TRAVEL MELBOURNE
(including tour of Great Ocean Road-Yarra Valley-Phillip Island-Vallart Hill)
(including tour of Great Ocean Road-Yarra Valley-Phillip Island-Vallart Hill)
GENERAL INFORMATION-Melbourne is the Australia's second largest city, it is a vibrant, elegant, and multicultural city. Melbourne is perhaps Australia’s most cultured and politically conservative city. Located on the banks of the Yarra River, near the entrance to Port Phillip Bay. European settlement started in 1835, however the discovery of gold in 1851 saw a population boom with many prospectors settling in Melbourne. With vast wealth generated from the nearby goldfields, majestic buildings were constructed throughout the city. Many of these buildings still stand today. Melbourne regarded as having more examples of Victorian architecture than any other city in Australia .Melbourne include Victorian-era architecture, bounteous cultural institutions museums, art galleries, theatres and spaciously landscaped parks and gardens. Include Australia's best dining, an efficient transit system. In people terms, it is the third largest Greek city in the world and the largest Italian city outside Italy. In common with Sydney, it has a large Chinese community dating from the 1850s gold rush. Melbourne has long been a bastion of the Jewish community in Australia.
HISTORY- The first people to live around the area which is now Melbourne were the Aboriginal people. There were five different groups which belonged to the Kulin Nation. They were hunter-gatherers. Lieutenant David Collins, accompanied by a party comprising both convicts and free settlers, landed on the shores of Port Phillip (near Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula) in October 1803 and a short-lived colony was established. Batman a businessmen in June 1835 purchased the land on the western shore of Port Phillip from the local Aborigines. Within a year the township of Melbourne began to grow on the banks of the Yarra River. In 1836, Governor Bourke declared the city the administrative capital of the Port Phillip District of New South Wales. The settlement was named Batmania after Batman. However, later that year the settlement was named "Melbourne" after the British Prime Minister, William Lamb, 2nd Viscount Melbourne. The rectangular street grids were laid out. On 1 July 1851 the Port Phillip District became the separate Colony of Victoria, with Melbourne as its capital. The then Superintendent, Charles La Trobe, became Lieutenant-Governor at that time. In theory Victoria would have remained a rural economy as there were over six million sheep being grazed on well-established properties, but the discovery of gold changed everything. The surge of wealth and people made the Melbourne as a major city. By 1861, just 25 years after John Batman set up the township, it was home to 125,000 people. Gold sparked the development of housing, schools, and churches, fine homes for professional people and merchants, and public buildings. The International Exhibition of 1880 put Melbourne on the world map as a major city. Its Exhibition Buildings stand monument to an era that earned it the title of Marvellous Melbourne. The city developed into a major trade centre with wool, wheat and other agricultural products adding to its wealth.
THE GOLD RUSH-By November 1851 alluvial gold had been discovered at Clunes, Anderson's Creek, Buninyong, Ballarat, Mount Alexander and Bendigo, which at the time was known as Sandhurst. The streets of Melbourne were virtually deserted and, by early 1852, ships from all over the world were bringing eager miners to Melbourne. By 1854 the colony's population had grown from 80, 000 to 3, 00, 000. For a number of years the gold output from Victoria was greater than in any other country in the world with the exception of the more extensive fields of California. From 1851 to 1896 the Victorian Mines Department reported that a total of 18,98,391 kg of gold was mined in Victoria. This would form the basis for unprecedented development which would establish Melbourne as Australia's major financial centre and Victoria as an extremely wealthy colony.
GEOGRAPHY- Melbourne is built on a coastal plain at the top of the giant horseshoe shaped Port Phillip Bay, which also serves as the mouth of the mighty Yarra River. Located on the southern coast of Australia’s eastern seaboard.
BOXING DAY (dec26) - Boxing Day is a public holiday. It was traditionally a day for employers in England to give bonuses of money, leftover food or old clothing to their employees, or for lords to give agricultural tools and seeds for the coming year to their tenants. These gifts were presented in a box. Some people believe that this is the reason that December 26 is known as Boxing Day. Others think that the origin of the name is related to the box into which parishioners put church donations. In some areas, this box was opened on Boxing Day and the contents were distributed to the poor people of the parish. Many important sports events are held on Boxing Day. The Boxing Day test match is a cricket game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The game is between the Australian National cricket team and other national teams touring Australia. Another important sporting event that starts on Boxing Day is the Sydney to Hobart yacht race. This is also known as the Bluewater Classic and covers a distance of 630 nautical miles between Sydney Harbour and Hobart on the island of Tasmania. In some parts of Australia, the post-Christmas sales begin on Boxing Day. Stores offer their excess stock that was not sold before Christmas Day at reduced prices.
POPULATION - 43,48,000
AREA- 9990.00Km2
CO-ORDINATES- 37°48′49″S 144°57′47″E
TIME ZONE- UTC+10 Summer UTC+11
CLIMATE-
T0C JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
H Av 26 26 24 20 17 14 13 15 17 20 22 24
L Av 14 15 13 11 9 7 6 7 8 10 11 13
AREA- 9990.00Km2
CO-ORDINATES- 37°48′49″S 144°57′47″E
TIME ZONE- UTC+10 Summer UTC+11
CLIMATE-
T0C JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
H Av 26 26 24 20 17 14 13 15 17 20 22 24
L Av 14 15 13 11 9 7 6 7 8 10 11 13
AIRPORT- Melbourne Airport (IATA- MEL), also known as Tullamarine Airport. The airport is 23 km from the city centre. It was opened in 1970 and is the primary airport serving the city of Melbourne. It has Terminals-T1 (Quantas Airlines), T2 (International),T3(Vergin Australia),T4(Budget Airlines).
MELBOURNE SIGHTS & ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITY-
001-FEDERATION SQUARE-Located between Swanston Street, Flinders street & Russell Street extension, and opposite to the Flinders Street Station. Federation Square is Melbourne's meeting place. It is a unique cultural precinct which brings together a creative mix of attractions, museums and galleries, along with many restaurants, cafes and bars. The ultra-modern design of open and closed spaces contrast to the surrounding Victorian architectural buildings, it can hold up to 10,000 people at a time. Federation Square covering an area of 3.2 hectares and centred on two major public spaces- open squares (St. Paul's Court and The Square) and one covered (The Atrium), built on top of a concrete deck above busy railway lines. Comprising on the entire city block and paved in sandstone cobbles from Western Australia's Kimberley region. Federation Square rises slightly above street level and offers a spectacular views of the City of Melbourne, Southbank and the Yarra River.
Hosting more than 2,000 events annually, tourists will always find entertainment in the central outdoor performance space and intimate indoor venues. Here you can visit the Ian Potter Museum, Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI), 2 State of the Art Cinemas, Restaurants and get brochures from the visitors information centre. More commonly called "Fed Square", it is also the largest free Wi-Fi site in Australia. Its buildings are clad in a fractal-patterned reptilian skin. Hire a bike and go around the city on bike trails, along the Yarra and enjoy the scenic views of the river & the city, or you can simply go on a boat cruise on the Yarra River from the Yarra Wharf along Princess Walk off Swanston Street. Since opening in 2002, Fed Square has seen more than 100 million visitors and has recently been named the 6th Best Public Square of the World in a list of 10 international icons including Naghsh-e Jahaan Square in Iran and Red Square (Krasnaya ploshchad) in Moscow, Russia.
One-hour guided walking tours are available each morning from Monday to Saturday.
Location-Corner Swanston and Flinders Streets.
Hosting more than 2,000 events annually, tourists will always find entertainment in the central outdoor performance space and intimate indoor venues. Here you can visit the Ian Potter Museum, Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI), 2 State of the Art Cinemas, Restaurants and get brochures from the visitors information centre. More commonly called "Fed Square", it is also the largest free Wi-Fi site in Australia. Its buildings are clad in a fractal-patterned reptilian skin. Hire a bike and go around the city on bike trails, along the Yarra and enjoy the scenic views of the river & the city, or you can simply go on a boat cruise on the Yarra River from the Yarra Wharf along Princess Walk off Swanston Street. Since opening in 2002, Fed Square has seen more than 100 million visitors and has recently been named the 6th Best Public Square of the World in a list of 10 international icons including Naghsh-e Jahaan Square in Iran and Red Square (Krasnaya ploshchad) in Moscow, Russia.
One-hour guided walking tours are available each morning from Monday to Saturday.
Location-Corner Swanston and Flinders Streets.
i- Australian Centre For The Moving Image(ACMI)- Managing to educate and entertain , ACMI is a exhibits about Australian cinema and TV, offering an insight into the modern-day Australian psyche perhaps like no other museum can. It’s floating screens of TV shows, games and movies making it a great place watching TV. Free tours are conducted daily at 11am and 2.30pm.
Screenworld is the main focus here, an interactive exhibition that celebrates the work of Australian cinema and TV, its exhibitions, games lab and zoetrope will interest anyone.
Upstairs, you’ll find the Australian Mediatheque, a venue set aside for the viewing of programs from the National Film and Sound Archive and ACMI. Mini-festivals of cinema classics and the occasional Pixar blockbuster are screened throughout the year; also keep an eye out for Melbourne Cinémathèque screenings.
Location- Federation Sq.
Screenworld is the main focus here, an interactive exhibition that celebrates the work of Australian cinema and TV, its exhibitions, games lab and zoetrope will interest anyone.
Upstairs, you’ll find the Australian Mediatheque, a venue set aside for the viewing of programs from the National Film and Sound Archive and ACMI. Mini-festivals of cinema classics and the occasional Pixar blockbuster are screened throughout the year; also keep an eye out for Melbourne Cinémathèque screenings.
Location- Federation Sq.
ii-Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia-Situated at the basement of Federation Square, the Ian Potter Centre is the other half of the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), set up to showcase its impressive collection of Australian works. Set over three levels, it's a mix of permanent (free) and temporary (ticketed) exhibitions, comprising paintings, decorative arts, photography, prints, sculpture and fashion. There's also a great museum gift shop. Free tours are conducted daily at 11am, noon, 1pm & 2pm.The Aboriginal permanent exhibition on the ground floor is stunning, and seeks to challenge ideas of the ‘authentic’. Upstairs there are permanent displays of colonial paintings such as Arthur Streeton and Tom Roberts' famous Shearing the Rams.
Location-Federation Sq.
Location-Federation Sq.
002- SHRINE OF REMEMBRANCE-Sitting majestically in Kings Domain on St Kilda Road, the massive Shrine of Remembrance, built as a memorial to Victorians killed in WWI, either abroad or at home, and is one of the largest war memorials in Australia. It was built between 1928 and 1934. Its classical design is partly based on the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus (Bodrum, Turkey), one of the seven ancient wonders of the world. Visible from the other end of town. Surrounded by the Shrine Reserve, the Shrine is elevated, overlooking the city of Melbourne within 13 hectares of beautiful parkland. Enjoy stunning views of the Reserve and many of Melbourne's landmarks from the balcony of the Shrine. Inside the Shrine is the Sanctuary, a high vaulted space entered by four tall portals of Classical design and friezes depicting the armed services at work and in action during World War I.
Thousands attend the moving Anzac Day (25 April) dawn service, while the Remembrance Day service at 11am on 11 November commemorates the signing of the 1918 Armistice marking the formal end to WWI. At this precise moment a shaft of light shines through an opening in the ceiling, passing over the Stone of Remembrance and illuminating the word ‘love’, all other days this effect is demonstrated by using an artificial lighting on the hour. The forecourt, with its cenotaph and eternal flame (lit by Queen Elizabeth II in 1954), was built as a memorial to those who died in WWII, and there are several other specific memorials that surround the shrine.
