20ten Big

1. PINEAPPLE, QLD
There is so much more to the Big Pineapple than, well a pineapple that is big. There is an animal nursery and wildlife garden and tours of the plantation and macadamia forest. Visitors can even rife the Nutmobile (train) into the macadamia forest.

Of course there is a gift shop for all your pineapple related souvenirs, licensed dining and all the preserves, jams and homemade baked goods visitors could poke a stick at.

Web
www.bigpineapple.com.au
Cost
Entry Free
Plantation tour $16/$13/$11
Animal nursery $11.50/$9/$7.50
Nutmobile $9.50/$8/$7
Location
Nambour Connection Road Woonmbye, 1hr north of Brisbane on the Sunshine Coast

2. BANANA, NSW
Now 46 years old this banana is anything but rotten. Originally an attraction to encourage travellers to stop at a local roadside banana stall the Big Banana not sits at the entrance of a theme park, because Queensland needs another theme park.

Potentially lost amongst the waterslides, ice skating and toboggans is the banana theatre. Billed as a state of the art presentation of projections and. holographic like (not holographic – holographic like) images, the World of Bananas details the history and value of bananas. The value of bananas of course fluctuates from season to season and dramatically increases following a cyclone.

A new and slightly obscure addition to the Big Banana is the opening of Puppet People, which is a shop specialising in puppets. No real connection to bananas but who can resist a puppet?

Web
www.bigbanana.com.au
Costs
Big bunch $33/$27 Ice skating, waterslide, toboggan, banana theatre and tour
Blockbuster $16/$14 Toboggan, banana theatre and tour
Chill out $16/$14 Ice skating, banana theatre and tour
Cool runnings $16/$14 Toboggan and ice skating
Slip ‘n’ slide $22/$18 Waterslide and toboggan
Location
351 Pacific Highway, Coffs Harbour, 450km south of Brisbane

3. MERINO, NSW
Australia may joke about Tasmanians attraction to sheep, in a similar way that the English do about the Welsh, and yet it is Australia that so in love with the woolly beast that it has built the world’s biggest. Standing at 15.2m high it weighs 97tonnes and is in celebration of Australia’s history of economically riding on the sheep’s back (Making Australia settlers sound like some sort of perverted ovis pimp).

The Big Merino moved location in 2007 to place it closer to the expressway following road changes. Visitors to the Big Merino are invited inside (not as awkward as it sounds) to peruse the gift shop and on the second floor view the exhibit depicting the stages of wool production. The gift shop sells more than the tacky souvenir, it also stocks a wide range of wool products and clothing

Web
www.bigmerino.com.au
Cost
Free
Location
Cnr Hume Highway and Sowerby St, Goulburn

4. LOBSTER, SA
Marking the entrance to the visitor centre the lobster stands 17m high. Kingston SE, “Larry” the Lobster’s home is a coastal fishing town and also is the location of one of the best fish and chip shops in Australia. Visitors can pose for photos next to the big lobster and then eat its relatives for lunch at “Mac’s Takeaway”.

A café and hotel are also located in the precinct

Cost
Free
Location
Princess Highway, Kingston South East

5. ORANGE, SA
Located in the heart of Australia’s citrus region, visitors can climb inside this thick-skinned attraction (a pith poor joke, relax I was just taking the pip). At 15 meters in height this is the biggest of all of Australia’s big fruit.

Amongst its attractions is a panoramic viewing platform, a 360 degree mural, the compulsory gift/souvenir shop and\ café. Despite all of this “appeal” the Big Orange has had ongoing financial problems and regularly alternates from being open to the public to being closed. But that does not prevent the taking of a great Facebook photo. Berri is also where visitors can buy some of the best citrus fruit and products in the world.
Cost
Free
Location
Sturt Highway, Berri

6. CIGAR, VIC
What makes this novelty item such a novelty is that it is not memorialising an Australian icon. This politically incorrect erection is in honour of Sir Winston Churchill after whom the sculptures hometown is named.

If it could not get any weirder the original plan was to build five big cigars and locate them around the edge of the town centre. Alongside the base of the cigar is a plaque listing the names of the first families of the township. How long will it be until the Cancer Council erects a plaque showing a smoker with mouth cancer?

