Melbourne Top 40
Oct 24th 2003, 10:52 am
#1
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Melbourne Top 40
Sparkley, (and anyone else who's interested) I never made it to 50 but here's 40 things I love about Melbourne:
HP
Sport – Melbourne is the sporting capital of Oz – and with all this on offer who could disagree?
1. Australian Open Tennis – January. No strawberries, no cream, but with good centre court seats at $29, who cares! A fab day. Even if you can't get CC tickets, get a ground pass as there will still be great tennis on the outside court.
2. Formula 1 GP – early March. The world of F1 comes to Melbourne and scenic Albert Park transforms into a fast and furious racing zone. Take ear plugs and a brolly (this year it rained all day)!
3. World Superbikes at Phillip Island –we’ve just missed this year’s but hey, how about 2004? 2hrs from Melbourne.
4. MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground) – take in a game of Aussie Rules – go with the locals (you’ll need someone to explain what ‘s going on). Friday night after work is good. No crowd segregation between teams….just lots of friendly rivalry.
5. Herald Sun Tour – road cycling event in Melbourne and country Victoria. Attracts some big name riders. Last year’s winner was local boy and Tour de France hero Baden Cooke. This year’s finishes tomorrow and the Brits are so far giving the Aussies a good run for their money.
6. World Track Cycling Champs – Vodafone Arena, May-ish 2004 – Australia and UK have 2 of the biggest teams in world track cycling – head down and give the guys (and gals) some support!
7. Melbourne Cup Carnival & Spring Racing – go out and buy the most glamourous dress, most expensive shoes, and biggest hat you can find and head to the racecourse. Girls go to be seen, boys go to drink beer. If racing’s not your thing, just enjoy the day off work (it’s a public holiday).
8. Soccer (ok, football!) – soccer is the fastest growing sport in Australia. Sign-up with a local team – not surprisingly, British kids and adults generally outshine the Aussies at this one.
9. Cycling – Melbourne has made great efforts to be a cycling-friendly city. There are good bike parking facilities in and around the city and excellent off-road (but tarmac) paths (Yarra trail, for example, which runs alongside the river. If you want more serious cycling try Beach Road, where on a weekend morning, bikes can outnumber cars 50:1. If you want more serious than that, join a club and get into the racing scene..
Greenery & Outdoors
10. Botanical Gardens – a true escape in the middle of a city. The largest gardens in the southern hemisphere, and well worth a visit. Take a blanket and a book and put the hustle and bustle of the city behind you, or pack up a picnic and enjoy the sunshine.
11. Moonlight Cinema – a must do (in the Botanical Gardens). Where in the UK can you watch movies under the stars (and with possums too)? Take a rug or a beanbag, a gourmet picnic and a couple of bottles of wine. One of the best things in Melbourne.
12. Fitzroy Gardens – more beautiful greenery in the heart of the city.
13. Yarra Bend/Studley Park Boathouse – definitely a good spot for a picnic in the shade of the gum trees….or even a BBQ. BBQ facilites scattered all along the Yarra.
14. Dandenongs – about 30kms east of Mel. Cycle if you can brave the 7km climb at the end or take a day trip out there and enjoy the panoramic views back over the city. Stop for afternoon tea in Sassafras.
15. Brighton Beach – cute and colourful bathing boxes and a nice sandy beach. And more BBQs.
16. Albert Park – beautiful when it’s not a race track! Cycle or drive round it anyway, just to say you’ve been round the GP track (it’s a 5km circuit). Otherwise, enjoy the lake, the black swans, and watch the Melburnians practice their cricket skills.
Food & Drink
Melbourne is the coffee capital of Oz. You’ll find cafes and cakes on virtually every street. There are too many restaurants and too many suburbs to mention – choosing where is the hardest thing. Buy a copy of the Good Food Guide and take your pick.
17. Brunswick St, Fitzroy – bohemian style. By day, cafes, coffee and all day breakfast. By night, one of the coolest places to head to.
18. Chapel St, Sth Yarra – THE place to see and be seen – day and night. Definitely for the young and trendy….but something there for absolutely everyone. Chic restaurants, cool bars and more clothes shops than you can shake a stick at.
19. Fitzroy St, St Kilda – more trendy eateries and bars to be seen in.
20. Acland St, St Kilda – ‘Secret Life of Us’ territory. More bars, more coffee, more shops….oh, and a few excellent European-style patisseries for good measure.
