SUNDAY 10 JULY MELBOURNE The Victoria Hotel
- A rainy Melbourne
After breakfast at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, we took the shuttle to the airport. We arrived in a rainy Melbourne late afternoon. After settling in, we explored the city by taking the free tram that runs around the business center and harbor.
Barbara and Linda on the tram
The ‘burgundy-and-cream’ City Tram Circle is operated, free of charge, every 10 minutes, by Metropolitan Transit.
Bridal couple poses on steps
- Cathedral
Melbourne Station, Flinders St
On getting back to town center, it was pouring with rain, and we ducked into the nearest pub. A good choice, it turned out! The guide book actually recommended getting off at the Melbourne Station, Flinders St and taking a peek at the infamous Chloe painting in the Young and Jackson’s pub , and that is exactly what we did!
Painting of Chloe (copied from internet)
A 19th century French academic nude painting by the master painter, Jules Lefebvre, the painting was a favourite with troops on R&R leave in Australia during the Second World War, especially US marines. It is a stunning painting and the one of such art and historical significance on display in a public hotel in Australia. Such is the significance of the painting that during the time the hotel was refurbished, it was moved to the National Gallery of Victoria where it was exhibited. The National Trust and Heritage of Victoria decreed in 1988 that both the painting and the hotel remain bound together forever.
Chloe's restaurant
We stayed for dinner at Chloe’s restaurant, and the three of us who settled for lamb cutlets agreed that it was the best ever!