Cost
Free
Location
Tramway Road, Churchill, 160km north of Melbourne

7. ROCKING HORSE, SA
Like the lobster and banana, the rocking horse marks the entry to a commercial enterprise, in this case a wooden toy factory. Despite a fall in 1999 the public can still climb the horse to its viewing platforms some 18m up.

It is the world’s biggest rocking horse, though technically it does not rock, and has been voted as Australia’s best big thing. There is a wildlife park on site as well as a café and the toy factory where visitors can participate in a tour and of course buy all manner of hand and machine crafted wooden toys

Web
www.thetoyfactory.com.au
Entry
Free, including the wildlife park
Location
Adelaide Mannum Road, Gumeracha

8. GUITAR, NSW
Unlike other oversized string instruments around the country, this guitar actually works. It is the largest playable guitar in the world. It is in the visitors centre and ironically the main reason people visit this town. One may start to question that if there is not already enough points of interest in the region to attract visitors why build a visitors centre. At 6m in length visitors wanting to strum a tune or two are advised to bring a friend, to help with the cord changes.

Cost
Free
Location
Cnr Newell Highway and Cadell Street, Narrandera

9. CROCODILE, NT
I case crocodiles were not scary enough as one of the Australia’s deadliest animals the townsfolk of Humpty Doo have built a big one and given it boxing gloves! Keeping up tradition it marks the entrance to a shop, this time a Bush Shop and reptile park.

The retile park houses a good collection of Australian snakes and lizards including “Hoges” and “Strop” the pythons that starred in the Crocodile Dundee movies.

Costs
Reptile park entry $10/$5
Location
Arnhem Highway, Humpty Doo

10. STUBBY, NT
There can be nothing more Aussie than an oversized beer bottle. The town is not going to offer much more than drinking a couple of cold ones while viewing the big structure. It is a town with a population less than 20 and offers petrol and supplies (beer) to passers by. Inexplicably sitting next to the big stubby is a big pink panther, something that can only confuse people leaving the pub after a drinking session at the Larrimah Wayside Inn.

Cost
Free
Beer by the glass/can/bottle
Location
Stuart Highway, Larrimah

20ten Drive

1. GREAT OCEAN ROAD, VIC
Follow the Victorian coastline from Torquay to Allansford. The 243km road winds its way across cliff tops to beaches headlands and through forest areas. There are many opportunities for panoramic photos of the Southern Ocean and Bass Strait. It is a winding road so parents travelling with young children might be advised to bring a plastic bucket or ice cream container.

There are many beach-side towns to stop for a bite to eat, stretch the legs and empty the bucket. Make sure to stop at what is left of the Twelve Apostles, east of Port Campbell. They are limestone columns formed through erosion by the wind and waves. Following another column collapsing in September 2009 there are only seven Apostles remaining.

Between June and October southern right whales may also be seen off the coast of Warrnambool. Along the journey visitors might also see dolphins and seals. Visitors feeling more energetic may travel part of the distance on foot following the Great Beach Walk, a 91km stretch of beach between Apollo Bay and Glenample. Camping sites are available.

Web
www.greatoceanroad.org

2. NULLARBOR PLAN, SA-WA
Officially, the 1668km (1042mi) drive along the Eyre Highway goes from Port Augusta SA to Norseman WA (or vice versa). Having got to either of these towns visitors may soon realise they are still a long way from anywhere. There are roadhouses every 200km or so, therefore planning fuel purchases is critical.

Part of this journey includes the world’s longest stretch of straight road. Between Balladonia and Caiguna there is 146.6km of bituman without a turn. To break this journey up travellors stop to enjoy the spectacular views from atop the cliffs of the Great Australian Bight. During winter southern right whale cows can often be seen swimming with their calves.

3. BLUE MOUNTAINS, NSW
There are 18 mapped drives people can follow through the Blue Mountains varying in length and difficulty. It is also possible to do follow a 1200km (750mi) circular route of connecting roads, starting in the outer western Sydney suburb of Penrith.

