Melbourne

Melbourne, the second largest city in Australia, has a population of about 4.5 million people and is growing fairly rapidly primarily due to immigration. As a port it handles about 70% of the country's imports and exports. It was Australia's first city but didn't amount to much until the gold rush of 1850. Many of the older buildings and houses were built between 1850 and 1920. They have a distinctive Victorian style.

The city seems pretty well planned and public transportation is excellent. As we hear everywhere there is a housing shortage. Several high rise apartment buildings have been bought by the Chinese and are vacant. The local government is poised to raise taxes on vacant property.

We hit a heat wave today with temperatures in the high 90s. Despite this we took a tour of the Royal Botanic Gardens and the WW I memorial. Even though Australia was never under attack they sent soldiers to aid Britain.Read more