A day in Melbourne

Melbourne, Australia

Golden Hour - Yarra river bank

Warm light sits on the water and the glass towers across from me. I pause on the bank and watch the skyline settle into gold. South of the river, the Shrine of Remembrance lets visitors climb to the rooftop colonnade for views across the central business district and parklands.

Golden Hour - Yarra river path

Footsteps sound soft on the path while the towers stay far ahead. I follow the river with the city in the distance. May during autumn or September during spring is the time to come, when daytime temperatures are mild and pleasant for walking.

Golden Hour - graffiti laneway

Paint covers the narrow walls and the air feels close. I turn into the alley and slow down among the street art. Melbourne is known for hidden laneways and exceptional coffee, and a flat white means a double shot of espresso with microfoamed milk.

Golden Hour - graffiti laneway

Small lights hang overhead here and glow warm against the brick. I tip my head back and take them in. Comfortable footwear is the practical choice on these stone-paved laneways, and residents favour urban black, tailored wool coats and minimalist knitwear.

Golden Hour - laneway cafe

Outdoor tables glow under warm lights and the coffee smell is strong. I pass them and keep moving. The brunch plate to order here is avocado smash: mashed ripe avocado with lemon juice, salt and crumbled feta on thick sourdough toast.

Golden Hour - city plaza

Stone facades hold the last gold light as the lane opens out. I step into the plaza and look around the square. Flinders Street Railway Station, with a yellow facade and green copper dome, is where travellers meet under the clocks.

Golden Hour - tram stop

Cool air sits on the platform as a green tram rolls past. I wait and let it go by. A meat pie of minced beef and rich gravy, topped with tomato sauce, comes from corner bakeries, and comfortable footwear suits tram platforms.