The complete route roughly follows the boundaries of Nattai, Kanangari and Wollemi National Parks and takes visitors as far north and Muswellbrook and south to Goulburn. The main attraction is the environment itself, which will continually change throughout the drive. If rocks, trees waterways and wildlife are just not enough, the Blue Mountains also offer up numerous art galleries, cafes, markets and mines. Bushwalking and cycling is also popular in this area throughout the year, adding to the obstacles to avoid along the way.

Web
www.greatbluemountains.com.au

4. DAINTREE, QLD
Explore Australia’s favourite rainforest. The drive north of Mossman will take tourists to the coast across rivers, through sugarcane farmland and deep into the heat of the tropical forest. June to November is cane harvesting season so farm machinery and transport will also be on the roads.

Pack the rod and tackle as the drive includes great opportunity for recreational fishing. The beaches are also particularly inviting for a lazy swim. Fresh tropical fruit is also in abundance all year round. For nature lovers the Daintree offers many opportunities to watch some of the most unique fauna in the world doing whatever it is they do. It is going to be warm to hot all year round with relatively high humidity.

Make the most of the region by spending a few days exploring the towns and joining a local tour or one of the numerous cruises along the waterways and estuaries.

Web
www.daintreevillage.asn.au

5. FLINDERS RANGES, SA
The complete round trip is approximately 1000km (625mi) from Adelaide to as far north as Blinman. This drive is accessible by all cars though a 4WD will be easier and a lot more fun with a number of off-road tracks dotted throughout the region.

This drive will take visitors to some of South Australia’s most historic towns and important Indigenous sites. In spring, after winter rains, visitors will also see some of Australia’s rarest wild flowers. When you get to Wilpena Pound it is worth taking a scenic flight to get the best view of the valleys, gorges and the natural amphitheatre. To make the most of this drive visitors are encouraged to get out of the car and walk even just for a few minutes into the scrub, forests or desert – depending on where you are.

Highlights will include mining at Leigh Creek and Burra, Pichie Richie Railway (Quorn), Mount Remarkable and Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary. Visitors should make sure they have adequate water, sun protection and personal insect repellent.

Web
www.southaustralia.com.au/FlindersRangesDrive

6. WILSONS PROMONTORY, VIC
This 213km (133mi) drive south east of Melbourne will take visitors to the southern most point of the Australian mainland. The wind off Bass Strait make this area perfect for kite flying, it also means it is worth packing a jacket.

Take time exploring the many walking tracks through Wilsons Promontory National Park exploring the beaches, swamps, fern gullies and eucalyptus forests. Take the camera to Mount Vereker Lookout for the picture postcard photos. Walk along Squeaky Beach as much for the sound as the view. The white quartz crystal sand makes a unique squeaking sound underfoot.

Web
http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/1park_display.cfm?park=217

7. TASMANIA
The road network of Tasmania enables drivers to drive around the entire island. The drive around the complete triangle is approximately 1250km (781mi). It is possible to get around the island on sealed roads that will take visitors to a range of diverse environments. Tasmania is however better explored with a 4WD.

Tasmania is not the place for a driver’s first road trip as the roads can be steep and winding, during the winter moths they can also be icy. It is also common to encounter wildlife that do not understand the concept of giving way and logging trucks that – even following the road rules – create quite a challenge on some of the narrow mountain roads.

The ruggedness of the wild west coast is definitely one of the highlights. The island abounds with unique wildlife ancient forests and some of Australia’s most historic architecture with many structures having been hand built by convicts.

Web
www.discovertasmania.com/travel_information/car_hire/self-drive

8. BINNS WAY, NT
No need to clean the 4WD before this tour, it is guaranteed to be covered in red dust from the Australian outback by the end of the trip. So is everything else you take with you for that matter! Starting at Mount Dare near the South Australian border this drive will take travellers 2191km north to Timber Creek.

Despite the first appearances of a somewhat desolate landscape it is recommended that travellers take at least 10 days to see and do everything central Australia has to offer. Passing through Alice Springs, the track includes the western edge of the Simpson Desert - Australia’s biggest, N’Dhala Gorge which has over 6000 indigenous rock paintings, unused mines, waterholes, rivers (with and without water) and caves

One geological highlight of this track is the Devil’s marbles about halfway through the journey. This rock formation will inspire everyone’s inner photographer.

Binns track is for the experienced 4W driver and can be dangerous. Thorough planning is required before embarking of this drive for mechanical and medical emergencies and adequate provisions.

