Day 5 in Melbourne, Australia: From Art at NGV to the Infamous Crown Entertainment Complex

Author:
lilian_sg
Updated:
Feb 23, 2013

Federation Bells

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Experience the Beauty of the Yarra River

On our fifth day in Melbourne, we headed towards the St Paul's Cathedral which is located just across the street from Flinders Street Station. We entered the church for a while before walking past the Federation Square, and heading towards the Yarra River.

Located on the north bank of the Yarra River is Melbourne's newest parkland, the Birrarung Marr. We walked along the river and followed the signs. In just a short while, we reached the Federation Bells. Unfortunately, when we were there the bells were not chiming as they are computer programed to chime at certain timings only. On that day, some people were also kayaking in the river. It reminded me of my wonderful time kayaking in Phuket!

An Example of Aboriginal Art at NGV

Admiring the Art at the Ian Potter Centre

From here, we then took the path towards the National Gallery of Victoria Australia (NGV Australia) also known as the Ian Potter Centre. At the ground floor, there is a huge exhibtion of aboriginal art. Once you have admired all the art on this floor, walk up the stairs or take the lift up to the higher levels as there is much more to be seen.

Seafood Risotto at Le Cirque Fine Foods

Shopping at Harbourtown

When we were finally done, we took the tourist shuttle bus towards Docklands where Harbourtown is located. Before we started shopping, we filled our stomachs with some lovely food at Le Cirque Fine Foods. After a good meal, we then set out to conquer this open-air shopping mall. As such, do layer up especially on a cold day, as you will be exposed to the cold winds while shopping. There are lots of brands available here and if you plan to go skiing, I would recommend getting the necessary clothes or equipment here first, instead of paying sky-high fees to rent them at the ski resorts.

We spent more than two hours here shopping. While waiting for the tourist shuttle bus to arrive, we rested our feet at the Tourism Lounge, where visitors are welcome to help themselves to the free coffee or tea. Soon, the bus was here and we then stopped at the Crown Entertainment Complex. The place is huge and consists of a shopping area, an arcade, a cinema, foodcourt and restaurants, hotels and of course, the infamous Crown Casino.

The Huge Crown Entertainment Complex

Lovely Night Stroll in Melbourne

After a tiring day, we walked from the Crown Entertainment Complex back towards our hotel. It was an enjoyable walk back as the weather was cooling, and we could walk past Southgate where there are many hip (and expensive) restaurants cum bars along the waterfront. Not forgetting, at night, you will also see balls of fire shot off from eight huge columns just in front of the Crown Entertainment Complex. Such a great end to a lovely day in Melbourne!

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