Australia Trip

Our Local Expert Says:

More than a seaside suburb, St Kilda is a cultural hub with far too many cafés, bars and restaurants to choose from. Best take a tram so you can really enjoy your wine when watching the sunset over the bay.

Description:

The seaside suburb of St Kilda sparkles with pretty young things that make like its summer, despite the cruelties of a Melbourne winter. The current popularity of St Kilda's main drag owes its infamy to the 1950s when St Kilda was known for its illicit drug deals and prostitution. The smut allowed for the creatives to move in, an artistic history that still resonates with the creative, laid back vibe of St Kilda today.

A café strip, the street is turned inside out with outdoor dining and drinking favoured. The seaside rests quietly behind the hustle of Acland Street and the giant mouth of the Luna Park fun park, and is best enjoyed with an ice-cream and stroll along the boardwalk at dusk.

Start with brunch at Il Fornaio at No. 1 Acland Street before heading up to Linden Centre for Contemporary Art at No. 26. Take your time meandering Acland and Gray Streets for fashion and fine coffee before enjoying an afternoon beverage in the sun at the iconic Vineyard. For unbeatable sea views, dinner at The Stokehouse on the water's edge is the easiest way to ensure your fish is fresh.

St Kilda is best accessed by tram. Take the number 96 or the 112.

Our Local Expert Says:

With its curious mix of wealthy hedonists, struggling artists and bohemian in-betweens, St Kilda has always had something different to the rest of Melbourne. Grotty backpackers mingle with sophisticated diners; street performers and kite boarders contort themselves on sand and water; poets and songwriters occupy the grassy flats beneath towering palms.

Description:

With its markets, funfairs and nightclubs, St. Kilda's actual beach is often overlooked. Just 20 minutes from the city by tram, it runs between the St. Kilda marina and the Royal Melbourne Yacht Club and is backed by parks and bike paths. It is a popular spot for a stroll, rollerblade or a sun-bake on a warm weekend, or to people watch, but swimming is somewhat less popular (not surprising so close to the city!) However, there is plenty more to keep you occupied. The historic St. Kilda pier is a favorite spot for a romantic evening stroll and the adjacent breakwater contains a small but growing colony of fairy penguins. And of course, the lively street life of Acland and Fitzroy Streets is just around the corner. The sand is raked daily by especially imported cleaning machines, and dogs are banned from the beach from Nov 1 to Apr 30, except for a small section north of the yacht club, where they are permitted year round.

Description:

Get away from the city chaos and head to the St Kilda Pier. The surrounding lush green trees and views offered by the bay make for an interesting day picnic complete with barbecue facilities. You can also enjoy activities like cycling, fishing or take a short stroll along the pier. For more details, check website.

Description:

St Kilda on a Sunday is a microcosm of Melbourne life in the summer: sunshine, coffee, friends, sports, the beach and shopping! Situated on The Esplanade above St Kilda's beach, this market is a great excuse for a stroll in the sunshine. The stalls are excellent and offer a wide variety of art and craft work, including cosmetics, toys, ornaments and clothing--all handmade by the stall holders and all with their own sense of individuality. The market is close to the continental cake shops of Acland Street and the cafes and restaurants of Fitzroy Street--making it a perfect Sunday outing.

Our Local Expert Says:

Rev-heads and motorcycle enthusiasts descend on Phillip Island during the second weekend in October for the carnival-like atmosphere of the Australian MotoGP. A rite of passage for motorcycle riders, they make the long journey from interstate and camp around the course.

Description:

About a three-hour drive southeast of Melbourne is another of Victoria's natural playgrounds. Cowes is Phillip Island's largest town and focal point, with its scenic Isle of Wight hotel, cafés, restaurants and "lover's walk". It also houses the hordes of visitors who come to see the rugged "Nobbies", Seal Rocks and the hugely popular Penguin Parade. Other attractions include the surf beaches, idyllic fishing spots, Kingston Park Zoo, a koala reserve and numerous small farms, museums and galleries. Each year in October, the island's tranquillity is interrupted when the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix brings thousands of visitors to town.

Description:

Facing Darling Harbour, at the western edge of the city center, the usual clientele of Four Points is primarily business-oriented, but that doesn't detract from the facilities for the leisure guest. Overall, this is an agreeable property using a composite of architectural styles in its façade, and a neat, well-designed interior. The spacious lobby has an adjoining conservatory-style restaurant and adjoining split-level bar, but the most interesting is the street-front 19th century pub, accessible by the public and guests alike. A monorail stop nearby provides a convenient link with the heart of the city, and Darling Harbour.

