MELBOURNE AUSTRALIA
BY Vicki Morrison
Known as the Garden State of Australia, Melbourne has developed
significantly since its early days of settlement in 1834. More than a
quarter of the city is parklands, providing a soft, green edge to
Australia’s second largest city. With over 3 million inhabitants, and
the largest Greek community to reside outside of Greece,
Melbourne bustles with cosmopolitan activity and culture.
1. CATCH A TRAM
The sound of the tram chugging along the tracks is central
Melbourne’s distinct trademark. No other city in Australia still has
this form of transport. The trams, while adding a delightful
European feel to the city, are also a practical and cost efficient way
to travel around. The trams are very easy to use and connect to
almost all of Melbourne’s major tourist attractions.
2. OLD MELBOURNE GOAL
Believe in the supernatural? This National Trust property – closed
as a goal in 1929 - is reputedly Melbourne’s most haunted building.
Within the walls of this building, 135 prisoners lost their lives. Try a
night tour, if you dare. Night performances take place by candlelight
as you follow a warden through the goal. Bookings are essential. If
you prefer a calmer day visit and are more interested in classic
Australian criminal history, you can see where Australia’s most
infamous bushranger, Ned Kelly, was put to death and see
memorabilia such as his armour and death mask.
3. GREAT OCEAN ROAD DRIVE
This is one of the world’s most spectacular drives, running on the
absolute edge of Australia! With stunning cliffs and rock formations,
you will be hard pressed to find anything else like it in the world.
The highlight is The Twelve Apostles, twelve, free standing
limestone rock formations that rise majestically from the ocean
floor, creating an almost biblical landscape. There are plenty of
viewing platforms along the road to stop and test your photographic
genius. This is a day trip not to be missed and can be undertaken
either by hiring a car or by taking one of the many bus tours on offer.
4. CROWN CASINO & SOUTHGATE PROMENADE
One of the better times to walk along this promenade is at night,
when the flames roar from the giant torches that illuminate the
promenade foreshore. They also line the edge of one of the most
architecturally dynamic casinos in the country. Crown Casino is not
only for those who like to spend their extra traveller’s checks, but
also for those who like to take in a little theatrical extravaganza. This
is a huge complex, complete with five star hotel, and an array of
shops and restaurants.
5. CHINA TOWN
Chinese food is a favourite of Australians and no better place in
Melbourne to sample some than in China Town, situated on Little
Bourke Street. It is a bustling precinct, alive with the sounds, smells
and feel of downtown Beijing. Apart from a huge number of
restaurants, you can also wander through Chinese medicine
stores, sing along to Karaoke, or buy unique and exotic Asian gifts.
Not to be missed during Chinese New Year celebrations.
6. LYGON STREET
If Chinese is not your thing and you prefer the softer palette of Italian
cuisine, then you must visit Melbourne’s famous Lygon Street,
where you’ll find the biggest selection of Italian restaurants and
cafes in Australia. Melbourne is well recognised as the culinary
capital of Australia and no better place is this reflected than in “Little
Italy”. You will know you have found the right street by the lingering
aromas of garlic and the typical Italian chatter that escape from the
many restaurants and trattoria. Pull up a chair, enjoy a glass of fine
Melbourne vino and eat, eat, eat!
7. PHILLIP ISLAND DAY TOUR
Fancy hundreds of fairy penguins at your feet? Here is the place to
get up close to one of the cutest creatures in the marine world.
Phillip Island Nature Park is a unique adventure with wildlife
experiences, tranquil wetlands, and breathtaking coastlines.
However it is the Penguin Parade that is its greatest attraction. Each
night at sunset you can see the little penguins returning after a day
in the ocean. From viewing stands and boardwalks, you can see
them in their natural habitat as they waddle up the beach to the
safety of their homes in the sand dunes. Phillip Island is 90
minutes south of Melbourne, easily accessible by daily bus tours
from Melbourne.
www.penguins.org.au
8. SCIENCEWORKS AND PLANETARIUM
This is the perfect place to take the kids and let them burn off some
physical and mental energy. They can push, pull, spin, and bang
any number of exhibits that take them through the marvels of
science and technology. Encompassing the only digital
planetarium in the Southern Hemisphere, animated cartoons and
live theatrical shows take children 5- 15 through the planetary
system. The Planetarium also uses latest digital technology to
recreate the night sky on 15m domed ceiling. Located 5kms from
the city, the centre can easily be reached by train to Spotswood
station, or ferry from South Bank to Docklands to Scienceworks.
www.scienceworks.museum.vic.gov.au
9. QUEEN VICTORIA MARKETS
This historic landmark and tourist attraction, situated on Elizabeth
Street, is the largest open air market in the southern hemisphere
and undoubtedly Melbourne’s shopping mecca. Officially opened on
20 March 1878, the market building sells meat products, while the
open air sheds sell fruit and vegetables, clothing, shoes, baggage,
toys, pets, travel goods, jewellery and souvenirs at bargain prices.
Experience the fervour and pace of Melbourne's most cosmopolitan
market.
www.qvm.com.au
10. MELBOURNE MUSEUM
This is the largest museum complex in the Southern Hemisphere
and draws on the latest technology to give visitors an unforgettable
insight into Australia's flora, fauna, culture and way of life. Explore a
rain forest. See Australia’s famous race horse Phar Lap. Touch a
dinosaur bone. Walk onto a set of the TV show Neighbours! There
is also an interactive children's museum for 3-8 year olds and
plenty of hands-on activities, performances, and events. A perfect
place to visit when Melbourne’s rain drops in. www.melbourne.
museum.vic.gov.au
MELBOURNE AUSTRALIA
MELBOURNE HOTELS
MELBOURNE AUSTRALIA HOTELS
BY Vicki Morrison
Known as the Garden State of Australia, Melbourne has developed
significantly since its early days of settlement in 1834. More than a
quarter of the city is parklands, providing a soft, green edge to
Australia’s second largest city. With over 3 million inhabitants, and
the largest Greek community to reside outside of Greece,
Melbourne bustles with cosmopolitan activity and culture.
