From wineries, to relaxing natural springs, coastlines and peninsulas. The gateway to all things wonderful
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA: The capital of Victoria and the second most populous city in Australia is a wonderful city. Full of immigrants whose background usually spans multiple ethnicities, who are passionate about life, food, art and sport. Explore the inner city hidden laneways buzzing with great food, boutique shopping and great arts.
From it’s city centre to it’s bustling neighbourhood hubs, the city has everything imaginable to one’s liking. From world class wineries, to relaxing natural springs, to amazing coastlines and peninsulas. Melbourne really is the gateway to all things wonderful.
Here to stay
The Chateau Yering historic homestead was reborn in 1997 as a 5 star property. It’s located about 90km east of Melbourne City and is in the heart of the Yarra Valley. The property contains 32 luxury suites with marble bathrooms. You definitely feel like you have stepped back in time in these luxurious styled bedrooms.
Eleonore’s Restaurant is a fine dining restaurant located on the property featuring Yarra Valley’s freshest produce. The restaurant menu is designed by Executive Chef Mathew Macartney. For the full review on Chateau Yering, please click here
Chateau Yering
42 Melba Highway, Yering, VIC, 3770
Crown Promenade is one of the premier luxury hotels and as it’s conveniently located in the Southbank precinct. The bedrooms are just perfect for ending your evening in the city. The large indoor infinity pool and spa is a must see and has fabulous views of the Crown Complex.
Head down for breakfast at Mesh Restaurant to indulge in their extensive buffet breakfast – with a chef on standby making freshly cooked eggs to your liking.
Crown Promenade8 Whiteman Street, Southbank, VIC, 3006
The Langham Melbourne
As you drive into the valet parking and are greeted by the parking attendant who is immaculately dressed in his top hat and suit, you know you are in for a fantastic stay. The aroma of Ginger Flower when you arrive in reception is a welcoming scent and is common to all hotels worldwide. For the full review on The Langham Melbourne, please click here
Places to Eat
Windows on the Bay
With beautiful views out to the Port Phillip Foreshore, this restaurant has setting for watching the sunset over the water. With high quality produce and dishes bursting with flavour, what more could you ask for at this fantastic venue.
For the full review on Windows on the Bay, please click here
Windows on the Bay, Peter Scullin Reserve, 333 Beach Road, Mordialloc
Om Nom Kitchen Dessert Bar, Located at the stylish Adelphi hotel Om Nom Kitchen Dessert Bar is here to tantalise your tastebuds. The signature desserts are truly spectacular and leaves you wondering what else is on the menu. Head in for a truly culinary experience.
For the full review on Om Nom Kitchen Dessert Bar, please click here
High Tea
Sofitel Melbourne On Collins Looking to indulge in a fabulous High Tea? Well look no further than the High Tea here. This set up buffet style which has a selection of finger sandwiches, hot and cold savouries, freshly cooked crepes and pikelets, freshly cooked scones with jam and cream and a variety of cakes and desserts. The High Tea is also accompanied by a glass of sparkling wine and tea or coffee.
For the full review on The High Tea, please click here
Sofitel Melbourne On Collins, 25 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3000.
Cristina Re The Cristina Re High Tea takes place at their concept store in Collingwood. The High Tea is very pretty and is beautifully set up in Cristina Re branded tableware. The High Tea consists of Cupcakes, Macarons, Scones, Gourmet Finger Sandwiches and a variety of signature Tea Blends, Hot Chocolate or Juices.
For the full review on The High Tea, please click here
Attractions
Melbourne Aquarium
The Melbourne Aquarium is located on the Yarra River, opposite Crown Entertainment Complex and is home to over 10,000 animals. The aquarium hosts one of the world’s largest Saltwater Crocodiles in the Croc Lair exhibit.
For the full review on Melbourne Aquarium, please click here
Melbourne Aquarium, Corner King & Flinders Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3000.
Luna Park
Luna Park is located on the foreshore of St. Kilda Beach and is most famous for its Scenic Railway Roller Coaster. It’s the oldest operating wooden roller coaster in the world and offers stunning views of Port Phillip Bay. Other rides include the Freakout, Spider, Ghost Train, Coney Island Top Drop and the Carousel. Luna Park has something to offer for all ages. For the full review on Luna Park, please click here
Luna Park 18 Lower Esplanade, St. Kilda, VIC, 3182, Phone: 03 9525 5033. Open daily.