Explore the monuments and memorials throughout the Reserve, including the Legacy Garden of Appreciation and the Gallipoli Memorial, as well as the many remembrance trees dedicated to Victorian service units from the First World War onwards.
Opening Hours- Daily from 10am to 5pm, except Christmas & Good Friday.
Location- Birdwood Ave ,South Yarra
Thousands attend the moving Anzac Day (25 April) dawn service, while the Remembrance Day service at 11am on 11 November commemorates the signing of the 1918 Armistice marking the formal end to WWI. At this precise moment a shaft of light shines through an opening in the ceiling, passing over the Stone of Remembrance and illuminating the word ‘love’, all other days this effect is demonstrated by using an artificial lighting on the hour. The forecourt, with its cenotaph and eternal flame (lit by Queen Elizabeth II in 1954), was built as a memorial to those who died in WWII, and there are several other specific memorials that surround the shrine.
Explore the monuments and memorials throughout the Reserve, including the Legacy Garden of Appreciation and the Gallipoli Memorial, as well as the many remembrance trees dedicated to Victorian service units from the First World War onwards.
Opening Hours- Daily from 10am to 5pm, except Christmas & Good Friday.
Location- Birdwood Ave ,South Yarra
003- MELBOURNE CRICKET GROUND(MCG) - The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is located a short distance from Melbourne's city centre in the Melbourne Sports Precinct at Yarra Park, which also includes the Rod Laver Arena, Hisense Arena and AAMI Park. With a total capacity of 1,00,000 people, the Melbourne Cricket Ground is the largest stadium in Australia, the tenth-largest stadium in the world, and the world's largest stadium for playing cricket.
The Melbourne Cricket Ground has been the scene of many great sporting events and 'firsts' in Australian sporting history since being built in 1853, just 19 years after the founding of the City of Melbourne itself. It is the home of the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC), the oldest sporting club in Australia. In 1877 the first game of Test cricket in history was played between Australia and England on the Melbourne Cricket Ground. In 1971, the ground hosted the first One Day International cricket match. The Boxing Day Test match on Boxing Day (26 December) each year attracts huge crowds. In winter, it serves as the home of Australian Rules football (AFL). The stadium fills to capacity for the AFL Grand Final in late September. The MCG's most famous moment in history was as the main stadium for the 1956 Olympic Games. The Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the 2006 Commonwealth Games and athletics events were held at the MCG. It was also used as army barracks during WWII.
Guided MCG tours depart regularly between 10.00am and 3.00pm daily, and take approximately 75 minutes for visitors reveals more than 150 years of Australian sporting excellence. Explore the inner sanctum of the MCG, walk on the hallowed arena and experience where legends play by taking a guided MCG tour.
(The famous MCC Long Room-MCC Library (founded in 1873)-MCG Tapestry-Player change rooms-Cricketers’ viewing room-Ron Casey Media Centre-Portrait of Sir Donald Bradman and Sachin Tendulkar-A walk on the arena-Cricket Victoria Bill Lawry Centre-Ponsford Stand-City Terrace with view’s of Melbourne’s skyline.) Combine your MCG tour with a visit to the National Sports Museum which features thousands of sporting artefacts showcasing the highlights of Australia's sporting history, such as cricket legend Don Bradman's baggy-green cap. The MCG is located about 1km from the city centre.
Tour Ticket-$22.00
Location- Brunton Ave
The Melbourne Cricket Ground has been the scene of many great sporting events and 'firsts' in Australian sporting history since being built in 1853, just 19 years after the founding of the City of Melbourne itself. It is the home of the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC), the oldest sporting club in Australia. In 1877 the first game of Test cricket in history was played between Australia and England on the Melbourne Cricket Ground. In 1971, the ground hosted the first One Day International cricket match. The Boxing Day Test match on Boxing Day (26 December) each year attracts huge crowds. In winter, it serves as the home of Australian Rules football (AFL). The stadium fills to capacity for the AFL Grand Final in late September. The MCG's most famous moment in history was as the main stadium for the 1956 Olympic Games. The Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the 2006 Commonwealth Games and athletics events were held at the MCG. It was also used as army barracks during WWII.
Guided MCG tours depart regularly between 10.00am and 3.00pm daily, and take approximately 75 minutes for visitors reveals more than 150 years of Australian sporting excellence. Explore the inner sanctum of the MCG, walk on the hallowed arena and experience where legends play by taking a guided MCG tour.
(The famous MCC Long Room-MCC Library (founded in 1873)-MCG Tapestry-Player change rooms-Cricketers’ viewing room-Ron Casey Media Centre-Portrait of Sir Donald Bradman and Sachin Tendulkar-A walk on the arena-Cricket Victoria Bill Lawry Centre-Ponsford Stand-City Terrace with view’s of Melbourne’s skyline.) Combine your MCG tour with a visit to the National Sports Museum which features thousands of sporting artefacts showcasing the highlights of Australia's sporting history, such as cricket legend Don Bradman's baggy-green cap. The MCG is located about 1km from the city centre.
Tour Ticket-$22.00
Location- Brunton Ave
004-FLINDERS STREET STATION- Built in 1854, it was Melbourne’s first railway station and Flinders Street Station as it today was completed in 1910. Its prominent dome, arched entrance, tower and clocks one of the city's most recognisable landmarks. Stretching along the Yarra, it's a beautiful neo-classical building topped with a striking octagonal dome. Flinders Street is the busiest suburban railway station in the southern hemisphere, with over 1500 trains and 110,000 commuters passing through each day. Stand beneath the clocks of Melbourne's iconic railway station, as tourists and Melburnians have done for generations.
MYTH-“The same firm was also building another major station in Mumbai (then Bombay), and rumour has it that on the boat trip across, the plans were mistakenly switched. The result was a looming, gothic building in Mumbai—rather out of character with the surrounding architecture—and a vaguely East-Indian inspired design on the streets of Melbourne.”
The distinctive clocks under the main dome that show the departure times of the next trains date back to the 1860s. Sixty Bathgate indicators were purchased from England .They were located at the main entry under the dome, the southern side archway, and the Degraves and Elizabeth Street entrances. A clock tower has also existed at end of Elizabeth Street since 1883. The first clock was known as the 'Water Tower Clock', after a wooden framed water tower erected on the site in 1853. (Note-all the clocks have been changed now). The grand old dome’s underground connect the city’s north with its south, with underpasses (such as Campbell Arcade) linked to Southbank via a pedestrian bridge. Free wi-fi here. A basement hat shop that opened in 1910 and still trades to this day (City Hatters).
MYTH-“The same firm was also building another major station in Mumbai (then Bombay), and rumour has it that on the boat trip across, the plans were mistakenly switched. The result was a looming, gothic building in Mumbai—rather out of character with the surrounding architecture—and a vaguely East-Indian inspired design on the streets of Melbourne.”
The distinctive clocks under the main dome that show the departure times of the next trains date back to the 1860s. Sixty Bathgate indicators were purchased from England .They were located at the main entry under the dome, the southern side archway, and the Degraves and Elizabeth Street entrances. A clock tower has also existed at end of Elizabeth Street since 1883. The first clock was known as the 'Water Tower Clock', after a wooden framed water tower erected on the site in 1853. (Note-all the clocks have been changed now). The grand old dome’s underground connect the city’s north with its south, with underpasses (such as Campbell Arcade) linked to Southbank via a pedestrian bridge. Free wi-fi here. A basement hat shop that opened in 1910 and still trades to this day (City Hatters).
005-DOCKLANDS- Docklands is Melbourne's newest precinct. With the highest concentration of green-star rated buildings in the southern hemisphere, the waterfront satellite village is filled with cafés, restaurants, and parklands. This waterfront area was the city’s main industrial and docking area until the mid-1960s. In the mid ‘90s, precincts for certain types of activity were developed. Among them are a purpose-built studio complex and residential, retail and entertainment areas.
Of most interest to travellers is the, New Quay, with public art, promenades and a wide variety of cafes and restaurants.
i- Harbour Town- Visit Harbour Town and you’ll experience two levels of laneway shopping with over 90 outlet stores. Each store has great discounts on the regular retail price across premium fashion brands, jewellery, gifts, homewares, and leisure and sportswear brands.
ii- O'Brien Group Arena for Ice Skating and Ice Hockey. Glow Golf features 18 holes of fun, in air-conditioned, indoor comfort.
UV lighting has transformed good old-fashioned mini golf into an amazing glow-in-the-dark-experience that’s fun for all the family at Docklands.
iii-The Landscaped Gardens of Docklands Park at Victoria Harbour have free barbecue facilities, public art and the Play Journey interactive playground. The park is an ideal destination for families and picnickers, and is a relaxing spot to take a break and read a book.
iv-Southern Star Observation Wheel-Tourists & visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Melbourne & Victoria harbour from the wheel which has about 21 carriages and can carry up to 20 people at a time. Each of the 21 spacious, air-conditioned cabins gives you an unparalleled, 360-degree view of the city. Generally allow 30 minutes for the wheel to come back to the starting point.
v-The Etihad Stadium (formerly called the Telstra dome) with its retractable roof, hosts Australian Rules Football (AFL), Cricket, Soccer and other Entertainment Shows & Music Concerts etc.
vi- Monument Park at NewQuay- Monument Park is located in the public open space between the Sant’Elia, Conder and The Quays at Newquay. The former concrete plaza has been transformed into an engaging place for locals and visitors to meet, play, admire the sculptures and linger. It contains the work of internationally renowned artist Callum Morton.
vii- Victoria Police Museum- Exhibitions at the Victoria Police Museum include the iconic armour worn by members of the Kelly Gang; the remains of the car used in the Russell Street headquarters bombing and police files on some of Melbourne’s most infamous criminals, including ‘Squizzy’ Taylor.
Waterfront City also has restaurants, bars, and a yacht club. There is also an art and vintage market held along the waterfront every Sunday.
Address- Harbour Esplanade, Docklands.
Of most interest to travellers is the, New Quay, with public art, promenades and a wide variety of cafes and restaurants.
i- Harbour Town- Visit Harbour Town and you’ll experience two levels of laneway shopping with over 90 outlet stores. Each store has great discounts on the regular retail price across premium fashion brands, jewellery, gifts, homewares, and leisure and sportswear brands.
ii- O'Brien Group Arena for Ice Skating and Ice Hockey. Glow Golf features 18 holes of fun, in air-conditioned, indoor comfort.
UV lighting has transformed good old-fashioned mini golf into an amazing glow-in-the-dark-experience that’s fun for all the family at Docklands.
iii-The Landscaped Gardens of Docklands Park at Victoria Harbour have free barbecue facilities, public art and the Play Journey interactive playground. The park is an ideal destination for families and picnickers, and is a relaxing spot to take a break and read a book.
iv-Southern Star Observation Wheel-Tourists & visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Melbourne & Victoria harbour from the wheel which has about 21 carriages and can carry up to 20 people at a time. Each of the 21 spacious, air-conditioned cabins gives you an unparalleled, 360-degree view of the city. Generally allow 30 minutes for the wheel to come back to the starting point.
v-The Etihad Stadium (formerly called the Telstra dome) with its retractable roof, hosts Australian Rules Football (AFL), Cricket, Soccer and other Entertainment Shows & Music Concerts etc.
vi- Monument Park at NewQuay- Monument Park is located in the public open space between the Sant’Elia, Conder and The Quays at Newquay. The former concrete plaza has been transformed into an engaging place for locals and visitors to meet, play, admire the sculptures and linger. It contains the work of internationally renowned artist Callum Morton.
vii- Victoria Police Museum- Exhibitions at the Victoria Police Museum include the iconic armour worn by members of the Kelly Gang; the remains of the car used in the Russell Street headquarters bombing and police files on some of Melbourne’s most infamous criminals, including ‘Squizzy’ Taylor.
