Wednesday 28 November 2012

Melbourne My Love


I love Melbourne...and will always do...will never move anywhere else...except may be Virginia..

I hate it when visitors comment that Victoria (Melbourne) is boring...and then I find out all they ever did in Melbourne was go visit the Vietnamese areas and that's all they saw...so here is a big big long list of things to do in Victoria (Melbourne) from a local..

Posted by at
Labels:

55 comments:

  1. Unknown28 November 2012 at 20:07

    Biking:
    Victoria (city = Melbourne) is the garden state of Australia thus there are heaps of parks around...and with it bike tracks...the green wedge extends all the way to Templestowe and beyond..with bike tracks all the way into the city...you would ride from 1 park to the next all connected...

    recently I have noticed on the city fringe, they have taken a lane out to make a bike lane for cyclists to bike into Melbourne..a pain for motorists..but heaven for cyclists..as they can bike safely in their little lane protected by a row of parked cars...

    I also saw bikes for hire in Southbank, a tourism initiative...thus Melbourne visitors can hire and bike their way around the city if they wish..

    from Templestowe:
    Westerfold park joining onto Banyule Flats across to Yarra Flats and down through Ivanhoe along the freeway...then..along the Yarra river..to meet up with Yarra Bend park in Kew all the way into the city...

    ReplyDelete
  2. Unknown28 November 2012 at 20:07

    Arthur's Seat:
    hehehe cant remember much except for the fact the last time I was there..all I could see was bushes...hehehe lol..nice sceneries..chairlift that had that horrifc accident a while back so dont know if they are still running...

    there's a maze near by....to try to find your way out of..
    Arthur's Seat Maze...

    http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/1park_display.cfm?park=62

    http://www.travelvictoria.com.au/arthursseat/

    ReplyDelete
  3. Unknown28 November 2012 at 20:08

    Ashcombe Maze:
    if I can ever convince hubby to go...it is a hedge maze...

    http://www.ashcombemaze.com.au/gener...dens&crumbid=2

    ReplyDelete
  4. Unknown28 November 2012 at 20:08

    Phillip Island:
    Got to go see the penguins...hehehe the march...miserable and cold so be sure to rug up...

    all we ever do is go there for fish and chips..at this little fish and chips shop just before driving into Cowes..on the right hand side of the road...as we always have to U turn..if you have hit Cowes then you have gone too far...

    they have the best scallops ever...we always order heaps of scallops..big fat ones...hehehe crazy I know..to drive all the way down there for scallops in batter...hehehe

    http://www.visitphillipisland.com/

    ReplyDelete
  5. Unknown28 November 2012 at 20:08

    Ballarat:
    every time we get visitors from overseas..interstate my parents take them to Ballarat...hehehe lol..dont know why when there ar eheaps of nice places to take them to...

    Ballarat is where the gold was..one of the goldfields..back in the olden days...lol..they all dress up...and to try your luck...you can pan for gold if you wish...lol..

    http://www.visitballarat.com.au/

    the other goldfields is Bendigo ..

    http://www.bendigotourism.com/

    ReplyDelete
  6. Unknown28 November 2012 at 20:09

    Yarra Valley:

    If you are into wine..then Yarra Valley it is...Victorian wines mostly come from the valley..there are tours going there for the day..where ummmmm the whole day is spent going from one winery to the next tasting the different wines..
    the views are spectacular as well..

    http://www.visityarravalley.com.au/

    If you are into flying then why not book a hot air balloon ride over the valley..

    http://www.globalballooning.com.au/

    ReplyDelete
  7. Unknown28 November 2012 at 20:09

    Warrandyte:
    Next to the Yarra...pack a picnic...BBQ and sit on the banks enjoy the views...dogs are offleash..unless near playground..there's a huge playground there complete with a swing for the disabled...

    Nice to come in the morning..have breakfast at one of the many cafes..and go for a long walk along the river bank..peaceful..

    There's also galleries to browse..little quaint shops..there's a huge pottery gallery..

    On the way there there is a big nursery (Beasleys) with a cute tearoom in the middle of it all..with scones and tea...views to the rest of the nursery..a massive playground outside for the kids...

