South Melbourne Market
After the balloon flight, we needed a second breakfast, so we went to South Melbourne Market. It’s a proper local market under one roof: fruit and veg, bakeries, delis, homewares, and a seafood section that goes on and on.
The Old Melbourne Gaol
Then back to the city for something completely different: the Old Melbourne Gaol. It’s a bluestone prison from the 1800s, with three floors of tiny cells along iron walkways. It’s where Ned Kelly, Australia’s most famous bushranger, was hanged in 1880.
Each cell has the story of a real prisoner, and some of them are grim. It’s dark and cold inside, and you can feel why nobody wanted to end up here.
Arrested at the Watch House
Next door is the City Watch House, the old police lock-up, where you get “arrested” by a guide playing a police sergeant, marched into the cells, and of course you get your mugshot taken.
Released for lunch: loaded fries and a cold drink.
Lobster Rolls at Pinchy’s
For dinner, we treated ourselves at Pinchy’s Lobster & Champagne Bar: pink neon, a big bar full of bottles, and lobster everything.
The Queen Vic Night Market
After dinner, we walked past Flinders Street Station all lit up, and up to the Queen Victoria Market, which was running its night market. Food stalls, lanterns, a giant glowing dragon, and big crowds on a Wednesday night.
We’d come to see what the hype was about. Our verdict: meh. It’s basically a Singapore pasar malam with nicer lighting. We walked the whole thing, didn’t buy a single thing, had a good laugh about it and headed back.
Tomorrow, we’d pick up the car and leave the city for the Great Ocean Road.
Information About the Old Melbourne Gaol
A bluestone prison from the 1800s, where Ned Kelly was hanged. One ticket covers the cell block and the City Watch House next door, where you get 'arrested' and locked in a cell.