Waterfront City also has restaurants, bars, and a yacht club. There is also an art and vintage market held along the waterfront every Sunday.
Address- Harbour Esplanade, Docklands.
006- ROYALE BOTANIC GARDENS-The Royal Botanical Gardens are one of the Melbourne’s most glorious attractions. Along the Yarra River, a short distance from the CBD, the beautifully designed gardens feature a global selection of plantings and specifically endemic Australian flora. Mini-ecosystems, such as a cacti and succulents area, herb garden and an indigenous rainforest, are set amid vast lawns. Established in 1846, the Royal Botanic Gardens is rated as one of the finest of their kind in the world. Covering an area of 40 hectares and with more than 50,000 plants, including many rare species, the gardens are visited by 1.5 million people annually. The Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria also provide a natural sanctuary for native wildlife such as the black swans, eels, bell birds, cockatoos and kookaburras.
During the summer months, the gardens play host to the Moonlight Cinema and theatre performances.
Next to the visitor centre, the National Herbarium, established in 1853, contains 1.2 million dried botanical specimens used for identification purposes. The Garden Explorer people mover is a relaxing way to discover the Gardens. The Garden Explorer operates daily 10:00am to 4:00pm. Last ride is 3:00pm. Tickets available from the Visitor Centre. Enjoy live commentary as you wind your way around the Gardens. Visitors can enjoy the magnificent Gardens whilst feasting on delicious meals at the Terrace Tearooms and Jardin Tan.
Location- Birdwood Ave, South Yarra
During the summer months, the gardens play host to the Moonlight Cinema and theatre performances.
Next to the visitor centre, the National Herbarium, established in 1853, contains 1.2 million dried botanical specimens used for identification purposes. The Garden Explorer people mover is a relaxing way to discover the Gardens. The Garden Explorer operates daily 10:00am to 4:00pm. Last ride is 3:00pm. Tickets available from the Visitor Centre. Enjoy live commentary as you wind your way around the Gardens. Visitors can enjoy the magnificent Gardens whilst feasting on delicious meals at the Terrace Tearooms and Jardin Tan.
Location- Birdwood Ave, South Yarra
007- ARTS CENTRE MELBOURNE AT SOUTHBANK -Located on the banks of the Yarra River, a short stroll from Flinders Street Station, this area is a culturally rich attraction for visitors. Southbank promenade is filled with indoor/outdoor cafés, restaurants, and live entertainment. An excellent arts and crafts market is held every Sunday, and the area is also home to many festivals held throughout the year.
ART CENTRE- The Arts Centre, is a performing arts centre consisting of a complex of theatres and concert halls .Melbourne Landmark with the spire about 162 m high becomes electric at dusk with lights changing to many colours. This is home to Opera Australia, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Melbourne Theatre Company & the Australian Ballet. The Arts Centre incorporates a range of theatres and spaces including the State Theatre, Playhouse, Fairfax Theatre, and Hamer Hall, the premier performance space for the revered Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Paid guided tours of the building & permanent art collection can be organized at the centre. An interesting place to see here is the Performing Art Museum. On Sundays there's usually an arts & craft market outside the centre.
Address: St. Kilda Road,
ART CENTRE- The Arts Centre, is a performing arts centre consisting of a complex of theatres and concert halls .Melbourne Landmark with the spire about 162 m high becomes electric at dusk with lights changing to many colours. This is home to Opera Australia, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Melbourne Theatre Company & the Australian Ballet. The Arts Centre incorporates a range of theatres and spaces including the State Theatre, Playhouse, Fairfax Theatre, and Hamer Hall, the premier performance space for the revered Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Paid guided tours of the building & permanent art collection can be organized at the centre. An interesting place to see here is the Performing Art Museum. On Sundays there's usually an arts & craft market outside the centre.
Address: St. Kilda Road,
008- CROWN CASINO- First opened in 1997, Crown Melbourne is a large integrated resort and has Australia’s largest casino, three hotels, function rooms, award winning restaurants and world-class shopping and entertainment facilities. Crown Melbourne is home to three hotels, being Crown Towers, Crown Metropol Melbourne and Crown Promenade Melbourne, and two luxurious day spas, being Isika Day Spa and Crown Spa. There are approximately 1,600 guest rooms across the three hotels. There are more than 40 retail outlets and around 70 restaurants, cafes and bars which provide a large and diverse entertainment offering to cater for a significant number of visitors. Crown Melbourne also has a 900 seat showroom as well as the 1,500 seat Palladium Ballroom.
During the day see the jumping fountain where kids play. At night time there is a fire display on the eight granite towers on riverside. The Fire display timing at the Casino Melbourne, also called Fireballs (Gas Brigades) display occurs every hour right on the hour from Monday to Friday starting at 9:00 pm till Midnight. Crown Casino On Saturday and Sunday the fire display starts from 8:00 pm till Midnight.
Inside the Crown Entertainment foyer is a light & sound display every 15 minutes which is a spectacular display of colours & sound. The dress code to the main Casino area is neat casual, otherwise entry may be denied.
How to get there- Tram 96, 109, 112 on Clarendon Street or Tram 55 on Queens Bridge Street. Walk down from Flinders street station on Southbank Promenade and then Yarra Promenade.
During the day see the jumping fountain where kids play. At night time there is a fire display on the eight granite towers on riverside. The Fire display timing at the Casino Melbourne, also called Fireballs (Gas Brigades) display occurs every hour right on the hour from Monday to Friday starting at 9:00 pm till Midnight. Crown Casino On Saturday and Sunday the fire display starts from 8:00 pm till Midnight.
Inside the Crown Entertainment foyer is a light & sound display every 15 minutes which is a spectacular display of colours & sound. The dress code to the main Casino area is neat casual, otherwise entry may be denied.
How to get there- Tram 96, 109, 112 on Clarendon Street or Tram 55 on Queens Bridge Street. Walk down from Flinders street station on Southbank Promenade and then Yarra Promenade.
009-EUREKA TOWER & SKYDEC 88- The tower stands 91 stories above ground and stands at 984 feet above. The skyscraper's gold crown and gold-plated windows add to the golden era theme and literally sparkle when the sun catches the top of the building. Skydeck, is on the 88th floor, is the highest public view in any building in the southern hemisphere. Adding to the experience is The Edge, a glass cube that slides out three meters from the building for vertigo-free visitors.
EUREKA SKYDEC 88- Eureka Skydeck is serviced exclusively by the fastest elevators in the Southern Hemisphere – at 9 metres per second, it takes just 38 seconds from ground to the 88th floor. See Melbourne’s finest landmarks from almost 300 metres in the sky – the MCG, Flinders St Station, Albert Park Lake, Port Phillip Bay, the Dandenong Ranges and beyond.
Price-$19.50
The Edge- The Edge extends from Eureka Tower’s 88th floor and suspends nearly 300 meters over Melbourne in a glass cube – glass walls, ceiling and floor – you can see through it all. The perfect place to face your fear of heights or drop to one knee and propose, the Edge at Eureka Skydeck shows you Melbourne from a different perspective. Feel the rush inside one of the most Melbourne’s most unforgettable tourist attractions. Price-$12.00
Eureka Terrace-Step outside the airlock to the Eureka Terrace and see Melbourne from almost 300 metres in the air. Enhanced with our complementary, high-powered binoculars, the Terrace lets you enjoy reflection-free views of the Melbourne city skyline, Port Phillip Bay.
Opening Hours-Open 10am - 10pm Daily
Last Entry 9:30pm
Address- 7 Riverside Quay, Southbank
EUREKA SKYDEC 88- Eureka Skydeck is serviced exclusively by the fastest elevators in the Southern Hemisphere – at 9 metres per second, it takes just 38 seconds from ground to the 88th floor. See Melbourne’s finest landmarks from almost 300 metres in the sky – the MCG, Flinders St Station, Albert Park Lake, Port Phillip Bay, the Dandenong Ranges and beyond.
Price-$19.50
The Edge- The Edge extends from Eureka Tower’s 88th floor and suspends nearly 300 meters over Melbourne in a glass cube – glass walls, ceiling and floor – you can see through it all. The perfect place to face your fear of heights or drop to one knee and propose, the Edge at Eureka Skydeck shows you Melbourne from a different perspective. Feel the rush inside one of the most Melbourne’s most unforgettable tourist attractions. Price-$12.00
Eureka Terrace-Step outside the airlock to the Eureka Terrace and see Melbourne from almost 300 metres in the air. Enhanced with our complementary, high-powered binoculars, the Terrace lets you enjoy reflection-free views of the Melbourne city skyline, Port Phillip Bay.
Opening Hours-Open 10am - 10pm Daily
Last Entry 9:30pm
Address- 7 Riverside Quay, Southbank
010-CHINA TOWN- China Town is located between Spring Street and Swanston street and extends along Little Bourke Street. Chinese miners arrived in search of the ‘new gold mountain’ in the 1850s and settled in this strip of Little Bourke St, now flanked by traditional red archways. This is an important Social & Economic place for the Chinese community. This area is dominated by Asian cafes & restaurants and grocers. The Chinese Museum at 22 Cohen place (off little Bourke street), here does a wonderful job of putting it into context with five floors of displays, including artefacts from the gold-rush era. The Millennium Dai Loong Dragon is awakened by holding a ceremony followed by a lion dance and fire crackers. Chinatown also hosts the city’s vibrant Chinese New Year celebrations annually in January or February.
Opening hours- Sunday to Friday 10am to 4.30pm; Saturday 12 noon to 4.30pm (closed Good Friday and Christmas Day).
Entry- Free.
Location-Little Bourke St, between Spring & Swanston Street.
Opening hours- Sunday to Friday 10am to 4.30pm; Saturday 12 noon to 4.30pm (closed Good Friday and Christmas Day).
Entry- Free.
Location-Little Bourke St, between Spring & Swanston Street.
011- PARLIAMENT HOUSE OF VICTORIA- Parliament House has been the seat of the Parliament of Victoria since 1855, except for the years 1901 to 1928 (Parliament of Australia). From 1901 to 1928 Parliament House was the home of the Commonwealth Parliament, since the new capital city envisaged in the Australian Constitution did not yet exist and there were long delays in finding a site and beginning of construction. During these years the Victorian Parliament met in the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton. Parliament House is one of Melbourne's best known Victorian time architectural landmarks. Facing the intersection of Spring and Bourke streets, the west facade of the building, sweeping steps, elegant lamps, grand colonnade, suggests solidity and strength of Australia. It is the largest 19th century public building in Australia and the best examples of the civic architecture of the British Empire period anywhere in the world. Building began with the two main chambers: the lower house (now the legislative assembly) and the upper house (now the legislative council). Construction on Melbourne’s Parliament House began in 1855 and was completed in stages between 1856 and 1929. The classical colonnade and portico facing Spring Street was completed in 1892 and the impressive Queen’s Hall was opened in 1879. Australia’s first federal parliament sat here from 1901, before moving to Canberra in 1927. Free tours, held when parliament is in recess, take you through both houses and the library. Fascinating design features and the symbolism underlying much of the ornamentation are illuminated by the knowledgeable guides. During the tour, you'll see exuberant use of ornamental plasterwork, stencilling and gilt full of gold-rush era pride and optimism. Express 20-minute tours run on Monday to Friday at 1pm and 4pm, and architectural tours once a month. Booking is essential.