    This is where artists reside...with their bluestone shacks..a place I want to live when the kids have all moved out..

    ReplyDelete
  8. Unknown28 November 2012 at 20:09

    Dandenong Mountains:
    Olinda:
    for art and craft...shops..galleries..

    The Mountain itself is nice...lush...picnic areas...there's a gallery..full of sculptures..worth seeing..called William Ricketts Sanctuary..(off Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd)

    http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/1park_display.cfm?park=49

    ReplyDelete
  9. Unknown28 November 2012 at 20:10

    Car Parks:

    Here is my secret...
    My favourite car park is on Lonsdale st, between Russell and Exhibition..underneath the J walk cafe...opposite Dragon boat ..

    on the weekend it is a flat rate of $8/day ..one of the cheapest car park in Melbourne...

    ReplyDelete
  10. Unknown28 November 2012 at 20:10

    Dean's Marsh:
    Not many people know of Dean Marsh...we stumbled on it by accident..trying to find activities for the kids...lol..
    We go down to Lorne every year and instead of taking the Great Ocean Road down..I usually get sick..and the kids too so we go the back way..through Winchelsea cutting across Dean Marsh down to Lorne.. quicker...only 45 minutes from Winchelsea down..
    We discovered Gentle Annie's there...an orchard..check first to see which fruit is in season..you can get a pass to eat as you go..and pay for what you take out...they also have a trout farm too..that you can fish...lol..we never manage to catch any..they are too well fed...lol...
    Their beef pies are very very nice..home made...they also sell ice cream toppings, chutneys, jam...
    Their zucchini chutneys are yummmo...

    http://www.gentleannie.com.au/tearoomscafe.htm

    ReplyDelete
  11. Unknown28 November 2012 at 20:10

    Bright:
    Best in Autumn when all the trees turn a brilliant shade of red and gold..it's about 3.5 hours drive from Melbourne...in the Alpine region...beautiful next to the river...walks...picnics..open fire place...cosy cottage...I'll let you imagine the rest...plenty of loving...good for a weekend away..

    http://www.brightvictoria.com.au/

    ReplyDelete
  12. Unknown28 November 2012 at 20:11

    Grampians:
    Beautiful in Spring when all the wild flowers come out...I haven't been yet..may be this Spring ?

    http://www.visitvictoria.com/display...DB0E8D2C057CF/

    http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/1park_...y.cfm?park=109

    ReplyDelete
  13. Unknown28 November 2012 at 20:11

    Lorne:
    Back is mountains...front is beach...cafes...boutiques..resort style..book ahead if going in the Christmas break..most time it is booked out so book early...there's a music festival down there every year...around that time...

    We used to go down there every Christmas..nice to just go and just relax..we would rent out an apartment..ocean views..relax..go for walks..see the waterfalls..BBQs..fishing..

    nice place to go..avoid Christmas-New Year time as it is chockers..we tend to go down on 25th and leave on 27th before the crowds come rolling in for the music festival..

    our favourite place to stay is at the Grand Pacific Hotel/Apartments near the pier..and then we would walk into Lorne...

    http://http://www.visitlorne.com/

    http://www.grandpacific.com.au/

    ReplyDelete
  14. Unknown28 November 2012 at 20:11

    If you are a kid at heart..then you cannot miss this..

    Puffing Billy:
    All kids have to go for a ride on this one ....my favourite train ride...you sit inside with legs out of the window...and feel the wind in your hair...it's a steam train...pack a picnic and go...have the picnic at the end of the ride...will have to take my kids there one day..
    it's in Belgrave...

    http://www.puffingbilly.com.au/

    ReplyDelete
  15. Unknown28 November 2012 at 20:12

    Williamstown:
    A nice way of getting there is to catch a ferry from Southgate/Southbank...about a 45 minutes ride..stop at the Town's Fryer for fish and chips..or next to it Sam's Boatshed for their spaghetti marinara..they have live music at night..then onto the main strip ..veer right for some Gelato...

