Great Ocean Rd, Victoria, Australia Melbourne Campervan Hire

centurycundie (contributor)

We hired a car and did the road trip in one day but it was definitely rushed. Preferably you should try to spend at least a couple of days to see everything. It would’ve been worth it to take our time to appreciate and explore it more thoroughly. If you are limited for time and have to do it in one day like we did, make sure you leave Melbourne early in the morning. We took the inland route coming back, it was a lot quicker that way.

The Great Ocean Road begins near Torquay, about 100 km. west of Melbourne, where the name changes from the Surfcoast Highway, and follows the coastline for several hundred kilometres to Warrnambool where it rejoins the Princes Highway. Along its length are spectacular coastal scenery, rain forests, waterfalls and quaint holiday, fishing and resort towns.

lolly_lacie (contributor)

I love going down to the Great Ocean Rd. It’s a favourite place to take interstate or overseas visitors.
The scenery is spectacular whether it’s summer or the middle of winter. It’s beautiful on a clear sunny day but just as great if it’s a miserable cold day in winter.
The road has improved over the years but it’s still quite windy and of course hilly. Care does need to be taken, especially on the bends. Watch out for those buses!!
There are lots of opportunities for photo taking. Make sure you stop at the turn out bays, good time to stretch the legs and marvel at the scenery.
The 12 Apostles are a highlight of the drive along the Great Ocean Rd.

cateredhush19 (contributor)

The Great Ocean Road is a breath-taking coastline and it was originally planned to begin at Barwon Heads and extend to Nirranda. Today the Great Ocean Road officially starts at Torquay and finishes at Allansford where it joins the Princes Highway near Warrnambool. It was built as a monumentt those who lost their livesin WW1.
Even if it’s not advisable driving along the Great Ocean Road and return to Melbourne in a day,it is possible because my friend Michela and I did it! To be honest it’s quite tiring above all for who dreives!Obviously in this way you can experience only a small part of the Great Ocean Road and it will leave you little time to stop and appreciate beautiful spots and attractions along the way.
About The Twelve Apostles rock stacks: they were formed by the gradual erosion of softer limestone areas, creating caves in the cliffs. These caves eventually wore away through wind and wave erosion to become arches and when they collapsed, rock islands were left detached. The cliffs rise to nearly 70 metres in some places and the highest Apostle is approximately 50 metres from base to tip.
Beside The Twelve Apostles the area includes also the Otways rainforest, Bells Beach, on the Surf Coast, and the Great Ocean Road itself.
Along your way you’ll find resort towns like Torquay, Lorne and Apollo Bay (where Aussie75 and I bought a wonderful koala shape pillow, a sort of anti-stress!!!!!WONDERFUL!!!), the coastal cities of Geelong and Warrnambool, and the historic villages of Queenscliff, Port Campbell, Port Fairy and Portland.

taxicish (contributor)

More than Twelve Apostles!!!

You can travel from Melbourne to Apollo Bay Monday thru Friday:

–>From Melbourne (Southern Cross Station), take Vline train at 9am and reach Geelong Station at 10am. (A$6.70)
–>From Geelong Station platform 1, take Vline bus at 10:15am and reach Torquay at 11am. (A$3.20)
–>Walk along beach from Torquay till Bell Beach Turn Off.
–>From Bell Beach Turn Off, take the Vline bus at 15:46 (3:46pm) to reach Lorne at 16:40 (4:40pm) (A$6.70)
–>From Lorne Hotel, take the Vline bus at 19:07 (7:07pm) to reach Apollo Bay 20:08 (8:08pm) (A$3.80)

I recommend you stay one night at YHA Apollo Bay Beach. Nice and quiet…

On the next day, you can either follow an organised tour (A$60) or catch the bus to see Twelve Apostles, Loch-Ard Gorge and London Bridge below:

This bus route is operating on Mon, Wed and Fri only. Please refer to the bus schedule online or Vline office double confirm. (A$16.20)

Apollo Bay (2) dep 13:30 (near Apollo Bay Information Centre)
Lavers Hill 14:05
Princetown Turn off 14:35
Twelve Apostles arr 14:40
Twelve Apostles dep 15:10
Loch-Ard Gorge arr 15:15
Loch-Ard Gorge dep 15:30
Port Campbell 15:35
London Bridge arr 15:40
London Bridge dep 15:50
Peterborough 15:55
Bay of islands arr 16:00
Bay of islands dep 16:10
Warrnambool Stn arr 16:55M

You can take Vline train from Warrnambool Stn to Southern Cross Station (Melbourne) at 17:18 (5:18pm). I recommend you to buy this train ticket in advance at Southern Cross, casue the station office might close at 5pm. Ticket price: A$26.70.

siltboiler (contributor)

If you are anywhere near Melbourne, you HAVE to get a car and drive the Great Ocean Road. For once, all the hype you hear is true. It is an absolutely amazing experience. The beauty is beyond words. The ocean is the bluest I’ve seen in my life, the green hills and narrow valleys beckon to be explored, and the road just keeps winding on and on, up and down through the switchbacks, and along the endless sandy and rocky beaches. There’s so much to see and explore around every turn, you could easily spend days taking it all in, making short hops from town to town or campsite to campsite. Just incredible.

Do try to make it at least as far as the Twelve Apostles. It is a beautiful sight, very much worth taking in. On the way back to Melbourne, take a left turn at Skenes Creek, and make your way along the winding road over the hills, through the rainforest, and past the endless farms later back towards Geelong. This will be quicker than following the Great Ocean Road again, and you’ll get a chance to see some new places that you haven’t seen before.

Also, ideally, you’ll want to spend at least a couple of days, if not longer, to do the road. It’ll definitely be worth it to take your time and explore it slowly and thoroughly. If you have no choice but to do it in one day, leave Melbourne early in the morning. It should take you about 6 hours to get to the 12 Apostles, including time for lunch, photo stops, etc. Coming back, if you go the inland route, it’ll take you a little over half of that time. We made it back from 12 Apostles in less than 4hrs.

And keep an eye out for wildlife! We saw a wild koala and the local biker gang, a charter of the Bandidos!

chockspeed (contributor)

If you go onto the Great Ocean Road at all, the least you must do is to make it as far as the 12 Apostles. The Apostles are giant limestone pillars rising up from the sand at ocean’s edge that have been formed by the ocean over millions of years. They make for an incredible sight, be it from the observation walkways or from the air, if you choose to splurge on a helicopter ride. Count on about a 6hr drive from Melbourne via the Great Ocean Road to get there, and about a 3.5-4 hour drive back if you take the inland roads.

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thrilledtipper (contributor)

The Queen Victoria Market is one of Melbourne’s most historical sites, opening in 1878. It began as a livestock market and now has everything you can imagine. You can find literally everything here from fresh fish and fruit to clothes and art. There is also a food court. Night markets are open in the summer, from the end of November to mid-February.

It is also a major tourist attraction. You can take a 2-hour historical tour of the market for AU$16.50.

The Foodies Tour offers a chance to taste some of the fresh foods offered at the markets. It leaves at 10 AM every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday and costs $22.

Trading hours are 6 AM – 2 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6 AM – 6 PM on Fridays, 6 AM – 3 PM on Saturdays, and 9 AM – 4 PM on Sundays. The market is closed Mondays, Wednesdays, and major holidays.

Check the website for more info and special events.

Chiwagging (contributor)

Will work on this tip later. Just wanted to keep the details of my Forum answer.

Although Queen Victoria Market is famous for its food stalls you can also buy other stuff there. It is closed on Monday and Wednesday. Trading hours are:

Tuesday: 6am – 2pm
Thursday: 6am – 2pm
Friday: 6am – 5pm (General merchandise closes at 4pm)
Saturday: 6am – 3pm
Sunday: 9am – 4pm

Check out more about the market here:
http://www.qvm.com.au/home.php

wickhighly (contributor)

Tips: –
1. Best to go on Sunday morning
2. Buy your souveniers here, it’s cheaper by at least 50 cents.
3. Have a hot chocolate from the stall in the middle of the market

Queen Victoria Market is Victoria’s premier open-air market. The friendly competition between stallholders, and their concern for customers, is what gives the Market its Old World charm and the addictive power to draw millions of visitors each year.

Visitors, who come not only to shop, can be entertained by buskers who perform on the surround. The vibrant, cosmopolitan atmosphere of this historic site has endeared the Market to Melburnians for more than 125 years.

The Market is probably best known for its huge variety of fresh produce. Almost 50% of the Market area is dedicated to the sale of fresh produce, including fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, chicken, seafood and delicatessen products.

