To celebrate the Metro Tunnel opening, public transport is free on weekends (that means trains, trams, buses — all across Victoria) from: 30 Nov 2025 through to 1 February 2026. So Jack and I grabbed the chance.
We went down at the Melbourne Central Station and spotted something new. Along the walls are large-scale murals still in progress… not even finished yet, but already looking amazing.
We went around to feel the festive mood of Melbourne CBD.
First time I’ve seen this. It is the “Palace of Intellect” which used to be Cole’s Book Arcade, Melbourne’s legendary bookstore founded by E.W. Cole and famed for its vast collection, whimsical displays, and lively mix of learning, entertainment, and retail at the turn of the 20th century. But sadly it doesn’t exist anymore and is now called Howey Place. Only the old glass roof remains.
And here are some beams of one of the newly opened underground stations in Town Hall.
This is Melbourne’s historic Town Hall, one of the city’s most iconic buildings.
For Brian’s Monday Window Challenge
For Dan’s Thursday Doors Challenge
Some of the Streetart in laneways for Natalie’s Photographing Public Art Challenge
Fed Square is the place to be to have some festive fun this Christmas season,
Christmas bazaars inside Fed Square.
As the air turned cooler we felt that it was time to hop on the train and head back home.
You’re definitely making the best of all this free travel!
First time it happened so might as well. Thanks Margaret.
From my few years spent in the southern hemisphere, I truly enjoyed Christmas at the start of the summer season. Frankly, I miss wearing a t-shirt and shorts on December 25, and enjoying a cold beer sat on a deck chair on the front lawn with a view of the Pacific.
I miss Melbourne, too, and it’s great to see improved rapid transit in the city.
Christmas this time of the year seems weird especially when seeing all the wintry posts. And these train improvements are long overdue. Thanks for stopping by and for commenting.
What a wonderful day you had. I love the decorations and you’re right, those murals are already looking good. I think they’re going to be fantastic. It’s actually pretty cool to see them in progress.
Thanks so much Dan. My husband and I enjoyed this walk that maybe we will do it again after New Year.
Wonderful Teresa 😀 So good to be able to roam the city for free and see some splendid sights. The murals will look fabulous. The Palace of Intellect ceiling is great as are the windows you chose.
Thanks for joining in Monday Window 😀
Glad you like it Brian, and happy that I was able to take you with me on my walk.
👍🏼😁
I will have to take a train trip somewhere. You found a lot more christmas cheer than I did when I went in.
Maybe the next time.
Melbourne is looking lovely this Christmas. I will check out those murals when I’m next in Melbourne too.
The mural is in the station so it is easy to find.