Doreen RSL members embarked on a journey like no other in our history. A day filled with plans that quickly went out the window by no fault of our own but in true Doreen RSL fashion, we made it work. And what a day it was.
First thing to go wrong was the trains to Mernda were not running due to rail works further down the line. So on the bus we went for a fun filled jaunt down to Clifton Hill Station where we jumped on the train to Flinders St. station. That journey took 3/4 hr longer than normal but we all made it in fine style.
Once we got to Flinders St.,we all walked up to ground level where most of us quickly jumped on the queue for a hot coffee at one of the stalls ( it is winter in melbourne after all ). Once we got our coffees, we all walked over to grab a tram to the shrine. Three stops later we all got off and started our walk up to the Shrine of Remembrance.
When we reached the top of the stairs, we noticed a service happening. We all stood there to listen to the finish of the service and then went inside the Shrine where it was lovely and warm.
Our tour guides met up with us and split us into two groups, each going in different directions.
The guided tours are a must when you visit the Shrine as you get far more detail on the memorial that is the Shrine and all of its amazing intricacies.
Our guides did a wonderful job of conveying their knowledge of the building and its history while catering for those who were younger than most or those with mobility issues. It really was a credit to the guides how they conducted the tours.
The shrine is a wonderful place to reflect on our history in conflicts around the world and well worth the time to visit.
Once our tours had finished ( an hour longer than allowed for), we walked back to the tram stop to head to Southbank for lunch at P.J.O’Briens. They did not disappoint with the meals…Good old fashioned pub meals in a lovely setting with tables and booths. Each booth had its own theme and the walls were decorated to enhance that theme.
After lunch it was time to head back to Flinders St. station to start our journey back to Mernda station by, you guessed it, all 3 forms of public transport in Melbourne.
The bus trip from Clifton Hill to Mernda was a fun filled journey with some other passengers striking up conversations with our members.
We arrived at Mernda station and we all said our goodbyes until the next trip.
It was a wonderful day with so much to see and to appreciate what our service men and women have done before us so we can live the life we do.
Thank you to everyone who made this one of the best days out we have had and we look forward to seeing you all on our next adventure.
