Melbourne April 2016

[GarrettM]

Just relaxing with a cider in front of the TV - and waiting for my English Premier League team to take the field in an hour or so - on the last night of our short family trip to Melbourne.
Planning to do a proper trip report in the next week or so.
To offer something of a teaser, there'll be plenty of footy, some dinosaurs, lions, gorillas, and pandas (OH MY!), a bit of food, and the odd whinge about the wife.

 

[GarrettM]

Let's begin,

Back in August or so last year we decided we would see how we went on a shortish interstate trip with BabyGM. Our reasoning was that she was turning out to be a reasonably well tempered child, and if we wanted to do any long haul flying in the future it would make sense to try her out on some shorter legs first.
That, combined with my desire to spend some decent time in Melbourne and watch some footy, saw us book some flights for April.
Fast forward to travel time, and with Baby GM still a delight, off we go!

April 15. PER-MEL.
VA684 Dep: 1130, Arr: 1700
Class Y: 25H & 25K


Bub was extremely interested in everything as she usually is, but fell asleep as soon the plane rolled over for takeoff and napped for almost an hour. After that she was pretty cruisey until descent when I guess the pressure changes caused her some distress. But certainly can't complain about her behaviour.
The flight itself was fine. I had the butter chicken and rice for lunch. It was better than the pasta offering the wife had.

I'll save a flight comparison for the end of the report, as we came home on a QF operated JQ service, and there were noticable difference in hard and soft product between that and the VA one.

The taxi from the airport to Southbank was simple enough for a Friday night. With two cases, a pram, a portacot and other miscellany to throw in it was good to get a bigger cab.

Knowing we would have to get BabyGM settled pretty quickly we decided to hit up the local Italian joint we had liked previously. Soprano's Restaurant and Pizzeria on City Road. A large American pizza and some chicken and avo penne for $30 is good business in my book.

And then I got to stay up late and watch West Coast pummel the Tigers. So all in all a good start to our holiday.

Coming up next: Things take a turn for the worse.

 

[UP4014]

Always good fun reading people's stories, especially with pic or two. Bub pushing a few random buttons would be a good one

cheers

matt

 

[GarrettM]

Always good fun reading people's stories, especially with pic or two. Bub pushing a few random buttons would be a good one

cheers

matt

She did a lot of random button pressing of the IFE on both flights, but as soon as one of us takes a phone out she stops whatever she is doing and makes a grab for the phone. It's scary how fast she cottoned on to them. Trying to limit her exposure to screens of any sort but it's already evident how hard that will be.

 

[cove]

It is always interesting to have fresh eyes look around Melbourne. Walking around the city you find all sorts of cafes down what I would call laneways.

 

[GarrettM]

Just a quick backtrack:

Our trip started in the Perth VA Lounge, courtesy of my two complementary passes on the Amex Platinum. As my first lounge experience I can't really compare it to anything except being out amongst the unwashed masses battling for space at the gate.
It was comfortable enough though it felt a tad utilitarian. Fine for short stays and a toasted sandwich and coffee, but not somewhere I would look to spend any great length of time. I've seen enough pics of some of the international lounges to get an idea of what is possible.

Moving on:
Saturday morning in Melbourne.


I had plans to head to the MCG to watch the Melbourne-Collingwood AFL game. My wife had plans to go to Ikea to buy a high chair. :shock: Something was bound to give, and there was no question what it would be.
We crossed the river to catch the tram, but it didn't take long for her to get annoyed with my inability to quickly decipher the tram network. In her defence though I was doing research on the fly, and should have put the whole thing on hold until Sunday so we could start our holiday on a more relaxing note. Live and learn.
Long story short the high chair was obtained, we chipped at each other for a bit, and I gave up on the MCG idea, opting instead to head to Docklands later that night.
Caught up with a colleague who had come across for the Dockers match on the Sunday, and a couple other blokes for a drink at the Savoy Hotel before the Western Bulldogs Carlton match, and then across to the Stadium.
Pretty impressed with that Docklands precinct. A lot of development there. Wouldn't mind one of those apartments, but that dream will need to wait a few decades.
The view from the third deck.

The match itself was pretty average but you get that a lot these days.
After the game we headed to San Antone at Crown for some southern barbecue. https://www.crownmelbourne.com.au/restaurants/casual/san-antone
I had the Big Kev burger. It was ok. I wasn't blown away though. Of course they were out of several meats by this time of the night, so the burger was lacking some of its usual offerings which didn't help. I would eat there again though.

After burgers it was back to the apartment for some late night English Premier League watching, before a 2am bedtime.
Gotta love holidays!

