I love the diversity – Melbourne has it all
My City: Melbourne, Australia.
Name: Christine King
Born: 1979
Profession: Full Time Accounts Payable Clerk and all other hours Photography, Travel & Lifestyle Blogger.
Where do you live? South East Suburbs in Melbourne.
Here I grew up: I was born and raised in the suburb of Noble Park about 30km south east of Melbourne City. I lived here in our family home until I was in my early 20’s when I knew the time was right to move out and start being responsible for myself.
Why I want you to visit Melbourne: I love the diversity that Melbourne has to offer, from great architecture to high end fashion, to fabulous gourmet food, endless sports, amazing entertainment, lifestyle, art and culture. Melbourne has it all. Melbourne’s hidden laneways are filled with some of the best restaurants, cafes, bars and boutique shops. There’s always something new to see when you visit Melbourne City.
My first memory
One of my early first memories was when my brother and I used to go and stay with our two grandmothers’ that lived in St.Kilda. (They used to live together). We used to stay the night at their house and they would take us into Melbourne City for the evening and we would go to the movies and walk around Melbourne city. We used to do it a lot when we were young and it’s one of my great memories of my two grandmothers.
My favorite place to eat: On the expensive end, my favorite restaurant so far has been Rockpool Bar and Grill at Crown Complex, Southbank, Melbourne. The steaks are absolutely divine. They are cooked to perfection.
Link to Rockpool
On the cheaper side, my favorite restaurant is Taco Bill Mexican Restaurant on the Princes Highway, Springvale, Melbourne. I have been to many Mexican restaurants in Melbourne and in Mexico and I still come back to her for their tasty food and great atmosphere.
Meet the locals
The locals of Melbourne? That’s a very hard question. Melbourne has such a diverse culture.
My favorite bar: One of my favourite bars is Alumbra at Central Pier.
Best place for first date? Melbourne has many romantic first date locations. It really depends on what you like. You may enjoy a picnic up at the Sky High Mount Dandenong with a magical view that goes for miles. I love this spot so much it’s where I was married.
My secret place
One of my favorite secret places is at Wilson Botanical Park in Berwick. It’s only 40 minutes from Melbourne City and free to get into. After a long hectic busy week, I enjoy going there with my husband and daughter to unwind in the beautiful park. Wilson Botanic Park was an operational quarry until the late 1970’s. The site is renowned for producing some of the highest quality basalt in the Melbourne region. I love watching my daughter feed and interact with the ducks and the turtles in the lake. They have a great playground there for children as well. And if you enjoy walking, this is a great location for it.
Wilson Botanic Park Berwick, 668 Princes Highway, Berwick, Vic 3806
My best advice
Regardless of the weather in Melbourne, get out there and experience what the city has to offer. Melbourne has many free events. Be sure to check them out.
Taxi or other local transport? Melbourne’s public transport is the easiest and best way to get around the city. Make sure you get yourself a Myki smartcard for flexible travel between trains, trams and buses.
Keep away of: King Street Bars and Clubs in Melbourne.
Where next: I have an endless list of amazing destinations that I would love to travel too over the next couple of years. Some of them are Singapore, Bora Bora, Maldives and back to the USA. If you want to see more of what I have been up too, please subscribe to my website.
More about her website Christine King
Instagram: @christineeking
Twitter: @christine27king
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