Monday, October 29, 2012

Federation Square – Melbourne, Australia


Federation Square – Melbourne, Australia

Australia is blessed with natural beauty. The credit goes to Australian government in preserving and maintaining it and at the same time people who are conscious of their surrounding cleanliness. You go to any state, may it be New South Wales (NSW), Queensland (QLD), South Australia (SA), Tasmania (TAS), Victoria (VIC), and Western Australia (WA) they all are beautiful in their own way. They all have some great mesmerizing t destinations which should take you by surprise by the enchanting beauty.

I was fortunate to spend some quality time both at Sydney (NSW) and Melbourne (VIC). Both the city offers some splendid destinations like Sydney has Opera House, Riverside Quay, Luna Park, Harbor Bridge and Darling Harbor. Melbourne is on the southeastern side of Australia and attracts more tourist than Sydney. Melbourne has more for tourist than Sydney and if one has to make a choice it should be Melbourne. In my opinion, Melbourne is far more simple and easy to explore. You don’t need to carry the train/tram guide books or any domestic help to figure out the city. You take a quick city circle free tram ride and you would know how to maneuver in Melbourne.   Melbourne has Federation Square, Eureka Tower, Yarra River side, State buildings, Parks, shrines, cultural centers and some amazing eateries.  

I visited Melbourne during early spring time. The weather was nice and the cold was just about over couple weeks back. So in some way I was lucky to have decently sunny weather during the day time. I spent good amount of my time at Federation Square. Fortunately I had to reach Flinders Street station every day to catch another train or tram and Fed Square (is commonly called) is at the intersection between Flinders Street and Swanston Street & St Kilda Road adjacent to Flinders Street Station.

Fed Square is a cultural precinct and happening place for tourist. The place offers a good seating arrangement facing flinders street station and you will see many artist, actors, comedians and musicians presenting their art in front of people. WIFI is free so you can connect to internet, click live videos and pictures and share with your friends.

Fed Square buzzes with activities especially over the weekends. On that particular Sunday ‘south Vietnam’ team was presenting their culture, food and live orchestra. The place was adorned with colors of Vietnam flag - the bright yellor background and horizontal red strips. Though I did not understand the songs however loved the people shaking their legs on the Vietnamese music. I found the beats similar to koli songs what we get to hear in Goa/Konkan and Maharashtra.  There was special drawing event for kids with Vietnamese artist. The food stalls presenting Vietnamese cuisines was the bonus. I haven’t seen such multi-cultural events in India. In half a day festival you end up gathering so much about the Vietnam.  

If you are visiting Melbourne don’t forget to visit Fed Square over the weekends.


Tourists savoring Vietnam cuisine at different stalls. The food ranged from their family dishes which included the steamed white rice, Fish/seafood, meat, tofu. stir-fry dish, Pickled, steamed, or fresh vegetables, Canh and Fresh fruits or desserts

The singer performing on the stage.



Food stalls



 Live performance of an artist - Federation square overlooking Flinders Street Station. 

   

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