Why is Melbourne one of the Most Liveable Cities in the World?

Last week, we took a four-day break in Melbourne, in the state of Victoria, Australia. It was my first time in Melbourne. The weather was great most of the time, at about 20 degrees C ... perfect for strolling around. The only time there was rain was when we were about to view the penguin parade at Phillip Island (so we had to put on raincoats :).

Here are a few shots, starting with me on Collins Street - which is like one of the major streets in the city centre - where we stayed.

Fig 1: Me and You and a Dog Named Boo?

One area I am personally and professionally interested in is Urban Planning, especially where design and technology is involved. As such, it has always intrigued me why Melbourne, as well as Vancouver and Vienna, always rank at the top of the league tables for "Most Liveable Cities in the World". So this was my opportunity to find out first hand for myself.

I really like how the Melbourne planners have nicely divided up the city areas into Commercial (Flinders St, Collin St, Little Collin St, Bourke St, Little Bourke St, etc), Arts & Recreation (Federation Sq, various museums, theatres, sports centres, parks)  and with a great transportation infrastructure (trams, trains, taxis and even cruise boats on the Yarra River) linking many of the key places. Having a clean river running through it always creates many scenic opportunities for any city. I also noticed many cathedrals and churches in various streets, with their wonderful old world architectures adding lots of character to the place.

Fig 2: Melbourne central, with view of Flinders St Station, Federation Sq and St Paul's Cathedral

Fig 3: Another view of Melbourne central, showing the Yarra River

I took the above two photos from the 88th level observation floor of Eureka Tower, the tallest building in Melbourne.

Strolling down the wide riverside walkways is a pleasant experience. Lots of  cafes, restaurants, sculptures and creativity ...

Fig 3a: A " celestial friend" I met on the bank of the Yarra

We took a half-day tour to Phillip Island, well known for its wildlife sanctuary and especially for the "Penguin Parade". They brought us to a farm, a koala sanctuary and finally to see the penguins.

Fig 4: Sadly, this was the closest I got to a sheila :-)

Fig 5: Or maybe this was closer?

Fig 6: This little guy may remind some of us of our bosses - sitting right on top and snoozing :)

Educational contribution for the day: The koala is NOT a bear. It is a marsupial, like the wombat, which is another native of Australia.

Fig 7: Penguins on Parade (from 1840 till 1930 every day). Nature is remarkable!

We also took a tram down to St Kilda, the trendy seaside place. The beach, fresh sea breeze and long pier all reminded me a lot of Brighton in southern England ...

Fig 8: The statue of Captain Cook looks out to sea at St Kilda

Fig 9: "Captain" Yong trying to assume an equally regal pose ... ha ha

Fig 10: Entering St Kilda Pier

Fig 11: The kiosk at the end of St Kilda Pier.

First constructed in 1904, destroyed in a fire in 2003, and rebuilt in 2005

Fig 12: What does one do at a seaside place apart from enjoy the view? Makan seafood, of course!

On one of the days, we also went for a meal at Melbourne Chinatown, which is around Little Bourke Street.

Fig 13: Chinatown sign

Fig 14: Look, we had to come all the way to Melbourne to find Petaling Street !!!

We also visited Queen Victoria Market ...

Fig 15: Entering QVM

Fig 16: Australians seem to call their lobsters crayfish

Fig 17: Walau, look at the size of that pincer!

I'd love to have Eng Seng do their famous Pepper Crab with this one ...

Fig 18: Hmmm ... I didn't realise that I had a small shop here ...

Fig 19: Boooooooze ...

Well, that's it for my little photo tour of Melbourne. Back to the question of whether Melbourne deserves the title of being one of the most liveable cities in the world ... I will give my views in the next posting.

G'day mate ...