Living in Melbourne for a while helped me to understand what’s the life in the city. Weekends were my best time to explore and experience what Melbourne has to offer, not only for the people who lives in the city but to the people who are just passing by just like me. One thing that I admired in the city was its government and tourism partnership. Why I said a partnership? Because tourism alone will not be able to organize events in the city without support from its government. The city is rich of cultural events and activities that anyone can find what interesting to them. Its tourism never stops making the city so fascinating and alive.
Another event that I had a chance to attend was Moomba Festival. The festival said to be the Australia’s largest free and longest-running community festival held annually in Melbourne to celebrate Labor Day with cultural activities. Like what happened in White Night Melbourne event, I spared at least 1 or 2 hours to immerse myself to the colorful feast. The celebration consistently includes parade, crowning of monarchs, fireworks displays, carnivals, river activities, live music and bands.
It was Saturday again, I get out of my serviced-apartment where I lived and went to the festival to see what’s going on in the fair. When I arrived in the location of celebration, I felt excited. I jumped of at Flinders Street/Federation Square tram stop and walked to Birrarung Marr (a city park between CBD and Yarra River). While walking, I can hear screaming and laughing of people coming from the rides, I can immediately felt that people were enjoying and having a good time. The area does not have only its rides but also surrounded by different food kiosks that will make your tummy full and carnival games to entice you to play.
I stopped my walk as I checked if there’s activity to watch in Yarra River. I waited a minute or two until I saw one doing a water-skiing appeared in the river. With the camera I brought along, I took so many shots to be able to capture a good one.
Water sports – skiing and skating
After enjoying watching water-skiing, I crossed Swan St Bridge so I can see the other side of the River which is Alexandra Gardens where other rides and carnival games stands. I walked around the place and enjoyed what I saw.
Carnival Games
Rides
Live Music
Before I go back to my place, I walked back to Federation Square and saw some F1 motor racing cars displayed in booths and being display as a form of advertisement for the upcoming Australian Grand Prix to be happening within the same month that time.
Notes:
1. Plan to visit Melbourne CBD during Moomba Festival event ?
To attend Moomba Festival, please visit their official website here for the latest updates.
2. Public Transportation Ticket – Use Myki (Melbourne Ticketing System), please check here for more details.
3. Directions
Using tram
Use tramTracker Apps or even just Google Maps (use directions) and there are tram routes available.
Route: 1, 3/3a, 5, 6, 8, 16, 64, 67, 72 –> get off at Stop 13 Flinders Street Station. And cross St Kilda Road towards Federation Square and walk to Birrarung Marr park.Using train
Visit the official Public Transport Victoria website to be able to use the Journey Planner for the next train schedule.
Ride from any station and get off at Flinders Street Station
From Flinders Street Station, get off either St Kilda Road Exit. And cross St Kilda Road towards Federation Square and walk to Birrarung Marr park.