The remainder of the Market is used for variety and speciality goods, with Sundays being the most popular day for this category. On Sundays, the hustle and bustle of the weekday Market gives way to a more relaxed and leisurely family day. Queen Street is closed and converted into an outdoor cafe area, with children’s rides and other activities.

Market Trading Hours:-
Tuesday: 6am – 2pm
Thursday: 6am – 2pm
Friday: 6am – 6pm (General merchandise closes at 4pm)
Saturday: 6am – 3pm
Sunday: 9am – 4pm

Closed every Monday and Wednesday, Good Friday, Anzac Day, Melbourne Cup Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day

twicksbuttons (contributor)

The Queen Victoria market is an open slather affair with everything from fresh produce to knock off copies of big brand names. Located around the corner of Victoria and Elizabeth streets the market is quite large and it will take you at least a couple of hours to see it all – especially if you are with a keen shopper!

The market has been here for many years. It was officially opened on 20 March 1878 and has operated in some form in varying forms prior to that date. Over the last 125 years the site has had everything from a cemetery to a wholesale fruit and vegetable market. In fact when the market expanded over what was the cemetary, more than 900 bodies were exhumed and buried in various other cemetaries around Melbourne. Of the rest, under what is now the large carpark rest more than 9000 early settlers!!

It isn’t really one market but rather several markets each with their own identity and name (eastern, western, hay, lower and upper). The market is closed every Monday and Wednesday, Good Friday, Anzac Day, Melbourne Cup Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. When open it’s normally only until 2pm with Fridays until 6pm.

To have a virtual look at the site see the site map

quaggajangle (contributor)

If you’re traveling on a budget and want to bring home some local craft or souvenirs, the Queen Victoria’s Market is the place to go. There are many stalls here selling all sorts of made-in-Australia souvenirs & food. You can also get the cheaper apparels, some made in China, like T-shirts, pants & leather jackets at very reasonable prices

The building itself is nothing posh, nothing like the QVB in Sydney, more like an open air market reminiscent of some Asian markets in Thailand or Vietnam

Besides shopping, the QVM is also a great place to people watch, have some grub & drink coffee.

Market Trading Hours

Tuesday: 6am – 2pm
Thursday: 6am – 2pm
Friday: 6am – 6pm (General merchandise closes at 4pm)
Saturday: 6am – 3pm
Sunday: 9am – 4pm

Closed every Monday and Wednesday, Good Friday, Anzac Day, Melbourne Cup Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day

radialrothley (contributor)

The Queen Victoria market is an open slather affair with everything from fresh produce to knock off copies of big brand names. Located around the corner of Victoria and Elizabeth streets the market is quite large and it will take you at least a couple of hours to see it all – especially if you are with a keen shopper!

The market has been here for many years. It was officially opened on 20 March 1878 and has operated in some form in varying forms prior to that date. Over the last 125 years the site has had everything from a cemetery to a wholesale fruit and vegetable market. In fact when the market expanded over what was the cemetary, more than 900 bodies were exhumed and buried in various other cemetaries around Melbourne. Of the rest, under what is now the large carpark rest more than 9000 early settlers!!

It isn’t really one market but rather several markets each with their own identity and name (eastern, western, hay, lower and upper). The market is closed every Monday and Wednesday, Good Friday, Anzac Day, Melbourne Cup Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. When open it’s normally only until 2pm with Fridays until 6pm.

To have a virtual look at the site see the site map

gratefinn (contributor)

The Queen Victoria Market is vast, and there is a bit of everything here. Hundreds upon hundreds of stalls selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses, clothes, flowers, toys, souvenirs, homewares – it’s a market-lovers paradise (I guess, I’m not a market lover, but this market impressed even me!). There is entertainment too – buskers, music and of course the stall holders hollering out their wares. Outside there were even kids camel rides – somehow I hadn’t quite expected to find a couple of camels in the middle of Melbourne! (I was even more suprised to be offered ten bucks by the mother of two toddlers who thought I was an official photographer).
The market has its own comprehensive website, and it seems to have quite a bit going on – check there for up to date opening times and details of current special events.

Go on – you know you want a didgeridoo

Latest Images of Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne

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deadpantottom (contributor)

Phillip Island seems to be well known for the penguin parade, but there is more to do and see to make the long trip truly worthwhile. I know in asking about the island, there were many that said “don’t bother”, but we ended up taking a tour out that direction, and found it very worthwhile. The big difference is probably us “furr-i-ners”, who can truly marvel at the uniqueness of native wildlife, and the native Aussies, who take such for granted. (Wonder if y’all would be impressed with a skunk at your backdoor?)

I can’t get enough of the koalas and wallabies, and there was plenty of exposure here. My pre-conceived notion from the description was this was going to be like a zoo-type setting; instead, their are boardwalk areas set up throughout the trees the koalas are living in, so you can get up close and personal to them. Most were snoozing away, since they do sleep about 20 hours a day, but we came across one that was truly pigging out, and could care less about all of us so close to her.

Also, as we wandered about, we came across quite a few wallabies that we had to stalk to see how good of a close-up picture we could get. Wasn’t sure at times who was staring harder at who…
If you are a visitor to Melbourne, I would definitely say you need to see the penguin parade, but do make sure you take time to stop by the koala center — they are just too sweet to pass up.
The cost for just the center is about AU$10, though some internet sites are slightly less, and if you get all the Phillip Island parks together, it will be cheaper.

teadpine (contributor)

If you are a nature lover, and especially if Australian wildlife is new to you, do not let the nay-sayers cloud your thinking about a trip to see this nightly phenomenon. It is truly amazing, and so very precious. But, definitely combine the trip with a visit to the Koala Conservation Center, and maybe other parts of the island.

There are many ways you can get the history and education of the penguins prior to the event. What you will see, though, is come night fall, the “little penguins” come back from their hunt for food in wave after wave. You can see big bundles of penguins in the waves, then there they are waddling up the sand. We sat in the premium seating, so we had beautiful views of them just stopping in front of us, grooming each other, then going in waves up the hill to their burrows. At the same time, there were some wallabies that seemed to be a bit miffed at not being paid attention to, so first of all, across the top of the hillside they went, making a beautiful silhoutte. That didn’t seem to be good enough, though, as later, there they came across the beach.

We took a bus tour that got us to the island, took us to Churchill Island, Koala Conservation Center, then the Penguin Parade. Paid an extra $10 for the premium seating, and it was well worth it (plus, included a “complimentary drink”). After being trampled in Sydney on NYE, I was delighted to be in these up-close bleachers where I could have reached out and touched the penguins. Then, walking back up the boardwalk, we were walking right next to the penguins still waddling to their burrows — all protected from the crowds of people. There was also a ranger there giving us a pre-briefing before the first wave came in — I’m sure the crowds over in the main seating get that, also, but not as easy to hear.

Another benefit of the bus tour, we were taken along a back road prior to going into the visitor center; here we saw alot of the burrows, and even saw many of the chicks peaking out, looking for their parents with dinner. If you do drive yourself, make sure you go early and take that back road — and take it SLOWLY — we had some very impatient people speeding past us, don’t know why they were there!

Warnings: they are NOT kidding when they say to dress warm. We were there in “summer”, and it was very cold. It was cold at the Koala joint in the daytime; can’t imagine how really chilly it gets in winter. Also, because people would not obey rules in the past, you cannot take pictures at all, period. They will take your camera away if they catch you.

ziggyplugby (contributor)

Did the Penguin Parade day-tour to Philip Island twice (02 and 08) with Gowest Tours.

The tour goes through The Dandenongs, making stops along the way before finally hitting Philip Island in the late evening for the main show.

The morning saw stops made at a local vineyard, The Gurdies Winery, and then on to Maru Koala and Fauna Park, a wildlife park where you can mingle with kangaroos, emus, cockatoos, dingoes and wombats and eventually, a koala conservatory. (Note: Photo with koala is a separate A$15, circa 2008)

The tour smartly stopped the overloading of Australiasia fauna by making a stop at The Nobbies and Seal Rocks on Philip Island in the afternoon. This area offers spectacular coastal viewing from the boardwalks and lookout points set amongst natural sea bird gardens. Plenty of screeching seagulls here. 1.5 kms offshore from The Nobbies are Seal Rocks, home to Australia’s largest Australian Fur Seal colony.

Let the wind literally knocks your sense off. It was very windy and very chilly here. Come prepared for the chills. Unfortunately, my tour arrived at a time (Oz autumn) when the seals had more or less left the spot, which was a real pity.