    Williamstown have a beautiful botanical garden..and pier...and lots and lots of cafes...we had our wedding photos taken there..

    here is a link to photos of Willamstown need to scroll down to see...
    http://melbourneinphotos.com/williamstowng1.html

    ReplyDelete
  16. Unknown28 November 2012 at 20:13

    Melbourne itself...

    Trains, trams, horses..
    Public transport:
    There is only one ticketing system for all trams, buses and trains so with one ticket...you can hop on and off and catch whatever you like..lol..I like trams the most...they are more frequent..trains are okie too...
    http://www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au/m...n-network-map/

    Flinders is the main station..connecting all metropolitan trains..found on Flinder st..

    Southern Cross is for interstate, V line trains..found on Spencer St..it was formerly called Spencer st station..

    Trams are by numbers..need to know where to go and then catch the right number tram...

    the city circle tram is free...all tourists should catch this one as it goes around all the major attractions..and it is real pretty..

    there is also a restaurant tram...have to book early..as they are always booked out..

    Horse rides:
    For $50...the horse ride start in the CBD...Swanston near Bourke..and go all the way to the Botanical Garden and back...beautiful at night with all the city lights..
    the rides are quite flexible..if you want to go longer..you can specify where and they will give you a quote...

    For me..I like to walk...more freedom...lots to see...plenty of cafes to grab coffees when one need to rest... a nice one is in the old city square...now home to the Westin Hotel...cant remember the name...Brunelli's ? it's right next to the street...not inside (inside=StarBuck and another cafe)

    Food

    Chinatown is around Little Bourke..spanning a few blocks..from Swanston all the way up to Exhibition..
    http://www.chinatownmelbourne.com.au/

    if you want Greek food then it is Lonsdale St that you are after..

    for Indian Flinders Lane?

    and Italian you need to get yourself to Lygon St...

    our favourite restaurant is called Il Caretto..it is on Nicholson st..Carlton...from the city it is on the left..opposite the Uniting Church...they do a mean spaghetti marinara..and they have wood fired pizzas..

    Vietnamese food you need to catch a tram to Victoria St into Richmond..either that or walk..about 45 minutes from Parliament station..my favourite there is Phở Chú Thể ..or Cố Đô for Bún bò Huế , Bánh canh tôm thịt or Bún riêu ..

    or catch a train to Footscray..only a few stops away from the CBD and have cơm tấm at Tân Thành Lợi near Bilo ..or
    Bún mắm, Mì vịt tiềm or Bún măng vịt at Phở Tâm
    Shopping:
    Collins st= upmarket..
    Melbourne Central
    Southbank
    Docklands
    Chadstone (Chaddie)
    Westfield Doncaster

    I like Westfield better..newer ..more brand names..more luxurious..more room to move..Chaddie is always crowded..but then I am bias..I only live 8 minutes from Westfield..

    Strip shopping
    Camberwell- Burke Rd- cafes
    South Yarra- Chapel St
    Richmond- Bridge Rd
    Hawthorn- Glenferrie Rd- cafes

    DFOs: direct factory outlets..the best is in Essendon..biggest...more stock..good for bargains

    if you like to wander like me...try the lanes of the city..hop off at Flinders St station and wander in and out of the lanes...little quaint shops and cobblestone lanes...brand names galore...so bring your credit cards...lol..

    Entertainment:
    Crown complex
    Theatres Exhibition st end...
    http://www.hmt.com.au/
    Jazz ..Bennett's lane or Paris cat..
    http://www.bennettslane.com/
    http://www.pariscat.com.au/
    King st =nightclub district..

