Index
Days 1/2: Flying
Day 3: Great Ocean Road
Day 4: Great Ocean Road
Day 5: Yarra Valley
Day 6: Melbourne
Day 7: Sydney
Day 8: Sydney
Day 9: Sydney
Day 10: Sydney
Day 11: Return
Australia
One full day in Melbourne meant more exploring after breakfast, more shopping, and the obligatory stop at State Library Victoria. Did not make it inside parliament, or to Fitzroy, or even to St. Kilda or Brighton-- but we definitely considered it. Had the wine tasting yesterday been in the morning instead of the afternoon, maybe we would have made it further afield? As stately as the library is, with so many crazy libraries and bookstores out there on social media today, State Library Victoria felt like a mixed bag: the history is accessible and well-presented, the main reading room is indeed photo-worthy, but it might not blow you away.
Still felt like we enjoyed Melbourne, especially the CBD. Walked a ton, something like 6 miles/10 kilometers, including to Queen Victoria Market (closed today, oops), and then down to South Melbourne Market, where Diana tried to cause an oyster shortage. Have to say that the local oysters are very affordable and quite tasty, not to mention available in several varieties, from meaty to creamy. Saw sashimi, lobster, shrimp, and plenty of other seafood as well, but had to husband our stomach space for dinner, so we didn't go quite as crazy as we could have.
Strolled back via the Sandridge Bridge, enjoyed the Yarra River from Arbory Bar and Eatery on the north bank, just south of Flidners Street Station, then changed for Diana's birthday dinner at the 3.5 hat-rated (18-rated) Vue de Monde at sunset. Celebrated Diana's birthday with her friends Sarah and Ed over a truly spectacular meal, starting with an amazing sunset, over a meal that continued late into the night. Exquisite presentation, fine wine, and an understated elegance in a contemporary setting, from table-side ground herbs and mousse presented with liquid nitrogen, artful tomato tartlets, caviar, lobster (or was it a giant prawn?), to a cheese cart to rival what I had at Odette a few years ago. Of course, there was an oyster course, as well as kangaroo, plus three desserts, including a decadent chocolate souffle I don't think any of us could finish.
Happy Birthday, Diana (and Sarah!).