Melbourne
is frequently touted as one of the world's most "livable"
cities - which is certainly true - but it's also one of the
most international places on Earth. A quarter of the three
million people who call Melbourne home were born overseas,
and successive waves of immigration from Europe, the Middle
East and Asia have helped to create the cosmopolitan metropolis
that exists today.
Melbourne lacks the glitz of Sydney or the heavenly climate
of Brisbane, and there are fewer tourist-pulling attractions
- though Federation Square, the National Gallery of Victoria,
the Melbourne Zoo and Melbourne Museum are all excellent.
Melbourne's pleasures are more understated, and spring from
the enormous diversity of its people and their laidback disposition.
Melbourne is probably the most open-minded of all Australian
cities. Different cultures, classes and sexualities coexist
here in (relative) harmony, and a permissive live-and-let-live
attitude prevails. World-class galleries, shopping centres
and restaurants can all be found here, but for every Gucci
emporium and Hard Rock Cafe there's a hundred recycled clothing
boutiques and ethnic restaurants to be discovered. |
Queen Victoria Market
Nothing attracts people more than the prospect of a bargain.
Combine that with a vibrant mix of cultures, a century of
history and you have a full day's activities in one location.
There is plenty on offer here—from meat, fish, vegetables
and fruit to aromatherapy, arts and crafts and bargain clothing.
There are also regular lectures by leading chefs and market
tours—check Web site for updated program. Built in
1878, the Market comprises several classified historic buildings
meaning that its future is certain to be protected, much
to the relief of the 130,000 shoppers that visit every week.
The Great Ocean Road
The south-west coast of Victoria offers one of the most
spectacular drives in the world. Winding roads, plunging
cliffs, eucalypt studded hillsides, primeval rainforests,
wind-battered oceans and tales of piracy and shipwreck all
feature in a drive along the famed Great Ocean Road. Built
between 1918 and 1932 by about 3,000 ex-servicemen; the
project was dedicated to those who died in World War I.
The road stretches from Anglesea to Warrnambool and includes
many highlights such as the much photographed Twelve Apostles,
seaside villages and the magnificent Otway Ranges and Port
Campbell National Park.
Elwood Beach
Backed by the leafy Elwood Park and Point Ormond Reserve,
rather than the screeching traffic of Beaconsfield Parade
that lines the beaches further to the North, Elwood is a
popular beach for families to visit. The facilities in place
include barbecue areas and playgrounds on the lawns, tennis
courts, an angling club, lifesaving and boating clubs, and
a no-boating zone for swimmers. At the southern end of the
beach an area has been set aside especially for water skiers.
Fort Nepean
Located at the entrance to Port Phillip Bay, Fort Nepean
was regarded up until World War II as a vital defence post.
Today, visitors can walk through the tunnels, clamber over
the battlements and enjoy the views over the Mornington
National Park, with its pristine beaches and colonies of
rare birds. Motion-activated sound-scapes tell the story
of the fort and the area's military history. Visitor numbers
are limited, so contact the Portsea Visitors Centre before
you go.
Rare Bears
Rare Bears was one Melbourne's first indoor play centres
and is still very popular. It has separate zones for under
threes with a good assortment of activities such as a ball
pit and a play kitchen, plus a separate area with ride-on
cars. The older ones can burn up energy exploring the imaginatively
designed climbing equipment, playing basketball or attempting
the rock-climbing wall. There are comfy sofas for adults
to relax on and a caf that sells baby food and nappies as
well as grownup fare.
Koorie Heritage Trust Inc.
Brightly coloured tapestries hang from the walls and artists
wander in regularly for workshops, just as they have done
for countless millennia. The Koori Heritage Trust Inc. safeguards
a way of life that was born in the Stone Age and survived
the onslaught of the white invader.There are many artefacts,
weapons, utensils and other memorabilia on display as well
as Koori artists hard at work on selected days. With the
gift shop selling a range of books and memorabilia, the
Koori Heritage Trust is a first stop for anyone wanting
to learn more about Australia's true cultural roots.
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