Early winter and the early part of restrictions and it made for a peaceful walk. I left home on a chilly afternoon for a walk into the city. I am not a winter person but for walking the cooler weather definitely has its own rewards. From my starting point at the corner of Darebin Rd and High St it is approx 3 k and 30 minutes to the start of Hoddle St at Clifton Hill. From that intersection, there are a variety of ways I can walk. Today I continued down Queens Parade and followed the tram tracks around to the left into Smith St and across Victoria Parade to the Fitzroy Gardens, another 3.5 k and 35 minutes.
A stroll through the Gardens starting at the River God Fountain at the roundabout walk on Albert St is relaxing and interesting. The River God Fountain is a beautiful and impressive sculpture by Charles Summers who was Victoria’s most important sculptor of the time. Originally erected in 1862 it was the first fountain in the Fitzroy Gardens.
Where the garden’s winter landscape was barren, large garden beds of daffodils and jonquils added a beautiful splash of winter colour.
Cooks cottage, one of the most famous attractions in the Gardens. In 1933 the house was bought by Russell Grimwade and donated to Melbourne. At Great Ayton in North Yorkshire it was deconstructed and packed into 253 cases and 40 barrels for shipping. Cuttings of the ivy which grew on the house in Great Ayton were also taken and replanted once the house was re-erected in Melbourne.
There are over 20 attractions in the Gardens. The miniature model Tudor village built by Edgar Wilson and donated in 1948, the Fairies Tree carved by Ola Cohn and finished in 1934, the Dolphin Fountain, Diana and the hounds and many more. There is a conservatory and many little tracts of gardens within the Gardens. A beautiful place to spend some time.
Near the Gardens is the Cathedral Church and minor Basilica known as St Patrick’s Cathedral. In 1974 Pope Paul VI conferred the title. It was visited by Pope John Paul II in 1986 during his first visit to Australia.
Continue walking down Macarthur St towards Parliament Station and at the corner of St Andrews Place are a series of rocks with replicas of prehistoric skeltons.
Continuing on to Spring St to the left then right onto Flinders St and into the city and Federation Square with its grand outlook to Flinders St station and beyond. Federation Square which was opened in 2002 is one of my favourite places in Melbourne.
Large screen T.V.’s and a stage make Federation Square a meeting place. A life sized statue of Fearless Girl by the original sculptor Kristen Visbal was unveiled at Federation Square ahead of International Women’s Day on March 8 2019. The original statue by Kristen Visbal was erected facing down the charging bull in New York’s financial district in 2017.
Walking towards the steps that lead down to the Yarra there are a variety of unique decorative tiles. Turning to the right along the Yarra the path passes the Princes Bridge.
Princes Bridge was opened in 1888 and material for the bridge consisted of bluestone quarried from Footscray, granite from Harcourt and malmsbury stones from Kyenton.
Continuing onto Swanston St and to the iconic Flinders St Station. The original part of the station was opened in 1854. Because of its distinctive dome structure there is an urban myth that says the original plans for the station were accidentally swapped with a design meant for Bombay in India. I’ll meet you under the clocks is a common expression for people meeting in the city because of the row of timetable clocks above the entrance.
to the left down Flinders St again and work on the new metro underground has exposed remnants of the older city.
through Flinders St underground to cross the Yarra on Sandridge Bridge. It has its’ own unique history being a link between the city and Port Melbourne where thousands of immigrants arrived. It was built in 1888 and was the first steel bridge over the Yarra. There are now 10 unique sculptures along the city side of the bridge representing the different periods of migration to Australia. There are also 128 glass screens each which document information of the countries of origin of our immigrants. A fascinating way to look at history.
Continuing along the Yarra and Southbank the path passes the Crown Casino. The South Wharf Walk continues past the Convention Center and the Polly Woodside and to the DFO building. For my ride home I continue under the myriad of on and off ramps of the West Gate Bridge to Boundary Rd in Port Melbourne. For my walk today approx 15 K.