To
me, visiting Melbourne Central is like invading a labyrinthine mall of endless
entertainments. Navigate your way along the mazy trails, and you will discover little
surprises and wonders embedded and littered at every corner and turn. The
gargantuan mall spanning across two city blocks is a disoriented space
jam-packed with international and local fashion brands, savoury and sweets,
beauty and skincare salons, cinema and Karaoke bar, spa and gym, church and childcare
centre, and even an underground train station!
The
risk of spending money on impulses while exploring the colossal 5-level
retailers hub might be frowned upon by the shrewdest of all visitors. But fear
not, there are always ways to have fun without the need to spend a penny.
1. Visit the free entry Shot Tower Museum
Before
the arrival of this modern shopping precinct, a 9 storeys shot tower stood
aloof in the middle of the town since 1888, producing tonnes of projectiles for
shotguns on a daily basis. The demand for the lead shot eventually dwindled,
and the manufacturing process ceased and came to an end.
The Coop’s
Shot Tower was heritage listed in the 1970s, rendering the acquisition and
redevelopment of this central piece of land a real architectural challenge at
that time. The innovative Japanese stepped in and constructed a 20-storey massive
glass cone of contemporary design encasing the ancient tower, presenting the
extraordinary marriage of the old and new under the flood of natural rays.
The
tower is now occupied by the R. M. William shop (an Australian home brand of
handcrafted leather boots). A Shot Tower Museum is inconspicuously hidden
within the shop. Entry is free, so just walk in and discover the history of
Melbourne and this beautifully preserved shot tower, and be amazed by the
wonders of them all!
2. Watch the Marionette Clock's display
This
giant Seiko watch hangs from a glittering gold chain might look just like any
other ordinary clock in town, but at every hour on the dot, surprises revealed.
A marionette display slowly drops down from the bottom of the clock. A few
miniature galah and cockatoos bow rhythmically while two golden minstrels play
the gentle, heart-warming Australian song of Waltzing Matilda. Two koalas hide
at the back of the clock relishing the magical moment quietly out of the
visibility of curious onlookers.
The classic
gold clock is situated just right next to the Shot Tower Museum.
3. Read or borrow a book from the Little Library
This
fantastic little gem is located right next to the Food Hall at level 2. A
lovely community library for all, without exclusivity or any registry of
memberships, I can never adequately describe to you how much I love this place.
Take a break from your shopping spree, and enjoy a good book at this sanctuary
of literary. Pick a book and bring it home, and return it at your leisure or
bring an old book from home for an exchange. What a wonderful idea of a shared
library in the middle of the town!
Location of Melbourne Central:
Cnr LaTrobe and
Swanston Streets
Melbourne VIC 3000
Trading Hours:
Saturday to Wednesday: 10 am – 7 pm
Thursday & Friday: 10 am – 9 pm
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