Web
http://en.travelnt.com/experience/driving/binns-track.aspx

9. MONKEY MIA, WA
Located 861km (538mi) north of Perth it could be argued that as good as the drive is, this journey is all about the destination. Monkey Mia’s is most famous for its dolphin population that enjoy swimming with the locals and tourists. Jump on a catamaran to venture out to deeper water to look for dugong, sea snakes and other marine life.

Along the way stop at Geraldton to explore the Pinnacles, unique limestone rock formations up to 5m high sticking out of the sand of the Pinnacles Desert. This is another opportunity to observe some of Australia’s wildlife; bush wallaby, honey possum and various reptiles and birds.

Web
www.wavisitorcentre.com

10. ROUNDOZ- MOTORBIKE
Have you got a motorcycle licence and a couple of months spare? Then why not ride around Australia. Planned itineraries are available to ensure riders get to see all of the natural and built highlights Australia has to offer.
It is a long ride and needs to be thoroughly planned, Australia is big and there can be long distances between facilities. There will be many nights of camping on the side of the road (a safe distance from the bitumen of course) Riders must be experienced on their bike and being self sufficient. A basic knowledge of mechanics would also be an advantage as it can be a long walk to the nearest service station.

Web
www.bikeroundoz.com

20ten Trains

1. INDIAN PACIFIC
The Indian Pacific traverses Australia east-west. It goes Sydney-Adelaide-Perth (or vice versa) making it one of the world’s longest train journeys. It takes three nights during which time passengers will get to experience some of the best of Australia’s natural environment including the Blue Mountains and Nullarbor Plain. Just like the drive, the Nullarbor stretch of this journey makes up the longest straight section of railway in the world.

Although this line also passes through some Australia’s most famous country towns, the downside of train travel is that passengers do not get time to explore.

Web
http://www.gsr.com.au/our-trains/indian-pacific/the-journey.php
Cost
Sydney to Perth
Gold Service $1514/$1022 (includes meals)
Sleeper $1036/$689/$628
Day/Night Seat $458/$231/$211
Departs
Sydney Saturday and Wednesday
Perth Wednesday and Sunday

2. THE GHAN
Now in its 81st ear the Ghan is an Australian icon. For the first 70 years of service it travelled from Adelaide to Alice Springs until the extension through to Darwin was opened in 2004. This means it is now also possible to travel the country north-south.

It is a two-night journey through the heart of the continent. The Ghan gets its name from the Afghan Express which was the nickname given to the Afghan camel train that trekked the same route prior to the construction of the railway.

The Ghan connects with the Indian Pacific and The Overland

Web
http://www.gsr.com.au/our-trains/the-ghan/the-journey.php
Cost
Adelaide to Darwin
Gold Service $1973/$1357 (includes meals)
Sleeper $1312/$877/$800
Day/Night Seat $716/$363/$331
Departs
Adelaide Sunday and Wednesday
Darwin Wednesday and Saturday

3. THE OVERLAND
The Overland travels between Adelaide and Melbourne. This is considered to be the first interstate rail service in Australia. Like The Ghan, this train gets its name from the route travelled by Australian pioneers. The Overlanders travelled on horseback between the two southern cities.

This is a one-day journey, leaving at breakfast in one city and arriving in time for dinner at the other. Travelling the route six days a week, the train alternates direction every day. This provides passengers the perfect opportunity to disembark and explore a town enroute before reboarding two days later to complete their journey.

Web
http://www.gsr.com.au/our-trains/the-overland/the-journey.php
Cost
Adelaide to Melbourne
Red Premium $134/$95 (much more spacious seating)
Red $90/$49/$45
Departs
Adelaide Monday, Wednesday and Friday
Melbourne Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday

4. THE SOUTHERN SPIRIT
This service offers two different holiday experiences, The Grand Tour and The Costal Epic.

The Grand Tour is just as its name implies. It starts at Alice Springs in the heart of the Australian outback and includes stops where there is time to disembark and explore, experiencing the sights and sounds of some of Australia’s tourist icons. Explore Uluru, Coober Pedy (opal mining), Kangaroo Island, Glenrowan (home of Ned Kelly), Melbourne and Sydney before reaching the final destination of Brisbane.