21. Stokehouse, St Kilda- worthy of a special mention due to its fab location on the beach, great food, and great wine list. Sit outside and watch the world – and the rollerbladers – go by.
22. Prahran Market – fruit, veg, organics, delis, wine, café’s – just about everything (except BBQs)
23. Queen Vic Market – still not been, but some say it’s good.
Shopping
When a girl’s gotta shop, Melbourne has it all:
24. Chapel St (as above)
25. Bourke St Mall and Melbourne Central – right in the heart of the city – department stores, chainstores and every other type of shop.
26. Chadstone – big out-of-town shopping centre. Like the Trafford Centre really!
27. Bridge Road, Richmond – bargain heaven. Definitely worth a visit, even if you hate bargain shopping. This is where the high street shops have their outlet shops and there are some great buys to be had.
28. Smith St, Fitzroy – more outlet shopping –mainly sport & surf wear. Huge Adidas and Nikes stores to name but two.
29. Collins St – Paris end. Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel, Escada…..well, you can window shop at least! Take a poodle with you.
Transport
30. Trams - Melbourne’s tram network is second to none – and charming at the same time. Hop on the free City Circle Tram to see the sights of the city….or get a day pass and jump on a tram to the burbs or the beach. Beats Manchester trams hands down.
31. Virgin Blue – had to mention this – at Melbourne Airport. Oz equivalent of EasyJet. Fly virtually anywhere in Oz – including direct flights to Bris, Sydney, Hobart, and many more (I just paid $110 to get to Brisbane on a weekend)
32. Spirit of Tasmania – 12 hr ferry crossing across the Bass Strait. The car goes free. 2 sailings a day. But only for the brave in choppy weather.
Further Afield
33. Healesville Sanctuary – not just for the kids (I’ve been 3 times). All the Australian animals you could want to see, and in a wildlife setting. Sadly no crocs, but koalas, roos, snakes, wombats, echnidnas, wedge tail eagles and much much more make it a truly great and educational day out. BBQs!
34. Great Ocean Road – world renowned scenic drive. Don’t try and do it in a day. As well as the spectatcular coastline and ocean views, Cape Otway is a treasure of rainforest, wild koalas and stunning waterfalls.
35. Grampians – 3hrs from Mel. Beautiful countryside and big hills. A good escape from the city.
36. Coonawarra – another great Aussie wine region, famed for its blockbuster Cab Sauvignons. Lots of top wineries and cellar door tasting – including Wynns, Hollick, Penley Estate, Katnook and Jamieson’s Run. 5hrs from Mel, just over the SA border.
37. Murray River – if you’re looking for sunshine, try the gorgeous Murray, fringed with sand bars and eucalypt forests. Go camping, hire a houseboat or while away the hours with a fishing rod. Mildura & Robinvale are good places to head.
38. Phillip Island – a bit rugged, especially when the wind is blowing. Watch the penguin parade.
39. Mornington Peninsula – a popular spot to have a second home, so can get busy at weekends. Bayside has nice beaches, calm seas. Head to the ‘back beaches’ (i.e. ocean side) for big surf and more nice beaches. Also good for wineries.
40. Snowfields – just when you’d forgotten what snow looks like, a 2.5hr drive from Melbourne will get you to Mt Buller, with some great skiing and snowboarding. Nothing like going out on the piste straight from work on Friday.
HP
Sport – Melbourne is the sporting capital of Oz – and with all this on offer who could disagree?
1. Australian Open Tennis – January. No strawberries, no cream, but with good centre court seats at $29, who cares! A fab day. Even if you can't get CC tickets, get a ground pass as there will still be great tennis on the outside court.
2. Formula 1 GP – early March. The world of F1 comes to Melbourne and scenic Albert Park transforms into a fast and furious racing zone. Take ear plugs and a brolly (this year it rained all day)!
3. World Superbikes at Phillip Island –we’ve just missed this year’s but hey, how about 2004? 2hrs from Melbourne.
4. MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground) – take in a game of Aussie Rules – go with the locals (you’ll need someone to explain what ‘s going on). Friday night after work is good. No crowd segregation between teams….just lots of friendly rivalry.
5. Herald Sun Tour – road cycling event in Melbourne and country Victoria. Attracts some big name riders. Last year’s winner was local boy and Tour de France hero Baden Cooke. This year’s finishes tomorrow and the Brits are so far giving the Aussies a good run for their money.
