too much because so many people is in love with this city, and in the end, I didn’t feel that warm atmosphere which I need when I’m traveling. It’s somehow soulless and that’s the biggest flaw…

If I exclude the atmosphere Melbourne is beautiful. Skyscrapers in the city centre are so massive and I’m generally impressed with those tall giants whenever I see them. Yarra River is the icon of Melbourne and along the bank it is easy to find perfect spot for the picnic and BBQ. Narrow laneways are hiding bars, restaurants, fashion boutiques and street art…

Lets go for a walk…

The view from St Kilda beach

Have you been in Melbourne? How did you like it?