A day in the life of Victoria Harbour

A day in the life of Victoria Harbour

By Stella M. Barber

Every day, any day, is a special day at Victoria Harbour, Docklands. What a beautiful and unique community us “Vic Harbourites” have. So much to do, see, and experience.

Victoria Harbour has it all. If you want to exercise, we have running tracks, bike paths, fitness spaces and beautiful clean fresh air should you want to join the many lunchtime walkers to the end of the wharf on most days of the week.

For bike riders we not only have dedicated safe bike paths, we have a fabulous bike shop in Good Cycles that will soon be permanently operating near the corner of NAB and Harbour Esplanade. Go in and see the guys for a professional, yet cheap, service to your bike. They will also pump your tyres up for free or just offer some cycling advice.

If you prefer to run, my favourite running route is from my home at Waterside Place up to the end of the wharf to look at the beautiful octopus mural, and then back down again to Harbour Esplanade over to New Quay to the Ron Barrassi Snr Park. A loop of that and back again and you can run, jog or walk 5km without one traffic light stop. Where else can you do that so close to a major city centre? All that’s missing is a place to swim and I am putting it out there, (hope you’re reading, Melbourne City Council!) my dream to see better waste management along the water’s edge and in the harbour, so the water is safe for swimming. My ultimate dream: A Docklands triathlon taking in all the lovely sights!

If sport isn’t your thing, Vic Harbour offers a cornucopia of culture! For one we have the magnificent and award-winning Library at the Dock, staffed by friendly librarians, with a dedicated children’s space, art gallery and coffee shop. You can easily while away a few hours there if you have them to spare. It’s a popular spot for all ages and we are so lucky to have it right on our doorstep. On many days there is a performance either within or outside the library … that’s if you just want to spectate.

If you prefer to take part, you can find your voice at Victoria Harbour with the Open-Door Singers; a community singing group that is open to all ages, all voices, all cultures. You might have caught one of its melodic performances in the library or along the waterfront at various times through the year. Just turn up on a Wednesday night at The Hub behind the library at 5.30pm and see what it’s like for yourself.

But wait, there’s more! Tired and hungry from your outdoor experience at Vic Harbour or from a morning engrossed in a book? Then it’s time for refreshment. How lucky are we to have a very new cafe open its doors at Victoria Harbour? Min Café, the charming pink-themed cafe is situated at the corner of Bourke St and Waterside Place. It offers great coffee with artisan beans and fresh clean food. There is something for everyone on the menu, including some options for the growing vegan community. Say hello to the owner Elle … she will make you very welcome!

Us apartment dwellers have everything we need on our doorstep: post office, supermarket, medical centre and cafes – all within walking distance. Woolworths at Victoria Harbour is managed by a very affable and helpful woman who you will see stacking the shelves and meeting customers rather than being stuck in her office. Woollies also has the friendliest fruit and vegie manager on the planet in Dorothy.

Within this small community most of our services and retailers want to make us welcome and together we are creating a real community.

As noted in the last two issues of Docklands News, each of the three precincts will be writing a column every third month. This month it’s my turn. I am a Vic Harbour resident, working from home as a historian and in the final stages of writing up my PhD thesis. When not at my desk you will see me training around Docklands, riding my bike, running or swimming in the pool in my building. I live with my two beautiful cats, Chloe and Gerald, and have two wonderful sons living close by.

If you want me to cover any particular aspect of Vic Harbour life, just send me an email at: [email protected]

Thanks for reading!

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