Location- Spring St.
Location- Spring St.
012- ROYAL EXHIBITION BUILDING AND CARLTON GARDENS- The Royal Exhibition Building was built in Melbourne's Carlton Gardens during 1879 and 1880 for the 1880 Melbourne International Exhibition. It subsequently hosted Melbourne's second international exhibition, the 1888 Centennial International Exhibition. This beautiful Victorian symbolises the glory days of the Industrial Revolution, the British Empire and 19th-century Melbourne’s economic supremacy.
The soaring dome was influenced by the Florence cathedral dome. The building is cruciform in plan, comprising a pair of elongated rectangular wings, extending east and west, with a transept to the north and a truncated transept to the south. The Building boasts many of the important features that made the exhibitions so dramatic and effective, including a dome, a great hall, giant entry portals, versatile display areas, axial planning and complementary gardens and viewing areas. Melbourne's Exhibition Building was conceived as a permanent structure that would have a future role in the cultural activities of the growing city of Melbourne. The Royal Exhibition Building, in its original setting of the Carlton Gardens, is one of the rare survivors.
It was the first building to fly the Australian flag, and Australia’s first parliament was held here in 1901, it now hosts everything from trade fairs to car shows, as well as the biennial Melbourne Art Fair. Tours of the building leave from the Melbourne Museum at 2pm. The feature entrance fountain of 1880, the French fountain and a granite drinking fountain are surviving features. The South Garden, which is essentially in the Gardenesque style with classical elements, contains parterre garden beds, significant avenues, including the “Grand Allee” and specimen and clusters of trees. The formal ornamental palace garden, as represented by Carlton Gardens, is substantially intact in form and in its treed avenues.
Location- 9 Nicholson St, Carlton
The soaring dome was influenced by the Florence cathedral dome. The building is cruciform in plan, comprising a pair of elongated rectangular wings, extending east and west, with a transept to the north and a truncated transept to the south. The Building boasts many of the important features that made the exhibitions so dramatic and effective, including a dome, a great hall, giant entry portals, versatile display areas, axial planning and complementary gardens and viewing areas. Melbourne's Exhibition Building was conceived as a permanent structure that would have a future role in the cultural activities of the growing city of Melbourne. The Royal Exhibition Building, in its original setting of the Carlton Gardens, is one of the rare survivors.
It was the first building to fly the Australian flag, and Australia’s first parliament was held here in 1901, it now hosts everything from trade fairs to car shows, as well as the biennial Melbourne Art Fair. Tours of the building leave from the Melbourne Museum at 2pm. The feature entrance fountain of 1880, the French fountain and a granite drinking fountain are surviving features. The South Garden, which is essentially in the Gardenesque style with classical elements, contains parterre garden beds, significant avenues, including the “Grand Allee” and specimen and clusters of trees. The formal ornamental palace garden, as represented by Carlton Gardens, is substantially intact in form and in its treed avenues.
Location- 9 Nicholson St, Carlton
013- QUEEN VICTORIA MARKET- Queen Victoria Market is one of the biggest open air Market in Melbourne. It is also known as Queen Victoria Market Melbourne, or simply Vic Markets under Melbourne Markets. This Melbourne Market is located on the corner of Victoria & Elizabeth streets in Melbourne. The market has been on this site for more than 130 years; before that, from 1837 to 1854, it was the old Melbourne Cemetery. There's a small memorial on the corner of Queen and Therry Sts. The market is a major & famous tourist attraction. Vic Market is the largest open-air market in the southern hemisphere and attracts thousands of shoppers having about 600 shops. The QV Market offers everything from the fresh farm produce like fruits, vegetables, seafood meat & poultry products to a wide range of uniquely Australian Souvenir Gift Shops, imported electronic gadgets, toys, t-shirts, clothes, computer stuff etc. The wonderful deli hall is lined with everything from soft cheeses, wines and Polish sausages to Greek dips, truffle oil and kangaroo biltong.
The Suzuki Night Market commences on Wednesdays from mid-November till early March in the Summer months. The Night Market opening hours are 5:30pm to 10:00pm.
Opening hours- Vic Market hours are Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 6am to 2pm; Saturday 6am to 3pm; Sunday 9am to 4pm.
NB: The market is usually closed on: Mondays, Wednesdays, Good Friday, Anzac Day, Melbourne Cup Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day.
Entry- Free entry, as this is an Open Market, if you are interested in doing the tour along with a tour professional please make your bookings below.
Location- 513 Elizabeth St.
The Suzuki Night Market commences on Wednesdays from mid-November till early March in the Summer months. The Night Market opening hours are 5:30pm to 10:00pm.
Opening hours- Vic Market hours are Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 6am to 2pm; Saturday 6am to 3pm; Sunday 9am to 4pm.
NB: The market is usually closed on: Mondays, Wednesdays, Good Friday, Anzac Day, Melbourne Cup Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day.
Entry- Free entry, as this is an Open Market, if you are interested in doing the tour along with a tour professional please make your bookings below.
Location- 513 Elizabeth St.
014- STATE LIBRARY OF VICTORIA (SLV) - A Melbourne landmark and cultural icon, the State Library is a magnificent 19th-century building with some of the city’s most beautiful heritage interiors. With over two million books in its collection.
Its epicentre, the octagonal La Trobe Reading Room, was completed in 1913, its reinforced-concrete dome was the largest of its kind in the world and its natural light illuminates the ornate plasterwork.
The library has several exhibitions on display, providing a fascinating story to Melbourne's history.
There's also a fine collection of Australian paintings, including the apocalyptic bushfire portrayed by William Strutt in his Black Thursday, February 6th, 1851.
Location- 328 Swanston St.
Its epicentre, the octagonal La Trobe Reading Room, was completed in 1913, its reinforced-concrete dome was the largest of its kind in the world and its natural light illuminates the ornate plasterwork.
The library has several exhibitions on display, providing a fascinating story to Melbourne's history.
There's also a fine collection of Australian paintings, including the apocalyptic bushfire portrayed by William Strutt in his Black Thursday, February 6th, 1851.
Location- 328 Swanston St.
015- GOVERNMENT HOUSE- The building was designed specifically to house the Governor of Victoria. Located on the outer edge of the Botanical Gardens, the Italianate-style Government House was built in 1872 and has been the residence of all serving Victorian governors since. The grandiose proportions and refined architecture of the House reflected the prosperity and sophistication of ‘Marvellous Melbourne’. Government House was constructed when Victoria’s population was a mere 150,000 people. However, the economic boom of the Gold Rush had transformed the small capital of the fledgling colony into one of the greatest cities of the nineteenth century. Government House was an example of the high standards of design and craftsmanship which characterised many of the public buildings erected by the Government of Victoria in the 19th Century. Book well in advance to take the National Trust's two-hour tour on Monday and Thursday. Also included in the tour is Governor La Trobe's Cottage, the original Victorian government house sent out from the mother country in prefabricated form in 1840.
Location- Kings Domain, South Yarra
Location- Kings Domain, South Yarra
016- ST PATRICK’S CATHEDRAL- St Patrick’s Church is the tallest and largest church building in Australia. St Patrick’s was the patron saint of Ireland, reflecting the local Catholic community’s main origin. Building began in 1863 and continued until the spires were added in 1939. The first Mass was celebrated on the site in February 1858 in a former partially completed church, some of which was incorporated into the south aisle of the present building. By 1868, the completed nave of the Cathedral first served the needs of the community for regular worship and prayer.
The imposing bluestone exterior and grounds are but a preview of its contents: inside are several tonnes of bells, an organ with 4500 pipes, ornate stained-glass windows and the remains of former archbishops
Location- Gisborne St & Cathedral Pl
The imposing bluestone exterior and grounds are but a preview of its contents: inside are several tonnes of bells, an organ with 4500 pipes, ornate stained-glass windows and the remains of former archbishops
Location- Gisborne St & Cathedral Pl
017-ST. PAUL'S CATHEDRAL-This Cathedral is opposite to Flinders Street Station & Federation Square and is one of Australia’s most majestic cathedrals. It is a place of tranquillity, worship & beauty. As the Cathedral opens daily all are welcome to walk in, sit down & have a quiet moment of prayer.
The Cathedral is built in the neo-Gothic transitional style, that is, partly Early English and partly Decorated. The foundation stone was laid in 1880.On 22 January 1891 the Cathedral was consecrated, although it was not the building we see today.The construction of the spires did not begin until 1926. In the 1960s extensive work was carried out on the exterior, and in 1989 a major National Trust appeal to enable the restoration of the Cathedral’s magnificent organ. More recently, and completed in 2009.
In Christian art the number eight is a sacred number symbolising the Resurrection, it was on the eighth day after his entry into Jerusalem that Jesus was raised from the grave, and on the eighth day of his earthly life that Jesus was named and circumcised. The eight pointed star, a symbol of divine guidance, represents Christ’s sacrifice ‐ lighting the darkness of the heavens and illuminating hope. The glass processional doors provide a wonderful light-filled entry to the Cathedral. St Paul’s Cathedral Shop is situated inside the Cathedral.
The Cathedral is built in the neo-Gothic transitional style, that is, partly Early English and partly Decorated. The foundation stone was laid in 1880.On 22 January 1891 the Cathedral was consecrated, although it was not the building we see today.The construction of the spires did not begin until 1926. In the 1960s extensive work was carried out on the exterior, and in 1989 a major National Trust appeal to enable the restoration of the Cathedral’s magnificent organ. More recently, and completed in 2009.
In Christian art the number eight is a sacred number symbolising the Resurrection, it was on the eighth day after his entry into Jerusalem that Jesus was raised from the grave, and on the eighth day of his earthly life that Jesus was named and circumcised. The eight pointed star, a symbol of divine guidance, represents Christ’s sacrifice ‐ lighting the darkness of the heavens and illuminating hope. The glass processional doors provide a wonderful light-filled entry to the Cathedral. St Paul’s Cathedral Shop is situated inside the Cathedral.
018- MELBOURNE ZOO-Established in 1861, this is the oldest zoo in Australia in 22 hectares area and the third oldest in the world. Today it’s one of the city’s most popular attractions. Set in spacious, prettily landscaped gardens, the zoo’s enclosures aim to simulate the animals’ natural habitats. Walkways pass through the enclosures, you can stroll through the bird aviary or enter a tropical hothouse full of colourful butterflies.
There’s also a large collection of native animals in natural bush settings, a platypus aquarium, fur seals, lions and tigers, plenty of reptiles, and an elephant enclosure. The award-winning Trail of the Elephants is an insight into the lives of the resident Asian elephants in a traditional village-garden setting. Another highlight is the Orang-utan Sanctuary where the animals live in their treetop home.
In summer, the zoo hosts Twilight Concerts, while Roar ‘n’ Snore allows you to camp at the zoo and join the keepers on their morning feeding rounds. Allow yourself at least half to a full day for this as it is huge and you get to see most of Australian animals such as Kangaroos, Koalas, Echidna, Platypus, Wombat etc. There is a tropical butterfly enclosure.