The last stop was of course the Philip Island Nature Park for the main show: The Little Penguins. The duration of the Parade is about 50 mins when the penguins first crossed the beach. PLEASE COME PREPARED FOR THE COLD. There is no shelter. Many tours arrived with thick blankets as you stood behind a barricade in the chilling howling winds, straining your neck for the first sighting. Do go down to the beach early; there is no announcements. (Folks can sign up for the Penguin Plus Package for another A$11, circa 2008, just so to increase chances for a sighting)

Visitors then followed the penguins back to their nests on covered boardwalks. No one is allowed to step onto the sand. Photography & video cameras are NOT allowed. The Visitor Centre has a carnival-like atmosphere, with souvenir shops and cafes. I did not enjoy it that much, compared to the more simpler understated but practical approach on Tasmania. It was almost like a theme park.

clewtephra (contributor)

1. The penguins at Phillip Island are the smallest of 17 species of penguins in the world (they are only 33cm tall) … their largest Antarctic cousin is the Emperor Penguin, standing up to 130 cm tall.

2. Penguins are found only in the southern hemisphere; so you will never see a penguin and Polar Bear together in the wild!

3. The name ‘Little Penguin’ is now used instead of ‘Fairy Penguin’ as it is a more accurate translation of their scientific name, Eudyptula minor.

4. A Little Penguin can actually sleep at sea, dozing as it floats on the surface.

5. A Little Penguin can stay at sea for weeks, diving for fish, yet its waterproof feathers keep its skin absolutely dry.

6. Penguins may swim 15 – 20 kilometres a day searching for small fish to eat. One penguin was recorded travelling 100 kilometres in one day!

7. A Little Penguin has been recorded diving to 65 metres!

8. The Little Penguin’s dark feathers are not black like other penguins. They are a deep, rich blue. Their colour camouflages them from above and below the surface of the ocean.

9. Natural hazards for penguins are sharks, birds of prey, rough weather and fish shortages.

10. A penguin’s biggest danger is humans. They die from our plastic rubbish, oil spills at sea and on land from cars and introduced animals such as foxes, cats and dogs.

11. A fox may kill as many as 30 or 40 penguins in one night. The fox is the penguins’ main predator and keeps the rangers busy protecting the penguins.

Quoted from http://www.penguins.org.au

You can adopt a penguin at A$75 at Philip Island. Details at www.penguinfoundation.org.au/

obeyskew (contributor)

This is simply the most unforgetable experience during my visit to Melbourne…

Watching the little penguins emerge from the sea, waiting for their other members to reach the beach safely before they waddle ashore to their sand dune burrows together.

I noticed that they will not waddle ashore if there are no more than 3 of them.. They are fully aware of their surroundings and will swim to the area where they are little lights.. So if you sitting in the centre of the viewing gallery, chances of you seeing them is very slim…. Cos they will swim to the sides where the lights are not so bright…

We were amazed by the very 1st batch of penguins that came on shore.. We were totally unaware that hundreds of them were already making their way to their burrows.. They were almost camouflage by the darkness… And they were quiet when making their way up..

Few minutes later, we saw another group came on shore.. 2 were left behind cos they took so long to get to the beach and the wave keep pulling them back to the sea… so the 2 penguins waited for the others to come along.. waited and waited and not a single penguin was in sight so they decided to swim back to sea! Oh my!! They really will not waddle back to their burrows….

This is a truly memorable natural wildlife experience.

After 30 mins or so, once most of the penguins are back on shore, you can watch and enjoy all the ‘penguin action’ on the elevated boardwalks without disturbing them or their burrow homes.. You can hear them making so much noises, searching for their families…

To Allow the native animals to live in a natural habitat, no outdoor Photography and filming is allowed – even without a flash. Photographing Little Penguins disturbs and frightens them.

Oh when you are there, do send out a postcard to your family… You will get a special Philip Island stamped on your postcard!

delightfuljoy (contributor)

A 2 hours drive from Melbourne lies Phillip Island. We went there to watch the Penguin Parade, where we saw little fairy penguins (the smallest of the penguin species) that came out of the sea at dusk to bring food back to their chicks in the burrows on the grassy bankside. As soon as daylight faded, we saw a few penguins swim up to the shore, to check the lighting. On a few occasions, they decided it was still too light to make the trip across the sand, as they would’ve been too vulnerable to predators, so dipped back into the sea. Then they re-emerged again, waited a while for some more penguins to emerge (safety in numbers), then once safe, they waddled over the sand in a huddle to the grassland. Some penguins just couldn’t walk in a straigt line, waddling from side-to-side, and some kept falling over on their way over (like a slapstick comedy). It was a funny sight. As they approached the grassland, they walked up the grassy banks, in single-file, and found their way to their burrows. They were SO SO cute, I wished I could’ve p-p-picked up a penguin!!!

No photography or filming is allowed during the Penguin Parade to avoid scaring the penguins. The best position to view the penguins is on the boardwalk just behind the skybox. From here, you’ll get a clear view of the beach and you can see the penguins’ burrows, where at times, a penguin will pop out to wait for their relative to return from the sea.

quarticfrow (contributor)

Phillip Island has so many activities. The Penguin Parade can be booked out so it’s best to enquire online. It is the same if you are wanting accommodation during peak periods. The Island community provides an online Tourist Service which will also show you how to get to the island and to the main attractions. Best of it’s free, and non-commercial although you can find and book online at all the main backpackers, caravan parks and motels.

Every month there are many other events that happen on Phillip Island that you can attend that aren’t in the normal tourist guides. Like markets, art displays, world surfing championships and different types and levels of motorycle and car racing. You can get into a lot of this for free.

This community guide was the only one that had up to date calendars and replied to general enquiries rather than just one’s they might make money from. Very family friendly. Hope that helps!

roundingtop (contributor)

The Penguin Parade is located on Phillip Island, only 140km south-east of Melbourne. It is part of Phillip Island Nature Park. The area is a reserve designed to protect and promote awareness of Little Penguins (previously called Fairy Penguins).

The Parade is open every day of the year. The best time to visit is at sunset/dusk if you wish to see the actual “penguin parade”. This is when the penguins cross Summerland Beach to return to their sand-dune burrows. This “parade” can be experienced from environmentally friendly observation boardwalks and viewing stands.

Penguin Parade and Visitor Centre
$16.00- Adult
$8.00- Child (4-16yrs)

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planummyview (contributor)

The Melbourne Observation Deck is located on the 55th floor in the Rialto Towers at 525 Collins St. It is the tallest office building in the southern hemisphere.
The deck is open every day of the year from 10am until late. Views are spectacular, giving you a better understanding of the layout of Melbourne and beyond. There are also external viewing areas. Binoculars are free of charge.
Included in the admission is a 20 minute “sight and sound extravaganza” in the Rialto Vision Theatre. This features lots of attractions not only in Melbourne but also other parts of Victoria. A video of this is also available for sale from the souvenir shop.
The licensed cafe bar is an ideal place to have a drink or meal while waiting for the sunset.
The Melbourne Observation Deck is a member of the prestigious World Federation of Great Towers.

latheredbumsy (contributor)

Really, Oz ought to stop these crowings about the tower being the highest in the Southern Hemisphere [This has now been supplanted by the Eureka Tower]..

Officially opened in October 1986, the building is accessible from both Collins Street and Flinders Lane. The Rialto is a linked, two tower development comprising 55 floors in the South Tower and 40 in the North Tower. Rialto Towers is a member of the elite World Federation of Great Towers with the Rialto Towers Observation Deck located on Level 55 (opened to the public on 20 July 1994) and accessed by an exclusive entrance.

Got here by city bus. There is a huge colourful red-green-blue “525” sculpture (address of the building) on ground level for folks to take some souvenir shots before making your way up the tower to grab a panoromic 360 degrees view of the lovely city of Melbourne and the beyonds.

You could grab an explanation headset at the entrance (available in various language) pointing out and detailing to you the various structures in the distance. Free use of high-powered binoculars as well.

On a good clear day, the view is breathtaking. Some folks find visiting these towers pointless and a rip-off, but as an avid photographer, I always find the views granted by towers alluring as generally you don’t get much chances to see a place from atop. Towers are always a good place to get a starting “feel” of the city.

frinkknit (contributor)

Rialto Towers is the tallest reinforced concrete structure in the Southern Hemisphere and is well known for its unique design and glass facade.
The building is accessible from both Collins Street and Flinders Lane. Rialto is a linked,
two tower development comprising 55 floors in the South Tower, and 40 in the North Tower.
The building was officially opened in October 1986 and has retained an equally appealing status with more recently completed landmark buildings.

