We took the Spirit of Tasmania II back to the Mainland yesterday. An 11 hour cruise across the Bass Strait, to Geelong. A small community an hour from Melbourne.
It was definitely an interesting experience. We are seasoned Ferry travellers. We booked “recliners” for our daytime crossing. Good decision for two reasons. 1, we could nap.. and we had a good view. 2. There were a ton of kids on the ferry… and not in the recliner area! Cheaper than a cabin (by a lot) and comfy and quiet.
Once ashore, we grabbed an Uber and checked into our hotel, had a quick dinner and fell into bed.
The next morning, we arose and began our trek into Melbourne.
As easy as Sydney is to negotiate public transit, Melbourne is not as intuative. Thankfully a local was there to help us understand how to buy a Myki card, the machine was definitely not intuitive. but once we got it. easy… In fact, we then helped another tourist with the same thing!
We took the one hour commuter train into the city, then the next city train to our hotel. Our room was not ready, so we left our bags and went to explore.
We first headed for lunch, at a lovely little pub, Coopers Inn, where Cricket was on… it’s a big thing here. A family arrived and the little boy insisted he had to sit so he could watch the game.
We then headed out to explore. We are staying in the theatre district, and China Town.
We then headed over to Carlton Gardens, a beautiful garden at the Royal Exhibition Building and Melbourne Museum. A Bride and Groom were waiting for the rest of the party to arrive to take pictures.
We then headed over to the Parliament buildings (of Victoria)
We then headed back to our suite hotel, checked in, did a wee grocery shop, and relaxed for the evening
Our Wicked Walkabout 
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