 

[GarrettM]

Sunday.
I knew staying up till 2am would be an issue in the morning when bub woke up at 6ish, but she thankfully spent the night on WA time so she didn't rouse until almost 8am. #winning

The wife had a tip to check out Hardware Lane for a brekky spot, so we packed up the pram, synchronised our Fitbits* and headed out.
We picked Max on Hardware for a meal, and we were pretty satisfied. Max Bar Restaurant | Traditional Italian pizza, pasta and mains, in relaxed restaurant and bustling street seating area.
She got the pancakes and I went for the big breakfast, sharing bits of that with bub, who also munched on her own fruit. I don't always take pics of my food so can't offer you images here. Will have a few for later meals though.

After that it was Federation Square for a look around and some pics.

The sleepy look would remain all week, thanks to my late nights and bub picking up some sort of virus that disrupted her dramatically. The nose is because she can be bloody violent when grabbing at the face. But it's tough to get annoyed with her.

Following the pic opportunity we walked around the Sunday market stalls at the Arts Centre and then went back to the apartment for morning naps.

In the afternoon it was back on the walking path to Queen Victoria Market, where we ate a light lunch in the food hall, and the wife bought some gourmet goodies for later.
Of course she kept adding things to the purchases before realising it was cash only, and got lucky when I had just enough to cover her.

We ambled our way back to the apartment to put her down for more nap time and to chill out for a bit, before I walked back to Docklands later in the afternoon to watch North Melbourne beat the Dockers. Which made it quite the good day.



*One of the things I love about holidays is getting off my cough and walking around. It's fine to get public transport as well, but I just can't get enough of walking through big cities and finding my own way. And with the Fitbits we can spur each other on to hit our daily targets. So I kept a tally of how many miles I did during the trip. There is an element of inaccuracy with the technology, but all I can do is present the information it gives me.
So....

Saturday's totals: 10,259 steps for 7.79km.
Sunday: 17,895 steps for 13.58km.

Coming up: dinosaurs and DFOs.

 

[smit0847]

Pretty impressed with that Docklands precinct. A lot of development there. Wouldn't mind one of those apartments, but that dream will need to wait a few decades.

Trust me, you really don't.

 

[love_the_life]

We were originally Melbournians or is that Melbournites? If there are concerts etc we tend to go there rather than Sydney as we still like it a lot. You seem to be getting a fair bit of footy in on the trip but glad to see some quality food as well.
MissGM is absolutely gorgeous, a real sweety by the look of it.

 

[Princess Fiona]

Your bub is a real cutie !!

 

[Guvner]

Trust me, you really don't.

+1. Stay well away from the idea of even considering looking at buying anything in that area.

 

[GarrettM]

+1. Stay well away from the idea of even considering looking at buying anything in that area.

I can say with 98.7% surety that I will never be buying an apartment in Melbourne.

 

[GarrettM]

Monday.

Not long after I had booked flights for our trip the Melbourne Museum announced it was hosting the Jurassic World Exhibition starting in March. As a long-time dinosaur nut there was no way I wasn't going to go to this. And with Virgin Velocity members getting a 10% discount on tix it was a total no brainer.
The wife is a bit of a Groupon groupie and had pre-purchased a couple of deals we would use on the trip. On this morning we enjoyed "gourmet bagels and coffee" at Guava Bean on Freshwater Place. I'm not sure how gourmet some chicken and avocado in warm dough is to be honest. But it was fine, and away we go.

The 96 tram from the CBD dropped us right at the Museum front door just about. It's amazing what decent public transport can do.

Anyone familiar with the Jurassic Park franchise would know that when you go to something like this, you're not getting real science. It's all a bit of a show, but that's fine. I'm more of a fossil and skeleton guy, but I can also enjoy the fun of movie monsters.
And it was pretty cool even if it was more for the kids. Definitely recommend it for something different.

The actual dinosaur walk at the Museum was less impressive, although the Tarbosaurus is neat.

We left the Museum and headed to Lygon Street hoping to find something decent to eat, but I think we were walking the wrong way to find the cafes, and so we walked all the way back through the CBD and ended up getting some burgers at Grill'd at Southgate. We're serious gourmets.

We wanted bub to get a little outdoor play so decided to roll around on the grassed area of the apartment complex. She loved it.


After a short rest at the apartment the wife decided it was time to do some shopping because, after all, Melbourne. She had researched a couple of DFOs and was hoping to find some decent casual shoes. So we walked down Riverside to South Wharf where she picked up some discount Skechers. I actually need some new shoes for work and play but just couldn't find anything that satisfied me anywhere, so gave it a miss.

I was feeling the effects of some late nights and all the walking so that pretty much wrapped up the day, and we enjoyed some Latina Fresh pasta on the couch with a cider and a glass of wine that evening.

Monday's walking: 13,116 steps for 9.96km.

Next: Doughnuts, a virus alert, and a surprise history lesson.

 

[GarrettM]

Tuesday. Morning.

