I hadn't been to Dandenong for many, many years - and didn't really have any reason to go - when I found a Public Art tour happening during the recent school holidays.
Ok, it was for kids.
And I took mine.
And they loved it.
But I think I loved it just a bit more...
We started from the new Harmony Square and walked down Halpin Way towards Mason St. Heavy gold chain links were scattered along the footpath.
To our left was Little India, where Indian fashion stores, sweet shops and popular restaurants sit side by side. To our right, these giant Scrabble letters sat outside an old building.
The Afghani section around Walker St had my tummy rumbling for a taste of this delicious cuisine - on my next visit, hopefully.
In the Thomas St carpark, the lift door opened to reveal the elevator interior transformed into a work of art. Pixel People, featuring the faces of local people, were aplenty around Ewart Lane.
State of the art modern architecture was a sight to behold.
The century old former Town Hall - now home to the Drum Theatre - still stands proudly in the heart of Dandenong, alongside its shiny new neighbours.
The tour was fun and informative and gave me a good glimpse into the new, revitalised Dandenong and all that it has to offer. The art pieces are ever changing, and I will probably find a whole different set of works on my next visit.
The walk back to the car was just as good, with the stunning Spring blooms of the Rotary Park dazzling us with their colours.
I didn't realise how much 'Dandy' has changed in the past 10 years. I was thrilled to find a colourful, vibrant, melting pot of cultures, restaurants, arts and architecture and can't wait to come back and discover some more Public Art, the Market and Heritage Hill.
What: Dandenong Public Art
Related post: Dandenong Market Tour