Yarra River Path Walking Tour & Giant Sky Wheel
I know. I know. Some people are just sick of the traditional bus tours. They really appreciate the opportunity to take in local sites on their own. You may be the sort of person who has no desire to rent a car or leave the centre of the city. That may be too much trouble, or you may be pressed for time. That's fine. Rest asssured, that you can still find your fill of things to keep you occupied in the CBD.
One of the most popular sights is the Yarra River itself. From Federation Square, you can walk down alongside the lower side of the river in either direction. It may look murky, but that's supposedly only mud. Unless you've seen too many movies or read a few to many suspense thrillers, you'll probably take my word for it. I wouldn't advise swimming in it.
What makes the area of the Yarra River behind Federation Square interesting is that outdoor exhibitions are set up periodically. Walkers have the ideal view to take in photography and special portrayals of ongoing or previous city-sponsored events. Past exhibitions have included; international photographer Yann-Yves Bertrand "The Earth From Above", and spectacular images from the Commonwealth Games and other athletic events. The Tourist Information Centre at Federation Square has brochures and schedules of exhibitions.
While you're down by the Yarra River, you may choose to experience Australia's largest travelling ferris wheel in the southern hemisphere. The Giant Sky Wheel can be compared to London's Eye or the Paris Ferris Wheel that was operating throughout the Milennium Year 2000. Melbourne's wheel operates at Birrarung Marr, on the Lower Terrace.
Birrarung Marr is located adjacent to Federation Square easily accessed from Swanston Street and Flinders Street. Situated at the edge of the Yarra River, this is the ideal place to capture memorable views of Melbourne's night Skyline. Its also a bustling area in the evening and boasts an astonishing light show. You wouldn't want to miss that. Why not end your day on enjoying the view from atop of the Giant Sky Wheel? If you wpild prefer to watch it rotate from the ground, you can still see varied performers and street buskers performing in the vicinity of the Giant Sky Wheel.