Too early morning. Baby had somehow picked up a virus, which was to wreak havoc with her sleeping, and ours, for a couple of nights. The wife and I took turns in letting her sleep on top of us, which seems to be the only way she'll settle when she's unwell. But it's not great for our sleep.

We had planned to go to the zoo, but it seemed too much of a mission after such a long night. Instead, we went doughnut shopping! The wife is doing a series of small pieces on interstate stores that are soon to be setting up in Perth. Aldi is one for example. Another one is Doughnut Time which has a tiny counter on DeGraves Street near Flinders Station, and another little outlet at TopShop at the Emporium. It's going to open another counter at TopShop in Perth soon, so we went to check them out.

Serious doughnuts, with not so serious names, but with a serious price tag at about $6 a pop. They're pretty good, but not THAT good. I remember the days of getting half a dozen hot doughnuts on the way to school for about two bucks, and I gotta say I prefer those.
But we didn't do too bad here. After eating these ones MrsGM contacted the company to get more of their story and when they'd be coming to Perth. They told her to come back to DeGraves Street later in the week for a chat, where they GAVE her a selection of six doughnuts AND a ridiculously artisan milkshake to boot. About $45 worth of product by my reckoning.

Tuesday, TBC...

 

[Buzzard]

So nice to read a TR on an Australian destination.

 

[GarrettM]

Better get back to this...

Tuesday.
MrsGM was feeling quite tired after our overnight dramas with bub, so we abandoned our plans to go to the zoo. Fortunately this opened up a whole afternoon for me to indulge myself with a tour of the MCG and the National Sports Museum. It was something I had hoped to do but wasn't sure I'd get a chance too.

It's a relatively nice walk from Southbank through Birrarung Marr, and on to Gate 3 which is the entry for tours and the NSM. Had a mini-heart attack when they told me they don't accept Amex as payment, but luckily I'd kept another card in the wallet for my walk.


Was a pretty nice day for it. The heat lamps are to help the grass on the southern side grow, due to lots of winter shade. This was in the lead up to the Anzac Day match between Collingwood and Essendon and the captains of both teams, Scott Pendlebury and Brendon Goddard were about the place doing some promo stuff with one of the local papers.
Our guide for the tour offered plenty of info about the MCC and its members. For those not in the know the wait list to become a member is about 20 years. It lengthened considerably a couple of decades ago when they finally allowed women to become members. It was probably the right thing to do.
Not inclined to become a member myself, but may sign up BabyGM in the future, and she might get some value out of it.

Especially since I learnt on the tour that two of my ancestors were among the five men who initially formed the Melbourne Cricket Club in the 1830s! Talk about gobsmacked!!

We have the same surname, and the nose really gives it away. Anyone who wants to Google can easily figure out the name, but I'll leave that to them. Certainly the family nose is prominent, and I am ever grateful I didn't end up with it myself.
I need to do some more research on this, but I know the south east is where the family originally settled after arriving from the "old country". They slowly moved west in ensuing years, and I believe a great-grandfather was an umbrella salesman in SA before WW1, with my own paternal grandfather coming from SA to settle in Kalgoorlie before WW2.

Of course having a link to the founders of the MCC means bugger all when it comes to becoming a member, but it does make for a good conversation topic with long-standing members, as I found later in the Museum.
While on the tour we also enjoyed a walk through of the "Long Room", and I sat in Steve Smith's chair in the Australian dressing rooms.
Well worth the cost of admission.

 

[GarrettM]

Tuesday.

National Sports Museum.
You can book a combo ticket for the MCG tour and the NSM for just over $30. I have to say it's top value.
I didn't spend TOO much time in the museum, staying for about 45 minutes or so, but hardcore visitors could definitely spend a couple hours at least.
I thought the Shane Warne video chat room thing was a bit odd. I'm told there was a James Hird one as well, but it wasn't running when I was there. Good.
A great little model of the MCG with pitch.


He don't look so grumpy.


The 2002 Caulfield Cup, won by WA great Northerly.


Naturally the Museum exit takes you through the MCG merch store, and while I looked for something to buy I wasn't overly taken with their offerings. Very little West Coast Eagles gear. Presume it sells too fast. Lots of Dockers stuff though. Wonder why.

The walk back to town was again quite pleasant. Arrived home in time to play my role in putting bub to sleep, and then the wife and I relaxed for an evening on the couch with some TV and conversation.

Total steps recorded: 15,042, for 11.42km.

 

[GarrettM]

Wednesday.

We'd had a bit of a better night's sleep, but bub was still battling with her virus. Even so we decided we would give the Melbourne Zoo a visit. We are member's of the Perth Zoo which gives free reciprocal entry to a bunch of other zoos around the country. Definitely worth the money for those with kids.
Now that we'd come to grips with the tram map, it was a straightforward matter of jumping on the 55 to West Coburg and away we go!
Some extra exercise for me today, because I'd be lugging bub around on my back. More fun for her rather than sitting in the pram.