Ticket-$31.60
Opening hours: 9am to 5pm all year round. During summer, it closes at 9:30pm at night due to Zoo Twilight concerts.
Location-Elliott Ave, Parkville.
There’s also a large collection of native animals in natural bush settings, a platypus aquarium, fur seals, lions and tigers, plenty of reptiles, and an elephant enclosure. The award-winning Trail of the Elephants is an insight into the lives of the resident Asian elephants in a traditional village-garden setting. Another highlight is the Orang-utan Sanctuary where the animals live in their treetop home.
In summer, the zoo hosts Twilight Concerts, while Roar ‘n’ Snore allows you to camp at the zoo and join the keepers on their morning feeding rounds. Allow yourself at least half to a full day for this as it is huge and you get to see most of Australian animals such as Kangaroos, Koalas, Echidna, Platypus, Wombat etc. There is a tropical butterfly enclosure.
Ticket-$31.60
Opening hours: 9am to 5pm all year round. During summer, it closes at 9:30pm at night due to Zoo Twilight concerts.
Location-Elliott Ave, Parkville.
019-WERRIBEE THE OPEN RANGE ZOO- The Open Range Zoo is situated in the suburb of Werribee about half an hour’s drive out of Melbourne on the west side of town.
i-Safari- This is a real life Safari Adventure where animals roam freely like the African Wildlife. Werribee Open Range Zoo Safari is a unique opportunity to experience an African adventure closer to home and encounter the magnificent animals of the African savannah.The 200 hectare property is home to some of Africa’s most iconic animals, as well as wildlife from the grasslands of Asia, North America and Australia. All this, in an open range environment where the animals are given the space to behave as they would in their natural habitats. Some really unique experiences are the Slumber Safari, Rip roaring feed, Tall order Giraffe encounter, Rhythm of Africa and the open vehicle adventure.
ii-Australian Journey- Set on the banks of the Werribee River, this immersive exhibit also features the Wirribee River Walking Trail and is a predator-proof release site for the Eastern Barred Bandicoot. Spot Kangaroos, Emu, Brolga, Koalas and other Australian animals on a beautiful walk through the Australian Journey grasslands.
iii- Kubu River Hippos- Spanning more than three hectares, Kubu River Hippos is a hippo paradise. Home to five hippos – Primrose, Brindabella, Tulip, Lotus and young Pansy – the exhibit features deep pools, sandy beaches, mud wallows and grassy meadows.
Ticket-$31.60
Getting- Werribee Open Range Zoo is located 35 kilometres west of Melbourne’s city centre, on the Princes Freeway. It is a short 30-minute drive from the city over the Westgate Bridge or via the Geelong Road. The Zoo is also en route to the Great Ocean Road.
Opening hours: Opens daily from 9am to 5pm During summer months it has extended opening hours due to the Rhythm of Africa evenings.
i-Safari- This is a real life Safari Adventure where animals roam freely like the African Wildlife. Werribee Open Range Zoo Safari is a unique opportunity to experience an African adventure closer to home and encounter the magnificent animals of the African savannah.The 200 hectare property is home to some of Africa’s most iconic animals, as well as wildlife from the grasslands of Asia, North America and Australia. All this, in an open range environment where the animals are given the space to behave as they would in their natural habitats. Some really unique experiences are the Slumber Safari, Rip roaring feed, Tall order Giraffe encounter, Rhythm of Africa and the open vehicle adventure.
ii-Australian Journey- Set on the banks of the Werribee River, this immersive exhibit also features the Wirribee River Walking Trail and is a predator-proof release site for the Eastern Barred Bandicoot. Spot Kangaroos, Emu, Brolga, Koalas and other Australian animals on a beautiful walk through the Australian Journey grasslands.
iii- Kubu River Hippos- Spanning more than three hectares, Kubu River Hippos is a hippo paradise. Home to five hippos – Primrose, Brindabella, Tulip, Lotus and young Pansy – the exhibit features deep pools, sandy beaches, mud wallows and grassy meadows.
Ticket-$31.60
Getting- Werribee Open Range Zoo is located 35 kilometres west of Melbourne’s city centre, on the Princes Freeway. It is a short 30-minute drive from the city over the Westgate Bridge or via the Geelong Road. The Zoo is also en route to the Great Ocean Road.
Opening hours: Opens daily from 9am to 5pm During summer months it has extended opening hours due to the Rhythm of Africa evenings.
020- SOUTHERN CROSS STATION- Southern Cross Station (formerly Spencer Street Station) on the western edge of the Melbourne grid. Finished in 2006, Southern Cross is the first large, built piece of ‘digital’ design in Melbourne. Its complex undulating roof has become an icon for this end of the city.
Location- Corner Spencer and Collins streets.
Location- Corner Spencer and Collins streets.
021-A- MELBOURNE ARCADES- Melbourne is renowned for its colourful laneway culture. Criss-crossing the original Hoddle Grid,over 200 lanewayswith stylish restaurants, quirky bars, designer boutiques, street art and much more. Some laneways remain hidden to all but the most determined seekers. Others have
become famous destinations in themselves.
i-Block Arcade –The jewel in the crown is the magnificent Block Arcade in Collins Street. With its mosaic floor, period details, and unique shops. It’s for a morning or afternoon tea at the Hopetoun Tearooms.
ii-Royal Arcade- The opulent Royal Arcade is Melbourne’s oldest arcade. In the Royal arcade there is a clock whose chimes bells every hour they have two mythical creatures, Gog and Mc Gog.
This marvellous old arcade has been displaying its Renaissance Revival style since 1870. It has many beautiful boutique and gift stores and one of the best Chocolate Cafes in Melbourne have a sample tray and hot chocolate at Koko Black’s.
iii- Degraves Lanes- This Lane is largely, amazing little eateries with umbrellas down the centre of the street covering tables and chairs for diners of the cafes opposite. It is a vibrant little strip dotted with interesting small boutiques and if you take a slight right as you head towards Bourke St.
become famous destinations in themselves.
i-Block Arcade –The jewel in the crown is the magnificent Block Arcade in Collins Street. With its mosaic floor, period details, and unique shops. It’s for a morning or afternoon tea at the Hopetoun Tearooms.
ii-Royal Arcade- The opulent Royal Arcade is Melbourne’s oldest arcade. In the Royal arcade there is a clock whose chimes bells every hour they have two mythical creatures, Gog and Mc Gog.
This marvellous old arcade has been displaying its Renaissance Revival style since 1870. It has many beautiful boutique and gift stores and one of the best Chocolate Cafes in Melbourne have a sample tray and hot chocolate at Koko Black’s.
iii- Degraves Lanes- This Lane is largely, amazing little eateries with umbrellas down the centre of the street covering tables and chairs for diners of the cafes opposite. It is a vibrant little strip dotted with interesting small boutiques and if you take a slight right as you head towards Bourke St.
021-B- MELBOURNE’S LANES- Lively laneways wind unpredictably between the wide, ordered streets.
i-Hosier Lane-Melbourne’s most celebrated laneway for street art, Hosier Lane’s cobbled street filled with graffiti, stencils and art installations. Subject matter runs to the mostly political and counter-culture, spiced with irreverent humour; pieces change almost daily. Be sure to see Rutledge Lane.
ii- Cocker Alley –It features the work of graffiti artist Banksy, while Jane Bell, Rutledge and Spark lanes have been tattooed with local street culture.
http://melbournestreetart86.blogspot.com/
i-Hosier Lane-Melbourne’s most celebrated laneway for street art, Hosier Lane’s cobbled street filled with graffiti, stencils and art installations. Subject matter runs to the mostly political and counter-culture, spiced with irreverent humour; pieces change almost daily. Be sure to see Rutledge Lane.
ii- Cocker Alley –It features the work of graffiti artist Banksy, while Jane Bell, Rutledge and Spark lanes have been tattooed with local street culture.
http://melbournestreetart86.blogspot.com/
022-SOUTH GATE- Southgate is situated on the eastern side of the Crown Casino is one of Melbourne’s main entertainment area and is home to a multi levelled Shopping Complex. This is a trendy area where you will find a lot of outdoor cafes & restaurants and also sidewalk entertainment and shopping.
Here is Melbourne Shopping Centre which offers a wide range of dining experience with various Bars, Cafes, Restaurants & a Food Court. This is located in Melbourne’s Art Precinct. This area offers exquisite Riverside settings, a breath-taking view of the City Skyline and Flinders Street Station. A new feature here includes Interactive Pillars which are located at the Upper Level of the Centre. There are 5 LED controlled pillars which respond to your movement and then emit colourful light displays. There is now a Cinema over here where you can enjoy a free film which includes screening of Art house films, Documentaries and some popular releases.
The beautiful Princess Bridge links Flinders street and Southbank while offering wonderful views of the city & Yarra River.
Location-3 Southgate Ave, Southbank. (Southbank Promenade),
How to get there- Walk down from Flinders street station on Southbank Promenade over the Princes Bridge or Trams 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 16, 64, 67, 72 on Swanston Street.
Here is Melbourne Shopping Centre which offers a wide range of dining experience with various Bars, Cafes, Restaurants & a Food Court. This is located in Melbourne’s Art Precinct. This area offers exquisite Riverside settings, a breath-taking view of the City Skyline and Flinders Street Station. A new feature here includes Interactive Pillars which are located at the Upper Level of the Centre. There are 5 LED controlled pillars which respond to your movement and then emit colourful light displays. There is now a Cinema over here where you can enjoy a free film which includes screening of Art house films, Documentaries and some popular releases.
The beautiful Princess Bridge links Flinders street and Southbank while offering wonderful views of the city & Yarra River.
Location-3 Southgate Ave, Southbank. (Southbank Promenade),
How to get there- Walk down from Flinders street station on Southbank Promenade over the Princes Bridge or Trams 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 16, 64, 67, 72 on Swanston Street.
023- YARRA RIVER CRUISES- A river boat cruise is not only the perfect way to see the sights, it’s also an insight into the history of the Yarra River. Many cruise companies can be found along Southbank and take in places such as Birrarung Marr, originally called “Birrarung” meaning “river of mists and shadows”, a parkland celebrating the Aboriginal ties with the Yarra River. Another popular cruise goes across to historic Williamstown where visitors can spend time exploring this quaint seaside port. Three of Melbourne’s best boating operators are located at Federation Square – City River Cruises, Melbourne River Cruises and Williamstown Bay and River Cruises. Between them they offer an exciting range of sightseeing and function cruises for visitors and locals.
i-City River Cruises-Established in 1987, City River Cruises offers sightseeing and function cruises through Melbourne’s beautiful parks, gardens and ports aboard the Melba Star. The newest, largest and most luxurious cruise boat on the Yarra, Melba Star has an extensive range of on board facilities and services. The vessel can travel upstream towards Hawthorn and downstream to the Port of Melbourne, Williamstown and the Maribyrnong River.
Departure Point-Berth 4, Princes Walk Melbourne - Under Princes Bridge in front of Federation Square.
Timings- Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm | Weekends 10am – 4pm
www.cityrivercruises.com.au
ii-Melbourne River Cruises-Melbourne River Cruises is Melbourne’s largest river cruise operator, boasting a range of vessels for sightseeing cruises across the city as well as through the Docklands and to Williamstown.
Departure Points-
Adult - $ 23.00
Timings- Daily, 10am – 4pm
www.melbcruises.com.au
iii-Williamstown Ferries- Williamstown Ferry Company operates sightseeing cruises from the city and St Kilda to Williamstown. Enjoy the scenic delights of the Yarra River and city views before arriving in the historical seaport of Williamstown.