    Walking:
    Melbourne is walkable..stop at Federation Square..Swanston St near Flinders St...there is an information centre..buy a map...and it shows you the different districts of Melbourne complete with a history lesson...can also download from the net...see link below..

    http://www.visitmelbourne.com/displa...F80C476A901F2/

    ReplyDelete
  17. Unknown28 November 2012 at 20:13

    Studley Park:
    Everyone knows of Studley Park..and its boat house...a romantic place for a picnic ..BBQ ...the boat house do hire out rowing boats..for couples...to row off into the bushes...for some tete-a-tete...lol..
    parking is usually awful on summer days..and the park is very crowded...

    tips..park on the other side of the river...in Fairfield Park and walk across the bridge...

    http://www.whitehat.com.au/melbourne/Parks/Studley.asp

    ReplyDelete
  18. Unknown28 November 2012 at 20:13

    The Arts:
    National Gallery of Victoria:
    http://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/

    Heide:
    http://www.heide.com.au/

    The Arts Centre:
    http://www.theartscentre.com.au/

    Heide is next to parks..so pack a picnic... it is not in the CDB...need a car..or else catch a train to Heidelberg station and it is about a 30-40 minutes walk...

    ReplyDelete
  19. Unknown28 November 2012 at 20:14

    Parks and gardens:
    We are not known as the garden state for nothing...we have beautiful parks all around us..

    Royal Botanical Gardens Melbourne:
    Can't miss this one...walk up to see the Shrine of Remembrance
    http://www.rbg.vic.gov.au/rbg-melbourne/whats-on
    http://www.shrine.org.au/content.asp?Document_ID=1

    Carlton Gardens:
    every April they have to flower and garden show...near the museum, Imax and the Royal Exhibition building..a must see..
    museumvictoria.com.au

    Fitzroy Gardens:
    real pretty..remembered walking this park awhile back with Mr Cá Sấu ..
    http://www.fitzroygardens.com/

    Albert Park:
    about 5km walking track around the lake...BBQs...play grounds..bring bread to feed the duckies..and the swans...cafes...ice creams..
    visit MSAC (Melbourne Sport and Aquatic Centre) if want a swim...or to play badminton, table tennis..and whatever else..

    http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/1park_display.cfm?park=38

    ReplyDelete
  20. Unknown28 November 2012 at 20:14

    Laneways:
    I grew up in Melbourne...yet I do not think I have explored all of it's laneways...here is a great piece on Melbourne's laneways..and if you like exploring you have hit the jackpot...cobblestone laneways..great cafes...awesome shops...

    check this out..a wonderful piece by That's Melbourne , complete with a map..that's it folks..once the weather get better and I am out of a job guess where I'll be ? wandering these laneways..

    http://www.thatsmelbourne.com.au/Get.../Laneways.aspx

    ReplyDelete
  21. Unknown28 November 2012 at 20:15

    Melbourne Tummy Warmers

    1. Supper Inn 9663 4759 ...15-17 Celestial Ave 530pm-230am Melbourne

    2. Embassy Taxi Cafe 9328 1830... 547 Spencer St West Melbourne 24 hours

    3. Danny's Burgers 9481 5847 ...360 Georges Rd Nth Fitzroy noon-2am

    4. Kenzan@ GPO 9663 7767 Shop G28, GPO building 350 Bourke St Melbourne

    5. MoVida Next Door 9663 3038 cnr Hosier Lane and Flinders St Melbourne

    6. Ling Nan 9663 2347... 204 Little Bourke St Melbourne

    7. Breakfast and Beer/Perfect Drop/Stoke House 9525 5555 ..30 Jacka Blvd St Kilda lunch and dinner..

    8. Urban Burger 9328 1781 ...47 Errol St North Melbourne

    9. Niko Niko 9568 0113 ...641 Warrigal Rd Chadstone lunch and dinner..

    10. 1806/Stalactites 9663 7722 ...169 Exhibition St Melbourne
    Fri and Sat till 5am...Sun till 3am..(Greek food...souvlaki )

    11. Riverland 9662 1771 Vault 1-9 Federation Wharf Melbourne till Midnight

    12. Golden Terrace 9386 6729... 805 Sydney Rd, Brunswick 11am-10pm

    these were recommended by chefs...I have only been to 3...Supper Inn, Ling Nan and Stalactites..

    ReplyDelete
  22. Unknown28 November 2012 at 20:15

    Driving in the city:
    Beware of hook turns...lol..

    Australians drive on the left...so when we turn right we take the right hand lane all the way to middle of the intersection to turn on amber/red...