Views from Level 55 Observation Deck are nothing short of breathtaking! When you visit Melbourne, make a point of experiencing stunning views of the fabulous city and 60km to the horizon. It’s the perfect place to discover another side to “the worlds most livable city.”

servicesthan (contributor)

Rialto Tower – for a number of years stood proud as the tallest building in Melbourne and the tallest reinforced concrete structure in the Southern Hemisphere It has lost the Melbourne tallest building status to the building featured in most of these images – the Eureka Tower, the world’s tallest apartment building for a short period of time.

Completed in 1986, Rialto Towers is a two towered building, 55 storeys and 40 storeys. Of interest to virtually all visitors is the Observation Deck on the 55th floor of the South Tower (exclusive entrance at 525 Collins St), opened to the public in 1994. It takes just 27 seconds to reach the Deck from ground floor level in the lifts (although you usually have to queue for a lot longer!). There is outdoor access at two points on the Deck (but very well-caged!!). There’s also a cafe and gift shop.

The Deck provides a 360 degree panorama of the city of Melbourne and, on a clear day, it is claimed you can see up to 60kms away. Included in the entrance fee is a 20 minute ‘sight and sound’ film extravaganza of Melbourne and surrounds (which, sad to say, is somewhat pathetic).

Costs:
Adult $13.50
Child $7.80
Concession $9.50
Pensioner $8.50
Family (2 Adults and up to 4 Children between the ages of 4 and 15) $38.00

Open every day, 10am until late (so see the city by day, at sunset and by night)

So it’s not a cheap option, but it does provide great views of the city and beyond.

hooverlone (contributor)

This is a great thing to do if you don’t have the time to go exploring all of Melbounre. This way you get to see all of Melbourne and the region beyond.

You get a Free Film with your ticket to Rialto Vision, a 15 minute film showing highlights of Melbounre and Victoria. Up the lift to the observation deck and your find a licensed cafe and bar up there. Theres even outdoor viewing decks and free use of binoculars. A souvenir and gift shop and if you need interpreters there are multi-lingual staff.

If you have obtained a visitors guide you will find a discount coupon at the back. Can’t remember how much of a discount it gave, but something is better than nothing.

smonkeysfarm (contributor)

The Melbourne Observation Deck, located on level 55 of the Rialto Towers Building, provides and optimum viewing platform inside the tallest office building in the Southern Hemisphere. The Observation Deck offers a 360-degree view of Melbourne and the surrounding area, proving the perfect setting to discover “the world’s most livable city.” Entrance fees: Adult $11.80 Child $6.80 Student $9.00 Concession * unemployed single parent $9.00 Pensioner (aged or disabled) $7.00 Family (2 Adults and up to 4 children between ages of 4 and 15) $33.80 Opening hours: Daily from 10am till late

larkfeshie (contributor)

I find that it’s better to go during the day cos you cant see much at night…

The Rialto Tower offers spectacular 360 degree views from the top, right in the very heart of the city.

Melbourne 360’s admission charge includes more than breathtaking 360-degree views of the city and beyond. It also provides you with the award winning 20-minute film spectacular, ‘Melbourne the Living City’, and free use of binoculars, the help & information centre and tour booking facilities.

The Observation Deck was opened to the public on July 20 1994 & there are 1254 stairs to the Observation Deck. The Rialto soars 253 metres (823 ft) & stands on 75 huge concrete caissons (legs) attached to rock 20m below the building.

It takes approximately 40 seconds to reach Level 55 in their fast lifts & the lifts travel at 25kph or 7.1 metres per second.

OPEN EVERYDAY, 10AM UNTIL LATE.

Admission fee:-
Adult $14.50
Child $8.00
Get your discount coupun at Melbourne Tourist Centre @ Federation Square

If you mail a postcard from the Rialto Tower, you will get the special Melbourne 360 stamp on it!

Latest Images of Rialto Tower, Melbourne

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grapesflint (contributor)

Nothing, arguably, epitomises St Kilda more than Luna Park. It was established in 1912 when St Kilda had become the city resort of Melbourne (and was trying to re-establish itself as a respectable area following its ‘colonisation’ at the end of the 19th century by prostitution, drugs and alcohol).

It’s built by the same company that built the first Luna Park on Coney Island, and even today the air is punctutaed by the screams of those daring to have a go on the historic, heritage listed roller coaster.

As with the Luna Park in Sydney, its future is in some doubt – its sitting on some of the most valuable real-estate in Melbourne. Recent purchaser has indicated rennovation but it also includes the area surrounding the park (including the Palais Theatre and, perhaps most appealing the car park. The car park is a strange hybrid – important but at the same time sited opposite the beach – ripe for development!).

In the interim, head for the rides. They’re old and somewhat dated, so not as sophisticated as the theme parks, but its on the beachfront in the middle of the city – what more could you and an emptying of your wallet want?

It ain’t a cheap day out, that’s for sure: as of March 2011, entrance is free but single tickets are A$4.50 (under 3 year’s old), A$7.50 (4-12) and A$9.50 (14+): unlimited rides are A$14.95 / A$31.95 /A$41.95 (same age groups). Family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) …A$125.00 !!

Opening times:
Friday: 7pm – 11 pm/ Saturday 11am – 11pm/ Sunday 11am – 6pm
Public Holidays: Monday -Thursday 11am-6pm/ Friday 11am -11pm/ weekends as above

sendxavier (contributor)

Folks say it: Every visitor should at least drop by St.Kilda while in Melbourne…which is blissfully strange considering that I only made it here almost 10 years after my first visit to Melbourne. Why St.Kilda eluded me? Goodness knows.

St Kilda has seen a strong revival in recent years after welling in a period of seediness following a 60s golden era when it was the IN seaside resort to take the sea air.

On weekends, Melburnians flock here to walk, cycle and skate along the palm-lined foreshore or to lounge in an outdoor café or cocktail bar – and take in the panoramic views of Port Phillip Bay.

Away from the foreshore, you’ll find much of St Kilda’s activity concentrated in Fitzroy and Acland streets. Fitzroy Street is renowned for its cool cafes, restaurants and bars, with tables spilling onto the footpath, and is one of Melbourne’s most attractive eating and drinking streets. Nearby Acland Street is vibrant and bustling, with an eclectic mix of restaurants, wine bars and continental cake shops. You must drop in for a slice of cake, my colleagues insisted and soak up the chi chi cafe culture. Truly a place to be seen!

There are a few icons to look out for in St.Kilda. Luna Park, remains wildly popular, despite the onslaught of time. Kids were squealing their lungs out on the rides when I was there. And next to it, you’ll find another landmark, a 20s-era white-washed of a building, the majestic Palais Theatre. And along Acland Street, remember to look up and sought out some hippy characters fiddling on the roof.

And should you be in St.Kilda on a weekend, don’t miss the Arts and Crafts Market along the beach front. You can find plenty of quirky souvenirs here, found nowhere else. I came upon a stall selling candlesticks made from little teapots, stacked upon each other, each with different designs.

And of course, I shouldn’t neglect the beach, which is what draws folks here in the 1st place. And if you made it here, drop by the historic St.Kilda Pier Kiosk, rebuilt in 2003 after a fire. Pull some time out of your bag, grab a hot cup of coffee at the Little Blue Cafe and just stun yourself silly with the awesome view.

meekavogadro (contributor)

If you possibly can, do try to fit a visit to St. Kilda into your time in Melbourne, especially if you have a Sunday to spare. This coastal suburb of Melbourne is home to the famous St. Kilda Sunday market along the beachfront esplanade, a craft market where you can pick up a great souvenir. There is also a fairground, Luna Park and lots of cafes, bars and a sweep of sandy beach.
It’s only a tramride from Melbourne – for more information and to get a better idea of what’s on offer here please see my St. Kilda page

jacksucking (contributor)

Jump on one of the local trams and take a ride over to St. Kilda, this is melbourne’s coastal resort. It only takes about 25 minutes to get there. There are safe sandy beaches.
People flock to St Kilda for great cafes, bars or just people watching.

Luna Park is a must, it is a old seaside amusement park with working wooden roller coaster and many other historic rides.

Sunday St Kilda is home to one of the best art and craft markets in Australia. It attracts thousands looking for that something different.

