Along the Yarra River
Melbourne is the capital of Victoria, and is an artsy city. Everything from the bridges, to the parks and buildings, is done in a myriad of styles. Some of them seem so whimsical. I especially love the Federation Bells in Birrarung Marr Park. It is a series of 36 computer-controlled bells that toll at various times during the day and are all sizes. They are just one example of the detail and care that has been put into the city.
Melbourne must be one of the best places for getting around without a car, that is except for getting to the airport. They have a nice train/metro system that branches out from the middle of the city to the suburbs. We were based in Edithvale and it was very easy to jump on the train, which comes about every 20 minutes to get to the heart of the city.
Once there, our first stop was the Melbourne Visitor’s Center which is completely overwhelming. The walls are covered with brochures and ideas. Even though there is a number system and a little bit of a wait, I must say that when it was our turn, we did get some great advice and our assistant was extremely helpful. Some visitor’s centers that I have been to refuse to give you any indication where to eat or stay, but this man told us where he always eats fish n’ chips, and for me that’s always a good place to start.
One of the best displays were the columns listed the tram routes and the tourist sights to hop on and off to go to. We did do parts of the Central Tram route and really enjoyed ourselves. We started at the Unesco World Heritage Site—The Royal Exhibition Hall and Carlton Gardens, then went to the Melbourne Gaol and State Library.
Melbourne is also the jumping off point for a couple of key tourist sites, the Penguin Parade on Phillip Island and the Great Ocean Road. Both of these are must-see sights that you will not want to miss while in the area.
The Penguin Parade is located on Phillip Island and is about an hour to an hour and a half’s drive from the city. There are tours that you can sign up for out of the Visitor’s Center if you don’t have your own transportation, but if you rent a car it’s the best way to go. The day we went it was sold out! I don’t know how many people that encompasses, but let me tell you—a lot! The reason you go here is to view the Little Penguins (the smallest species of penguins) return to their burrows after a few days of fishing. I was afraid that with that many people, the penguins would be spooked, but not so; we saw plenty. A little pricey, I would still say do this! It didn’t disappoint, but leave your camera at home as they do not allow you to take any photos.
The Great Ocean Road is just that a road….albeit a road with some spectacular views. Unless you are there to just see the scenery, there are plenty of places to stop, swim, surf, eat, jump on trampolines, and just hang out at the beach. We watched (and drove with) thousands of people who were ready to enjoy the sun and the sand. Again, this is something that you just have to do, so do it!
Plenty of things to do along the Great Ocean Road
Melbourne is definitely a city that I could live in. It’s clean, spacious, friendly, has tons of things to do and see, and it’s fun!