    Melbourne have hook turns usually just in the CBD (central business district) this means you turn right from the left lane..

    On green move into the intersection keeping as far left as possible..to let other cars through...and turn right on red...not amber..lol..or else you might end up in a hospital...lol..

    Easy enough to do.....I hate driving in the city as never know which street is hook and which isnt..by the time I find out it's too late to change lanes to turn lol.

    The Hook Turn

    For the uninitiated this can be daunting but it simple when you get the hang of it. The purpose of a hook turn is to
    enable trams and other through traffic to continue whilst a traffic signal is green. So essentially a hook turn is making a right turn from the left lane. Lets walk through it.

    At some not all intersections a sign indicating a hook turn is displayed. To make a right turn you must be in the left lane prior to entering the intersection. If you are not you will not be able to turn right. Continue on to the next intersection if you are caught out.

    If you are positioned correctly in the left lane enter the intersection and stop in front of the opposing traffic. Traffic will continue through the intersection whilst you are stopped in the left lane. The traffic signal will change to red and the traffic signal facing your right side will change to green.

    You will complete your right turn now. Once you have turned and exited the intersection the other traffic will follow.

    Up to 3 cars will queue in the intersection waiting to turn right. If you miss being in the left lane continue to the next intersection and turn there, hook turn or otherwise. Melbourne’s streets are in a grid so finding your way back to the street you were meant to be on is easy.

    taken from http://www.itchy-feet.com.au/36/driv...urns-and-trams

    Trams:
    can only over take trams if they havent got their light flashings or flags out..

    ReplyDelete
  23. Unknown28 November 2012 at 20:16

    Wilson Prom:
    A must...hehehe if thinking of camping in the Christmas holidays think to book a year in advance...a very popular place for campers...
    I cant remeber much but a must do... went there when I was a kid...my parents have "hoa chân" ..they took us everywhere...

    http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/1park_...y.cfm?park=217
    http://www.lighthouse.net.au/lights/...Lighthouse.htm

    ReplyDelete
  24. Unknown28 November 2012 at 20:16

    Daylesford:
    If you like mud treatment..massage..and hot springs..then you need to get yourself to Daylesford..go see the Hepburn Springs..

    http://www.visitdaylesford.com.au/Forms/Default.aspx

    ReplyDelete
  25. Unknown28 November 2012 at 20:16

    Zoos:

    Healesville Sanctuary:
    This is the place for foreigners who want to pat kangaroos...hehehe
    http://www.zoo.org.au/HealesvilleSanctuary

    Melbourne Zoo:
    http://www.zoo.org.au/MelbourneZoo


    Werribee Open Range Zoo:
    http://www.zoo.org.au/WerribeeOpenRangeZoo

    ReplyDelete
  26. Unknown28 November 2012 at 20:17

    Fancy a picnic? pack a basket and off we go..to the reservoirs...

    Cardinia Reservoir:
    http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/1park_display.cfm?park=88

    Maroondah Reservoir:
    http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/1park_...y.cfm?park=140

    ReplyDelete
  27. Unknown28 November 2012 at 20:17

    Lake Eildon:
    If houseboats are your thing..then you need to visit Lake Eildon..can hire a houseboat to stay in..

    http://www.lakeeildon.com/boating-an...ouseboats.html

    ReplyDelete
  28. Unknown28 November 2012 at 20:17

    Acland st St Kilda:
    Grab a coffee...forget about the kJ ..indulge...their cakes are yummo..browse boutique book stores/music stores..or go for a walk on the beach...have an ice cream...
    http://www.melbourne.com.au/stkilda.htm

    If you are into action..turn the corner and catch a ride at Luna Park..
    http://www.lunapark.com.au/

    ReplyDelete
  29. Unknown28 November 2012 at 20:18

    Victoria Market:
    Yummo fresh food...be sure to stop by the doughnut van...$5 for 6...jam...can ask for them not to be rolled in sugar if wished..have to be patient as the line can be long...
    If you pass by Kulla...say hello to my friend for me..he's a real cutie..and married ..hehehe
    http://www.qvm.com.au/