When we were there we managed to see the band UB40 in concert

shrawnsbandy (contributor)

There is no better way than taking the tram to St Kilda, the journey there is most interesing and doesn’t take too long. There are a number of tram routes running to or via St Kilda. If one is travelling from the City centre of Melbourne then go to either one of the following three main street locations. These being Bourke Street, Swanston and Collins Streets. The tram ride is great for people watching and viewing the city’s varying architecture en-route. Trams will only pick up and set down at specified stops, they are all well maked. Tickets can be purchased on the tram, make sure you have change and validate your tickets.

harryscarp (contributor)

St Kilda is one of Melbourne’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan areas. In the early days, St Kild was a fashinable seaside resort but it gradually declined. By the 1960s it was pretty seedy and its decadent image of faded glories (and cheap rents) attracted immigrants and refugees, bohemians and fown-and-outers. St Kilda has undergone an image upgrade, although it’s still a place of extremes – backpacker hostels and fine-dine restaurants, sports cars and junkies. It can still be perilous to wander the streets late at night, particularly for lone women. The main streets, Fitzroy St and Acland St, are full of interesting shops and eateries. The St Kilda Festival in February is a showcase for local artists, musicians and writers, and features street parties, parades, concerts and lots more.

retinalyla (contributor)

Besides the Melbourne City, it is also worth visiting some of the suburbs. One such suburb that worth visiting is St Kilda. Located east of the Melbourne City, St Kilda is not only a hip for the locals but also the visitors. Its lively atmosphere is the main draw for foreigners and locals. This cosmopolitan suburb is filled with diversity and surprises. Its main shops and eating outlets are found along Fitzroy and Acland Streets. For the young at heart, do head for the well-known Luna Park, where everyone can try his/her favourite ride at this popular amusement park. Summer is also a time where many people will visit the much talkabout beach at St Kilda. It’s definitely a time at St Kilda to soak in the Summer fun. Also, don’t leave Acland Street without trying cakes and the bakeries. The bakeries are well-known for their mouth-watering pastries in this area!

Latest Images of St. Kilda, Melbourne

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licensewine (contributor)

I would vote the Dandenong Mountains as one of the best spots to visit on a trip to Melbourne.

Just 40 mins to an hour drive from Melbourne, and you will first come to Belgrave, where you can hop on the puffing billy stream train. http://www.puffingbilly.com.au/

From here, take the Mount Dandenong scenic route through the magnificent rainforest, with some of the tallest trees I think I have ever seen. Follow the road toward Olinda, and stop to ask the locals where the cafe is that you can feed the wild birds – rosalla’s, cockatoos and gallahs, a real treat!

Spend a relaxing day browsing through the antique and art shops, followed by a Devonshire cream tea and cake in one of the many tea shops in the quaint villages along the way .If you make your way up to the Sky view point you will experience panoramic views of Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, and Melbourne’s CBD skyline.

Back on the tourist road, and dont miss the amazing aboriginal sculptures at the William Ricketts Sanctuary.

If you are looking for some local market produce, dont miss out on the Saturday morning markets in Olinda, 7:30am – noon. I’ve made some fantastic stews from the turnips and leeks bought from that market!

boylestella (contributor)

My last morning on my 1st trip to Melbourne was spent here, in the Dandenong Ranges National Park. Me & my mates were eager to hit the outdoors and after pouring through the pages of the Lonely Planet, decided on the trails here, just off One Tree Hill.

The Victoria Parks’s website claims: “One Tree Hill is a forest picnic site serviced by a flat sealed car parking area. The area is free of major obstacles. The toilets include a designated accessible facility, but it does not meet current access standards. The approach is no longer rough and has a small step.”

There were many trails. Me & my mates did a quick drop by at the ranger station, grabbed a map and we were off into the woods on a Fri morning when everyone else was still stuck behind a desk elsewhere.

It was a cool and bright late Autumn morning. I remembered temperature was about 11C. Lovely walk through the woods. The air was crisp, the light was playful, dancing among the tall gum trees and we caught sight of our very first wild Kookaburra. “Kookaburra sits on a old gum tree…” and me & my mates broke into laughter.

The silence was broken by a stocky hirsute bloke huffing & puffing from behind us in nothing but short shorts. I remembered a shellshocked us enquiring if he was cold and he jogged past us with a smile and bade us G’day! Brrr…..

On the way back, we ran into a colony of white cockatoos debating with each other from the trees. Me & my mate just stood still for quite some time and absorbed this all in!

It was amazing how you can find solace so close to noisy Melbourne!

pantsnumber (contributor)

This would have to be Australia’s most famous tourist train. If you’re a train buff this will be at the top of your list anyway but, if you’re not, do the trip.
It’s a wonderful way to spend half a day with the engines huffing and puffing their way along the 24 kms of line from Belgrave to Gembrook and return.
The headquarters is at Belgrave and en route you can see extensive views of Port Phillip Bay, the Steam Museum, timber trestle bridges, the lower slopes of the Dandenongs and Emerald Lake.
You have the option to get off and pick up a later train should you wish to check out the museum or have a picnic at places such as Lakeside.
The whole thing is run by Puffing Billy Preservation Society and the Emerald Tourist Railway Board, volunteer organizations that even you can join.
It’s a narrow gauge line 762mm (2’6″) that operated commercially between 1900 and 1953. It was reopened as far as Menzies Creek in 1962, Emerald in 1965, Lakeside in 1975 and Gembrook in 1998.
It can be hired out for functions (such as dining on a night train) or, for the kids, they can have a day out with “Thomas” and the “Fat Controller”.
I can smell the smoke now! Gotta go.

grindymake (contributor)

No trip to Melbourne is complete unless you have seen the Dandenongs. This remnant of bushland is food for the soul, this area once the home of the world’s tallest tree. That is, until they chopped it down for wood in the late 19th century.
The magnificent array of eucalypts can’t help but inspire and refresh the mind. There’s a loop road that you can do (allow 2 hours for photos, more if you plan to eat (recommended activity) and it has tourist information centres at either end where you can pick up maps and brochures on various attractions. That’s Upper Fern Tree Gully or Belgrave.
This particular shot was taken adjacent to Josie Bysouth Reserve at Cockatoo.

gaywhaffle (contributor)

We went by public transportation. Buy a train ticket for two zones, and take the Belgrade Line, which leaves from the city loop. From the last station, Belgrade, walk up the ramp, turn left, and down another ramp to bus 694. This goes uphill and passes Grants Picnic Ground on the right side of the bus. Get off when you see it, and walk back from the bus stop. This is where you feed the rosellas and cockatoos. Bring sunflower seeds! We had millet, which they can’t eat. There is also a pleasant teahouse at Grants Picnic Ground, and two easy walking tracks through the eucalyptus forest. To go to Sherwood Picnic Ground from Belgrave Station, take the same bus 694, past Grants Picnic Ground, past Tindale Gardens. It takes only 8 min. or so from the station. It is hard to find because you do not see any signs saying Sherbrooke Picnic Ground, but get off when you see Poets Lane on the right. The locals on the bus helped us find it, when we asked for O’Donohue Track, which is one of the trails there. The Picnic Ground is on the left side of the bus. There are several trails in here, and you can actually walk back to the station. Be sure to have bus schedules with you, as it doesn’t run often.

tafasia (contributor)

Our friend drove us up to the Dandenongs (about 1 hour from Melbourne) and we were so lucky to be able to see all tall trees and gorgeous little villages along the way. Some were so English some so German etc. A truly wonderful place that you could spend a lot of time exploring or simply drop by for afternoon tea. We were there on a Saturday afternoon and it was so busy. Some of the quaint tea shops looked like they were ready to burst due to the amount of people within. Lots and lots of shops to stop at but we struggled to find a petrol station so don’t head up that way nearing empty.

We stopped for afternoon tea where Puffing Billy, a famous tourist train, was ready to head off. It was quite an okay cafe but nothing as special as some of the others in the area. That said we had a nice plate of scones each as we watched the train get ready to depart.

I will definitely be allowing a day during my next Melbourne trip to explore this area further.

Latest Images of Dandenong Ranges, Melbourne

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soastflags (contributor)

The Old Melbourne Gaol is best known as the place where Ned Kelly (Australia’s infamous bushranger) was hanged in 1880. Consequently there is a lot of interest in his life.
If you visit on a Saturday you can watch a live performance of “Such A Life” which tells the Ned Kelly story at 12.30pm and 2.00pm. This is included in the entry price of $13.50 per adult.
“Hangman’s Night Tours” are generally held 4 nights a week. Bookings are essential, phone Ticketek on 13 28 49, or go to www.ticketek.com.au
This 3 story bluestone building is one of Melbourne’s oldest surviving buildings. Construction began in 1841, the 1st cell block opened in 1845.
On the ground floor, outside the cells, you will find storyboards about early Melbourne and the building of the gaol. Inside the cells, there are stories about executed prisoners.
The story about Ned Kelly and his gang is told at the far end of the gaol. Here you can also see his death mask.
Open 7 days a week. Closed Christmas Day and Good Friday.

sherlockbisted (contributor)

I came away from this place with mixed feelings.

Firstly it was absolutely fascinating, a really interesting place to visit to get the historic background information on Melbourne in its early days & the way criminals, petty or otherwise were treated & dealt with.

