Visit Australia: Melbourne
October 17th 2007 05:56
Melbourne. I heard they were once voted the most livable city in Australia (definitely not Sydney but Brisbane is up there as a rival). You either like it, or you don't. It is extremely cosmopolitan, lots of individualism and of course, lots of shopping.
So, starting at the Yarra, you basically have a choice of either staying on one side of it to experience the city buzz and all the shopping and cafes, or you visit the southbank, where broad walks along the river takes you to the likes of Crown Casino on one side, the MCG on the other. SouthGate and the Crown building also offer lots of top brands for your fashion and accessorie needs. Some where in between you can relax in the Botanic gardens or dine at one of the top restaurants along Southbank.
A free tourist tram takes you round and round and round around Melbourne city, allowing you to visit different sights and attractions without breaking a sweat. Simply just look out for a red historical tram and get on where it stops. For other tram services make sure you have pre-purchased a ticket before you hop on board.
Melbourne city have lots of funky art and statues lining its streets and the excellent tram network (although old and rusty) depart the centre and take you anywhere in Melbourne. For some boutique shopping, catch 86 tram (please correct me if I am wrong!) to Brunswick St where many independent boutique stores display their unique designs in clothing and homewares. It is also where you'll find the most hip bars and cafes in the area. Dining is not a problem here with choices of Italian, Asian and international cuisines to pub food, and stop by Trampline for some excellent ice cream after. Nearby, Smith St is the place to be to find some bargains among many of its factory outlets.
Make Federation Sq one of your stops in Melbourne, not that you are ever going to miss it. It is directly opposite Flinder St station, it is where you can visit the information centre and find out anything and everything about Melbourne or Victoria. They can even help you find accommodation or book travel tours if you like.
St Kilda is a 20 mins tram ride out of Melbourne city, and this is where Lunar Park is located. No offense but it's nothing special. However St Kilda is a great place to visit on the weekend where you will find a local craft market in place. On a hot day, join the many others on the beach for a dip.
One famous tourist sight in Victoria is the Great Ocean Road, and from Melbourne you can either join a day tour that takes you to the main sightings along the Great Ocean Road, including the 12 Apostles, or simply hire a car and drive it yourself. Recently, they have just opened the 'Great Ocean Walk' and basically is the walking version to see the Great Ocean Road. Personally, I have not had the chance to get on this walk, but it does look fantastic, especially if you love your nature and your outdoor fresh air.
Melbourne is also a good base for visits to Phillip Island, and experience the return of the penguines at the Penguine Parade. Once again, day trips can be organised through many of the bus companies, or if you are driving yourselves, you can simply purchase an entry ticket at the gate.
For further information on Melbourne, or anywhere else in Victoria, click here.
Melbourne lights up at night
So, starting at the Yarra, you basically have a choice of either staying on one side of it to experience the city buzz and all the shopping and cafes, or you visit the southbank, where broad walks along the river takes you to the likes of Crown Casino on one side, the MCG on the other. SouthGate and the Crown building also offer lots of top brands for your fashion and accessorie needs. Some where in between you can relax in the Botanic gardens or dine at one of the top restaurants along Southbank.
Southbank and the firey Crown Casino
A free tourist tram takes you round and round and round around Melbourne city, allowing you to visit different sights and attractions without breaking a sweat. Simply just look out for a red historical tram and get on where it stops. For other tram services make sure you have pre-purchased a ticket before you hop on board.
The free city loop tram
Melbourne city have lots of funky art and statues lining its streets and the excellent tram network (although old and rusty) depart the centre and take you anywhere in Melbourne. For some boutique shopping, catch 86 tram (please correct me if I am wrong!) to Brunswick St where many independent boutique stores display their unique designs in clothing and homewares. It is also where you'll find the most hip bars and cafes in the area. Dining is not a problem here with choices of Italian, Asian and international cuisines to pub food, and stop by Trampline for some excellent ice cream after. Nearby, Smith St is the place to be to find some bargains among many of its factory outlets.
Make Federation Sq one of your stops in Melbourne, not that you are ever going to miss it. It is directly opposite Flinder St station, it is where you can visit the information centre and find out anything and everything about Melbourne or Victoria. They can even help you find accommodation or book travel tours if you like.
Federation Square
St Kilda is a 20 mins tram ride out of Melbourne city, and this is where Lunar Park is located. No offense but it's nothing special. However St Kilda is a great place to visit on the weekend where you will find a local craft market in place. On a hot day, join the many others on the beach for a dip.
Luna Park
One famous tourist sight in Victoria is the Great Ocean Road, and from Melbourne you can either join a day tour that takes you to the main sightings along the Great Ocean Road, including the 12 Apostles, or simply hire a car and drive it yourself. Recently, they have just opened the 'Great Ocean Walk' and basically is the walking version to see the Great Ocean Road. Personally, I have not had the chance to get on this walk, but it does look fantastic, especially if you love your nature and your outdoor fresh air.
Melbourne is also a good base for visits to Phillip Island, and experience the return of the penguines at the Penguine Parade. Once again, day trips can be organised through many of the bus companies, or if you are driving yourselves, you can simply purchase an entry ticket at the gate.
For further information on Melbourne, or anywhere else in Victoria, click here.
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Comment by jon
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A quick reminder -- remember to give you images a title when you are uploading them..
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Comment by Louie
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my favourite places were StKilda hands down and the St Kilda end of Chapel street........
of course the big drawback is the weather but there is so much to do it doesnt really matter too much
cheers
Louie
Comment by AmyHuang
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Louie - best coffee outside Europe is debatable but yes Melbourne is such a great place. I am still finding an opportunity to move!
Comment by Michaelie
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BTW, you're right, it is the 86 tram - it's the one that goes past my place!
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Check this out...
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Comment by Anonymous
Cant wait to go to melbourne in the summer!!! Got my working visa as a joiner!! Gonna drink you's ozzys under the table!!!