This is a set 14 day/13 night tour departing Alice Springs.

The Costal Epic, in many ways the reverse journey of The Grand Tour. The point of difference being the detailed time spent in locations along Australia’s east coast in particular Coffs Harbour and the Blue Mountains.

This is a set 14 day/13 night tour departing Brisbane.

On both journeys all meals are included and both Platinum and Gold classes are sleeper cabins. Platinum is more luxurious and comes with the perks one would expect from first class travel.

Web
www.thesouthernspirit.com.au
Costs
Platinum $13,990/person twin share
Gold $10/590/person twin share
Departing
Next departure dates
The Grand Tour 9 January
The Coastal Epic 24 January

5. PICHI RICHI RAILWAY
The Pichi Richi railway opened in 1879 and was the first stage of what would become the Ghan route. A few different rail experiences are offered. The Pichi Richi Express runs between Quorn to Woolshed Flat, in South Australia’s Flinders Ranges; Steam or Diesel. The 32km return journey takes approximately 2.5hours.

The steam service operates on long weekends and during school holidays. It uses timber-bodied carriages built and first used over 100 years ago. Diesel was introduced to South Australian country lines in 1928 and operated for 40 years. Pichi Richi’s diesel service only operates on Sundays.

A dinner train also operates on the Pichi Richi line twice a year. The Afghan Express also operates year round between Port Augusta and Quorn. The 78km journey takes 6 hours return, stopping for approximately 2hours in Quorn for lunch. This service again uses historic timber-bodied carriages.

Web
www.prr.org.au
Costs
Afghan Express $75/$70/$25
Dinner Train $110/$105/$45
Explorer $44/$41/$15
Departs
Full time tables available of on the website
Explorer and Dinner Train Depart Quorn
Afghan Express departs Port Augusta

6. STEAM RANGER
People ask why you would ever visit South Australia, well if you are a train enthusiast then clearly it is the place to be. Steam Ranger operates a couple of services.

The Cockle Train operates between Goolwa and Victor Harbor on the oldest steel railed railway in Australia. The train operates along some of South Australia’s most beautiful coastline stopping in Middleton and Pt Elliot. Service times vary throughout the year, with more services operating during peak periods.

Southern Encounter only operates from June to November travelling from Mt Barker, in the Mt Lofty Ranges, to Victor Harbor. The Prince and Princess of Wales once rode this train during a State Visit to South Australia. The carriage they rode in is not anymore opulent that the others. It does however have a sign indicating where they sat. The return trip, including the 3hour stop over in Victor Harbor will take about 8hours.

Web
www.steamranger.org,au
Costs
Cockle Train $15/$9/$7 return
Southern Encounter $64/$55/$35 return
Departs
Cockle Train Goolwa
Southern Encounter Mt Barker

7. MONORAIL
Despite the predominance of South Australia as a train destination other states have some rail experiences worth exploring. Sydney has the Monorail. Travelling above Sydney’s traffic the monorail takes passengers to some of the cities great tourist attractions; Chinatown, George Street and the Aquarium at Darling Park.

It is a fast cheap and relatively convenient way of getting around the harbour city. Operating above the city streets there is always a bit of going up and down stairs or elevators to get to the stations that can become tiresome by the end of the day.
Web
http://www.metrotransport.com.au/index.php/monorail/monorail-home.html
Costs
Single Trip $4.80
Day Pass $9.50
Combination tickets with the Light Rail are also available.
Departs
Eight stations around the city loop with trains departing every 3-5 minutes

8. SOUTH GIPPSLAND TOURIST RAILWAY
Another tourist railway line, another historical train experience and another view of the Australian countryside. This diesel service operates along 36km of track between Leongatha and Nyora in Victoria’s Gippsland.

One point of difference with this service is the opportunity for train enthusiasts to actually drive the train. The “Dream Come True” program. The experience includes basic railway education and training lunch and then the main event. Family and friends are encouraged to join drivers on their maiden voyage.

This railway also offers a Murder Mystery package includes BBQ dinner, finger food, the train journey and the mystery. Passengers are encouraged to dress in character with prizes for best dressed ad also for solving the mystery.