However, it would be really easy to come out of here really depressed, for a number of reasons. Just the feel of the place inside gave palpable evidence to the horrid repression of the human spirit that took place in here.

It is famous in Australian history as the place where Ned Kelly said his famous last words, “Such is life!” before he was hanged by the neck until dead. Even today we still don’t know if he was a hero or a villain. I guess it all depends of your perspective. Ned’s death mask can also be seen at the Gaol. Please note the English spelling Gaol as it was used then & not “jail”.

The Old Melbourne Gaol is a National Trust administered property & if you are a member you will have reduced admission fees.

Also, you may be lucky enough to catch one of the
“Night Performances – a blend of theatre and history:
Experience the gaol by candlelight with hangman ‘Michael Gately’ as he recounts stories of the gaol, its inmates and his infamous art. Not for the faint hearted or children under 12 years old. Tickets available from Ticketek 13 28 49 or www.ticketek.com.au” info taken from the National Truest website

If you’re in Melbourne & you have the time I really recommend a visit here.

pituitarylies (contributor)

Ever wanted to visit a jail? This was my 3rd, after Port Arthur and Fremantle. Thought I will do it just for the heck of it. This iconic landmark, with its imposing sandstone and bluestone walls, dominated the Melbourne skyline as a symbol of authority when it was built in the mid 1800s. Between 1842 and its closure in 1929, the gaol was the scene of 136 hangings including Australia’s most infamous outlaw, Ned Kelly. The prison was also a focus during some of Australia’s most significant historical moments, including the Gold Rush and World War II. The goal went through a number of facelifts and was extended periodically to cater to new needs till its eventual closure.

Your ticket allows you to visit 3 sections. The main cell block did come with a sense of foreboding as you enter. You can do your own exploration or join the guided yours at fixed hours to understand the history better. Many of the cells contains “death masks” (In Western cultures a death mask is a wax or plaster cast made of a person’s face following death. Death masks may be mementos of the dead, or be used for creation of portraits), something quite eerie for Asians but they do give you an idea of the face of some of Melbourne’s most hardened criminals. The highlight of the display was of course the aforementioned Ned Kelly.

The 2nd section allows you to enter the City Watch House where you will be locked away and the key thrown into the pits. Kidding. But you can playact through what it would be like to be arrested and shown your rights and what it meant to spend some time in lockup. The Sergeant who guided us through did it with much aplomb and humour and I truly enjoyed it.

You need a lot more spark to do the last section, which is The Old Magistrate’s Court where you can put yourself on trial. A mock trial that it, where you can grab the chance to put on a stuffy wig and be judge, or be the sly hand behind the crime as renactments of the trials of the days played out from the docks. Go with a big group of friends. You’ll enjoy it more. I have in my group several old farts who refused to participate and sat sullen in their seats throughout the mock trial. Gosh, folks, have some humour!

Open daily from 9:30am to 5:00pm (closed Christmas Day and Good Friday)
Admission Fees (circa 2008):
* Adult – $18.00
* Child – $9.50
* Concession – $14.00
* Family – $44.00 (2 Adults and up to 4 children)

GHOST TOURS (Disclaimer: Did not try this yet)
Hangman’s Night Tours
Experience Australia’s most haunted building by candlelight. Generally held 4 times a week at 8.30pm (7.30pm in winter). Bookings Essential – contact Ticketek on 13 28 49 (local) or go to: TICKETEK

fookdue (contributor)

I would recommend you put a visit to Melbournes Old Gaol on your ‘Must Do’ list. This remarkable old building is in the care of the National Trust of Australia and they do a superb job of letting you experience the sad history and heavy atmosphere of the Old Gaol.
Built to accommodate prisoners in the 1840’s, the Gaol quickly became overcrowded, not only with male prisoners, but with women and children also, many of them poverty-stricken and desperate. As you tour the cells, you get to read the history of the individual prisoners held. What really strikes home, however, are the actual death masks taken from the faces of those that were hanged here. Staring at the plaster-cast face, complete with eyelashes, of a hanged prisoner is a sobering experience to say the least.
The Gaol was also the prison where the notorious Australian outlaw Ned Kelly was held and ultimately hanged. You get to see his death mask too, and the ‘drop’ where he met his end. Ned Kellys story is far too long to be recounted here, but is told at the Gaol in detail.

snushyleg (contributor)

The Flintstones must have been well ahead of their time, and must have come to Melbourne at some point. This is obvious because their theme song makes reference to “You’ll have a Ga-ol time!”

One of the most referenced locations in Melbourne is the Old Melbourne Gaol, which became famous internationally as the location in which Ned Kelly was hanged. Ned was an infamous bushranger who was responsible for many Victorian Police Officers death, while alledgedly avenging his mother’s honour.

The National Trust of Australia – Victoria has been in charge of the restoration of this location, which was originally erected in the mid 1800’s.

Today there has been much debate about whether the location is actually haunted, with some believing that it is actually Ned Kelly’s mother that is hanging about waiting for her sons to come back and avenge their death.

jottishstreef (contributor)

Melbourne Old Gaol was Victoria’s first prison, built in 1841 and which remained in use until its official closure in 1924 (although it was used as a military prison during WWII, mainly for short stay periods for those who went AWOL during leave or were arrested for being drunk and disorderly). During this period, it saw 136 hangings, with its most famous victim, Ned Kelly, being hanged in 1880.
(Dates of opening and closure of the prison vary from source to source).

It’s a fascinating, if gruesome, place to visit. Only one wing of the prison is open to the public. During its heyday, the prison covered the whole block – nowadays its bluestone buildings have either been demolished or incorporated into the city campus of RMIT (although the Prison Chapel is still open to the public but is accessed through an entrance which is part of the University in Franklin St). Virtually all the cells are open to viewing (except those that have been incorporated into offices!!), although many are empty of any furnishings. Throughout the 3 floors of cells there are, however, a number of displays and, more interestingly, boards providing information about life in the prison – ranging from military use through to life as a hangman as well as the stories of many of those imprisoned or hanged in the prison. There’s also a collection of Death Masks, including that of Ned Kelly himself as well as the weird hologram of the hangman’s noose.

Opening Times:
Monday – Sunday 9.30am – 5pm (closed Christmas Day and Good Friday)

Entrance Fees:
Adults: AUD$12.50
Concessions: AUD$9.50
Children: AUD$7.50
Family: AUD$33.50 (2 adults, 4 kids)

There’s also Old Melbourne Gaol By Night (usually Wed/Fri & Sunday) – a tour by candlelight and which involves history and re-enactments. AUD$25/AUD$16.50 for the privilege.

boastthogical (contributor)

I passed by the gaol every day on the way to class, and didn’t stop in until my last week in Melbourne. It was very gloomy and morbid, but it was worth it.

The Old Melbourne Gaol gives a visitor a perspective of what life was like in a prison in the 1800’s. It is a great historical site in Melbourne. The museum is in an actual cell block (the only one remaining) and contains artifacts from some of its most notorious criminals, including the infamous Ned Kelly. The life stories of some of the 135 prisoners who were executed are featured in a few cells, complete with plaster death masks of some of their heads. There are also some displays about the prison’s time as an army detention barracks during WW2.

Exhibits are great and reading the displays takes you back in time. The museum is open 7 days a week.

shearrajake (contributor)

Australias most famous outlaw Ned Kelly was hanged here in 1880, his last words were “such is life”…… acceptance of the fact that in those days execution was an employment hazard for a bank robber,

he was injured in the siege at Glenrowan, when he was captured, so as soon as he was well enough they executed him

you can see the beam he was hung from and his death mask………..we were suprised to see that he had a strong resemblance to the character Nick Cotton from the BBC soap `Eastenders` ……… perhaps there is something going for the phrenology theory after all

also on show is some of the armour made and worn by the Kelly gang, and a child size version if any younger visitors would like to dress up for a photo opportunity

the scaffold here is still in working order, using it on husbands and wayward offspring is of course forbidden, and there is an display entitled “Art of Hanging” which is either educational or macarbe depending on your viewpoint

Latest Images of Old Melbourne Gaol, Melbourne

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creakypicked (contributor)

People seem to either love this place or hate it. This is basically a small pedestrian square built right next Flinders Station, with some very… unique… architecture as its claim to fame. The square is surrounded by several building whose design is nothing if not unique. The buildings house museums, a TV station, a conference center, and a number of shops, restaurants, and cafes. The interior of the buildings tends to be just as unique as their exterior. Definitely worth taking the time to explore. The square itself is a gathering place, and is pretty good for people watching. There’s an amateur outdoor theater that puts on performances on Sundays (or at least they did when I was there).

