One Day In Melbourne

[lional143]

[left]I am going to be in Melbourne for a week on some official work, however thinking of staying back an extra day to see a little bit of the city. Any recommendations on how I should spend that day and what are the must see places?[/left]





[left]Thanks in advance for all your inputs![/left]

[glen]

Thanks Peter for doing the jumping in for me! <img src='http://www.melbournechat.org/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/officechair.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':officechair:' /> <img src='http://www.melbournechat.org/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/officechair.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':officechair:' />

[ViviMack]

<img src='http://www.melbournechat.org/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/Rose.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':Rose:' /> Hi Newbie



Only one day spare? That's a shame! When I have interstate visitors, I love doing this:



Drive down to Sorrento (it's very pretty there) and have some morning tea overlooking the water. Then take the [url="http://www.searoad.com.au/?gclid=CNSxqN3ClbECFeNMpgod62-Mgw"]Queenscliff Sorrento Car and Passenger Ferry[/url] across the bay and enjoy more spectacular views. Then drive down the Great Ocean Road to Port Campbell and take in the 12 Apostles (or however many of them are left standing!). Stay overnight in Port Campbell and drive back the next day feeling glad you made the trip!



If you're pressed for time, you could always ferry back in the afternoon. It's a worthwhile experience, I promise!

cheers

<img src='http://www.melbournechat.org/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/Rose.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':Rose:' /> Vivian.

[petersj]

A day in Melbourne, a little different.

Start with a hot chocolate at Ganache 245 Collins Street. Just sit outside and watch the world go by and enjoy the best hot chocolate any where.

After your chocolate grab a tram over the road and head for the Treasury and Fitzroy Gardens. Of course if you have never seen it visit Captain Cook’s cottage but also take in the JFK memorial, the Canoe Tree, the conservatory, the miniature Tudor Village (a gift to the people of Melbourne after the war) and most important the fairy tree. The fairy tree is what is left of a three hundred year old red gum. It was completed by Melbourne artist Ola Cohn and finished in 1934. Inscribed at the base of the tree

"I have carved in a tree in the Fitzroy Gardens for you, and the fairies, but mostly for the fairies and those who believe in them, for they will understand how necessary it is to have a fairy sanctuary - a place that is sacred and safe as a home should be to all living creatures."

The fairy tree may not be a wiz bang attraction but for generations mums have taken their toddlers to this magic place to meet the fairies. It is small but charming when you look at the story.

All this is mostly free although there is a fee for the cottage and although very small its one of Melbourne’s great icons.

You might be lucky to see one of the beautiful possums that happily live in the gardens although dusk is really the best time. A short walk to the dolphin statues is recommended and the little maze.

Wander up to the impressive old Treasury building and pass a very impressive statue to Robert Burns!

Take a stroll down Collins street with its tree lined street, lovely little side streets and arcades and elegant shops its one of the most beautiful streets in the world. Make sure you look at the beautiful Regent Theatre foyer and now head to the BLOCK Arcade for lunch.

The Block Arcade is lovely and you can spend quite a long time admiring the gorgeous design features and fascinating shops but head straight for the Hopetoun tearooms. Delightfully old fashioned with tea served in pots! Also try the famous pinwheel sandwiches. This is a wonderful place for lunch and a step back in time

After lunch head to another wonderful arcade, the beautiful Royal arcade.

One of the most enchanting features of the Royal arcade is Gaunt's Clock which is flanked by two giant statues of the mythical figures of Gog and Magog. Since its implementation in 1892, the two mammoth statues have struck chimes at every hour, and can be heard resounding throughout the arcade. There’s much more to see in the arcade, so enjoy yourself.

Following your stroll through the arcade head towards China Town and take your time exploring the shops until you arrive at the Chinese Museum which is well worth a visit.

Try one of the many Chinese restaurants.