(Visited 12/16/24 MO @ 11:00am): This railway station was a find along the street we were walking…read moredown!
A friend and I were on Day 3 of our 12-Day Southern Australia Explorer cruise with Princess Cruises, we took the local train into town for some casual exploration, and after a stop at Federation Square, we proceeded to Flinders Street Railway Station. The station was named after renowned Capt. Matthew Flinders, a Royal Navy officer, navigator, and cartographer, who led the first inshore circumnavigation of mainland Australia then called New Holland, was also credited as the first person to to utilize the name "Australia" to describe the entirety of the continent. This was Australia's oldest train station, and with its prominent green copper dome, distinctive yellow facade, arched entrance, and clocks, it was one of Melbourne's most recognizable landmarks. The station was completed in 1910, and the upper floors were purpose-built to house a library, gym, and lecture hall, later used as a ballroom. Its 708-meter main platform was the fourth longest railway platform in the world. A noted heritage site, it was one of the busiest suburban railway stations in the Southern Hemisphere with over 1,500 trains and 110,000 commuters passing through each day. With all of these historical facts, were we impressed by this famously-named railway station!?
PURCHASE
We didn't spend any money here, but of course the main financial transactions were for ride fares. Because we didn't go inside, I couldn't say whether or not there were other opportunities to separate you from your money!
SERVICE
Again, we didn't venture inside, so I imagined there were staffers around, and hopefully, the trains ran on time (which I suspected they did) - 'nuff said.
PARKING (Varied; N/A this instance)
I wouldn't suspect any onsite parking simply because of the nature of this transit center. Most passengers and people would either be already on a train, had taken public transportation to this station, or simply walked. Otherwise, if you needed to park for whatever reason, there was a large onsite lot at nearby Federation Square at various rates ($8.00AUD - $64.00AUD) based on day, event, reason, and time. Additionally, there appeared to be a decent amount of parking on all surrounding streets (please note any posted signs) - 'nuff said.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
A large street corner ornate building https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=xBsRBjr9EhC3_GK3S0WzHg that was visible from blocks in either direction, based on pictures I've seen the interior was somewhat modern with all of the standard amenities afforded a train terminal. Tickets windows, train schedules, clocks, and paths that branched out in many directions to their respective platforms, this was a sight to see. Minimal natural lighting entered through the stained-glass windows and entrances, while numerous electric ceiling lights filled in the rest. I couldn't say whether or not there were any TVs or any background music except for the sounds of the trains and outside street traffic. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=mJaGBCG31dXRhgFWJjeBJA
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
There was such a charming historic feel about the Flinders Street Railway Station that I only appreciated from the outside having not looked in. I wished I hopped onto a train that took me through the station, but on this day it was crowded with people which was very unappealing to me. There were also interesting lore and stories (ghosts!?) to research for some good tales. I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $0.00AUD / $0.00USD BEFORE any discounts/tip). And, although they accepted credit cards, not mine of choice... AMEX! 4.0 STARS