One of the unique features of the square, is that it was built right over the railroad tracks heading to and from the nearby Flinders Station.

pearscells (contributor)

This landmark, and originally controversual, public arts project soon took a great liking by the Melbourne general public. It is Melbourne’s new epi-centre for arts and meeting up with friends. It used to be under the clocks of Flinders Street Station, although that was for other reasons and still goes on. However Ferderation Square, completed in 2002, is the place to be these days. It is home to several major art collections. You will find the NGV (National Gallery of Victoria) – Australian collection, Aboriginal, colonial to contemporary paintings, objects and photography. Federation Square is also the home for Cinemedia Victoria which has several of film and video theatres, it’s library contains a large collection of national and international cinema, video and mulimedia. The external public square with it’s sloping paved area, nestled between shards of deconstructivist public buildings, is a masterwork of town planning. It works well and has the gravity of an old town square, such a thing almost non existant in Australia. Thus certainly an emerging venacular in public spaces.

behaviorbailey (contributor)

Easily the LANDMARK for Melbourne with its quirky irrelevant design, Federation Square or Fed Square, as its name suggests, was meant to open to celebrate the centenary of Australian Federation on 1 Jan 01. (Due to delays, it actually opened on 26 Oct 02)

It comprises a series of buildings containing a public broadcaster (SBS), art galleries (The Ian Potter Centre is here), a museum, cinemas, exhibition spaces, auditoria, restaurants, bars and shops around two major public spaces, one covered (The Atrium), the other open to the sky, and composed of two spaces that flow into one another (St. Paul’s Court and The Square). The majority of the precinct is built on top of a concrete deck over busy railway lines. Received negatively initially, it quickly won over the hearts of the Melbournians.

I wouldn’t even try to explain the architectural bits….it’s still looks a little disjointed to my untrained eyes though I applaud its quirkiness with its weird bends, angles and lines. It’s a happening place as bands play to music to folks having a drink in the bars and restaurants and soaking in the electric atmosphere.

Tourists will make your way here too. Why? The Tourist Info Centre is here. Grin. Get your first orientation of the city, right here; right now.

roundtram (contributor)

As you can clearly see, the baroque and gothic styles nearby would tend to clash with this body of work. Personally, I don’t mind it, I just think it’s in the wrong place.
You have to love the spin they tried to put on the winning design: ‘The winning scheme draws its inspiration from the unique urban characteristics of Melbourne’s arcades and lanes and transforms these elements into a new form of organisation, celebrating the city’.
Sounds like a load of pretentious jibberish to me! They went on:
“Federation Square was to become a new centre of cultural activity for Melbourne – the long-awaited large, open public civic destination. Lab architecture studio saw their design as one of ‘difference and coherence’ bringing together distinct elements and activities while maintaining a visual and formal coherence. They believed it reflected the true spirit of federation – independent identities combining to form a larger whole.”
It houses the Ian Potter Centre (art), Australian Centre for the Moving Image, Australian Racing Museum and Hall of Fame (funny, none of the horses I ever backed were in there), Melbourne Visitor Centre, 15 restaurants and a Function Centre as well as offices for SBS, the Australian Multicultural Media outlet.

teaglag (contributor)

When I first came to Melbourne in 1998 construction of the Fed Square had already begun. Everytime when I passed by the place I would wonder what it would be like, and after patiently waited for 5 years it’s finally completed in 2002, and after 150 years, Melbourne finally got the city square it has wanted.

People either love it or hate it but can’t ignore it. We can’t stop staring because its structures are so surprising and confronting.

Fed Square embraces all the city’s inner tensions:between old and new, between artistic freedom and the constraints of funding and politics. Sitting opposite a cathedral,a pub and a railway station,it is a gathering place for our diverse cultures. Its grounds,according to one historian, are both sacred and secular.

The whole site props on a concrete and steel deck over 12 rail lines. When you’re at the cobblestone plaza, don’t be alarmed when the ground quavers, it’s only the forklift.

What’s at Fed Square?

– Ian Potter Centre: the National Gallery of Victoria Australia (see my tip)

– Australian Centre for the Moving Image

– Australian Racing Museum (yes, racing is big in Victoria, we even get a day off for that)

– Television station SBS

– Melbourne Visitors Centre (Don’t miss the green-tinted grass “fish tank” building, the Visitors Centre is undergroun)

– Dinning and drinking (e.g. Paul Mathis’ Transport pub)

– Shopping (e.g. Kirra Gallery which sells interesting sculptures and glasswares)

Check out the website to see what’s install for you at the Fed Square.

charlieplantar (contributor)

Federation Square is one of the most popular visitor attractions in Melbourne. This building is built as a meeting place for special events and functions for Melbourne. They also have different exhibitions from time to time for special causes.

You don’t have to spend much time there, unless you are attending an event or have coffee in their cafe for free WiFi. Basically, you can take many great pictures there cause the modern architecture is totally unique in Melbourne.

Check out website for an events that you might be interested…

Melbourne Visitor Centre is located ground floor of Federation Square. This should be the first place to visit in Melbourne because you can get free maps and information here including Melbourne and State of Victoria attractions, tours, and public transportation timetables and routes.

Open daily 9am-6pm.

jobchallah (contributor)

Tucked inside the conglomerate that is Federation Square is the “Icons of Australian Art Trail”. This is, in my limited knowledge, the best all round collection of famous Australian artists.
A wonderful cross section includes such luminaries as Sidney Nolan, William Dobell, Russell Drysdale, Hans Heysen, Rupert Bunny, George W. Lambert, Arthur Streeton, Frederick McCubbin, Tom Roberts, Jan Sutherland, Margaret Preston, Brett Whiteley, Ken Done and others.
It’s a great cross section, particularly of 19th century and early 20th century, though I personally felt it was bit light on with the “Brushmen of the Bush” (Broken Hill artists) and Brett Whiteley.
More of the dramatic colours of these artists would have rounded it out for me but I thoroughly enjoyed what was on show and highly recommend it if you are into art.
Downstairs was an exhibition of indigenous art and I have to say that this is also the best I’ve seen with the variety encompassing everything from totem poles to modernistic styles.

ornategemini (contributor)

Experience the many aspects of the history and development of Australian art and culture at the newly opened (28 November 2002) Ian Potter Centre: National Gallery of Victoria. The NGV is made up of 3 levels of galleries which hold an impressive collection of indigenous and non-indigenous art.

Personally, I don’t like the Fieldwork: Australian Art 1968-2002 on Level 3. They look more like the products of psychiatry patients, but then again, the psychiatry patients’ works at the Royal Melbourne Hospital are much better.

The pic shows one of my fav in the NGV, The Pioneer by Frederick McCubbin showing that the Australian pioneering history were bound up with the clearing of the bush. Each panel is “read” to link the progress of the toil of this land across time.

Opening hour

Monday to Thursday 10am – 5pm
Friday 10am – 9pm
Saturday and Sunday 10am – 6pm

Latest Images of Federation Square, Melbourne

 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia +61 3 9662 2888 Website Melbourne Campervan Hire

kobeclyde (contributor)

Melbourne’s Chinatown resembles most Chinatowns I have seen back in the states. This particular area of Melbourne is located on Little Bourke Street and branches out to side streets and alleyways. This Chinatown dates back to the Gold Rush days of the 1850’s that brought a flood of Chinese immigrants looking to make it rich and is the longest continuous Chinese settlement in the Western world.

Chinatown is a melting pot of Asian cultures; Chinese, Thai, Japanese, Malaysian, Vietnamese people call Chinatwon home and work. Many nice restaurants and shops line the street as well as the Five Arches decorated in traditional style. This is a great place to eat, shop and explore; especially the Tianjin Garden.

My wife and I had a fun time exploring Chinatown and checking out the shops and attractions.

jackiedrip (contributor)

Chinatown today now predominantly extends along Little Bourke Street between Swanston St and Spring St. Eating houses and top class restaurants with the streetscape and its low-rise brick buildings, retaining its historic character is what makes this part of Melbourne history and culture rich. We passed through Chinatown as we made our way to Red Peppers restaurant (I have written another trip on that). The heritage streetscape has been well preserved, with few buildings reaching over three storeys in height. The area is dominated by restaurants from fine dining to laneway and arcade noodle houses, and is home to a number of Asian grocery stores, Chinese medicine and herbalist centres, bookstores, fashion boutiques and other retail outlets in arcades such as the Village Centre, The Target Centre and Paramount Plaza. True to its name and predominantly of Chinese ethnicity, you will also find Melbourne’s Chinatown is truly cosmopolitan with a myriad of cuisines like Thai, Japanese, Malaysian, Vietnamese, Contemporary European and Australian to tempt your taste buds.

tartieslaughing (contributor)

You can’t really miss it – considering the ornate Chinese gates at the entrance of Little Bourke Street on both ends – SO typical – folks wanting to have even more of Chinese culture and food, considering some of you have just left it – you are in Dragonland Central…sort of.

