Melbourne, My Journey Back Then
It was 2019, the last time I set foot in Melbourne, and it feels like a lifetime ago now.
1. Flinders Street Station: This is Melbourne’s most famous and recognizable landmark. Opened in 1910, its grand architecture with a large dome, clocks, and yellow facade is a significant symbol of the city. Inside, it serves as a major hub for Melbourne’s suburban rail network, connecting commuters and travelers to various parts of the city and beyond.
4. Degraves Street: Located just off Flinders Street, Degraves Street is famous for its European-style cafes, laneway dining, and street art. It’s a popular spot for grabbing coffee, people-watching, and experiencing Melbourne’s unique café culture.
5. Flinders Lane: Parallel to Flinders Street, this laneway is renowned for its vibrant art galleries, boutique shopping, and high-end restaurants. It’s a must-visit for those interested in art and local fashion.
The more time that passes, the more I find myself missing that city,the one that welcomed me with its crisp air and skyline, a unique blend of towering skyscrapers and charming Victorian architecture. I’ve just been thinking about that trip, my last one before the pandemic changed everything.
I remember walking down Flinders Street, and the energy of Melbourne hit me immediately.
Trams rattled by, their clangs a familiar melody that seemed to belong only to this city. It felt like a place where time moves at its own pace.
The aroma of coffee drifted from every corner, a constant reminder that this was indeed the coffee capital of Australia. I stopped for a cup at a little café, the kind that feels like a hidden gem but is likely known by every local. That first sip made it clear why Melburnians are so proud of their coffee culture.
One of my first stops was Federation Square. If I had to describe it, I’d say it’s Melbourne in a nutshell, part art, part culture, part innovation.
The architecture was a strange yet fitting mix of futuristic and quirky, but also timeless. It was the kind of place that invites you to stay a while, to sit, observe, and soak in the essence of the city.
I spent hours inside the National Gallery of Victoria, wandering between exhibitions. The modern art pieces made me question reality, while the classic works took me back in time, each painting a window into a different era.
The next day, I lost myself in Melbourne’s famous laneways. Hosier Lane, in particular, was alive with color. The street art felt like an ever-evolving gallery, the walls telling stories through vibrant murals. Every corner I turned offered something new, something bold and expressive, reminding me that in Melbourne, creativity doesn’t belong just in museums,it thrives in the streets.
Though I didn’t take the dinner cruise down the Yarra River, I can imagine what it must feel like. I often stood by the river, watching the boats drift lazily under the city’s glow.
I pictured how stunning the view must be from the water, the skyline reflected in the river, the lights shimmering like the city’s own heartbeat. For those on the cruise, I imagine Melbourne would feel like it’s revealing a softer, more intimate side, one that’s impossible to see from the crowded streets.
In the evenings, I would simply sit by the Yarra, watching as the day faded and the city transformed. The bustle of Melbourne would quiet down, replaced by the twinkling lights that made the skyline look even more magical. In those moments, it felt like the city was breathing, alive with art, food, and the warmth of its people.
But it wasn’t just the landmarks or the sights that made Melbourne special, it was the people. Every conversation felt like a connection, whether it was a barista recommending a hidden café or a stranger sharing a quick smile as we crossed paths. Melburnians have this way of making you feel like you belong, even when you’re just passing through.
As I packed my bags to leave, I realised Melbourne wasn’t just a destination, it had become an experience.
A city where history, culture, and modern life blend seamlessly, creating a rhythm all its own. It left its mark on me in a way few places have, and I know one day I’ll return, because once Melbourne touches you, it never really lets go.
Saskia Ubaidi for Sasqijourney
Jakarta, 6 October 2024
Point of interest for me :
Flinders Street is one of the most iconic and busiest streets in Melbourne, home to a mix of cultural, historical, and modern attractions.
Flinders Street itself is a major artery that reflects the heart of Melbourne, combining its rich history with modern city life, making it a perfect place to start exploring the city’s diverse culture.
1. Flinders Street Station: This is Melbourne’s most famous and recognizable landmark. Opened in 1910, its grand architecture with a large dome, clocks, and yellow facade is a significant symbol of the city. Inside, it serves as a major hub for Melbourne’s suburban rail network, connecting commuters and travelers to various parts of the city and beyond.2. Federation Square: Just across the road from Flinders Street Station, Federation Square is a cultural and civic center. It houses the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) and hosts public events, exhibitions, and screenings. Its unique modern architecture contrasts with the Victorian style of the station, creating an interesting visual blend.
3. St. Paul’s Cathedral: Situated at the intersection of Flinders Street and Swanston Street, St. Paul’s Cathedral is a neo-Gothic Anglican cathedral that adds historical depth to the area. The cathedral is a beautiful example of Melbourne’s colonial-era architecture and is a place of worship and reflection.
4. Degraves Street: Located just off Flinders Street, Degraves Street is famous for its European-style cafes, laneway dining, and street art. It’s a popular spot for grabbing coffee, people-watching, and experiencing Melbourne’s unique café culture.5. Flinders Lane: Parallel to Flinders Street, this laneway is renowned for its vibrant art galleries, boutique shopping, and high-end restaurants. It’s a must-visit for those interested in art and local fashion.