This is an absolute must for nature lovers as visitors can glimpse hundreds of penguins returning to their sand dune homes after a day out fishing. If you don’t get there in time to see the penguin parade, there is plenty more to see and do in this beautiful nature reserve including seal tours and wildlife cruises. One not to be missed.
A Game of Aussie Rules
While the rest of the world struggle to understand the concept of the game, Melbournians go mad for a spot of Aussie Rules. Always a noisy affair, a night at the Aussie Rules is worth a try for the atmosphere alone.
For those of you, like me, that don’t know anything about the game, the Collingwood Magpies rule the roost and are Melbourne’s best supported team. You can catch the Collingwood Magpies in action at either the Telstra Dome or the sporting Mecca of the MCG.
N.B. The drinks begin to flow well before the kick-off so be prepared for raucous crowds and the odd spluttering of colorful language once the game does finally get under way!
Hot Chocolate at Koko Black
Situated in the Royal Arcade off Bourke Street Mall, Koko Black serves hot chocolate that would give Juliet Binoche in ‘Chocolat’ a run for her money. The famed hot chocolate is made from ground Belgian chocolate as opposed to powder and full-cream milk and is served piping hot. A mug of this stuff is sheer indulgence but is oh so good!- especially after a few too many beers the night before!
Queen Victoria Market
The Queen Victoria Market has an extraordinary array of fresh fruit and vegetable stalls featuring produce from throughout the region and across the world. Bric-a-brac and clothing stalls also pack the market which is always full of backpackers and locals looking for a bargain.
The best thing about the market is all the free samples you can stuff your face with- especially if you’re traveling on a tight budget!
Eureka Tower
This is a great way to view the city in all its glory, but is not for the faint hearted! The views from the top of the observation deck on the 88th floor are stunning and provide an incredible view over the city and ocean beyond. For those of you who think being 300 meters above the ground isn’t enough of a thrill, there is a moveable glass cube on the observation deck which suspends you over the edge of the building.
Wine Tasting with the Mornington Ride
This trip takes you out into the famous wine producing region of the Mornington Peninsular which is home to more than 40 wineries. You get a personalized tours of vineyards, an explanation of the wine making process as part of the deal; but most importantly you get to drink lots and lots of wine!
The Hidden Secrets Tour
This is a really good way to get to know the city. Run by fashion aficionado Fiona Sweetman, who knows Melbourne like the back of her hand, you are taken on a three hour tour of the center of the city and shown places you would never otherwise have known existed. Hidden secrets include concealed lofts and trendy designer clothing outlets.
Dinner on the Colonial Melbourne Tramcar Restaurant
This is a dining experience like no other that allows you to do two travel musts at the same time- eat and site see. Aboard the Melbourne Tramcar you get to take in all the sights of Melbourne like St. Kilda and South Melbourne whilst tucking into a four or five course gourmet meal and waited on hand-on-foot!
Not bad eh?! The only downside is that this experience doesn’t come cheap with prices starting at a prohibitive 82.50 AUD. However, the general low-down is that you do appear to get value for money and is well worth the investment if you fancy being pampered.
The National Gallery of Victoria
Ok, art might not really be your thing but the National Gallery of Victoria is actually really good. The gallery features art from around the globe and has showcased some of arts’ crown jewels in its time. The exhibitions vary in interest but the volunteer tours don’t as the volunteer tour guides are both interesting and funny.
If films are more your thing, get yourself down (or should that be up?!) to the Roof Top cinema on the roof of Curtin House in Swanston Street. Screening cult classics like Zoolander and Blade Runner, the Roof Top cinema is the place to watch a movie. Be warned though- tickets run-out fast and need to be booked in advance!
The Ramsay Street set
We all know the theme tune, and love it or hate it, a trip to the Neighbours set is something that really has to be done when visiting Melbourne as all your mates will be asking about it when you get home.
Ramsay Street doesn’t really exist but the free tour of the street allows you to watch the film crew filming and take a photo of the famous houses. No Neighbours tour would be complete without meeting some of the cast and you can catch Dr Karl (Alan Fletcher) or Toadie (Ryan Maloney) at the Neighbours trivia night every Monday at the Elephant and Wheelbarrow Pub.
Tags : Hotelss, Australia, Melbourne, Travel