There really isn't anything all that great about this particular station. In fact, it is what I…read morewould consider to be one of those newer intermediate stations, namely the ones where they have no facilities, no staff, and you simply come here to get on the train and get off it again (though I usually come here to just get on the train). Then again, there is a shopping centre nearby, and they do have a bus interchange, though a rather small one.

During my recent visit to Melbourne, members of our group lived this local phrase: "I'll meet you…read moreunder the clocks". We also walked under the station when walking to and from our Southbank Hotel to parts of the Central Business District.

(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

In a way this is a major suburban railway station, namely because it happens to be a stop for the…read moreV/Line trains as well as a number of the suburban trains (well, actually all of the suburban trains that head along this line). It is basically a fully serviced railway station, and quite accessible as well, though I'm not entirely sure if it actually sports restrooms (a lot of them don't, and when they do it happens to be locked). Still, trains are reasonably frequent along here.

Essendon Junction does not have a lot to offer, but it does provide a train station (Craigieburn…read moreLine), tram stop (rout 59), bus depot (many routes), 7 Eleven, a couple of bars and a cafe. Essendon station has a lot of parking, but fills early. It is also close to Windy Hill, if you happen to need to go there for some reason.

Economical and convenient way to travel from MEL to the central business district. You can buy a…read moreround trip ticket at the kiosk next to the bus stop. It's a double decker and the bus is always full.

I don't understand why Melbourne's otherwise outstanding tram system doesn't extend to the airport…read morebut it doesn't. So your option is an expensive cab or the Skybus. Fortunately there was a stop right outside our hotel so it was super convenient. There are several routes that go to different places - just ask & staff will make sure you get to the right bus. The buses we were on were very clean, with pleasant drivers and ample luggage space. There is also free WiFi that actually worked. I'd rather take a tram but the Skybus gets the job done.

Once you arrive here you are basically in Melbourne's leafy foothills. Okay, not all trains along…read morethis line reach this station, but most do, though if you are planning on heading further north then, unfortunately, you may have to get off the train here and wait for the next one to come along. Still, as a station, it really isn't too bad, though it does feel like one of those rather unappealing 60s types. Yet, it is staffed and does have facilities, so that is a good thing.

I would say that this station is much like the station at Toorak, but in reality it is exactly the…read moresame - well almost exactly because the name on the station sign does happen to be different, but you sort of do get that. However, like the Toorak station, this one is quite nice, though the lack of rest rooms is somewhat disappointing. However, it is still a nice station, and at least the trains stop here as well, which is pretty cool.

Look, even though this station is hardly the centre of public life, nor a grand statement of the…read moreengineering prowess of the Australian people, I will still give this place points for resulting in the value of my mate's house going up (something that railway stations have a habit of being able to do). Mind you, don't expect anything in relation to facilities here, there are none, but at least it provides easy transport for those who happen to land up in this area.

Big spacious train terminal that caters to regional trains, etc…read more East to navigate thru and have information maps. They also have a good sound system. Clean restrooms, and several food kiosks and shops. It is also next to an outlet mall.

In A Nutshell:…read more -Southern Cross Station is New York Grand Central Station is Taipei Main Station is Tokyo Station is Roma Termini Station. -Can be the potential Google Transit Village in San Jose. -Catch my drift? Overall, this is the main hub of transportaion in a very busy part of town that connects all forms of transport in/out of Melbourne.