Description:

Bonza Bike Tours are fun, energetic guided experiences showing you a Sydney that you won't find in your guide book. This leisurely trip with over 15 stops includes visiting Hyde Park, Mrs. Macquaries Point, and the stunning Royal Botanic Gardens. Explore the history and culture of Sydney from the internationally famous sights down to the neighborhood spots that make Sydney one of the most fascinating cities in the world. Besides the regular tours one can rent bikes for half a day or full day from 10am.

Bonza Bike Tours operates in Melbourne as well. There is no other experience in town that shows you as much or entertains you like Melbourne Bonza Bike Tours. We will take you to all the iconic sights you may miss on your own including Docklands, Yarra River, St Patrick's Cathedral, Queen Victoria Markets, Melbourne Cricket Ground, funky Fitzroy Cafe/Bar and many more great attractions!

Description:

Visitors are made very welcome at this outstanding Sydney landmark. Front of House Tours depart approximately every 30 minutes from the Guided Tours Office located on the Lower Concourse and last up to one hour. Backstage Tours are also run occasionally (bookings essential). It should be noted that the Sydney Opera House is a working building and all tours can be curtailed or cancelled at short notice.

Description:

This is the oldest and most historic area of Sydney. Named after its rough terrain, it survived for nearly two centuries as Sydney's main working class area. Amongst the warren of lanes and pebbled streets there is plenty to see and do, including Susannah Place, The Garrison Gallery, The Military Museum, and Cadman's Cottage; the Museum of Contemporary Art and the S H Ervin Gallery offer something a little more "contemporary". If you have had enough history, there is always an endless array of restaurants, pubs, shops and a crafty weekend market.

Description:

Facing Darling Harbour, at the western edge of the city center, the usual clientele of Four Points is primarily business-oriented, but that doesn't detract from the facilities for the leisure guest. Overall, this is an agreeable property using a composite of architectural styles in its façade, and a neat, well-designed interior. The spacious lobby has an adjoining conservatory-style restaurant and adjoining split-level bar, but the most interesting is the street-front 19th century pub, accessible by the public and guests alike. A monorail stop nearby provides a convenient link with the heart of the city, and Darling Harbour.

Our Local Expert Says:

Home to the cool of ‘fitzroyalty’, Fitzroy is one of Melbourne’s hippest suburbs. Don’t neglect the Gertrude Street end of Brunswick Street; the housing commission flats only add to Fitzroy’s cultural mix and it’s home to the best fashion boutiques.

Description:

Melbourne's inner-city suburb Fitzroy is where the cool kids come to sip their lattés and pick up the latest threads. Local fashion designers rub noses with retro apparel in this youthful hood, where a caffeine hit is never far away.

Melbourne's first suburb, Fitzroy's history was working class roots which combined with today's gentrification of the area provides for a textured contradiction that add to Fitzroy's charm. Designer luxuries are dripping into Fitzroy's bohemian air, and Brunswick Street is the best place to see it all.

Terrace houses host shop fronts of all descriptions, and bars, cafes and fashion shops reign supreme. A strip for all times of day, the brunch set spill on to a sunny day till dusk when the coffee turns to beer.

Make like Fitzroyalty and start with breakfast at Birdman Eating on the leafy Gertrude Street at no. 251. Be sure to check out the local fashion talent at Obus and Alice Euphemia before turning corner to Brunswick Street where you'll find Douglas & Hope, Alpha 60 and Fat52.

Lunch at Alimentari (251 Brunswick St) is best for those that like their food mouth watering. The Lebanese meatball wrap is a favourite with locals. An afternoon of galleries,... read more

Description:

The new Melbourne Museum tags itself as a museum for the 21st century and reflects a move to merge major museums and galleries under one roof. Three particular focal points of the Melbourne Museum are: Bunjilaka, providing a focus for Aboriginal activity in Victoria; the Children's Museum, in the form of a tilted cube, and the open-air Gallery of Life, exhibiting Victoria's flora and fauna. Improved Internet access is also a key feature, providing better public access to superb collections, research, exhibitions and educational packages. Three theme café/restaurants provide refreshments.

