If I were an animal that was being shipped to a zoo, I’d ask for Melbourne. It’s pretty big, and the enclosures look great. It was very clean and nice everywhere.

Unfortunately, the animals there like to sleep in, so a lot of them were hiding or asleep when we first got there. They had some interesting “large cats” of different types from Asia that I’ve never seen before. Even the lions in their huge enclosure were sleepy and non engaging.

Then…leave it to the reptiles to be up and naturally creepy. Due to my intense dislike for snakes, this is the only one I will post because it looks cool.

Mmmm tasty leaf

What am I? 100 points to anyone who guesses

boring kangaroos just eating breakfast

Would they walk around? Would they even look at us? No! They just paid attention to the food. Ugh.

I'm so cool I can lay around all day.

No, don't make me!

Brit was terrified of this wombat. It was a sculpture in a cave for kids to play with, but he wouldn’t get any closer.

The birds were awake too. Mark got a bird in flight!

Splash splash splash!

Brit loved the blue-billed duck splashing around.

Breakfast time!

I was there too

Meercat Pile! Everyone on!

Hello people

I love meercats! They’re so cute and funny looking–like they’re a four-legged animal trying out two.

I'd want to live there

So many thoughts, so little time

Chillin' in the tree

We met a Gorilla named Britton

Beautiful bird!

After the monkeys it was into the Butterfly House. There were hundreds, maybe a couple of thousand butterflies floating around us.

My friend

I even had a little visitor throughout the duration of our time in the house.

We felt like we were walking through India or something as we got near the elephant enclosure. It was huge and looked great for them.

Hi elephants

He was good, we didn't let him fall in...

My blankie!

This chimp was playing with his blanket, even putting it all over himself like a ghost.

Again, awesome zoo. We had a great time and would definitely go back.

But, the day was still young and we weren’t done yet!

But, unfortunately we were arrested and put in the Old Melbourne Gaol. Yeah. Gaol. How did you pronounce that? “Goal” or “Gay-oh-l” Even after our visit we weren’t sure, but then found it is JAIL! Oh Aussies. Mark stole something from a shop owner, but claimed it was his. Karen got caught with drugs and Britton was even caught counterfeiting! You think you teach them right and then…

Holding cell

Hallway

They decided Mark needed a padded cell

Exercise yard for women

Mug shot

No really….the Gaol really was the jail in Melbourne until the 1990s. Where we were was the holding area, or for just a few hours. Mostly until people made bail or saw a judge.

Then, this other part is the old jail built in the 1800s. This is where the infamous Ned Kelly Australia’s most famous bush ranger was hanged, and a lot of people were held. It was strange being in this old place where there was a lot of suffering with school children running around laughing and looking around.

Ground and 2nd floor cooridors

Inside each cell had an “exhibit” or sorts with a death mask and a story or a replica of what a cell would’ve contained or something like that. There was so much information and so many interesting stories.

The Gallows

In one cell there was a chart listing who was admitted into the jail, their age, and what they were accused of. One child age 3–yes, 3 was brought in for being disorderly and a 9 year old for vagrancy. Seriously?!?! a baby and a young child who were probably orphans held on such stupid charges.

Arched ceiling along the corridor

It was really interesting learning about their history. Outside in the grass courtyard was a football game among friends. Brit totally thought he was old enough to play too and was seriously upset he couldn’t have the ball.

While looking for the “Greek Precinct” since Melbourne has the most Greeks outside of Greece (yeah, who’d have thought) we stumbled upon the mall. It was fun walking around their stores and seeing their popular stores, and a few American ones. Brit was being a little difficult and couldn’t decide on a shirt he wanted from Grandma. But, finally he found one! I’ll post when we have a pic.

Little Greece was pretty disappointing. It was just one street with a few restaurants. But, did find one that ended up being pretty good. Brit loved the hummus and pita.

He’s so funny too. He could be practically asleep in the stroller as we go back, but as soon as we’re in the hotel room he comes alive and wants to play. Sometimes it took a while to get him to sleep!