in search of southern belles
Melbourne entreats travelers with an exciting mix of sensory delights. Melbourne is located in Victoria in the southern part of Australia and takes an hour by plane from Sydney.
I’ve compiled a top 10 list of interesting things to see and do while in Melbourne and near Melbourne. Victoria has some of the most beautiful natural scenery in Australia, so some day trips from Melbourne are included below.
1. Chocoholic Tour: Go on a taste-testing tour sampling the best chocolate and desserts Melbourne has to offer. To book visit: http://www.chocoholictours.com.au/.
2. A picnic day at Hanging Rock: Picnic at Hanging Rock is one of the most famous Australian films; it’s about three girls who mysteriously vanished on a school trip whilst exploring the Hanging Rock. People to this day still ask what happened to the characters in the story. Hanging Rock is set among bushland and a fortress of volcanic rocks at Mount Macedon. Driving there takes about 1 hour north from Melbourne, or go to the Melbourne Visitor Centre at Federation Square to book with a tour company.
hanging rock with views of mount macedon
3. Visit the home of Joan Lindsay, author of Picnic at Hanging Rock: Joan Lindsay wrote the hauntingly beautiful Picnic at Hanging Rock which later became a famous film directed by Peter Weir. Lindsay’s home at Mulberry Hill near Frankston offers a rare glimpse into the private world of a deeply philosophical artist, author and a relative of that other famous Lindsay, Norman. Her home is currently undergoing conservation work and will be reopened in September 2010. More information can be found at the National Trust Website.
4. Great Ocean Road & Twelve Apostles: A day trip down the Great Ocean Road to the Twelve Apostles is incredibly refreshing and breath-taking. Take a leisurely drive if you have the time, otherwise, there are numerous day tours on offer. Again, visit the Melbourne Visitor Centre at Federation Square. I recommend Go West Tours because of their down to earth, upbeat nature and the fantastic amount of scenery they will take you through in one day, including rainforests, friendly wildlife (where you can hand-feed kangaroos), magnificient coastlines and a helicopter ride over the Twelve Apostles.
5. Ian Potter Gallery and National Gallery of Victoria: Here you will find classic Australian art, like Federick McCubbin and Sidney Nolan. It also features a good collection of international art. For more information visit http://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/.
6. Catch a tram, ferry or train to a scenic suburb: Melbourne trams are great fun, especially if you’re not used to riding in one. I like Melbourne’s transport system because it is inexpensive and easy to get to one of the many scenic suburbs, like Frankston, St Kilda, Williamstown, Brighton Beach and Lygon Street. Talk to the friendly staff at any one of the train stations for a copy of the metro map.
7. Entertaining Annual Events: Melbourne has a good selection of entertaining annual events, like the Melbourne International Comedy Festival the Summer season of outdoor cinema (see Moonlight Cinema), the Australian Open Tennis Championship, Formula 1 Grand Prix and of course, the horse race which stops the nation, the Melbourne Cup.
8. Puffing Billy: For a bit of fun nostalgia, take a steam train ride into the heart of the Dandenong ranges and Australian bushland. For more information visit http://www.puffingbilly.com.au/.
9. Yarra Valley Wine Tour: If you enjoy fine wine you may enjoy a tour of the Yarra Valley, home to some of the best wine produced in Australia. See the Melbourne Visitor Centre at Federation Square for tour options.
10. Go shopping: Pick up a little something special or fancy from one of Melbourne’s shopping havens. Good places to start are Chapel Street, Brunswick Street in Fitzroy, Bridge Road in Richmond and Greville Street in Prahran. If you like big shopping malls, then Chadstone is also a good option.
Enjoy.
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+ my picnic at hanging rock montage
Do you have a suggestion for a must-see or do in Melbourne? If so, please comment below!