    ReplyDelete
  30. Unknown28 November 2012 at 20:18

    City Baths:
    Used to go swimming here when I was in high school..a pool with a difference...

    http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/melb...Pages/MCB.aspx

    ReplyDelete
  31. Unknown28 November 2012 at 20:18

    Melbourne's GPO (General Post Office):
    Have to walk through..great architecture...plenty of brand names..

    http://www.melbournesgpo.com/

    ReplyDelete
  32. Unknown28 November 2012 at 20:19

    City Square:
    I must be getting old...the city square used to be much bigger..can still remember the lawns before the Westin days....we used to love sitting there watching passers-by...
    Brunetti's nice for a coffee...we Australian love our little cafes more than chain ones like Starbuck...and others..

    http://www.walkingmelbourne.com/foru...php?f=4&t=4781

    ReplyDelete
  33. Unknown28 November 2012 at 20:19

    If you have plenty of dough to spare then Collins st it is..

    http://www.collinsstreet.com.au/

    ReplyDelete
  34. Unknown28 November 2012 at 20:19

    Birrarung Park:
    One of my favourite..reason is because it is across the road from where I live thus we go there for walks..wood BBQs...it is along the Yarra river..most of my photos came from there..

    there is a 1.2km circuit..for walking, biking, rollerskating..a play ground for the kids..and used to have a lake..lake have since dried out because of the drought...

    but if you like bird watching...rabbits hopping ..there's plenty..the rabbits are quite tame..so they will come out to within a metre of you...

    Yarra Flats:
    This is another favourite..there are tracks..and then there are tracks..if you want to see the Yarra you need the walk the beaten tracks..not the bike tracks..it is a very big park...and need to walk it with someone..lots of bushes..hehehe but beautiful nonetheless..when you are in it it feels like you are miles and miles away from anywhere else..

    Bring an easel..follow the Artist trail and start painting the landscape ..or just absorb the beauty of the Australian bush..

    http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/1park_...y.cfm?park=224

    ReplyDelete
  35. Unknown28 November 2012 at 20:20

    For the little ones

    Hays Paddock:
    have taken the kids there..and they loved it..there are hammocks for mums and babe..and a big big playgorund for the older kids..

    http://www.playgroundfinder.com/play...laygroundid=27

    Eltham Miniature Train Park:
    http://www.femail.com.au/diamond-val...-miniature.htm

    ReplyDelete
  36. Unknown28 November 2012 at 20:20

    Cape Schanck:

    Another one that my parents took me to...long long time ago..a lighthouse..walks..

    http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/1park_display.cfm?park=48

    ReplyDelete
  37. Unknown28 November 2012 at 20:21

    Sorrento and Rye
    Favourite beachy resorts...very European..have not been there for yonks..remembered went down there for a school excursion..

    http://www.travelvictoria.com.au/ima.../photos/19.jpg

    http://www.travelvictoria.com.au/ima.../photos/24.jpg

    ReplyDelete
  38. Unknown28 November 2012 at 20:21

    From Sorrento can catch a ferry over to Queenscliff..which is about 30 minutes from Geelong...

    Queenscliff...music festival around late November...a nice town..lighthouse..BBQ ..cricket by the beach..fishing..yachting..rough..not really for swimming..

    http://dewdrops12.multiply.com/photos/album/289/Queenscliff

    ReplyDelete
  39. Unknown28 November 2012 at 20:22

    Barwon Heads:
    Now this is a nice place for a swim...Sandy Point..the sand is so very very fine and soft underneath your feet..there is a bridge for fishing...a camping place..and a little fish and chips place..near the camping grounds..can't remember the name..we love coming here as it is beautiful...

    it is about 15 minutes drive from Geelong..
    http://www.travelvictoria.com.au/ima...photos/028.jpg

    my kids call it PSB...pure sand beach..
    http://dewdrops12.multiply.com/photos/album/288/Test_Drive

    ReplyDelete
  40. Unknown28 November 2012 at 21:55

    Village Centre:
    Located between Bourke and Little Bourke..between Swanston and Russell..
    if you are girlie like me and like cóc ..and xí muội and me..then you can't miss this place..

