The following morning, I packed up everything I had and checked out of the YHA at 11am. I had several hours to kill before my parents & brother were to arrive in the city so I decided to explore the harbour front in the western neighbourhood called Docklands. Luckily, the YHA staff let me store my suitcase in a spare room because I didn’t want to pull it around town. Overall, Melbourne’s Central YHA is an alright accommodation, located in the heart of city centre and not being that expensive. From what I saw, there’s Internet (you have to buy a card), tv, showers, laundry (if you need it), kitchen, and a rack containing hundreds of brochures that advertise everything that Melbourne has to offer. I stayed in a 6 bed dorm which could have been a little bigger but I got the sleep I needed. I still recommend having a pair of earplugs just in case you get stuck with snorers.
My first stop along the way was Southern Cross Station. I got a glimpse of the station when I arrived in Melbourne 3 days earlier but didn’t thoroughly explore it . . . until now. Southern Cross is one of the main train stations along Melbourne’s public rail transportation network. Originally opened in 1859, the station underwent a huge redevelopment in the early 2000s and was completed just in time for the 2006 Commonwealth Games. The main feature of the modern architecture is a large undulating roof that slopes up and down like waves in water. For waiting passengers there are many restaurants, shops, and buskers to enjoy.
Southern Cross also serves as a main transportation hub for people wanting to go see Australian Rules Football matches at the nearby Etihad Stadium located just across the tracks. Also known as the Docklands Stadium, Colonial Stadium, and Telstra Dome, the stadium opened in 2000 after costing $460 million AUD to build. The facility is also the headquarters of the Australian Football League. Of course, the stadium has been used for other sports, like cricket, soccer, and rugby, and also for special events and concerts. The stadium was closed when I was passing through but I noticed an expensive condo apartment tower sitting next to the stadium. The occupants on the top floors can see a free game from the comfort of their own balconies.
For a time, the Docklands area served as the main port for Melbourne until the introduction of shipping containers in the late 1960s, rendering the area too small for large container ships. Over the following decades, the area was transformed into a business and condo residential neighbourhood. Modern condos, private yachts, and art sculptures line the old docks yards. For people looking for excitement, there’s Waterfront City, filled with restaurants, retail stores, an ice rink, a marina, and a fun park for the kids.
I headed back to the YHA hostel in the early afternoon to pick up my suitcase. Unfortunately, clouds filled with water moved over the city and it began to rain when I exited the hostel. I was meeting my family at a hostel across from the Melbourne Museum, meaning I could either walk for 30 minutes or catch a taxi. With an umbrella in my left hand and my suitcase handle in my right, I started walking towards my final destination hoping to catch a taxi on the way. Well, despite my best efforts, every taxi I waved at didn’t stop. By the time I walked half the distance, I scrapped my taxi plan and just walked to the hostel while it continued to rain. Like always, the rain stopped when I arrived at the hostel.
The hostel is called The Nunnery and is located in an old residential building on Nicholson Street. In my opinion, the outer structure needed a facelift. I was informed by the polite receptionist that my family had not arrived and checked into the room. I decided to wait and dry off. My family finally arrived in their rented car 90 minutes behind schedule. I was grateful to see my parents and older brother who just spent several days driving around the island of Tasmania. We checked into a large room that contained 2 bunk beds and a queen size bed. Once we dropped off our luggage, we set about exploring the nearby area.
We ended up in a local Spanish restaurant that wasn’t opened yet. My mother had sweet talked the owner into letting us in an hour before opening to dine on wine and bread. When it was time, we each ordered a delicious dinner meal (I can’t remember what) followed by desert. After paying the bill we walked around a bit before returning to the hostel.
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