Checking out the pygmy hippos.

The colobus monkeys were cool.

On the hunt for gorilla. We did see them briefly but they retreated to their caves. To be fair there were a lot of school kids around, so I understand the reticence.

El tigre walked right past the glass window as we were standing there. We have two cats and bub is mad for them, so the tiger was a blast for her.

All that walking really tuckered her out.

The rest of the day was spent relaxing for mum and dad, watching bub crawl around and generally entertain us. We decided on an early dinner at the Merrywell, eating upstairs to avoid the crowds in the burger bar. Although we had to dodge some function up top anyway.
For the lady, soft shell crab tacos with a glass of SSB, while the gentleman enjoyed the 300gm Scotch fillet with a pint of white rabbit. Very civilised indeed.

Steps for the day, 12,228 for 9.28km.

 

[GarrettM]

Thursday. A day of eating.
I had been told to try a place called Misty's Diner in Prahran, which does a decent US style burger. But we'll get to that.
Earlier in this TR I mentioned the wife is a big fan of the Groupon, and she had another one she wanted to try out.
It was for a place on MacKillop Street called Dip In Café | Dip In offers a little taste of everything
Easy enough to walk to, but a minor issue when we arrived in that it's kind of under street level, so had to leave the pram in a tiny alcove at the entrance. Not ideal but not a deal breaker either.
As the name suggests, the place is all about its unique dips and condiments, and their use on the menu. Not generally something I would pick but what the hell.
Verdict: silly dish names, excellent food.
I had the Make Hummus Not War, with chicken. Honestly could you see yourself ordering that?

Nevertheless it was very good in my opinion. Everything combined perfectly, and it was a generous sized breakfast offering. The wife had the Shakshuka which you can just make out in the background.

After breakfast we walked back to Doughnut Time to pick up those freebies I mentioned previously.

Delicious but deadly. We didn't actually eat all of them. Not for want of desire, but it just didn't quite work out.
And so we found ourselves at http://www.mistysdiner.com.au/www/
Obviously I wasn't going to be trying the Burger Challenge. Those days are now well past me thankfully.
Instead I went with the Double Whammy, which at $25 is still serious burger country. The wife opted for the pulled pork sliders, and we shared a plate of chili cheese fries.
Considered a good old fashioned milk shake, but stuck with water. Probably a wise choice.


After lunch we plodded on back to the city via the tram, not really in the mood for much activity. Can't think why.

Steps: 10,453. 7.93km.

 

[GarrettM]

Must finish this.

Friday.

Another lazyish day of doing whatever we feel like doing. We had booked lunch at Arbory Bar & EateryArbory - Arbory Bar & Eatery but first we went back to South Wharf DFO so I could have another crack at finding some new shoes.

I failed. But we looked around at a few other things and the missus picked up one or two items. So all good.

Back to Arbory and I had been told their burgers were really good so I was pretty excited. Wasn't disappointed either. I had the double cheeseburger along with a pint of cider, while the wife ordered the ribeye steam with chickpea chips and chimichurri. No photos sorry. Bit unimpressed with the wait for the food at more than 30 minutes. I think they buggered up and prepared two burgers, because that's what they had when they approached us asking if we'd ordered two burgers. The steak arrived about 15 minutes later. But the food was good.
Saw some people had ordered the southern fried chicken burger which also looked good, and the American hotdog which looked fantastic. Made a mental note to grab one of those after the footy that night.

After lunch we cruised around the CBD for a bit, and then decided to walk to the Shrine of Remembrance. We got there right on closing time so were able to watch the lowering of the flags while the Last Post was played. At any time that's a moving bit of bugling.

Back to the apartment and I put bub to sleep and then I was free to go to some Friday Night Football!

Hawthorn and Adelaide at the MCG. Couldn't have asked for a better first match at his ground. Had gone in hoping for a Crows win, but I ended up being surrounded by their fans who are really annoying. So in the end happy the Hawks stole it. And they did steal it, with help from the umpires. But sports happens.
After the game it was time to go back to Arbory for one of those hotdogs. But the place was packed and I'm not a massive fan of crowded bars like that. So I went walking to find alternatives. Grill'd? Closed. The Merrywell? Closed. Not doing so well.
In the end I hit up one of the Crown food halls and settled on some Chinese from https://www.crownmelbourne.com.au/restaurants/quick-bites/ten-miles
As far as food court Chinese goes - and I am no snob - it was pretty decent. And with a cider in front of the TV re-watching the end of the footy it was more than satisfying.

Walking stats today: 17,377 steps and 13.19km