6. World Track Cycling Champs – Vodafone Arena, May-ish 2004 – Australia and UK have 2 of the biggest teams in world track cycling – head down and give the guys (and gals) some support!
7. Melbourne Cup Carnival & Spring Racing – go out and buy the most glamourous dress, most expensive shoes, and biggest hat you can find and head to the racecourse. Girls go to be seen, boys go to drink beer. If racing’s not your thing, just enjoy the day off work (it’s a public holiday).
8. Soccer (ok, football!) – soccer is the fastest growing sport in Australia. Sign-up with a local team – not surprisingly, British kids and adults generally outshine the Aussies at this one.
9. Cycling – Melbourne has made great efforts to be a cycling-friendly city. There are good bike parking facilities in and around the city and excellent off-road (but tarmac) paths (Yarra trail, for example, which runs alongside the river. If you want more serious cycling try Beach Road, where on a weekend morning, bikes can outnumber cars 50:1. If you want more serious than that, join a club and get into the racing scene..
Greenery & Outdoors
10. Botanical Gardens – a true escape in the middle of a city. The largest gardens in the southern hemisphere, and well worth a visit. Take a blanket and a book and put the hustle and bustle of the city behind you, or pack up a picnic and enjoy the sunshine.
11. Moonlight Cinema – a must do (in the Botanical Gardens). Where in the UK can you watch movies under the stars (and with possums too)? Take a rug or a beanbag, a gourmet picnic and a couple of bottles of wine. One of the best things in Melbourne.
12. Fitzroy Gardens – more beautiful greenery in the heart of the city.
13. Yarra Bend/Studley Park Boathouse – definitely a good spot for a picnic in the shade of the gum trees….or even a BBQ. BBQ facilites scattered all along the Yarra.
14. Dandenongs – about 30kms east of Mel. Cycle if you can brave the 7km climb at the end or take a day trip out there and enjoy the panoramic views back over the city. Stop for afternoon tea in Sassafras.
15. Brighton Beach – cute and colourful bathing boxes and a nice sandy beach. And more BBQs.
16. Albert Park – beautiful when it’s not a race track! Cycle or drive round it anyway, just to say you’ve been round the GP track (it’s a 5km circuit). Otherwise, enjoy the lake, the black swans, and watch the Melburnians practice their cricket skills.
Food & Drink
Melbourne is the coffee capital of Oz. You’ll find cafes and cakes on virtually every street. There are too many restaurants and too many suburbs to mention – choosing where is the hardest thing. Buy a copy of the Good Food Guide and take your pick.
17. Brunswick St, Fitzroy – bohemian style. By day, cafes, coffee and all day breakfast. By night, one of the coolest places to head to.
18. Chapel St, Sth Yarra – THE place to see and be seen – day and night. Definitely for the young and trendy….but something there for absolutely everyone. Chic restaurants, cool bars and more clothes shops than you can shake a stick at.
19. Fitzroy St, St Kilda – more trendy eateries and bars to be seen in.
20. Acland St, St Kilda – ‘Secret Life of Us’ territory. More bars, more coffee, more shops….oh, and a few excellent European-style patisseries for good measure.
21. Stokehouse, St Kilda- worthy of a special mention due to its fab location on the beach, great food, and great wine list. Sit outside and watch the world – and the rollerbladers – go by.
22. Prahran Market – fruit, veg, organics, delis, wine, café’s – just about everything (except BBQs)
23. Queen Vic Market – still not been, but some say it’s good.
Shopping
When a girl’s gotta shop, Melbourne has it all:
24. Chapel St (as above)
25. Bourke St Mall and Melbourne Central – right in the heart of the city – department stores, chainstores and every other type of shop.
26. Chadstone – big out-of-town shopping centre. Like the Trafford Centre really!
27. Bridge Road, Richmond – bargain heaven. Definitely worth a visit, even if you hate bargain shopping. This is where the high street shops have their outlet shops and there are some great buys to be had.
28. Smith St, Fitzroy – more outlet shopping –mainly sport & surf wear. Huge Adidas and Nikes stores to name but two.
29. Collins St – Paris end. Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel, Escada…..well, you can window shop at least! Take a poodle with you.
Transport
30. Trams - Melbourne’s tram network is second to none – and charming at the same time. Hop on the free City Circle Tram to see the sights of the city….or get a day pass and jump on a tram to the burbs or the beach. Beats Manchester trams hands down.
