State of Victoria Things to Do Tips by windsorgirl

Melbourne is Australia's second largest city, but is considered first with regards to its art and culture. It is home to a multi national population of three million, with the third largest Greek population in the world. You will find a diversity of eating establishments, including Italian, Greek, Thai and Indian. I enjoyed Melbourne's many parks and bicycle paths that follow the winding Yarra River through the city.

The bright yellow Flinders Street Station is a popular landmark in downtown Melbourne.

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Directions: Melbourne is located in southern Victoria on Port Phillip Bay.

These 2 city blocks on the "south bank" of the Yarra River are a great place to stroll, eat an ice cream or dine al fresco while enjoying the marvelous view of the Melbourne skyline across the water. From here it is a short walk to the Royal Botanical Gardens, the Shrine of Rememberance and the Arts Center.

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If you know me, you know that I love flowers and gardens and almost always make a point of visiting gardens on my travels. This trip was no exception.

I enjoyed the walking trails through this 36 acre park, as well as the views back onto the city, as pictured here. While on your walk, look up into the trees to spot gigantic bat-like creatures hanging upside down from the branches. There are many flying foxes residing in the RBG.

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Directions: St. Kilda Road south of the Melbourne city centre
Website: http://www.rbg.vic.gov.au/

St. Kilda beach is a great place to spend an afternoon. It has a large beach and the Esplanade is a great place for cycling or walking. St. Kilda is also known for it budget accomodations and restaurants.

Here is where you will find the colourful, if somewhat creepy clown of Luna Park. You enter through the clown's mouth to find classic carnival rides including a roller coaster and ferris wheel. Luna Park first opened in 1912 and is now open on weekends and school holidays.

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Directions: St. Kilda is easily accessed by trams from Flinders St Station and Spencer St Station. It is only 2.5 kms southeast of the city centre.
Website: www.lunapark.com.au

It is well worth a detour to these colourful beachfront shacks, especially if you enjoy photography. But don't think about buying one, when I was last there they were selling for about $75,000 Australian.

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Directions: Brighton Beach is located about 10kms south of the Melbourne City Centre.

This world class zoo exhibits animals in their recreated native habitats. It is Australia's oldest zoo, opened in 1862. You can visit the African Rainforest, the aviary or butterfly house. You can also view Australia's famously unusual marsupials as well as the elusive platypus.

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Directions: On Elliott Ave, north of the University of Melbourne.
Website: http://www.zoo.com.au/visiting.cfm?zoo_id=1

This scenic stretch of road travels for 200kms along Victoria's southern coast between Torquay in the east and Warnambool in the west. You pass some wonderful beaches, good surfing, pine forests and spectacular coastal scenery including the Twelve Apostles, although only seven remain. The best time to view them is at sunset.

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Directions: The start of the Great Ocean Road in Torquay is a 1.5 hr drive southeast from Melbourne

Unfortunately, or .....perhaps fortunately, London Bridge fell down just a few days before my arrival in April 1990. Two tourists were left stranded on the remaining piece (thank god they weren't on the piece that fell) and had to be rescued by helicopter. One day the remains of London Bridge will resemble the "twelve" apostles as the relentless ocean waves continue to erode the limestone structures. As you can see from the photo, a temporary barrier was installed following the collapse.

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Directions: west of Port Campbell on the Great Ocean Road

Sorrento is a popular holiday location for Victorians. They are attracted by the rocky coastline, surfing beaches and turquoise blue waters. It is also popular with the seagulls as you can see from my photo!

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Directions: Sorrento is located on Mornington Peninsula 112 kms south of Melbourne on Port Phillip Bay

This rugged, rocky park lies in the dry Victorian outback between Melbourne and Adelaide. There are many walking trails to some stunning viewpoints or a beautiful waterfall. You can camp here and visit the Cultural Centre to learn about the Victorian Aboriginals. The Grampians is also a very popular spot for rock climbing....if you should feel so inclined.

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Directions: 260 kms west of Melbourne
Website: http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/1park_display.cfm?park=109