Timings- Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm | Weekends 10am – 4pm
www.bayandrivercruises.com.au
i-City River Cruises-Established in 1987, City River Cruises offers sightseeing and function cruises through Melbourne’s beautiful parks, gardens and ports aboard the Melba Star. The newest, largest and most luxurious cruise boat on the Yarra, Melba Star has an extensive range of on board facilities and services. The vessel can travel upstream towards Hawthorn and downstream to the Port of Melbourne, Williamstown and the Maribyrnong River.
Departure Point-Berth 4, Princes Walk Melbourne - Under Princes Bridge in front of Federation Square.
Timings- Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm | Weekends 10am – 4pm
www.cityrivercruises.com.au
ii-Melbourne River Cruises-Melbourne River Cruises is Melbourne’s largest river cruise operator, boasting a range of vessels for sightseeing cruises across the city as well as through the Docklands and to Williamstown.
Departure Points-
- Southbank Promenade Berth 5, near the Langham Hotel on the river’s edge.
- Flinders Street Station opposite Fed Square (Next to CLOCKS)
- Federation Wharf, below Federation Square near Riverland Bar.
- Williamstown Gem Pier, off Syme Street.
- Spirit of Melbourne, Southbank Promenade Berth 3
Adult - $ 23.00
Timings- Daily, 10am – 4pm
www.melbcruises.com.au
iii-Williamstown Ferries- Williamstown Ferry Company operates sightseeing cruises from the city and St Kilda to Williamstown. Enjoy the scenic delights of the Yarra River and city views before arriving in the historical seaport of Williamstown.
Timings- Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm | Weekends 10am – 4pm
www.bayandrivercruises.com.au
024- BROUKE STREET- Bourke Street run through the centre of the Melbourne CBD. The area features the Bourke Street Mall which is a pedestrian and tram-only strip between Swanston and Elizabeth Streets. There are several arcades and shopping centres that run off the Bourke Street Mall including GPO Melbourne, Royal Arcade and Centrepoint Shopping Centre. David Jones occupies three buildings for its vast array of wares, while Myer looms with its nine stories, plus the Lonsdale Street store. There is a great range of shopping with all the major brands represented as well as many luxury and boutique shops dotting the Mall and the laneways. It also features some of Melbourne's best restaurants with a variety of cultures and cuisines represented.
Melbourne's GPO-Melbourne's 1864 postal building has been stunningly refurbished and converted into a sophisticated and contemporary retail experience and home of the first Australian outpost for Swedish retail behemoth H&M. Two full floor for displaying the full H&M range of fashion, homewares and cosmetics. Delicious eateries in GPO Lane are there for mid-shopping sustenance.
Visitor information-The Melbourne Visitor Booth is midway along the Mall, with volunteers and staff who can assist you with directions, shopping and handy tips.
Melbourne's GPO-Melbourne's 1864 postal building has been stunningly refurbished and converted into a sophisticated and contemporary retail experience and home of the first Australian outpost for Swedish retail behemoth H&M. Two full floor for displaying the full H&M range of fashion, homewares and cosmetics. Delicious eateries in GPO Lane are there for mid-shopping sustenance.
Visitor information-The Melbourne Visitor Booth is midway along the Mall, with volunteers and staff who can assist you with directions, shopping and handy tips.
025- SWANSTON STREET-The street runs through the middle of Melbourne's city centre, just to the east of the centre. Swanston Street runs roughly north to south, between Elizabeth Street to its west and Russell Street to its east. The street passes a number of iconic Melbourne landmarks, including the Capitol Theatre, Manchester Unity Building, St Paul's Cathedral, Federation Square, Flinders Street Station, the Melbourne Town Hall, the State Library of Victoria, and the City Square.
026- FITZROY GARDENS-Fitzroy Gardens was named after Sir Charles Augustus Fitzroy (1796-1858), Governor of New South Wales (1846-1851) and Governor-General of the Australian Colonies (1851-1855) .The stately avenues lined with English elms, flowerbeds, expansive lawns, strange fountains and a creek are a short stroll from town.
i-The highlight is Cooks' Cottage, shipped brick by brick from Yorkshire and reconstructed in 1934 (the cottage actually belonged to the navigator’s parents). It’s decorated in mid-18th-century style, with an exhibition about Captain James Cook’s eventful, if controversial, voyages to the Southern Ocean.
ii-One of the greatest attractions for children is situated in the Fitzroy Gardens - Ola Cohn's Fairies Tree, comprising a series of lovely carvings on the stump of one of the original Red Gum trees in the Fitzroy Gardens, well over 300 years in age.
iii-In the centre of the gardens is a ‘model’ Tudor village. This well-meaning gift was a way of saying thanks for sending food to Britain during WWII.
iv-The delightful 1930s Conservatory is built in a Spanish-mission architectural style and features a range of different floral displays each year.
Location- Wellington Pde ,between Lansdowne & Albert Streets.
i-The highlight is Cooks' Cottage, shipped brick by brick from Yorkshire and reconstructed in 1934 (the cottage actually belonged to the navigator’s parents). It’s decorated in mid-18th-century style, with an exhibition about Captain James Cook’s eventful, if controversial, voyages to the Southern Ocean.
ii-One of the greatest attractions for children is situated in the Fitzroy Gardens - Ola Cohn's Fairies Tree, comprising a series of lovely carvings on the stump of one of the original Red Gum trees in the Fitzroy Gardens, well over 300 years in age.
iii-In the centre of the gardens is a ‘model’ Tudor village. This well-meaning gift was a way of saying thanks for sending food to Britain during WWII.
iv-The delightful 1930s Conservatory is built in a Spanish-mission architectural style and features a range of different floral displays each year.
Location- Wellington Pde ,between Lansdowne & Albert Streets.
027- MELBOURN PARK-The Melbourne Park complex encompasses Rod Laver Arena, Hisense Arena, the National Tennis Centre, Margaret Court Arena indoor and outdoor tennis courts, an oval, cafes and administrative offices. Melbourne Park’s many venues have been combined with those of neighbouring Olympic Park – AAMI Park, the Westpac Centre, the Olympic Park oval and Gosch's Paddock training fields – to form a multi-venue entity known as Melbourne & Olympic Parks. Tours of Rod Laver Arena run daily and the outside courts are available for hire.
028- ALBERT PARK- The Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit is a street circuit around Albert Park Lake, only a few kilometres south of central Melbourne. It is used annually as a racetrack for the Formula One Australian Grand Prix.
029- CITY CIRCLE TRAM- The City Circle Tram in Melbourne is a boon to Melbourne visitors. It operates daily along a city circuit passing a number of Melbourne attractions. Not only is travel completely free on the City Circle Tram but you get a running commentary on the places of interest along its route. You can get off the tram at any of its stops, so you can visit particular attractions at close hand, and catch the next one. The standard City Circle Tram is of a distinctive maroonish-brown color. The Melbourne City Circle Tram travels a rectangular route along Flinders, Spring, and LaTrobe Sts, then Harbour Esplanade in Docklands — right around the Melbourne city centre. From the western end of LaTrobe St it takes the rail spur into Docklands Drive to the Waterfront City area before doubling back to rejoin the rectangular route. Services run approximately every 12 minutes 10am - 9pm Thursday to Saturday, and 10am - 6pm Sunday to Wednesday.
030-MELBOURNE CITY TOURIST SHUTTLE- Melbourne's City Tourist Shuttle is a free hop on, hop off service with stops at a number of Melbourne city attractions. It complements the free Melbourne City Circle Tram which takes a different route around the city. There are 13 regular stops on the Melbourne City Tourist Shuttle route. The Melbourne City Tourist Shuttle runs daily every 30 minutes between 9.30am and 4.30pm, excluding Good Friday and Christmas Day.
031-COLONIAL TRAMCAR RESTAURANT-The Colonial Tramcar Restaurant is the first travelling tram restaurant in the world, making for a unique and memorable experience. Ride in the tram and view the scenic streets of Melbourne while enjoying a seasonally-selected menu, fine Australian wine. Tramcars are air conditioned and heated, and there is a smart casual dress code. Bookings are essential. The Colonial Tramcar Restaurant departs from, and returns to, stop #125 on Normanby Road, South Melbourne (near the corner of Clarendon Street, diagonally across from Crown Casino and adjacent to the Melbourne Exhibition Centre). Opening hours-
Lunch: 1pm to 3pm
Early dinner: 5.45pm to 7.15pm
Late dinner: 8.35pm to 11.30pm
www.tramrestaurant.com.au
Lunch: 1pm to 3pm
Early dinner: 5.45pm to 7.15pm
Late dinner: 8.35pm to 11.30pm
www.tramrestaurant.com.au
MELBOURNE DAY OUT TOURS-
http://www.discoveraustralia.com.au/
http://www.viator.com/Melbourne/
Tour-1-Great Ocean Road and The Twelve Apostles –Duration-11 hours. Departure time-8:30am, from Melbourne for an 11-hour tour, stopping along the way at the coastal towns of Lorne and Apollo Bay, admire the landscapes of Port Campbell National Park, including the iconic 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge and Helicopter Ride(optional).
http://greatoceanroadmelbournetours.com.au/
Tour-2- Phillip Island: Penguins, Koalas and Kangaroos-Departure at 1pm and return at 11pm. The journey time is usually around 90 minutes.
Tour-3- Yarra Valley Wineries and Dandenong Ranges & Puffing Billy Steam Train-Yarra Valley is approximately a one hour drive from Melbourne CBD. Duration of Tour is 9 hours. After morning pickup at Federation Square or your Melbourne hotel, after a 25-mile (40-km) drive to the Dandenong Ranges, stop at Grants Reserve mountain café for a midmorning Aussie ‘billy’ tea, Take the ride of Puffing Billy steam train. After the historic ride, come back on the coach for a 1-hour drive to the Yarra Valley. Taste a variety of wines at three wineries and a 2-course lunch at Rochford Winery accompanied by premium wine (if option selected).
Tour-4- Ballarat and Sovereign Hill Day Tour with Wildlife Park from Melbourne-Tour Duration-9.00hours, Sovereign Hill is an easy 90-minute drive from Melbourne. This ‘living museum’ built on the site of an original gold mine spans over 25 acres (10 hectares) and offers visitors the chance to experience life in 1850s mining camp. Try your luck panning for gold.Visit the gold museum .See native animals at the Ballarat Wildlife Park (option to be selected at time of booking).Plenty of photo opportunities with costumed goldfields characters.Visit the family-run Ballarat Wildlife Park to meet native Australian species including kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, emus and Tasmanian devils.
http://www.viator.com/Melbourne/
Tour-1-Great Ocean Road and The Twelve Apostles –Duration-11 hours. Departure time-8:30am, from Melbourne for an 11-hour tour, stopping along the way at the coastal towns of Lorne and Apollo Bay, admire the landscapes of Port Campbell National Park, including the iconic 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge and Helicopter Ride(optional).
http://greatoceanroadmelbournetours.com.au/
Tour-2- Phillip Island: Penguins, Koalas and Kangaroos-Departure at 1pm and return at 11pm. The journey time is usually around 90 minutes.
