Why should you explore Melbourne at night?
It was almost eight when we started our way back to Melbourne. Without GPS or any road sign, we were driving almost blindly. We followed the long winding road what we thought would be the desired route. Taking the Great Ocean Road again was not advisable as it was longer and not at all suitable for driving at night ( narrow plus winding plus deserted) Since we hailed from Delhi, all Australian roads seemed deserted to us.
There were two issues that froze us. First if we got lost then how would we find our way back in the dark with no soul in sight. Secondly and the scarier, we were almost out of gas! So if we ran out of fuel, there was no way my husband would have run to get a bottle of petrol.
Because in Australia, it would mean a run for at least a hundred kilometers!
With prayers on our mind, we followed my husband's mental GPS for a good length of 50 kms when we found the first sign board of Melbourne. We intended to reach the city via A1 highway and Colac was supposed to be our first big stop on the way. So when we saw either of the signs, we heaved a sigh of relief as to we were on the right path. At least one of the two issues was going right. Then we saw that Colac was not very far. Our petrol level had touched reserve value and we just prayed that we would reach a pump before it gave up. Thankfully, within some kilometers, our cellphone reception came back and GPS started. Immediately we searched for the nearest gas station.
Thankfully it was in Colac and around 20 kms away. Slowly everything fell into place. GPS, main highway ( a relief in itself) and a full tank. We also got a much needed cuppa ( it was freezing! ) from Cole's express. Australian petrol pumps are self service. We had to seek guidance from a helpful couple at the filling station. Thankfully they were there to help us. Now we were relieved. We would reach Melbourne at last, no matter if the Google Map was showing 11 pm.
We finally reached South bank at around 11 15. We were dead tired. We had left at 5 in the morning. But still we had way to go. We parked our car on the Street. Crystal's apartment didn't have parking for visitors. We wanted to explore the area at night and we were staying in the most happening part of the city.
Eureka skydeck, was 5 mins from our place. We didn't go inside as our apartment itself provided spectacular views of the city. We straightaway walked towards Yarra River where the environment was really festive. All the trees on the promenade were decorated with fairy lights. The largest casino of Southern hemisphere at The Crown hotel was right in front of us. We saw limosines swoosh by one after another. My what a sight! So even if you are not clubbing people, Melbourne (especially Southbank) needs to be explored at night...for the glittering views as well as for the vibes.
We finally reached our apartment at 1 AM. We were dead exhausted but very satisfied!
18 comments
Yes, these are really good reasons!
ReplyDeletexx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
www.dressedwithsoul.com
What a cool place to visit. You guys look great.
ReplyDeleteMy brother stays in Melbourne and he keeps sending me amazing pictures of the nightlife. it is beautiful indeed
ReplyDeleteNice to know your adventurous journey of Great Ocean Road. God is always there to help in any situation. We just have to hold. Although Ocean Road is a famous road there and many tourists visit it during the day. But your night journey looks extremely adventurous.
ReplyDeleteManisha - You had a great adventure. The pictures tell it all how beautiful the place looks. Hope to get a chance to explore it soon.
ReplyDeleteYour clicks speak a lot. Of course this has to be done at night only. Day beauty is not as good as night beauty of the city..:)
ReplyDeleteUtpal Khot
This road trip of yours was quite an adventure! I can only imagine the fear and worry. Glad his internal gps was spot on :)
ReplyDeleteThe photos are pretty and amazing you had so much energy left to explore the same night.
Loved reading this post. The pics are amazing and alluring as well. Exploring a city at night is such a blissful experience. Glad u had a great time
ReplyDeleteThe beautiful cities of the world and of course Melbourne is one of them assume a different and charming avatar at night. Melbourne looks resplendent at night, and your adventures are thrilling if you look back at them.
ReplyDeleteWow Australia! That's absolutely amazing! 😍
ReplyDeleteI am sorry you had to face GPS and fuel issues, but seems like you enjoyed a lot!
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ReplyDeleteWe've explored Sydney at night and had a blast, that city is something ! After your recommendation I'm looking forward to exploring Melbourne as well at night
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ReplyDeleteWow! A night road trip in Melbourne looks like and adventure. I will definitely try to do it when I visit Australia.
ReplyDeleteNight created some magic and yes exploring Melbourne at night is such an adventurous moment I guess. Loved the pics.
ReplyDeleteWow that was one awesome post I didnt blink once till I completed it. Beautifully explained melbourne.
ReplyDeleteAll cities look awesome in the night I believe and Melbourne is already so beautiful. Thanks for tempting us to take a tour of it in the night. Lovely travelog!
ReplyDelete- Shub
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