Melbourne

What's it really like?

Time Difference: GMT + 10 hours

Location:

Beneath its fair share of tower blocks in the centre, Melbourne is a sophisticated city with many shady avenues and a few reminders of its elegant, colonial past.

The circle tram, which is free and runs every 10 minutes is a great way to see the sites and absorb the laid-back mood of the state capital.

Even though Melbourne can't compete with Sydney's famous sites it has embraced lots of European cultures which have had a positive influence, especially in the suburb of Carlton known as 'little Italy' which is rammed with quaint street cafés. This all fits in nicely with the European climate, too.

The latest modern development in central Melbourne is Federation Square which is home to Victorian National Gallery and the Centre for the Moving Image, as well as some outdoor dining

Beaches:

Note: Drownings are all too common on Australia's beaches and bathers are advised to stay close to lifeguard zones and only swim within the flagged areas

Port Melbourne is the closest beach to the centre and provides palm-fringed lawns and a wide expanse of sand. The pedestrianised pathway is excellent for an evening stroll and popular with cyclists.

St Kilda Beach is a true summer venue for locals who enjoy their outdoor games on the sand such as volleyball and kite-flying.

Also worth a visit along the coast are the giant limestone rocks known as the Twelve Apostles that rise majestically from the Southern Ocean.

Days out:

• Hire a car and take the Great Ocean Road which winds itself around Victoria’s rugged coast. En route there are photographic points, waterfalls and sunken ships
• Winter sports fans can head for the snowfields of Mount Hotham and Mount Buller for serious skiing, or try the more gentle slopes for beginners.
• One of the more bizarre local attractions is the huge old Melbourne jail which was shut down in 1929 after 135 executions. It was the final home of the legendary outlaw, Ned kelly who was hanged in 1880. His death mask is among the more macabre artifacts.
• The 'Neighbours' TV series is filmed in Melbourne and backstage tours of Ramsey Street operate twice a day. It last for 3 hours but only true fans should make the effort!

Melbourne is recognised as Australia’s shopping capital with fashionable malls and victorian arcades, plus a good selection of stores along the Yarra River

Other Attractions:

• Ayers Rock (Ulura) is the world's most famous natural monolith and of great spiritual significance for Aboriginal people. As a consequence tourists are asked not to climb the rock although many still do!

  The sacred site is Australia's biggest attraction and provides glimpses of the native Australian's past through cave paintings.

  A small town has sprung up in the surrounding outback to provide accommodation for visitors and essential supplies for travellers.

  Great Barrier Reef. This breathtaking natural phenomenon stretches for more than twelve hundred miles and is home to the world's most dazzling sealife. Diving or snorkelling equipment is provided on organised excursions or you can view the marine life from a glass bottom boat.

• The longest stretch of straight railway track in the world crosses the Nullarbor Plain. From Nurina in Western Australia to near Watson in South Australia, the track is dead straight for 478 kilometres.

Nights out:

The choice of places to get fed and watered around Melbourne is overwhelming. The Carlton suburb and its famous Italian restaurants on Lygon Street is the place to go for authentic, al-fresco cuisine beneath the oak trees.

Greek, Indian and Caribbean dining is also available

Australia’s largest concentration of 'live' music venues come alive at night with everything from rock, jazz, soul and blues.

There's also a vast selection of bars and nightclubs.

Children:

Luna Park is a traditional funfair which has been operating for nearly 100 years. It has nothing compared to the sophisticated theme park attractions of the USA and Europe but still worth a visit.

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