This was one of my most ambitious days out of my whole trip. I didn't know it at the time because I didn't have a plan. If I remember correctly, my iPhone logged well over 35,000 steps. This day is going to take 3 posts to get through.
I found a parking spot in an area of town that looked sketchy and initially worried me. Turns out I was wrong and that there were extremely nice cars parked all around. So I figured my cheap Suzuki would be alright. This was the view shortly after I parked.
My first major stop was to walk around the Royal Botanic Gardens. Water was calm, the sun was out, and a boatman glided around the lake.
I took my time while exploring the park to soak in the flora and fauna. I couldn't help but reflect on the year I left behind.
This is one of the incredible statues that are situated at the foot of the Shrine. A site I would definitely visit should I ever return to Melbourne.
Atop the Shrine was a spectacular view I hadn't anticipated. I tried to enjoy my time, but school children and a hot day accumulated into a visit cut short.
The Shrine is dedicated to the soldiers that fought in all conflicts Australia was involved in. This was a day where a memorial march was taking place.
Inside the building are various exhibitions and memories from fallen soldiers. It was overwhelming to think of all those that died fighting for their country.