Just back from 24 magical hours in Melbourne!
Last week I decided to book a flight to Melbourne to give my support to Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic during their final against Vixens at Hisense Arena in Melbourne.
I departed Auckland on Saturday afternoon flying Emirates to Melbourne. I enjoyed the Emirates customer service – a great meal, drinks and a choice of movies and other on-screen entertainment.
Once I cleared Customs I booked a shuttle at the Information Centre located in the arrivals hall and headed into the city.
My mystery pre-booked “Wotif” hotel turned out to be The Blackman Hotel on St Kilda Road (entry via Arthur Street). My spacious studio suite had a kitchenette and balcony.
Next morning I walked into the CBD some 30 minutes away. After brunch I boarded the free Melbourne City tourist shuttle opposite the iconic Flinders Street Station and enjoyed a 1 ½ hr narrated tour of the city. The hop on/hop off tourist shuttle made 13 stops along the route including Lygon Street, Queen Victoria Market and Docklands.
After disembarking at the Arts Centre I crossed the road and followed the Yarra River to the Hisense Arena, some 20 minutes by foot. It was a sunny day with a forecasted high of 16 degrees Celsius.
As I approached the Arena I recognised fellow Magic supporters dressed in red, yellow and black. There was a great atmosphere inside the stadium as anticipation built for the grand final. Around 9,400 people packed the stadium – a near sell-out crowd.
At 2.30pm centre pass was made by the Vixens and the game was underway.
It was great to see Magic win their 12th game in a row and win the grand final. Well done Magic!
After dinner and celebrations with other Magic supporters at Southgate restaurant and shopping precinct it was time to grab a shuttle and head out to the airport.
It took some 30 minutes to get through Customs as there were only six staff on the counters and the queue was banked up for some distance.
Once through all the formalities there was time to browse in duty free shops. Melbourne airport has a great variety of retail stores and restaurants, although many were closed at this time of night. I found a quiet spot to relax before boarding my plane at 11.30pm.
Touchdown in Auckland was 5.20am. Clearing Customs was quick and efficient.
I have special memories of a magical time in Melbourne!
Tips:
- Grab an Official Visitor Guide on arrival. It has all the latest information on shows, exhibitions etc and offers discount coupons to popular attractions.
- Melbourne is known for having “four seasons in one day” so always come prepared.
- “Wotif” mystery accommodation at The Blackman hotel cost AUD $205
- Starbus shuttle from airport to hotel cost AU$20 one way
- One way Emirates airfare Auckland to Melbourne cost NZD$176.95
- One way Jetstar Melbourne to Auckland cost AUD$203.50
- Cost of ticket to watch Magic vs Vixens NZD $65 – priceless!
Photos:
- Iconic Flinders Street Station
- Magic celebrate their win at Hisense Arena
- The Blackman Hotel, St Kilda Road
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