31. Virgin Blue – had to mention this – at Melbourne Airport. Oz equivalent of EasyJet. Fly virtually anywhere in Oz – including direct flights to Bris, Sydney, Hobart, and many more (I just paid $110 to get to Brisbane on a weekend)
32. Spirit of Tasmania – 12 hr ferry crossing across the Bass Strait. The car goes free. 2 sailings a day. But only for the brave in choppy weather.
Further Afield
33. Healesville Sanctuary – not just for the kids (I’ve been 3 times). All the Australian animals you could want to see, and in a wildlife setting. Sadly no crocs, but koalas, roos, snakes, wombats, echnidnas, wedge tail eagles and much much more make it a truly great and educational day out. BBQs!
34. Great Ocean Road – world renowned scenic drive. Don’t try and do it in a day. As well as the spectatcular coastline and ocean views, Cape Otway is a treasure of rainforest, wild koalas and stunning waterfalls.
35. Grampians – 3hrs from Mel. Beautiful countryside and big hills. A good escape from the city.
36. Coonawarra – another great Aussie wine region, famed for its blockbuster Cab Sauvignons. Lots of top wineries and cellar door tasting – including Wynns, Hollick, Penley Estate, Katnook and Jamieson’s Run. 5hrs from Mel, just over the SA border.
37. Murray River – if you’re looking for sunshine, try the gorgeous Murray, fringed with sand bars and eucalypt forests. Go camping, hire a houseboat or while away the hours with a fishing rod. Mildura & Robinvale are good places to head.
38. Phillip Island – a bit rugged, especially when the wind is blowing. Watch the penguin parade.
39. Mornington Peninsula – a popular spot to have a second home, so can get busy at weekends. Bayside has nice beaches, calm seas. Head to the ‘back beaches’ (i.e. ocean side) for big surf and more nice beaches. Also good for wineries.
40. Snowfields – just when you’d forgotten what snow looks like, a 2.5hr drive from Melbourne will get you to Mt Buller, with some great skiing and snowboarding. Nothing like going out on the piste straight from work on Friday.
Oct 24th 2003, 12:20 pm
#2
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2002
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 805
Re: Melbourne Top 40
HP
Great post for all the newbies about to arrive.
Can I add a few more:
Puffing Billy: Steam Train that runs from Belgrave to Emerald Lake (through the Dandenongs). BBQ facilities, water slides at the lake.
Calder Park Raceway: For all the drag racing fans. About 1/2 hour out of Melbourne, both weekend and evening races. Great for the whole family. They also do some weekends where you can take your own car and race it.
Moomba: Meaning "Lets get together and have fun". Floats through the city streets, fireworks, lots of rides, great water skiing on the Yarra River.
Eildon Weir: About and hour and a half from Melbourne. Hire a house boat and cruise around the 515 km of shoreline. Lots of water skiing. Also lots of caravan parks around the weir to stay in. Plenty of BBQ facilities for the day tripper.
Regards
Great post for all the newbies about to arrive.
Can I add a few more:
Puffing Billy: Steam Train that runs from Belgrave to Emerald Lake (through the Dandenongs). BBQ facilities, water slides at the lake.
Calder Park Raceway: For all the drag racing fans. About 1/2 hour out of Melbourne, both weekend and evening races. Great for the whole family. They also do some weekends where you can take your own car and race it.
Moomba: Meaning "Lets get together and have fun". Floats through the city streets, fireworks, lots of rides, great water skiing on the Yarra River.
Eildon Weir: About and hour and a half from Melbourne. Hire a house boat and cruise around the 515 km of shoreline. Lots of water skiing. Also lots of caravan parks around the weir to stay in. Plenty of BBQ facilities for the day tripper.
Regards
Oct 26th 2003, 10:05 pm
#3
Melbourne wannabe
Joined: Oct 2003
Location: N Ireland
Posts: 66
Thanks SO much Hidden Paw (& JK for your additions!)
This is FAB - gonna print it off and bring it with me - 3 weeks today til I go for 10 week visit - yay!
This is FAB - gonna print it off and bring it with me - 3 weeks today til I go for 10 week visit - yay!
