I headed into the city this morning with some mates who were arriving for the early pre-game festivities for the traditional footy game. Much like we have in the United States traditional Thanksgiving Day football matches, every year on the Queen’s birthday Melbourne plays their rival, Collingwood. Melbourne supporters (such as those I rode into the city with) meet early on the banks of the Yarra River for a bit of a pep talk from the club. Afterwards, they all march across the bridge and to the MCG for the big game. While the other guys were at the pre-game pep talk I decided to wander down the banks of the Yarra and see some of the great sites along the way.
The River itself is not by any means “beautiful”. Some refer to it as the upside down river because of the amount of silt in the river. While it is true that the last parts of the river are extremely murky (the parts running through the city) due to the silt it collects, the higher portions of the river are pristine. Perhaps in an attempt to compensate for the dirty appearance of the river, many beautiful parks, buildings, restaurants, and pedestrian walkways have been constructed along the banks of the Yarra. If this was in fact their purpose, it has been well done.
After walking the banks of the river and admiring the cheerful ambient I headed over to other side of the river. This part of the city is modern Melbourne. While the city is rich in its architectural heritage with a tasteful mix new and innovative structures that would tickle Ted Mosby’s fancy, the Southbank contains many recent developments that highlight the city’s dedication to aesthetical pleasure. It is also the sight of a landmark building that is my destination on the other side of the bridge, Eureka Tower.
Eureka Tower is the tallest skyscraper in Melbourne standing at 975 feet (297.3 meters). It has 91 stories with a public viewing “sky deck” on the 88th floor. It is not the tallest building in the world but it is the tallest in the southern hemisphere and it is the world’s tallest residential structure. Can you imagine living on the 91st floor?
On top of the great view, the tower offers visitors an opportunity to take their experience to the edge, literally. There is a glass box that guests can stand in as it extends 3 meters out over the edge of the 88th story. When the box extends outward, the glass is completely opaque and appears “frosted” obstructing your view of the dizzying heights below you an added sense of security. Once fully extended by some technological miracle, all at once, the class becomes clear as day throwing some over the edge mentally.
After enjoying the view, an Aussie meat pie, and some free Ben & Jerry’s (in honor of Her Majesty, much obliged), I headed back down to earth. Since the afternoon was in full bloom and it was a beautiful sunny day, I got to see the parks in their full glory, being enjoyed by families and individuals of every sort. There were a number of street performers along the banks doing magic, playing music, juggling, etc. Federation Square, the city’s modern art center was hosting a number of outdoor events and there were a number of people sporting their team colors as they converged on the massive MCG.
I joined the masses and made my way to the game. Unfortunately Melbourne lost the match. It was an ugly beating but an entertaining game nonetheless. At least it didn’t rain on us.
All in all it was a wonderful day. It was a perfect way to celebrate the Queen’s birthday! Happy Birthday Betty! Here is to another great year. Thanks for the day off! (Oh and the Ben & Jerry’s)
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