Melbourne Things to Do Tips by aussiejen

The Queen Victoria Market is locally known as the Vic Market. It was officially opened on 20 March 1878. Many of the buildings date back to to this time.
The market is only a few minutes walk from the city centre or catch a tram along Elizabeth St or William St.

The market is divided in two by Queen Street......upper and lower. The lower is dominated by the Meat Hall, which sells fresh fish as well. It is a real experience to enter this hall and listen to the traders yelling out their specials. The Dairy Hall is well stocked with delis, bakeries and poultry shops. Plenty of yummy lunchtime food available too.
The upper market is renowned for it's variety and quantity of fruit and vegetables. This is where you will also find a huge array of clothing, leather goods, manchester, fabrics, jewellery, handicrafts and souvenirs.

Trading Hours:
Tuesday & Thursday.......6am-2pm
Friday................................ 6am-6pm (general merchandise to 4pm)
Saturday............................6am-3pm
Sunday..............................9am-4pm

Check the website for details of special events that are held here. At certain times of the year a Wednesday Night Market is conducted.

It is closed on Mondays and Wednesdays.

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Address: 513 Elizabeth St. Melbourne
Website: www.qvm.com.au

This is Australia's only Southern Ocean Aquarium. There are 4 levels. Entry is on King Street, this leads you to the Aquarium shop, Moorings Cafe, information desk and ticket booth. You will also see cuttlefish, seadragons and giant crabs on this level.

Level one has some interactive displays for the kids. Here you will also find a billabong, mangrove and rock pools.
From here there is a ramp leading you down to the lower level. Stop and check out the Coral Atoll (floor to ceiling coral reef) and the Sea Jellies Exhibit on the way down.

Once on the lower level you are watching the "Ocean Down Under". You will see Australia's Biggest Fish Bowl with Grey Nurse Sharks, Seven Gill Sharks, Stingrays and many other fish species.
The Ocean Theatre is located on this level where various daily presentations take place.

Next level up, you can ride the Dive Simulator or take the kids to the play area.

Toilets are located on each level.

The Melbourne Aquarium is open every day of the year. A great place to take the kids for a few hours.

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Phone: 03 96200999
Address: Cnr Queenswharf Rd & King St
Directions: Opposite Crown Casino, next to the Yarra River.
Website: www.melbourneaquarium.com.au

The Melbourne Observation Deck is located on the 55th floor in the Rialto Towers at 525 Collins St. It is the tallest office building in the southern hemisphere.
The deck is open every day of the year from 10am until late. Views are spectacular, giving you a better understanding of the layout of Melbourne and beyond. There are also external viewing areas. Binoculars are free of charge.
Included in the admission is a 20 minute "sight and sound extravaganza" in the Rialto Vision Theatre. This features lots of attractions not only in Melbourne but also other parts of Victoria. A video of this is also available for sale from the souvenir shop.
The licensed cafe bar is an ideal place to have a drink or meal while waiting for the sunset.
The Melbourne Observation Deck is a member of the prestigious World Federation of Great Towers.

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Address: 525 Collins St. Melbourne
Directions: Corner of Collins St and King St. in the heart of the CDB.
Website: www.melbournedeck.com.au

The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show is on every year. If you're in Melbourne in April don't miss it. The floral displays inside the Exhibition Buiding are absolutely beautiful. The garden displays outside are great too.
This arrangement was done by my daughter.

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Address: Exhibition Building, Carlton

Another floral arrangement at the Flower and Garden Show.
This show gives apprentice florists a chance to show off their skills. They are encouraged to enter the competition as part of their course.

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Address: Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton

The Crown Casino is probably best known for gambling, but it's worth a visit even if you are not a gambler.
There is plenty to see and do without entering the gaming area. There are lots of shops and food places throughout the complex.
Don't miss the atrium area. While I was there last week the Floral Fantasy exhibition was on. Beautiful larger-than-life flowers and exotic birds made out of 150,000 fresh blooms.

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Another floral arrangement by one of the apprentices from Box Hill TAFE.
The girls are encouraged to enter the competition as part of their course.
All the work is done on site on the first day of the show. It's rather daunting for the competitors as spectators are watching the floral arrangements take place. Time restrictions are in place, this is added pressure for the girls.

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The Old Melbourne Gaol is best known as the place where Ned Kelly (Australia's infamous bushranger) was hanged in 1880. Consequently there is a lot of interest in his life.
If you visit on a Saturday you can watch a live performance of "Such A Life" which tells the Ned Kelly story at 12.30pm and 2.00pm. This is included in the entry price of $13.50 per adult.
"Hangman's Night Tours" are generally held 4 nights a week. Bookings are essential, phone Ticketek on 13 28 49, or go to www.ticketek.com.au
This 3 story bluestone building is one of Melbourne's oldest surviving buildings. Construction began in 1841, the 1st cell block opened in 1845.
On the ground floor, outside the cells, you will find storyboards about early Melbourne and the building of the gaol. Inside the cells, there are stories about executed prisoners.
The story about Ned Kelly and his gang is told at the far end of the gaol. Here you can also see his death mask.
Open 7 days a week. Closed Christmas Day and Good Friday.

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Phone: 03 96637228
Address: Russell St. Melbourne
Directions: Between La Trobe and Victoria Streets. Catch the free City Circle Tram to the corner of Russell St. Closest to Melbourne Central Railway Station.
Website: www.nattrust.com.au

While in Melbourne make sure you check out the Docklands area. This is a relatively new area in Melbourne that is well worth a look at.
There is parking nearby or catch a tram. The city circle tram is on this route, and it's FREE.
There is nothing nicer than wandering along near the water on a sunny Melbourne day.
Buy an ice cream and sit and watch the boats or check out what's on the giant TV screens. The cricket was on the day we were there.
Wander past the sculptures and watch others being silly while having their photos taken!
There is a choice of restaurants here......very popular at weekends.

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Address: Melbourne Docklands

I love going down to the Great Ocean Rd. It's a favourite place to take interstate or overseas visitors.
The scenery is spectacular whether it's summer or the middle of winter. It's beautiful on a clear sunny day but just as great if it's a miserable cold day in winter.
The road has improved over the years but it's still quite windy and of course hilly. Care does need to be taken, especially on the bends. Watch out for those buses!!
There are lots of opportunities for photo taking. Make sure you stop at the turn out bays, good time to stretch the legs and marvel at the scenery.
The 12 Apostles are a highlight of the drive along the Great Ocean Rd.

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Directions: South East coast of Victoria