Eureka Skydeck
The Eureka Skydeck is said to be one of Melbourne’s most spectacular tourist destinations and was originally opened in 2007. It has the highest viewing platform in the Southern Hemisphere and has hosted millions of visitors from around the world. It’s definitely worth a visit to see what all the hype is about.
For the full review on Eureka Skydeck, please click here
Eureka Skydeck 7 Riverside Quay, Southbank, VIC, 3006, Phone: 03 9693 888. Open daily.
The Puffing Billy
The Puffing Billy Railway is said to be Australia’s favourite steam train and one the finest preserved steam railways in the world. The railway commenced operation on December 18, 1900 and was used to transport goods and passengers throughout the area.
This century-old steam train continues to run on its original mountain track from Belgrave to Gembrook in the magnificent Dandenong Ranges 40kms east of Melbourne.
Melbourne Zoo
Melbourne Zoo has over 300 species from around the world. Some of the amazing animals to see are Emus, Zebras, Tigers, Gorillas, Baboons, Lions, Bears, Penguins, Reptiles and Giraffes to name a few.
Melbourne Zoo, Elliott Avenue, Parkville, VIC, 3052. Phone: 1300 966 784. Open daily from 9am to 5pm every day of the year.
Wineries
Domaine Chandon Winery
Domaine Chandon Winery is located in the Yarra Valley and is said to be one of Australia’s oldest and most prestigious wine regions. The winery was established by French Champagne house Moet & Chandon back in 1986. Visitors to Chandon Winery are allowed to do a self-guided tour.
Chandon Winery, 727 Maroondah Highway, Coldstream, VIC, 3770. Phone: 03 9738 9200. Open daily from 12pm to 4pm every day except Christmas Day & Boxing Day.
General Entry: Free to enter. See website for pricing for meals and tours.
Art & Culture
Melbourne Museum
Melbourne Museum is located opposite the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton Gardens. The museum hosts 8 different galleries which explores our culture, history and natural environment.
Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton, VIC, 3053.
Scienceworks:
Scienceworks is located about 5km from Melbourne City and is a great way to interact with science and technology. The museum has live demonstrations, guided tours, activities and shows. Address: 2 Booker Street, Spotswood, VIC, 3015
Events
January:
Melbourne Australian Open
Big Day Out
February:
White Night Melbourne
Melbourne Food and Wine Festival:
St. Kilda Festival
March:
Melbourne Grand Prix
Melbourne International Comedy Festival
Moomba Festival
April:
International Comedy Festival
Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show
Anzac Day Parade
May:
St. Kilda Film Festival
June:
Melbourne International Jazz Festival
August:
Melbourne Art Fair
September:
AFL Grand Final
Royal Melbourne Show
October & November:
Spring Racing Carnival
December:
Boxing Day Test
Beaches
St. Kilda Beach, one of the most popular beaches in Melbourne, St. Kilda Beach is not only great for swimming but people watching as well. Be sure to head down to St. Kilda Pier for some breathtaking views and gorgeous sunsets.
Brighton Beach is famous for its colourful bathing boxes. Make sure your bring camera down to take some amazing photos of theses iconic boxes. The foreshore reserves have fantastic barbecue and playground facilities.
Sandringham and Black Rock. These long, safe sandy bay beaches have excellent boating and marina facilities. The extensive foreshore reserve area is perfect for picnics, and there is also a walking and cycling path.
Carrum Beach. Carrum Beach has a great swimming beach near the Patterson River. The foreshore reserves have fantastic barbecue, playground and picnic facilities.
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. You’ll be able to use public transport in and around the city for just a few hours or all day.
Melbourne also has The NightRider, which is a late night bus service that operates on Friday’s and Saturday’s. The NightRider buses leave from safe locations in the central city and make over 300 stops along ten NightRider routes.
Weather: Melbourne is said to have 4 seasons in one day, meaning that the weather can change in a drop of a hat. Melbourne enjoys a temperate climate with warm to hot summers, mild balmy springs and autumns and cool winters.
Summer: December to February. Average Maximum 25.c (77.F). Average Minimum 14.c (57.F). Autumn: March to May. Average Maximum 20.c (68.F), Average Minimum 11.c (52.F)
Winter: June to August. Average Maximum 14.c (57.F). Average Minimum 7.c (45.F)
Spring: September to November. Average Maximum 20.c (68.F). Average Minimum 10.c (50.F)
For more information and stories on Melbourne, please visit my website.
Christine King, Photography, Travel, Lifestyle
Website: www.christinekings.com.au.
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