Tour-3- Yarra Valley Wineries and Dandenong Ranges & Puffing Billy Steam Train-Yarra Valley is approximately a one hour drive from Melbourne CBD. Duration of Tour is 9 hours. After morning pickup at Federation Square or your Melbourne hotel, after a 25-mile (40-km) drive to the Dandenong Ranges, stop at Grants Reserve mountain café for a midmorning Aussie ‘billy’ tea, Take the ride of Puffing Billy steam train. After the historic ride, come back on the coach for a 1-hour drive to the Yarra Valley. Taste a variety of wines at three wineries and a 2-course lunch at Rochford Winery accompanied by premium wine (if option selected).
Tour-4- Ballarat and Sovereign Hill Day Tour with Wildlife Park from Melbourne-Tour Duration-9.00hours, Sovereign Hill is an easy 90-minute drive from Melbourne. This ‘living museum’ built on the site of an original gold mine spans over 25 acres (10 hectares) and offers visitors the chance to experience life in 1850s mining camp. Try your luck panning for gold.Visit the gold museum .See native animals at the Ballarat Wildlife Park (option to be selected at time of booking).Plenty of photo opportunities with costumed goldfields characters.Visit the family-run Ballarat Wildlife Park to meet native Australian species including kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, emus and Tasmanian devils.
001-TOUR of GREAT OCEAN ROAD & THE TWELVE OPSTLE - The Great Ocean Road is the single-most popular road trip in all of Australia also in the world’s most beautiful scenic road trips. It’s one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. On a beautiful blue skied day nothing can compare to the wonder of strolling along one of the most iconic stretches in the world – i.e. on the Great Ocean Road. Over twenty million years ago the powerful surf and the salt of the erratic Southern Ocean started to erode the rugged limestone cliffs along Victoria's Coastline. The constant wind and water carved out cavernous caves in the soft rock. Yet the surf and the storms were relentless and eventually the arches collapsed to make towering stacks that soared up to 45 meters in the sky and isolated from the cliffs.
i-Great Ocean Road- The Great Ocean Road extends from the town of Torquay to Allenstown. The Great Ocean Road is 243 kilometres long route along the coastline. This road was built by WWI soldiers. They started construction on the Great Ocean Road in 1919 and completed the 243 kilometres stretch of road in 1932. During the construction of the road, some soldiers lost their lives due to the hard & tough task of building a road by hand. The road itself was built as a memorial for all those who lost their lives in the war. It is the longest war memorial in the world.
ii- Memorial Arch-The Memorial Arch is a popular destination to stop at, as it is the start of the Great Ocean Road. The arch was built in honour of the 3,000 returned soldiers who worked on the road and its creation during World War I. There is also a The-Great-Ocean-Road-Memorial-Arch-Workers Statue sculpture that was commissioned on the road’s 75th anniversary on the side of the arch. The sculpture is of two returned soldiers working on the Great Ocean Road.
iii-Lorne- Lorne is one of the first towns on the Great Ocean Road. Lorne is a popular destination for surfing, and when the population increases in the summer season, it becomes a weekend getaway for the city dwellers in Melbourne. Popular activities include: pier fishing, swimming, surfing, and camping. Events are held throughout the summer many being running races. The biggest of them all, the Great Ocean Road Marathon starts from Lorne and finishes 44 kilometres away in Apollo Bay. The swim is so popular it has the record in the Guinness Book of World Records.
iv-Apollo Bay- Apollo Bay is one of the most picturesque seaside villages . Located in the foothills of the Otways, the bay is a haven for water lovers and adventure travellers. As well as acting as the perfect base for day trips to the Twelve Apostles and the Otway Ranges, Apollo Bay has some gems of its own for visitors to explore. As a traditional fishing village, Apollo Bay is renowned for its dedication to seafood, and there’s even a festival that caters solely to this cuisine in February. Its location halfway along the Great Ocean Road means you can expect stunning seascapes, including sprawling beaches and endless shimmering waters.
v-Port Campbell National Park- The national park was formed in the 1960’s to protect the limestone on the rigid coastlines surrounding that area. Port Campbell National Park is world famous for its extraordinary collection of wave-sculpted rock formations and the Twelve Apostles.
vi-Twelve Apostles- The road to the 12 apostles is breath-taking in splendour with12 Apostles - Port Campbell National - Great Ocean Road its dramatic, rugged cliffs carved from the sea and its panoramic views. The rocky stacks are called the 12 apostles because they stand tall and proud along the shore. Despite the name the 12 apostles there are only 7 left standing as Mother Nature, time and the salty waters have caused several of the apostles to fall.Six are on display in the classic view enjoyed by millions of people over the years, with the seventh located several metres away from the corner of the main viewing platform. Originally there were eight rock stacks when named the Twelve Apostles, however, one of the stacks collapsed dramatically in July 2005. The remains can be seen from the main viewing platform. The main designated viewing area of the Twelve Apostles has a stairway leading from the path down to the viewing platform.
vii-Loch Ard Gorge- The picturesque gorge is home to a ,bay and an inlet of clear, blue water. It’s flanked by two yellow-washed cliff faces and tufts of vibrant greenery. Back in 1878, a large clipper ship engraved with the name Loch Ard beached on nearby Muttonbird Island after a tumultuous journey from England. Unfortunately, only two of loch-ard-gorge - personthe fifty-four passengers survived, one of whom was a fifteen-year-old boy called Tom Pearce, and the other a seventeen-year-old Irish girl called Eva Carmichael. The two remaining rock pillars of the gorge have been named Tom and Eva after the two survivors of the shipwreck back in the 19th century.
viii-12Apostels Helicopter Ride -12 Apostles Helicopters, on Victoria’s Great Ocean Road, offers you a unique opportunity to see the 12 Apostles, Shipwreck Coast and Port Campbell National Park from the air. A 10 minute flight includes the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge, to London Bridge. Price-$80.00
i-Great Ocean Road- The Great Ocean Road extends from the town of Torquay to Allenstown. The Great Ocean Road is 243 kilometres long route along the coastline. This road was built by WWI soldiers. They started construction on the Great Ocean Road in 1919 and completed the 243 kilometres stretch of road in 1932. During the construction of the road, some soldiers lost their lives due to the hard & tough task of building a road by hand. The road itself was built as a memorial for all those who lost their lives in the war. It is the longest war memorial in the world.
ii- Memorial Arch-The Memorial Arch is a popular destination to stop at, as it is the start of the Great Ocean Road. The arch was built in honour of the 3,000 returned soldiers who worked on the road and its creation during World War I. There is also a The-Great-Ocean-Road-Memorial-Arch-Workers Statue sculpture that was commissioned on the road’s 75th anniversary on the side of the arch. The sculpture is of two returned soldiers working on the Great Ocean Road.
iii-Lorne- Lorne is one of the first towns on the Great Ocean Road. Lorne is a popular destination for surfing, and when the population increases in the summer season, it becomes a weekend getaway for the city dwellers in Melbourne. Popular activities include: pier fishing, swimming, surfing, and camping. Events are held throughout the summer many being running races. The biggest of them all, the Great Ocean Road Marathon starts from Lorne and finishes 44 kilometres away in Apollo Bay. The swim is so popular it has the record in the Guinness Book of World Records.
iv-Apollo Bay- Apollo Bay is one of the most picturesque seaside villages . Located in the foothills of the Otways, the bay is a haven for water lovers and adventure travellers. As well as acting as the perfect base for day trips to the Twelve Apostles and the Otway Ranges, Apollo Bay has some gems of its own for visitors to explore. As a traditional fishing village, Apollo Bay is renowned for its dedication to seafood, and there’s even a festival that caters solely to this cuisine in February. Its location halfway along the Great Ocean Road means you can expect stunning seascapes, including sprawling beaches and endless shimmering waters.
v-Port Campbell National Park- The national park was formed in the 1960’s to protect the limestone on the rigid coastlines surrounding that area. Port Campbell National Park is world famous for its extraordinary collection of wave-sculpted rock formations and the Twelve Apostles.
vi-Twelve Apostles- The road to the 12 apostles is breath-taking in splendour with12 Apostles - Port Campbell National - Great Ocean Road its dramatic, rugged cliffs carved from the sea and its panoramic views. The rocky stacks are called the 12 apostles because they stand tall and proud along the shore. Despite the name the 12 apostles there are only 7 left standing as Mother Nature, time and the salty waters have caused several of the apostles to fall.Six are on display in the classic view enjoyed by millions of people over the years, with the seventh located several metres away from the corner of the main viewing platform. Originally there were eight rock stacks when named the Twelve Apostles, however, one of the stacks collapsed dramatically in July 2005. The remains can be seen from the main viewing platform. The main designated viewing area of the Twelve Apostles has a stairway leading from the path down to the viewing platform.
vii-Loch Ard Gorge- The picturesque gorge is home to a ,bay and an inlet of clear, blue water. It’s flanked by two yellow-washed cliff faces and tufts of vibrant greenery. Back in 1878, a large clipper ship engraved with the name Loch Ard beached on nearby Muttonbird Island after a tumultuous journey from England. Unfortunately, only two of loch-ard-gorge - personthe fifty-four passengers survived, one of whom was a fifteen-year-old boy called Tom Pearce, and the other a seventeen-year-old Irish girl called Eva Carmichael. The two remaining rock pillars of the gorge have been named Tom and Eva after the two survivors of the shipwreck back in the 19th century.
viii-12Apostels Helicopter Ride -12 Apostles Helicopters, on Victoria’s Great Ocean Road, offers you a unique opportunity to see the 12 Apostles, Shipwreck Coast and Port Campbell National Park from the air. A 10 minute flight includes the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge, to London Bridge. Price-$80.00
002-TOUR of PHILLIP ISLAND-
i-Phillip Island-Phillip Island is only 75 kilometres from Melbourne. Phillip Island is one of Victoria’s most popular tourist destinations. It is well-known for its famous penguin parade, large fur seal colony, exciting racing at the island’s Grand Prix circuit, its scenic coastline, quaint fishing villages, beautiful beaches, and so much more. Phillip Island is around 24 kilometres long and 9 kilometres wide. Its first permanent settlement occurred in 1842. Visitors come to Phillip Island for its swimming and surf beaches, unique wildlife and the famous penguins which make their epic journey along the beach at sunset. Major racing events are held at the island's Grand Prix Circuit include the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix and Superbike World Championship.The western tip of the island, known as The Nobbies, consists of rocky islands just off the coast which can be viewed from the surrounding boardwalks, and the famous Seal Rocks which is home to the largest colony of fur seals in Australia. The Nobbies Centre includes marine displays, a gift shop and dining facilities.
Cape Woolamai is at the south-eastern tip of the island and much of it is covered by a state fauna reserve with mutton bird rookeries and walking tracks along the coastal cliffs. The golden ocean beaches at Cape Woolamai are popular with surfers.
ii-Maru Koala and Animal Park-Located on the Bass highway in Grantville southern Victoria, only fifteen minutes from Phillip Island and the Penguin Parade. Animal Park is a family run tourist attraction on five acres near the waterline of Westernport Bay and features an animal park. The opportunity to interact with the animals, including koalas, kangaroos and wallabies, dingoes, emus, parrots, wombats, stock animals and more.