Oct 26th 2003, 10:19 pm
#4
Forum Regular
Joined: Jun 2003
Location: Manchester, England
Posts: 52
Re: Melbourne Top 40
Great post, the family and i are heading out to melbourne in March, and it's good to hear some postive points compared to a lot of the negative ones i've been reading of late, cheers
Oct 27th 2003, 1:15 am
#5
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Melbourne Top 40
Originally posted by HiddenPaw
Sparkley, (and anyone else who's interested) I never made it to 50 but here's 40 things I love about Melbourne:
Sparkley, (and anyone else who's interested) I never made it to 50 but here's 40 things I love about Melbourne:
Sport - I've gotta mention Melbourne Park (Rod Laver Arena) haven't I. Tie in a lot of things together eg from Southbank walk along the Yarra River to the Swan Street bridge, cross over, look at Melbourne Park and then across the footbridge to the 'G' (MCG) and back to the Botanical Gardens - all within a mile of the city centre.
Greenery and Outdoors and Further Afield - Do a tour of the Yarra Valley and its wineries. Personally we like going to Chateau Yering and De Bertolli's but there are lots of others. Dandenongs (there was a catchy tune in the 60's about drivin' through the Dandy-blooming-Nong ranges) - also recommend is the Wise Possum Gallery in Sassafras too I think. Terrific for souvenirs. Ballarat, Bendigo and Daylesford are worthy of note also.
Food and Drink - Nelson Place, Williamstown. Take a boat trip from Southbank in the city to Williamstown and spend a while there before going back to the city. Within a few hundred yards of the pier you will find stacks of cafes and lots of different cuisine (modern Australian, Chinese, Indian, Greek, Thai, Japanese, French etc, etc). Acland Street, St Kilda for the cakes.
Miscellaneous - the 'Paris' end of Collins Street has some great shops, arcades, eating places etc. Some admittedly pricey but most not. While there have a look in the Parliament and Windsor Hotel in Spring Street, both lovely old buildings. Do it all on the free city circle tram you mentioned - get on and off as the mood takes you.
You must get the Queen Victoria Market HP - a must. The fruit and veg, clothes, souvenirs etc are great - and cheap.
Will stop now, I'll add others things later no doubt but the thread will come back to the top!
TennisOz
Oct 27th 2003, 10:21 am
#6
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2002
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 805
Thought of a few more.
Wilsons Promontory: About 2 1/2 hours out of Melbourne. It's the southern most point of Victoria. Big Camping Ground/Caravan Park right on the beach. Very busy over holidays/long weekends and you need to book well in advance, but great walks over the mountain tracks and there are lots of old towns around to go and amble through. Good surf beaches too. Be wary if driving early down there early morning or dusk time as the kangaroos try and play hit and miss on the roads!!
Stevensons Falls, Marysville: On the way to the snowfields. About 1 1/2 hours drive. Beautiful waterfalls. A link:
http://www.marysvilletourism.com/waw.htm
90 Mile Beach: Down the east side of Victoria. About a 4 hour drive from Melbourne. Beautiful long beaches, popular holiday spot. Here's a link
http://www.locallink.com.au/vic/90milebeach/default.htm
If you're looking for good wineries, you can't beat Brown Brothers. Another 4 hour drive but definitely worth the effort.
Here's another link:
http://www.brown-brothers.com.au/
The Warburton Trail: Try a day out cycling along the Warburton Trail. 38km of trail where the old railway used to be. Starts at Lilydale and ends at Warburton.
Another link:
http://www.bv.com.au/content.cfm?sub...&contentid=217
Regards
Wilsons Promontory: About 2 1/2 hours out of Melbourne. It's the southern most point of Victoria. Big Camping Ground/Caravan Park right on the beach. Very busy over holidays/long weekends and you need to book well in advance, but great walks over the mountain tracks and there are lots of old towns around to go and amble through. Good surf beaches too. Be wary if driving early down there early morning or dusk time as the kangaroos try and play hit and miss on the roads!!
Stevensons Falls, Marysville: On the way to the snowfields. About 1 1/2 hours drive. Beautiful waterfalls. A link:
http://www.marysvilletourism.com/waw.htm
90 Mile Beach: Down the east side of Victoria. About a 4 hour drive from Melbourne. Beautiful long beaches, popular holiday spot. Here's a link
http://www.locallink.com.au/vic/90milebeach/default.htm
If you're looking for good wineries, you can't beat Brown Brothers. Another 4 hour drive but definitely worth the effort.