    for the guys they also have khô mực ..bò khô and kangaroo khô (beef and kanagaroo jerky)

    ReplyDelete
  41. Unknown28 November 2012 at 21:56

    Flinders St Station:
    Have always loved it ..as I used to catch the train to school..the clocks actually show the time that the train would leave...it is also a great way to meet people..there are steps to sit on and wait for friends..

    http://museumvictoria.com.au/marvell...flindersst.asp

    http://kyduyenhouse.com/forum/album....&pictureid=253

    http://kyduyenhouse.com/forum/album....&pictureid=254

    If Flinders is old then Southern Cross is new...

    Southern Cross Station:
    Revamped just recently..formerly known as Spencer St Station...for interstate trains and buses..

    http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=...w=1024&bih=577

    ReplyDelete
  42. Unknown28 November 2012 at 21:56

    Bourke St Mall:
    Pop by and sit awhile...listen to the buskers..watch the street artists..trams..

    there's David Jones and Myer...then there is the GPO...brand names..the GPO's building have been renovated..but the old architecture still remains..have a look..great for photos..

    if travelling 2 weeks before Christmas Myer usually put up a Christmas window display..worth lining up for..the line can be very long..

    http://kyduyenhouse.com/forum/album....&pictureid=243

    http://kyduyenhouse.com/forum/album....&pictureid=238

    photos of a busker in the mall and the inside of the GPO..

    ReplyDelete
  43. Unknown28 November 2012 at 21:56

    Vietnamese areas in Melbourne:

    They consist of 3 main areas, Footscray, Richmond and Springvale...there are also smaller areas like St Albans, Sunshine etc..

    If you want cheap food/groceries then Footscray and Springvale..

    Footscray is only a few train stations away from the CBD (Footscray station-Werribee,Williamstown,Sydenham lines) , main area= Bilo area..Hopkins, Leed St

    Richmond (Victoria St) is easy to get to...by train (North Richmond/Collingwood station-Hurstbridge/Epping lines) , tram (42,30,24) or walking from Parliament station..go along Victoria Parade..all the way down to Victoria St..about 45 minutes walk...

    Springvale is also by train..about 35-40 minutes away (Springvale station-Cranbourne/Pakenham lines) cross the railway lines and walk down Springvale Rd then turn right at Buckingham..the main area is there
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Springvale-market.jpg

    http://www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au/m...n-network-map/

    ReplyDelete
  44. Unknown28 November 2012 at 21:57

    Camberwell:
    Grab a coffee from one of the many cafes on Burke Rd...there is a market on every Sunday if you are into vintage clothing..if you like art deco...pop by and watch a movie at Rivoli..

    http://www.onlymelbourne.com.au/melb...ls.php?id=7750

    http://www.villagecinemas.com.au/cin...li-cinemas.htm

    ReplyDelete
  45. Unknown28 November 2012 at 21:57

    Canterbury:
    my favourite..next to Surrey Hills...for its tree-lined streets..absolutely gorgeous..grand mansions..Frognall..Maling Rd..exclusive suburb for old money...

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canterbury,_Victoria

    http://www.malingroad.com.au/

    http://vhd.heritage.vic.gov.au/places/heritage/199

    pop by Maling Rd..known for its boutique, quaint shops...near by Union Rd and visit my favourite florists..have a coffee with Jeff and Frank..then go on an organic fruit and vegies binge with Organic Union..after that next door to Anne's pantry to buy a chicken and leek pie for dinner..