Keeper Presentations-Monday – Friday: Koala enclosure open for entry and keeper talk, start of every hour from 10am to 4pm
General Entry-$20.00
iii-Penguin Parade-Each night at sunset the Little Penguins returning ashore after a day’s fishing. See the world’s smallest penguin in its natural habitat from viewing stands and boardwalks. Little Penguins waddle up the beach to the safety of their homes in the sand dunes. The main penguin viewing area at Summerland Beach has tiered seating and provides a 180 degree elevated viewing of the Little Penguins on parade. Watching them arrive and waddle across the beach to their sand dune burrows at sunset is a magical experience for all. Visitors can also enjoy Little Penguins around their burrows from elevated timber boardwalks.
iv-The Nobbies-This area offers spectacular coastal viewing from the boardwalks and lookout points set amongst natural sea bird gardens. One and a half kilometres offshore from The Nobbies are Seal Rocks, home to Australia’s largest Australian Fur Seal colony.See the awesome blowhole, a spectacular sea cave that thunders during big southern swells. Silver Gulls nest here and chicks can be seen during spring and early summer.
i-Phillip Island-Phillip Island is only 75 kilometres from Melbourne. Phillip Island is one of Victoria’s most popular tourist destinations. It is well-known for its famous penguin parade, large fur seal colony, exciting racing at the island’s Grand Prix circuit, its scenic coastline, quaint fishing villages, beautiful beaches, and so much more. Phillip Island is around 24 kilometres long and 9 kilometres wide. Its first permanent settlement occurred in 1842. Visitors come to Phillip Island for its swimming and surf beaches, unique wildlife and the famous penguins which make their epic journey along the beach at sunset. Major racing events are held at the island's Grand Prix Circuit include the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix and Superbike World Championship.The western tip of the island, known as The Nobbies, consists of rocky islands just off the coast which can be viewed from the surrounding boardwalks, and the famous Seal Rocks which is home to the largest colony of fur seals in Australia. The Nobbies Centre includes marine displays, a gift shop and dining facilities.
Cape Woolamai is at the south-eastern tip of the island and much of it is covered by a state fauna reserve with mutton bird rookeries and walking tracks along the coastal cliffs. The golden ocean beaches at Cape Woolamai are popular with surfers.
ii-Maru Koala and Animal Park-Located on the Bass highway in Grantville southern Victoria, only fifteen minutes from Phillip Island and the Penguin Parade. Animal Park is a family run tourist attraction on five acres near the waterline of Westernport Bay and features an animal park. The opportunity to interact with the animals, including koalas, kangaroos and wallabies, dingoes, emus, parrots, wombats, stock animals and more.
Keeper Presentations-Monday – Friday: Koala enclosure open for entry and keeper talk, start of every hour from 10am to 4pm
General Entry-$20.00
iii-Penguin Parade-Each night at sunset the Little Penguins returning ashore after a day’s fishing. See the world’s smallest penguin in its natural habitat from viewing stands and boardwalks. Little Penguins waddle up the beach to the safety of their homes in the sand dunes. The main penguin viewing area at Summerland Beach has tiered seating and provides a 180 degree elevated viewing of the Little Penguins on parade. Watching them arrive and waddle across the beach to their sand dune burrows at sunset is a magical experience for all. Visitors can also enjoy Little Penguins around their burrows from elevated timber boardwalks.
iv-The Nobbies-This area offers spectacular coastal viewing from the boardwalks and lookout points set amongst natural sea bird gardens. One and a half kilometres offshore from The Nobbies are Seal Rocks, home to Australia’s largest Australian Fur Seal colony.See the awesome blowhole, a spectacular sea cave that thunders during big southern swells. Silver Gulls nest here and chicks can be seen during spring and early summer.
003-TOUR of YARRA VALLEY-
i-Yarra Valley-The Yarra Valley is the name given to the region surrounding the Yarra River in Victoria, Australia. The river originates approximately 90 kilometres east of the Melbourne central business district and flows towards it and out into Port Phillip Bay. The Yarra Valley is surrounded by bush-covered mountains on three sides, providing breath-taking views and an unforgettable backdrop to activities such as a walk along the Yarra River alive with fauna, trekking across an aerial path lined with beech trees many centuries old and unwinding with a wine tasting at one of Yarra Valley's many wineries. The Yarra Valley might be world famous for its wineries but it is also home to some of Australia's best breweries. The Yarra Valley was Victoria's first wine growing district – with a history stretching back nearly 180 years. Vines were first planted in 1838 by the Ryrie brothers, on their property known today as Chateau Yering. Today it is one of the world’s leading cold climate wine growing regions, with internationally known names such as Domaine Chandon, St Huberts, De Bortoli. There are many other boutique wineries which are definitely worth visiting and have great restaurants for lunch too.
ii-Grants Picnic Ground-Grants Picnic Ground, nestled in Sherbrooke Forest, Kallista, 40 kilometres east of Melbourne, is a top spot to take visitors. Located on Monbulk Road in Kallista, this large park is also well-equipped with numerous picnic tables, a large picnic shelter, free electric barbecues, plenty of car parking and toilets. It is the only place in the Dandenong National Park where you're allowed the feed the birds. Buy their special birdseed and you can only feed the birds in the dedicated bird-feeding area. There are several walking tracks leading from the picnic ground into Sherbrooke Forest, where you'll see tall mountain ash, green.
tree ferns, lots of moss and, on most days, hear lyrebirds calling. The walks range from the 300 metre Margaret Lester Forest Walk.
iii- Puffing Billy Railway-It is a 2 ft. 6 in narrow gauge heritage railway in the Dandenong Ranges and railway is located at Belgrave Station. The line is one of the most popular steam heritage railways in the world (opened in 1900). Most trains start from Belgrave and travel to Lakeside, or to the terminus at Gembrook, and return. Ticket-Belgrave to Lakeside Open Return-$51.50
i-Yarra Valley-The Yarra Valley is the name given to the region surrounding the Yarra River in Victoria, Australia. The river originates approximately 90 kilometres east of the Melbourne central business district and flows towards it and out into Port Phillip Bay. The Yarra Valley is surrounded by bush-covered mountains on three sides, providing breath-taking views and an unforgettable backdrop to activities such as a walk along the Yarra River alive with fauna, trekking across an aerial path lined with beech trees many centuries old and unwinding with a wine tasting at one of Yarra Valley's many wineries. The Yarra Valley might be world famous for its wineries but it is also home to some of Australia's best breweries. The Yarra Valley was Victoria's first wine growing district – with a history stretching back nearly 180 years. Vines were first planted in 1838 by the Ryrie brothers, on their property known today as Chateau Yering. Today it is one of the world’s leading cold climate wine growing regions, with internationally known names such as Domaine Chandon, St Huberts, De Bortoli. There are many other boutique wineries which are definitely worth visiting and have great restaurants for lunch too.
ii-Grants Picnic Ground-Grants Picnic Ground, nestled in Sherbrooke Forest, Kallista, 40 kilometres east of Melbourne, is a top spot to take visitors. Located on Monbulk Road in Kallista, this large park is also well-equipped with numerous picnic tables, a large picnic shelter, free electric barbecues, plenty of car parking and toilets. It is the only place in the Dandenong National Park where you're allowed the feed the birds. Buy their special birdseed and you can only feed the birds in the dedicated bird-feeding area. There are several walking tracks leading from the picnic ground into Sherbrooke Forest, where you'll see tall mountain ash, green.
tree ferns, lots of moss and, on most days, hear lyrebirds calling. The walks range from the 300 metre Margaret Lester Forest Walk.
iii- Puffing Billy Railway-It is a 2 ft. 6 in narrow gauge heritage railway in the Dandenong Ranges and railway is located at Belgrave Station. The line is one of the most popular steam heritage railways in the world (opened in 1900). Most trains start from Belgrave and travel to Lakeside, or to the terminus at Gembrook, and return. Ticket-Belgrave to Lakeside Open Return-$51.50
004- Ballarat and Sovereign Hill Day Tour with Wildlife Park from Melbourne- Australia’s foremost outdoor museum, Sovereign Hill re-creates Ballarat’s first ten years after the discovery of gold in 1851 when thousands of international adventurers rushed to the Australian goldfields in search of fortune. It’s just like stepping back in time.At Sovereign Hill, you can see a spectacular $100,000 gold pour, venture underground on a fully-guided gold mine tour or catch a horse-drawn coach and tour the town. Go shopping 1850s-style and visit hotels, schools and a theatre with goldfields entertainers. See steam-driven machinery in action and chat with the wheelwrights, candlemakers and confectioners as they ply their trades. On the streets and in the theatre, you will be entertained by costumed goldfields characters who are happy to pose for a great photo. By night, Sovereign Hill presents its spectacular, multi-million dollar sound- and-light show, ‘Blood on the Southern Cross’, the dramatic story of the 1854 Eureka Uprising.
Sovereign Hill-It is a goldfields town with shops, hotels, a theatre, schools, factories, a gold diggings and underground mines to explore. Sovereign Hill is a living museum with working exhibits brought to life by costumed characters and over 40 horses.
Mine Adventures- Visit the Gold Mine and board the mine tram to journey deep below Sovereign Hill for a unique underground experience! There are three to choose from. Journey through the Labyrinth of Gold takes you step by step through the dangers of working in one of the gold mines that made Ballarat rich and famous. Price-$7.50 Adult.
Gold Museum- The Gold Museum -An impressive glass-fronted building with commanding views, the Gold Museum offers an award-winning gift shop specialising in the sale of gold nuggets and Australian-made gold jewellery and fine giftware. Entry to the Gold Museum is free with your Sovereign Hill ticket. Separate entry is also available.
Sound-And-Light Show- The story of the Eureka Rebellion, a dramatic battle between gold miners and Government forces at Ballarat on 3 December, 1854, is retold nightly by ‘Blood on the Southern Cross’. Experience the miners’ disgust at unfair gold taxes and witness the dramatic burning of the Eureka Hotel. The show is available with day entry to Sovereign Hill and a two-course, pre-show dinner served to your shared table. You can also stay overnight at Comfort Inn Sovereign Hill. Timing Dec-9.15PM Price for Dinner & Show-$99.00
Opening Time- 10.00 am to 5.00 pm every day except Christmas Day.
Ticket-$52.50(including Gold Museum)
PRESENTED BY - V.P. GUPTA
Sovereign Hill-It is a goldfields town with shops, hotels, a theatre, schools, factories, a gold diggings and underground mines to explore. Sovereign Hill is a living museum with working exhibits brought to life by costumed characters and over 40 horses.
Mine Adventures- Visit the Gold Mine and board the mine tram to journey deep below Sovereign Hill for a unique underground experience! There are three to choose from. Journey through the Labyrinth of Gold takes you step by step through the dangers of working in one of the gold mines that made Ballarat rich and famous. Price-$7.50 Adult.
Gold Museum- The Gold Museum -An impressive glass-fronted building with commanding views, the Gold Museum offers an award-winning gift shop specialising in the sale of gold nuggets and Australian-made gold jewellery and fine giftware. Entry to the Gold Museum is free with your Sovereign Hill ticket. Separate entry is also available.
Sound-And-Light Show- The story of the Eureka Rebellion, a dramatic battle between gold miners and Government forces at Ballarat on 3 December, 1854, is retold nightly by ‘Blood on the Southern Cross’. Experience the miners’ disgust at unfair gold taxes and witness the dramatic burning of the Eureka Hotel. The show is available with day entry to Sovereign Hill and a two-course, pre-show dinner served to your shared table. You can also stay overnight at Comfort Inn Sovereign Hill. Timing Dec-9.15PM Price for Dinner & Show-$99.00
Opening Time- 10.00 am to 5.00 pm every day except Christmas Day.
Ticket-$52.50(including Gold Museum)
PRESENTED BY - V.P. GUPTA