Aussie Architecture

So I have been walking for days around Melbourne and I am blown away by the differences in the architectural buildings that are here. There are some amazing modern building that makes you wonder why Vancouver is the way it is. Everything is very well designed for the smallest spaces to the larger civic buildings. Even the fast food places are designed with some flare and elegance.

Federation Square is one of my favorites (that is where we stopped to watch part of the Australian Open on the big screen and had a couple of beers). The convention center is extremely large and funky, as well as the Melbourne museum (very cool). Other buildings of note are the addition to the Post office and some new residential towers along the Yarra River (formerly industrial lands).

Some of the train stations are under construction for the Commonwealth Games this March and they are very cool. I could not take pictures of most of these as they are under high security. I actually got in trouble from one guard for trying to sneak in a picture of the Spencer Street Station.

Melbourne is a relatively young and active town where sports of all kinds seem to dominate the way of life. Their public transportation system is well organized, which makes it easy to get from one place to the next. They even have a free Tram that goes along the city center and everyone is welcome to hop on and off. Although the financial district does exist it is in an older part of the city where the architecture is not exciting. There are tall skyscrapers and office towers, which must have been innovative and progressive at the time when they were built. There are many pedestrian bridges that connect both sides of the river and there are tennis courts everywhere, as well as parks, and large areas for cricket and football. There are some major stadiums around town to support the local professional teams.

Sit back and enjoy the show around Melbourne, as I hoist a cold one with Pammy and Ravy…