Description:

The Great Ocean Road with its magnificent surf beaches, rainforest and rolling farmland is a favourite holiday destination for Melburnians. This tour travels through central Melbourne over the Westgate Bridge and through Victoria's second-largest city, Geelong, before entering the famous coast Road. It twists and turns its way past landmark towns such as Bells Beach (home of the surf championships), Anglesea, Lorne and Apollo Bay. The highlight of the trip for many is the sight of the famous Twelve Apostles in Port Campbell National Park. Wind and waves lashing the sandstone cliffs have created these and other rock formations all along this coast, which has also seen several shipwrecks. For reservations and information, call toll free at +1300 85 0850.

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At the turn of the century, when Melburnians talked about a shopping expedition in style, they said they were doing "The Block". When The Block Arcade opened in 1891, it established itself as one of Melbourne's grandest arcades. In fitting style this architectural masterpiece was completely restored in 1988, and is now a National Trust Treasure. It features thirty fascinating speciality shops and boutiques. The intricate mosaic floor and beautiful central dome will transport you to an era when parasol wielding ladies and bowler hatted gentleman strolled by.

Description:

The Belfast-built Polly Woodside ferried coal and nitrate between Europe and South America until 1904 when she was sold to New Zealanders, who renamed her Rona. She then plied the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean until being decommissioned and sold to the Australian National Trust. Teams of volunteers lovingly restored her to her former glory and rechristened her Polly Woodside. She now sits in the only wooden dry dock left in the world, and is the centrepiece of the Melbourne Maritime Museum. Facilities include a gift shop, small café, barbecues and picnic areas.

Our Local Expert Says:

Melbourne’s culinary experience begins at the Queen Victoria Market. Get there early in the a.m. for the freshest produce, and a naughty donut breakfast.

Description:

With no harbour to swoon over, Melbournians pride themselves on cultural pursuits; particularly the kind you can eat. Food is serious business in Melbourne, and the biggest place to shop all things delicious is the Queen Victoria Market. We're talking the usual market chop; hustling hawkers screaming gibberish about a kilo of cherries and fish mongers casting out their catch of the day, but in a city that takes its cuisine with a side of snobbery, it's refreshing (not to mention fun) to see where all the grass roots action takes place.

With endless rows of stalls pushing everything from organic fennel to trashy clip-on koala toys, the vibe is both local and touristy. Young socialites select the perfect harvati for that night's dinner party whilst backpackers flock for a cheap feed from the Bratwurst shop in the Deli Hall.

If you've bought more food than you can carry, skip a couple of aisles over to the Retail Stalls section where clothing and accessories run the show. Tourists delight in Australiana paraphernalia such as sheep skins, moccasins and 'I HEART Melbourne' t-shirts (note: under no circumstances are these to be worn in Melbourne).

Accessible by the any tram heading... read more

Our Local Expert Says:

The Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA) is easily one of Melbourne’s leading contemporary art institutions but don’t be intimidated; just wear black and nod.

Description:

With a focus on exhibiting rather than collecting, the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA) is dedicated to the promotion of innovative, evocative, creative and challenging art.

Designed by Melbourne based architects, Wood Marsh, the building itself is an iconic masterpiece, the rustic steel mass a landmark in Melbourne's inner city art precinct.

ACCA hosts five exhibition seasons each year by both local and international artists. Their exhibitions remain innovative through commission; artists are allowed encouraged to produce new work specifically for ACCA, a process that fosters creativity and experimentation.

Be sure to visit the ACCA shop to peruse current art journals and publications and even take a little piece of art home with you.

Our Local Expert Says:

It might seem a little touristy, but the Rialto Observation Deck is the quickest way to see all of Melbourne. Literally.

Description:

Standing 823 feet tall, the Rialto Tower Observation Deck is the fastest (the lightning elevators take 40 seconds to reach the top floor) way to get your bearings in Melbourne. With 360-degree view, the Observation Deck offers a breathtaking experience both day and night.

Towering over Melbourne's CBD, it's a great place to take a break from sight-seeing (at ground level at least) and rest your tired feet. Enjoy lunch or dinner at the fully licensed Café 360, but sunset is the ideal time to indulge in a nice wine as you watch the day slip away over the city.

Description:

Melbourne's once much-maligned Yarra River has been undergoing a facelift in recent years and is now an excellent way to get a different perspective on the city. Melbourne River Cruises is one of the tour operators now making the most of the waterway. Its fleet of six sleek vessels are specially designed for sightseeing with large windows and sundecks. They are also low enough to pass under the many bridges that straddle the Yarra. The captain provides a commentary on the sights you pass by and there are refreshments available on board. There are three cruises to choose from.

