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Today my friend and guide for the last few days made their way back home, so I was left to my own devices for my last day in Melbourne.
I decided to take the ferry to Williamstown. The 50 minute each way trip along the Yarra gives great and contrasting views. First, it left from the regenerated South Bank, full of trendy eateries, with views of the imposing tall buildings of the Central Business District, passing under modern innovatively designed bridges. Then we pass another redeveloped area, this time consisting of modern apartment buildings fronted by jetties full of sleek yatchs and power boats.
In contrast, we then encounter an area that has yet to be developed, with dilapidated warehouses and abandoned cranes, and disused jetties slowly collapsing into the river.
Next up is the busy container port, the vital trade link between Melbourne and the rest of the world, with its huge cranes and massive ships.
The scenery changes again as we pick our way through countless moored boats and approach Williamstown. The view as we get closer looks like something that hasn't altered for 100 years or so. We are greeted by a park, beyond which is a road lined with 19th century buildings.
I had 3 hours until my return trip so I popped into the info office and came away with a couple of leaflets of walking tours. However, before setting off on such a venture, I required sustenance so ended up in the Off The Pier Fish and Chippery. I love the term chippery so will have to start using that at home. I ordered 4 chicken nuggets and a small portion of chips. Small? It was massive! Nevertheless, I forced these gorgeous, golden and crispy chips inside me, as it would've been criminal to waste them. At least I wouldn't have to worry about tea!
I then ventured on a walk through the town, to the beach and back again. It is a picturesque place with many beautiful buildings still with their original ironwork framing porches etc.
Upon getting back to the harbour I came across a fantastic ice cream parlour with 100 different flavours to choose from. After much pondering, I plumped for rocky road and took it into the park while I waited for the return ferry.
Once back in Melbourne, I took advantage of the free tram zone to get me halfway back to the motel, which allowed me to get to my room in time for the Murray v Berdyche match.
What a tense encounter that was, specially the tight first set which went to a tie break before Berdyche secured it. But Murray bounced immediately back, winning the second to love. Another close third set was edged by Murray, and he completed the victory in 4 sets.
Then it was packing for the next stage of my adventure....
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