Visiting Melbourne this time was more about seeing our son Laurence than actual sightseeing.  Although I did managed to persuade everyone to have a day out in The Dandenongs on Sunday!  This time we were staying in South Yarra just a stone’s throw away from the train station and only two stops to Flinders Street Station.

Overlooking the city from the balcony of Punthill Apartments

Anthony and Maddy waiting to go to breakfast, a tad chilly!

Eating out is always a must when we visit though!  Our first night was spent in Zurouna. A fabulous Lebanese restaurant in South Yarra.  Although there are many places to eat it is always better to book as everywhere is always so busy.
We had a dip platter to share with some other starters and a few mains.  Plus lots of red wine and cocktails.

From the gallery of Zurouna

Friday

After a pretty hefty breakfast at the little cafe next door to the Punthill Apartments, we caught the train into town.  Very handy with South Yarra station right below us and just two stops to Flinders Street.

We met Laurence for lunch at the Crafty Squire where all main courses were $20, bargain!

After lunch we had a wander around and of course some shopping and Anthony bought a new hat!

Back to the apartment for a short rest and then cocktails at The Imperial Hotel. Very lively and noisy bar, great atmosphere.

Then it was off for another delicious dinner just down the road to the Thirty Eight Chairs a small Italian restaurant in Bond Street, South Yarra.  Fantastic service!

Saturday

Today was a designated shopping day and we walked the length of Chapel Street in search of new clothes.  Not exactly a difficult chore and there are boutiques galore! Also a wonderful sunny day.  After I felt I couldn’t walk another step we stopped for a late lunch in Hawkers Hall, an Asian fusion restaurant.

A wonderfully old and fairly decrepit building, would have been grand in its hey day

Chapel Street – Street Art!

After a fairly exhausting day of walking we were in need of a quick rest before heading out again into town for a very lively night.

We went to Vamos which we’ve been to before but it’s always such a good night there!  It’s a Spanish tapas bar in Bourke Street and they have a band playing Thursday through Sunday, lots of Latin music.  There is a small dance floor that can accommodate two dancers! while people are eating.  The space did not deter the large table behind us and four couples all got up and did salsa.  After people have eaten the tables are cleared or moved back and so many people get up and dance.  There is a great atmosphere here and would definitely go back when I’m in Melbourne next.

A few from inside the bar

And a little clip of dancing!

Part two to follow

A day in The Dandenongs