Our Local Expert Says:

It’s unthinkable to visit Melbourne and not stop in at the National Gallery of Victoria. Visit mid-week to avoid the weekend rush and don’t even think about visiting on Mother’s Day.

Description:

Located on the tree-lined St Kilda Road, The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is home to a world-class international art collection. The permanent display offers visitors some of the biggest names in international art, but be sure to check the temporary exhibition program in advance to make the most out of your visit. The worldwide collaboration between leading curators provides for an exciting catalogue of work.

Don't miss The Great Hall with its rainbow prism stained-glass ceiling or the Water Trail permanent display out front. The easiest way to get round is to take a free tour-guide so you don't miss any of the displays.

Description:

Established in 1870, this Arcade is a piece of living Melbourne retail history, and truly a pleasurable inner city shopping experience. As fashionable as ever, some interesting stores that it now showcases include Babushkas (selling traditional Russian crafts), Luciano (an intimate fully licenced restaurant), Spellbox, Prouds Jewellers, Rasa Rani Indian Imports, Golden Lamp Bookshop, Malakal Sushi Bar, Dungeon of Music and Anonymous Posh. There is everything from bric-a-brac, novelty gifts, good food and fine jewellery - even a tailoring service.

Description:

Melbourne is teeming with ghosts. Well, so says Drew Sinton, occultist and g-host of the Haunted Melbourne Ghost Tour. Starting from his appropriately-named Haunted Bookshop, the tour winds through the city's back streets. At each stop Mr Sinton recounts stories of unnatural deaths and the scary antics of poor souls denied eternal rest. Among 60 reputedly haunted hotspots, are the Queen Victoria Market and Flagstaff Gardens (both former cemeteries) and the Princess Theatre. Whether or not you are lucky enough to have a ghostly encounter, this tour reveals a fascinating slice of Melbourne's history. To enjoy it most, come with comfortable shoes and an open mind.

Our Local Expert Says:

Learn to survive the harsh Australian outback and learn about Aboriginal culture and heritage. On Wednesdays during spring and summer a local Aboriginal elder takes one-hour tours identifying bush food at the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Description:

Established in 1846, Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens are magnificently landscaped and boast a superb collection of plants from around Australia and the world. Spend a few hours strolling around, observing the beautiful black swans and water birds. Alternatively, join a tour, such as the Aboriginal Heritage Walk or the Night Sky Experience (bookings required). There are special holiday and educational programs for children. Moonlight Cinema takes place nightly during summer. The Plant Craft Cottage sells unique handcrafts and the Observatory Café is great for light refreshments. The more formal Terrace Restaurant is ideal for corporate and private functions. Admission: Free.

Our Local Expert Says:

Gritty penal history from a remote penal colony! Try a Hangman's Night Tour or a Ghost Tour for a close up look (or feel) of what it was like to reside within the bluestone walls of Victoria's oldest jail.

Description:

One of my favorite Melbourne attractions has been given an added dimension in the past year, making it even better. Maybe I'm mad to enjoy being locked up in a cell, but the Old Melbourne Gaol's new Crime & Justice Experience is an interesting way to spend a few hours. Start off at the historic old prison, with its tiny cells and spooky collection of death masks and artifacts of 19th-century prison life. Some 135 hangings took place here, including that of notorious bushranger (and Australian folk hero) Ned Kelly, in 1880. The scaffold where he was hanged still stands, and his gun, as well as a suit of armor used by a member of his gang, is on display. The jail closed in 1929. Profiles of former prisoners give a fascinating perspective of what it was like to be locked up here. Each Saturday, free performances of "The Real Ned Kelly Story -- Such a Life" are held at 12:30 and 2pm. ( Be warned: When we attended, a small girl burst into tears.) Then move next door for a guided tour of the former City Watch House to find out first-hand what it might have been like to spend time here. The lockup, which operated from 1908 to 1994, is just across the road from the scene of one of Melbourne's...

Description:

One of Melbourne's architectural marvels, the Town Hall takes pride of place in the city centre. Begun in the 1860s, the building was finally completed in 1887 with the addition of the portico. It was the scene of many meetings as well as poultry shows and is still used for numerous functions today. It can also lay claim to having played host to Queen Elizabeth II and the Beatles! Free guided tourd are available, taking in its many great artworks and noteworthy organ. The Victorian Tourism Association is located in one of the ground floor offices, and provides extensive visitor information about Melbourne and Victoria.