Here's another link:
http://www.brown-brothers.com.au/
The Warburton Trail: Try a day out cycling along the Warburton Trail. 38km of trail where the old railway used to be. Starts at Lilydale and ends at Warburton.
Another link:
http://www.bv.com.au/content.cfm?sub...&contentid=217
Regards
Oct 27th 2003, 4:06 pm
#7
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Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2003
Location: Nappyland
Posts: 2,886
Am I allowed to add 'Dan Murphy's'??!! I think it's a great place - I like it so much I must go at least once a week!!!
Dan Murphy is the best wine merchants/bottle shop I have found in Mebourne. There's a few of them around. They have a fantatstic selection of wines - huge Oz range plus a few European and NZ too. Great prices, and always have special offers on, wine tasting days.
And great selection of beers (Oz and all the world-favourites) and spirits.
And the Melway - I don't know where I would be without my Melway!! (Melway is the street directory of Melbourne. Any new migrant should make this the first thing they buy. House hunting is impossible without it.) Street directories in the Uk were never this good!!
Dan Murphy is the best wine merchants/bottle shop I have found in Mebourne. There's a few of them around. They have a fantatstic selection of wines - huge Oz range plus a few European and NZ too. Great prices, and always have special offers on, wine tasting days.
And great selection of beers (Oz and all the world-favourites) and spirits.
And the Melway - I don't know where I would be without my Melway!! (Melway is the street directory of Melbourne. Any new migrant should make this the first thing they buy. House hunting is impossible without it.) Street directories in the Uk were never this good!!
Oct 27th 2003, 8:26 pm
#8
Guest
Posts: n/a
Originally posted by Jaykay
Thought of a few more.
Wilsons Promontory:
Stevensons Falls, Marysville:
90 Mile
Brown Brothers.
The Warburton Trail:
Thought of a few more.
Wilsons Promontory:
Stevensons Falls, Marysville:
90 Mile
Brown Brothers.
The Warburton Trail:
I too thought of a few others since yesterday!
If you are visiting Brown Brothers, Bright, Beechworth and Yackandandah are worthy too.
Also, in no particular order:-
Geelong and Eastern Beach is superb. A highlight is the bollards (not a typo!) - a local artist carves figures out of wood such as lifesavers, footballers etc. The gardens and attractions in the Eastern Beach area are great.
Rialto Observation Deck (if we haven't got that already). Admire the view from the tallest building in the southern hemisphere.
On the one site just to the north of the 'golden mile' or city centre you can visit the Exhibition Buildings, the Melbourne Museum and the IMAX (largest cinema screen in the world). Walk nearby to Lygon Street for some of the best coffee and Italian cuisine.
Cafe La on the 35th floor of the 5 star Sofitel Hotel in Collins Street. Magnificent views and a brilliant eat all you want buffet lunch for around £10 per head.
Block Arcade off Collins Street. Marvel at the floor and ceiling and there are some great shops, tearooms etc. Ah, Haigh's chocolates!
Myer's and David Jones food halls. The rest of the stores are pretty good also.
In Elizabeth Street there is the F1 souvenir shop - get F1, footy, rugby, etc souvenirs cheap.
Pin Oak Court, Vermont South. This is 'Ramsay Street' in Neighbours. 1/4 mile away is the Channel 10 studios with the outdoor sets.
Telstra Dome and the Docklands area.
Play golf at the public course at Albert Park within the F1 circuit.
Melbourne Zoo - reputedly one of the best in the world. The new elephant enclosure is interesting.
(If you have the money) go hot air ballooning and see the city and surrounds or the Yarra Valley just after sunrise.
Werribee Park Open Range Zoo, Werribee Park mansion and the 5 star Mansion Hotel are all on the same site about 30 minutes drive from the city.
'The Loop' is an underground rail system which has stations around the city at Flagstaff, Melbourne Central and Parliament. Transport tickets are integrated and work in zones. You can get a ticket to last from an hour to a day in 3 zones and they cover trains, buses and trams. When we go to the city (from Williamstown when we are there) we get an all day Zone 1 and use all forms of transport.
Melbourne Aquarium and The Immigration Museum - both close to each other and on the north side of the river opposite Southbank where you can visit Southgate shopping centre and the Crown Casino and Crown Towers Hotel (the foyer is a must as is the foyer in the Sheraton nearby).
There's a few more things to go on with!
TennisOz
