#flinders street

[melbmemories]

Flinders Street & City Markets, Melbourne

Source: State Library Victoria

Author / Creator: Harvey, John Henry 1855-1938 photographer.

Date: ca. 1875

[hydrogenjukeboxphoto]

Flinders Lane, Melbourne x

[snappingthewalls]

[didipromocode]

Melbourne: Australia's Cultural Capital

Melbourne, the capital of Victoria, is often considered Australia’s cultural and sporting heart. Known for its dynamic arts scene, world-class dining, and vibrant laneway culture, the city seamlessly blends modernity with a rich historical past. Home to over five million people, Melbourne consistently ranks among the world's most liveable cities due to its high quality of life, excellent public transport system, and thriving economy.

A City of Culture and Creativity

Melbourne’s artistic reputation is evident in its numerous galleries, theatres, and music venues. The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is Australia’s oldest and most visited art museum, housing an impressive collection of international and Australian art. The city’s laneways, adorned with ever-changing street art, provide a vibrant backdrop for its creative energy.

Festivals and cultural events thrive in Melbourne, with highlights including the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Melbourne Writers Festival, and the world-renowned White Night Melbourne, an all-night arts and culture celebration.

A Food Lover’s Paradise

Melbourne’s food scene is as diverse as its people. With a rich multicultural heritage, the city boasts a culinary landscape that spans the globe. From authentic Italian cuisine on Lygon Street to the bustling Chinatown and Greek precincts, Melbourne’s food offerings cater to every palate. The Queen Victoria Market, a historic landmark, provides a taste of local produce, artisanal goods, and international flavors.

Sporting Capital of Australia

Few cities in the world embrace sports as passionately as Melbourne. Home to the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), the city hosts major events such as the Australian Open, the Melbourne Cup horse race, and the AFL Grand Final. Whether it’s cricket, Australian Rules football, or Formula 1 racing, Melbourne offers sports fans endless excitement year-round.

Nature and Outdoor Escapes

Despite its urban vibrancy, Melbourne offers plenty of green spaces and scenic escapes. The Royal Botanic Gardens, sprawling over 36 hectares, provide a tranquil retreat within the city. Just a short drive away, visitors can explore the Great Ocean Road, the Yarra Valley wine region, and the picturesque Dandenong Ranges.

A City That Never Sleeps

Melbourne’s nightlife is as diverse as its daytime offerings. From rooftop bars with stunning skyline views to underground jazz clubs and live music venues, the city comes alive after dark. The Crown Casino and Entertainment Complex offers everything from fine dining to world-class theatre and nightlife.

Explore Melbourne on the Map

For a closer look at Melbourne and its key attractions, check out the interactive Google Maps view below:

View Melbourne on Google Maps

Melbourne is a city that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a foodie, a sports fan, or someone who simply enjoys exploring a city rich in culture and history, Melbourne is a destination that leaves a lasting impression. With its ever-evolving landscape and welcoming atmosphere, it’s no wonder Melbourne continues to captivate visitors from around the world.

[travelmanposts]

Tram Australian Open, Flinders Street Station, Melbourne: General view of a tram passing Flinders Street Station and hitting the Dunlop Australian Open tennis ball in the Australian city of Melbourne.. The Australian Open is one of the four Grand Slam tournaments. It is the first major tournament of the tennis season that is played every year in January and February in Melbourne, Australia.. Flinders Street railway station is a major railway station located on the corner of Flinders and Swanston streets in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Wikipedia

[dream-world-universe]

Flinders Street Railway Station,  Melbourne, Australia: Flinders Street railway station is a train station located on the corner of Flinders and Swanston streets in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. It is the busiest train station in Victoria, serving the entire metropolitan rail network, 15 tram routes travelling to and from the city, as well as some country and regional V/Line services to eastern Victoria. Wikipedia

[redrcs]

Dance like nobody's watching #2

Busker and volunteers opposite Flinders Street Station. Federation Square, Melbourne

[hopefulkidshark]

Flinders Street Railway Station, Melbourne, Australia: Flinders Street railway station is a train station located on the corner of Flinders and Swanston streets in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. It is the busiest train station in Victoria, serving the entire metropolitan rail network, 15 tram routes travelling to and from the city, as well as some country and regional V/Line services to eastern Victoria. Wikipedia

[engineer-gunzelpunk]

170 Years of Flinders Street Station (and railways in Victoria)

On 12th of September, 1854, Flinders Street Station, the oldest railway station in Australia was opened.

On that same day, the first ever trip on a steam engine was made departing Flinders Street to Sandridge (Port Melbourne) by the Melbourne And Hobsons Bay Railway Company.

The engine itself was a local built 2-2-2 Well Tank engine that took 10 weeks to build as locomotives ordered from Robert Stephenson and Co of England were not going to arrive in time.

She broke down a lot and services did not resume until Christmas of when the English locos Unfortunately she was not preserved and it is unknown when she was withdrawn and scrapped.

The Victorian Railways were created by an act of Parliament shortly after in 1856 and started operations in 1859; absorbing the Melbourne and Hobson Bay Railway Company and other private companies that had sprung up

Flinders Street Station both preceded and outlived the VR when it was split into the State Transport Authority and the Metro Transport Authority in 1983 and privatised in the 90’s.

Flinders Street Station itself beyond its function as a train station terminus holds a vital place in Melbourne’s culture. You ask anyone in Melbourne to meet ‘under the clocks’ and they will know what you mean.

There was, and still is, a popular ‘70s style black and white photobooth there that was operated for 50 years by a gentleman called Alan Adler, who sadly passed away yesterday, RIP.

Jess Norman and Chris Sutherland (above) now run the booth.

Flinders Street Station was a popular hangout for youths, but not so much these days.

Two Sharpies at Flinders Street Station sometime in the 1970s.

Did youze all know that Flinders Street Stations has a full sized ballroom?

Yeah.

It was originally a lecture hall for the Victorian Railways Institute, a school the VR had for educating enginemen. But it blossomed into a multiuse space that included a billiards room, a gym and a boxing ring, even a running track on the roof.

The VR in the ‘60s would hold public dances here as well. What’s less known is that few of these dances were Rock ‘n’ Roll dances where Oz’s Rockers/Greasers would gather, and the first generation of Sharpies would gather outside and taunt them and it would turn into a stoush.

*tucks this tidbit away for some VR humanisation AU stories featuring Rocker diesels and Sharpie steam engines*

It’s in a bit of shithouse state at the moment, but hopefully it will be restored in the future.

Here’s to you in your 170th year, Flinders Street Station… several months late but still kind of fitting since we are celebrating 200 years of railways this year.

[melbmemories]

Melbourne's first Fish Market in 1874.

Photo by Charles Bayliss. We're looking at Melbourne's original Fish Market, which was located on the south-west corner of Flinders and Swanston Streets.

[cowboygirlthey]

me waiting for the train a few days ago.

[snappingthewalls]

[partw0lf]

[kndll-art]

meet you at flinders, under the clocks

90 x 210mm / goauche & carbon graphite on paper

instagram

[watermonkeystuff]

A different kind of view of Flinders St Station.

[walkswithmycamera]

Melbourne - Australia 🦘

Flickr album Travel: AUSTRALIA 2023 by CyprusPictures (my account)