17-19 January 2017
Arrived Melbourne in the afternoon & used the Skybus to get to our hotel. It seemed cheaper but wasn’t quick. It was about $40 for the two of us both but you are only taken into centre of Melbourne (about 20 Minutes ride). Then you have to wait about 20 minutes for a free bus to the hotel. We stayed at Pan Pacific Hotel which was a decent modern hotel and very central view n Flinders Street. We had a very nice dinner across the river in Southgate Restaurant. Then a lovely walk around that area of Melbourne. Very relaxed & friendly with beautiful nighttime scenes.
Following day up sharp for breakfast again in Southgate Restaurant the we took the free tram to the Rod Laver Arena to have a day at the Australian Open 2017. What a treat. It was a beautiful warm sunny day, what more could one ask for. First on was Venus Williams. Then later that day was Roger Federer v We had great seats Section 18 seats C92 & 93 as you can see in the photo. We realised that Andy Murray was playing in the evening so we bought evening tickets for that too as we didn’t want to miss our UK player who I really wanted to win. What a contrast with buying tickets for Wimbledon where there is a ballot to determine whether a ticket can be purchased!! We thoroughly enjoyed our tennis day and it will live long in my memory.
Following day Thursday 19th we used our time to explore the city of Melbourne before setting off to drive the Great Ocean Road. We walked through the shopping streets Bourne Street. Spent time in a park then took the No. 35 circle tram around the city which was free & came with a commentary.
That evening we met up with great friends Robin & Becci. Robin is a GP worked in the UK with me when I was a Practice Manager a few years ago. We had a meal at The Press Club which is a smart Greek Restaurant in Melbourne. There was a tasting menu, which I don’t think any of us realised at the time of booking & due to the number of dishes this meant a lot of interruptions to explain all the dishes. I found this a little trying when all I wanted to do was hear about our friends life in Australia. However we had a laugh about it all & really enjoyed our night catching up with our friends again.
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