1. CATCH A TRAM
The sound of the tram chugging along the tracks is central
Melbourne’s distinct trademark. No other city in Australia still has
this form of transport. The trams, while adding a delightful
European feel to the city, are also a practical and cost efficient way
to travel around. The trams are very easy to use and connect to
almost all of Melbourne’s major tourist attractions.
2. OLD MELBOURNE GOAL
Believe in the supernatural? This National Trust property – closed
as a goal in 1929 - is reputedly Melbourne’s most haunted building.
Within the walls of this building, 135 prisoners lost their lives. Try a
night tour, if you dare. Night performances take place by candlelight
as you follow a warden through the goal. Bookings are essential. If
you prefer a calmer day visit and are more interested in classic
Australian criminal history, you can see where Australia’s most
infamous bushranger, Ned Kelly, was put to death and see
memorabilia such as his armour and death mask.
3. GREAT OCEAN ROAD DRIVE
This is one of the world’s most spectacular drives, running on the
absolute edge of Australia! With stunning cliffs and rock formations,
you will be hard pressed to find anything else like it in the world.
The highlight is The Twelve Apostles, twelve, free standing
limestone rock formations that rise majestically from the ocean
floor, creating an almost biblical landscape. There are plenty of
viewing platforms along the road to stop and test your photographic
genius. This is a day trip not to be missed and can be undertaken
either by hiring a car or by taking one of the many bus tours on offer.
4. CROWN CASINO & SOUTHGATE PROMENADE
One of the better times to walk along this promenade is at night,
when the flames roar from the giant torches that illuminate the
promenade foreshore. They also line the edge of one of the most
architecturally dynamic casinos in the country. Crown Casino is not
only for those who like to spend their extra traveller’s checks, but
also for those who like to take in a little theatrical extravaganza. This
is a huge complex, complete with five star hotel, and an array of
shops and restaurants.
5. CHINA TOWN
Chinese food is a favourite of Australians and no better place in
Melbourne to sample some than in China Town, situated on Little
Bourke Street. It is a bustling precinct, alive with the sounds, smells
and feel of downtown Beijing. Apart from a huge number of
restaurants, you can also wander through Chinese medicine
stores, sing along to Karaoke, or buy unique and exotic Asian gifts.
Not to be missed during Chinese New Year celebrations.
6. LYGON STREET
If Chinese is not your thing and you prefer the softer palette of Italian
cuisine, then you must visit Melbourne’s famous Lygon Street,
where you’ll find the biggest selection of Italian restaurants and
cafes in Australia. Melbourne is well recognised as the culinary
capital of Australia and no better place is this reflected than in “Little
Italy”. You will know you have found the right street by the lingering
aromas of garlic and the typical Italian chatter that escape from the
many restaurants and trattoria. Pull up a chair, enjoy a glass of fine
Melbourne vino and eat, eat, eat!
7. PHILLIP ISLAND DAY TOUR
Fancy hundreds of fairy penguins at your feet? Here is the place to
get up close to one of the cutest creatures in the marine world.
Phillip Island Nature Park is a unique adventure with wildlife
experiences, tranquil wetlands, and breathtaking coastlines.
However it is the Penguin Parade that is its greatest attraction. Each
night at sunset you can see the little penguins returning after a day
in the ocean. From viewing stands and boardwalks, you can see
them in their natural habitat as they waddle up the beach to the
safety of their homes in the sand dunes. Phillip Island is 90
minutes south of Melbourne, easily accessible by daily bus tours
from Melbourne.
www.penguins.org.au
8. SCIENCEWORKS AND PLANETARIUM
This is the perfect place to take the kids and let them burn off some
physical and mental energy. They can push, pull, spin, and bang
any number of exhibits that take them through the marvels of
science and technology. Encompassing the only digital
planetarium in the Southern Hemisphere, animated cartoons and
live theatrical shows take children 5- 15 through the planetary
system. The Planetarium also uses latest digital technology to
recreate the night sky on 15m domed ceiling. Located 5kms from
the city, the centre can easily be reached by train to Spotswood
station, or ferry from South Bank to Docklands to Scienceworks.
www.scienceworks.museum.vic.gov.au
9. QUEEN VICTORIA MARKETS
This historic landmark and tourist attraction, situated on Elizabeth
Street, is the largest open air market in the southern hemisphere
and undoubtedly Melbourne’s shopping mecca. Officially opened on
20 March 1878, the market building sells meat products, while the
open air sheds sell fruit and vegetables, clothing, shoes, baggage,
toys, pets, travel goods, jewellery and souvenirs at bargain prices.
Experience the fervour and pace of Melbourne's most cosmopolitan
market.
www.qvm.com.au
10. MELBOURNE MUSEUM
This is the largest museum complex in the Southern Hemisphere
and draws on the latest technology to give visitors an unforgettable
insight into Australia's flora, fauna, culture and way of life. Explore a
rain forest. See Australia’s famous race horse Phar Lap. Touch a
dinosaur bone. Walk onto a set of the TV show Neighbours! There
is also an interactive children's museum for 3-8 year olds and
plenty of hands-on activities, performances, and events. A perfect
place to visit when Melbourne’s rain drops in. www.melbourne.
museum.vic.gov.au
MELBOURNE AUSTRALIA
MELBOURNE HOTELS
MELBOURNE AUSTRALIA HOTELS
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