Chinatown actually spills over a few more streets around it and borders the Greek Precinct on the Eastern end. And it’s a little more Asiantown these days too….with Singaporean, Thai, Japanese and Indian eateries mixed in for diversity.

Experience the jostle of students around you going about their grocery shopping among the ethnic stores. OK, I won’t joke about the stores since I actually find a few things I wanted in them.

Hiding amidst the shops selling dried medicinal herbs and statues of Chinese Goddesses and Gods, you will find the very small and compact Chinese Museum. About 4 storeys of displays illustrate the history of the Chinese in Australia and Melbourne. In my personal opinion, I had seen better displays but it wouldn’t hurt to drop in and have a look, if you had never visited such a museum before.

And of course, you can’t be in Chinatown without mentioning about food. Duh. This is the place to come for upmarket Chinese restaurants and Yum Cha spots such as Shark Fin House.

callistosnorkel (contributor)

Chinatown is a good spot to take a stroll and sample some good Chinese food and items. There are also Thai and Japanese options so plenty to to choose from.

After walking past a few restaurants and being invited in for “the best food in Chinatown” you will notice the types of people sitting in the various restaurants. Some, like the Dragon Boat, seem to have mainly tourists and others seem to have locals in them. Try one of the local’s choice though do have a look at the menu first as some items may not be to your liking at all (crispy fried pigs intestine etc etc).

This trip involved stopping at one of the ‘local’ restaurants and we were not disappointed. Apart from being lower cost, being served hot chinese tea (bottomless tumbler) and having lots of poultry in the window our restaurant was a cash only place!! Quite bizzare really.

roscoewaist (contributor)

The Chinese Museum is one of Chinatown’s main attractions, providing visitors, with information about the history of Australians of Chinese descent since the mid19th Century.
The Museum was opened in 1985 and consists of five exciting levels including an audio-visual theatre with a dynamic, multi screened slide and sound presentation.

Opening Hours
Sunday to Friday 10am to 4.30pm
Saturday 12 noon to 4.30pm
(closed Good Friday and Christmas Day)

leeksgoldie (contributor)

During the gold rush of 1851, many Chinese were attracted to Victoria and the goldfields. Ships sailed to Australia from Hong Kong with their cargo of men who had come in search of the “New Gold Mountain”.
The small Chinese community in Little Bourke Street provided for all the needs of these diggers, lodgings en route to the goldfields, food, equipment and medicine.

In the 1860s many Chinese district associations began to purchase land in little Bourke Street to build clubrooms which would serve as meeting places for the Chinese community.
From the early 1870s, until the early twentieth century, Chinatown experienced good growth. For as gold dried up on the diggings, those who did not return to China went back to Melbourne’s Chinatown which, for those who stayed, represented the only community they had.

Latest Images of Chinatown, Melbourne

 230-298 Wellington Parade, East Melbourne VIC 3002, Australia +61 3 9658 9658 Website 9am – 5pm Melbourne Campervan Hire

mouthwry (contributor)

Arguably Australia’s oldest building, Captain James Cooks’ parents cottage was sold in the town of Great Ayton, North Yorkshire, UK, for £800, dismantled and transported to Melbourne, Australia, where it was re-erected in Fitzroy Gardens. The purchase of the cottage was a gift from a wealthy industrialist, Sir Russell Grimwade, to mark the centenary of permanent European settlement in Victoria (Portland 1834, but there were earlier attempts). There is an on-line video of Grimwade taken in 1938.

The cottage is tiny and would be a lesson to the younger generations to see how life existed during the 1700’s (building erected OR renovated 1755 – stone above doorway CJG 1755). It comprises a ground level living area which includes the kitchen and eating area, a small bedroom and upstairs 3 room sleeping quarters (the cottage was larger during Cooks parents’ time). To the side of the cottage is the former stable (added after Cooks’ time), which has an interactive display on the life and times of James Cook as well as a small gift shop.

For the superstitious; there are 6 “witches’ chairs” on the outside of the building – the little flat protrusions on the eves. They are meant as a resting place for a witch, who can alight from her broomstick and have a break from her long journey, BUT the chairs are never near a door or chimney lest the witch enter.

The grounds of the cottage contain a statue of Cook and a garden representing how an English Cottage garden would have been laid out with vegetables, herbs and fruiting trees. There is growing some unique plants used by Cook and other seafarers to ward off scurvy including New Zealand spinach. Note the Union Jack on the flagpole; it is not the modern flag, but dates to the late 1700’s and does not include the cross of St Patrick.

Self guided tours (information sheet provided) and allow up to 2 hours visiting. Admission $5, discounts for seniors and children.

receptorwes (contributor)

Its tiny, but a major Melbourne attraction is Captain Cook’s cottage. Or so it is so labelled, although in reality it is the home of his parents, and there is no actual proof that the European discoverer of Australia ever lived here.

It was purchased in 1934, dismantled stone by stone and transported from the Yorkshire village of Great Ayton to Melbourne. It was then restored, decorated and furnished as it would have been around 1750.

Open 9am-5pm daily. Admission $A4.50/$A2.70 (students/pensioners)/$A2.20 (kids)/$A12 family.

As well as the tiny cottage is the small but interesting display/exhibition in the souvenir shop along with a small ‘cottage’ garden.

It’s cute and interesting but will not take much more than an hour. Combine it with a walk through Fitzroy/Treasury Gardens.

relaysat (contributor)

This was one of the places we were really keen to visit as it had been recommended by several people. It was within about a block of the free city circle tram so really easy to access. Entrance I thought was very reasonable at $5 each adult and the garden and house itself were both really well done and looked after. It was situated in a bigger Garden (Fitzroy Gardens) which made it a really peaceful place. Mind you we did enjoy watching all the AFL gear clad Melbournians trudging happily past on the way to the MCG for the Sunday afternoon game.

The Cottage itself has a very detailed historical write up as you walk through but I have attached a website that gives you some more details. If you are keen to purchase a small souvenier DONT do it as you buy the tickets wait until you go through the slightly larger gift shop at the end – much larger range of things.

cornwallsave (contributor)

As I was wandering through Fitzoy Gardens, I saw a cute little cottage and realized it was a place I could visit! It turned out to be Cook’s Cottage – the home of Captain Cook’s parents that was bought in Yorkshire, England and transported in 1934 where it was rebuilt in Fitzroy Gardens.

It only cost $4 (and I believe there were even less expensive concessions). There is a kitchen downstairs and it has pieces of the time period. Upstairs there is one large room and another small bedroom.

Once you explore the house, you can go out and look around the gardens. There are a couple of benches to sit and enjoy the gardens.

Then, there is a small gift shop if you want to get a little something to remind you of your visit.

If you are anywhere around Fitzroy Gardens, don’t miss this cute little cottage!

rawpomorla (contributor)

This cottage was the home of James Cooks parents James and Grace Cook and it originally was built in the village of Great Ayton in 1755, 15 years before Captain Cook `discovered` Australia
above the door you can see JGC 1755 carved into the stone

in 1933 the cottage was bought for the people of Melbourne by Sir Russel Grimwade, he arranged for the cottage to be dismantled, shipped to Victoria, and re-assembled in Fitzroy Gardens as part of Victorias centennary celebrations in 1934

the cottage is tiny, even by English standards, and has been faithfully furnished with many original items, outside the garden is planted as it would have been in the 18th century, with an emphasis on fruit vegetables and herbs

joiningwhiskers (contributor)

Perfectly located in the very English Fitzroy Gardens, with its Union Jack pathways, is Cook’s Cottage. Captain James Cook was the first Englishman to lay eyes on Australia and claim it for the British Empire. The cottage belonged to his parents, and was transported to Australia, brick by brick, from its original home in Great Ayton in the North Yorkshire Moors. Even the ivy which grows upon its walls was grown from cuttings taken from the original building.

badoffal (contributor)

This actually the cottage that Capt Cook lived in when he was a child so actually his parent’s place. It was re-constructed here in 1934 after the whole thing was transported from it’s original home in England. The cottage was originally constructed in 1755.

quicklimetouring (contributor)

Cooks Cottage was transported from England to Australia in 1933. It was Capt Cooks home and was presented to Victoria by Sir Russell Grimwade. There are many period features and it is surrounded by an authentic 18th century English cottage garden.

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