    ReplyDelete
  46. Unknown28 November 2012 at 21:57

    Hawthorn:
    If you are into architecture then you need to visit the older suburbs...like Hawthorn...it is home to many elegant homes...

    driving down Burwood Rd...there were many beautiful buildings..drive on turning into Glenferrie Rd for shopping...or continue into Bridge Rd (Richmond) for more shopping...

    http://localhero.biz/article/permati...orn,_victoria/

    http://www.walkingmelbourne.com/foru....php?f=4&t=961

    ReplyDelete
  47. Unknown28 November 2012 at 21:58

    Buffets

    Australia have not caught up with the US with buffets as yet..but this is one of the best Asian buffet in Melbourne..need to book first..and go first session as easier to park..

    http://www.chinabarsignature.com/

    ReplyDelete
  48. Unknown28 November 2012 at 21:59

    or the kiddies...
    Theme Parks (Water)

    Whittlesea Alpine Toboggan Park..
    http://www.funfields.com.au/

    Adventure Park (Geelong)
    http://www.adventurepark.com.au/

    ReplyDelete
  49. Unknown28 November 2012 at 22:00

    Remember Grease? the drive in? the rocknroll? the hot dogs?

    then you need to head to Coburg...the closest drive-in from the city...they have 3 humungous screens...a diner that is a thing from the past...and best of all they play rocknroll pre-movies...

    pack a picnic..pack your chairs...we tend to dress the kids in PJs.. turn down the back seats...pop an Ikea double futon in..sleeping bags for everyone...cushions...then park the car with the hatch facing the screen...nice and comfy...

    the kids have a ball...
    http://www.villagecinemas.com.au/Cin...g-Drive-In.htm

    there is also one is in Dandenong..have not been to this one..
    http://www.lunardrive-in.com.au/gallery/

    we tend to pop in to Haci's.. at the intersection of Bell St and St Georges (opposite Macca's) on the way home to grab some of Haci's kebab...ask for one with the lot...try lamb...yummo...

    http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pi...2&id=660350421

    Whilst in Coburg ..visit the Pentridge..blue stone walls..what's left of the old prison..nicked name the Bluestone college..

    http://www.moreland.vic.gov.au/morel...pentridge.html

    ReplyDelete
  50. Unknown28 November 2012 at 22:00

    1000 steps...a must do...Kokoda Memorial Trail..in the Ferntree Gully National Park..about 5km and 2 hours return...quite steep. This track leads from the Fern Tree Gully Picnic Ground to One Tree Hill.

    http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/1park_display.cfm?park=49

    I think I have done this one...plenty of ferns..beautiful..just like the photo on the webpage..need to have good shoes that grips...as it is steep and slippery..

    ReplyDelete
  51. Unknown28 November 2012 at 22:00

    Federation Square:
    When it was first decided and built.. it caused a rage through Melbourne..guess because it was different...too modern...too new ..clashed with the old..but at time goes by I guess we have all grown to love it...it kind of grew on us..

    http://www.arcspace.com/architects/L...on_square.html

    ReplyDelete
  52. Unknown28 November 2012 at 22:01

    Eltham...my dream place to live..so very very green..the roads/lanes are tiny..the houses are timber cottages..like those you'd see out of paintings..you could virtually stand in your front yard and talk to your neighbours on the other side of the lane..

    the only thing that puts me off is the windy roads... the traffic..other than that it is just perfect...scenery perfect..

    go visit Montsalvat..learn to build your own guitar..

    http://www.montsalvat.com.au/

    http://www.visitvictoria.com/display...280C476A902CB/

    ReplyDelete
  53. Unknown28 November 2012 at 22:01

    Nature buffs...need to go see the whales in Warrnambool..

    someone said the best way is to train it..about 3-4 hours from Melbourne..I don't know...as I haven't been..the furthest I have been down the coast is to visit the 12 apostles...

    http://www.visitwarrnambool.com.au/whale-watching/

    J at work said there's been sightings of whales in Torquay just recently...much closer to Melbourne...this is the season for them...

    ReplyDelete
  54. Unknown28 November 2012 at 22:01

    Another park..another trail...Jell's park..have been here before...yonks ago though...quite a popular place..as close to Springvale..Dandenong..

    http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/1park_display.cfm?park=57

    ReplyDelete
  55. rankbooster78624 March 2020 at 00:07

    pony rides melbourne
    Specialists in arranging horse riding holidays worldwide for all levels of riding. Adventures range from luxury, safaris, ranches, beach, natural horsemanship, family. We have a riding holiday for everyone.

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)