Description:

If Wellington's statue in London is a meeting place for Londoners, then Flinders Street train station is Melbourne's equivalent. Melbournians meet each other under the clocks to the music of buskers and the constant roar of traffic. Built in 1899 on the site of the city's first fish market, the Victorian station has been well preserved and by night the clocks on the front of the station are bathed in a quite spectacular golden glow. The railway shops sell food to go, magazines and souvenirs. A police station provides security for passengers.

Description:

Visitors to Melbourne will notice that on some streets, small golden plaques are indented into the sidewalk as if creating a trail. This is the Golden Mile Heritage Trail which shows how the money associated with gold rush times (1850-1860) shaped the city of Melbourne. Walkers will pass grand buildings such as the Town Hall, Customs House, Windsor Hotel and Parliament House, as well as often unseen gems such as the Mitre tavern. Guided 2 hour tours leave from Federation Square at 10am every day, though visitors are free to walk the trail on their own using a Golden Mile booklet.

Description:

This is one of Australia's most exciting public art galleries, with a changing programme of exhibitions of Australian and international contemporary art, design, craft, architecture and new media. The gallery also hosts open lectures, forums, and performances which contribute to the lively discussion and experience of contemporary culture. Exhibitions this year include such areas as fashion photography, furniture design, architecture and pottery. You will find work by indigenous Australian artists, ethnic groups, and international cultural bodies. This gallery never fails to entertain and delight--well worth a visit. Admission is free. Advance notification of visits by large groups preferable. Talks by curators and artists can be arranged upon request.

Our Local Expert Says:

Where every night is action packed, Melbourne’s Chinatown is the best place to grab a cheap bite to eat when bar hopping in the CBD.

Description:

For something that's Chinese, there's nothing foreign about Melbourne's Chinatown.

Carving the centre of Melbourne's Central Business District (CBD) in the top end of Little Bourke Street, Chinatown is a bustle with restaurants, shops and a mixture of delicious aromas with at times, rather unsavoury wafts from back alleys. But we're talking Melbourne where smelly alleyways boast some of the coolest hole-in-the-wall bars, so best look for the giant dragon gates and jump on board the orient express.

Whether its Yum-Cha at the Shark Fin Inn or some Placenta face-cream from one of the many beauty shops, Chinatown is mostly hit up by Melbourne's hipsters for cheap and fast dumplings. David and Camy is an institution on Thursday nights for bright young things in tight denim, flannel and neon lipstick, fresh from the latest exhibition opening and hungry for some pork dumplings at below reasonable prices.

A maze of shops of things you didn't know you needed awaits and you'll feel strange air of shopper's delight and remorse when you leave with a giant cat shaped lamp under your arm.

Look up from street level windows of slightly depressed crayfish to reveal a plethora of karaoke joints... read more

Description:

Located on the border of the eastern side of the CBD, the area was reserved as public gardens in 1848. Dominant and especially striking during in Autumn and Spring are the English Elm trees that line the walking paths and are said to create a pattern that resembles the Union Flag. Other attractions include Captain Cook's Cottage, which was originally built in England but was shipped over brick by brick to its current location in the 1930's. Also of historical significance is the scarred tree, where a plaque below it explains - The scar on this tree was created when Aboriginal people removed bark to make canoes, shields, food and water containers, string, baby carriers and other items. Kids will especially enjoy the model tudor village and the conservatory, though a picnic is ideal for anybody in the warmer months.

Description:

The Parliament House of Victoria has remained incomplete throughout several decades. This piece of history lacks a dome, northern wing superstructure and a south-eastern basement envisaged in the original design. Nevertheless, it is a significant piece of mid-19th century civic architecture and an important establishment for modern political debate and decision-making. It is also a symbol of parliamentary democracy. Building commenced in 1855. Evidence of the Victorian Gold Rush of that era can be seen in its interior. The elaborate use of gold is a direct result of this important piece of Australian history.

Description:

This beautiful 19th century building is testament to the gold rush fever that built Melbourne. It was used to store the gold and has also been the office of the Governor General, the Premier, the Treasurer, and the Auditor General. Today it houses the historic gold vaults; however, the Governor General still meets the Executive Council here to sign new legislation. The Museum hosts temporary exhibitions, plus three permanent ones: Built on Gold, Growing up in the Old Treasury and Melbourne - A City Built on Gold. The gift shop sells gold rush memorabilia.