Web
www.sgr.org.au
Costs
Tourist Railway $24/$15 return
Dream Come True from $440
Murder Mystery $40
Departs
Tourist Railway Leongatha or Nyora, public holidays and Wednesdays during school holidays
Murder Mystery Korumburra Station
Dream Come True Korumburra Station

9. TILT TRAIN
It is time to pick up the pace in the world of Australian trains. The Tit Train in Queensland is Australia’s fastest rail service. It operates between Brisbane and Cairns. This electric train reaches speeds of up to 160kph (100mph). This is a modern train with personal entertainment screens and connections for laptops.

The 1681km journey takes 24 hours. There are numerous stops along the way for passengers wanting to see other towns along Australia’s northern coastline.

Web
http://www.railaustralia.com.au/tiltTrain.php
Costs
Brisbane/Cairns $310.20/$248.16
Departs
Brisbane Monday and Fridays
Cairns Sunday and Wednesdays

10. HOTHAM VALLEY TOURIST RAILWAY
I can hear the chuff-chuff-chuff of yet another historic Australian railway. This railway offers two services; Pinjarra to Dwellingup and Dwellingup to Etmilyn.

The Etmilyn route takes you into local forests receiving commentary about the saw milling history along the way. The journey includes a short walk into the forest to see (seasonal) wildflowers and the majestic Jarrah Forest.

The Pinjarra line once served the local timber industry. This steam train runs along one of the last light rail development lines in the country. The return journey allows time for a pleasant picnic lunch for families or the romantic day trip albeit that young families and romantic couples do not necessarily compliment each other or a days train journey.

A restaurant train is also offered with both a 1919 vintage dining car and a 1884 club car experience available. The five-course roast dinner is served while the train rattles through the forest, which is lit from the train. A connecting coach is available from Perth.

Web
www.hothamvalleyrailway.com.au
Cost
Etmilyn $18/$9/$2.50
Pinjarra $38/$19/$2.50
Restaurant Train $70 + $16.50 for the coach connection
Departs
Etmilyn Forest 11am and 2pm on weekends and selected days during school holidays
Pinjarra 10.30am Sundays and Wednesdays from May to October
Restaurant Train 6pm from Perth, Saturday nights, returning approximately 12.15am

A Melbourne Quickie

With interstate friends visiting Melbourne for the weekend I had an opportunity to play tourist for a few days, and rediscovered the fun of this city I now call home. 

Festivals

South Australia is known as the Festival State, and don’t get me wrong they can do a festival like no other, but if you want to see one then you better be there in March or you will miss out. Melbourne is awash with festivals year round. On Saturday night we went to the Awards party for the 2009 Melbourne Fringe signalling the end of another stellar season. Monday night we are off to the family friendly Transe Express which forms the opening of the Melbourne International Arts Festival. 

Throughout the year I have also taken visitors to other shows and events as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, Melbourne International Jazz Festival, Melbourne Writers Festival and Melbourne International Film Festival. There have also been festivals celebrating fashion, horses, chocolate, multicultural communities and the gay and lesbian community. Next year artistic directors have found a gap in the calendar and will be adding a cabaret festival. 

What ever takes your fancy, Melbourne will celebrate it. To be honest it an excuse to frock up for a launch or an awards night down a few glasses of bubbly supplied by corporate sponsors. IF South Australia is the Festival State then Victoria is the Party State. 

Markets

Arguably the most famous of Melbourne’s markets, the Queen Victoria Markets are fuelled with bargains, knock offs, performers and good food. Whether there for weekly fresh produce, clothes, live poultry or gifts and souvenirs a visitor (and locals for that matter) can easily spend a day soaking up the atmosphere. Hungry then find a café and choose your favourites off the menu. Or create your own gourmet platter from the produce on sale in the market itself. This experience is also available at many suburban markets across metropolitan Melbourne. 

Is there anything better than a plate of fresh dips, cheeses, spiced sausages and a loaf of crusty bread on a sunny spring day as you do a bit of people watching?

Laneways

Don’t be put off by the recovering drunks left over from the opening night of the next big festival, cowering behind miniskip bins, they are the only thing that actually show were a great venue might be lurking. Sydney venues will fill their windows with neon light, flashing arrows audaciously directing you to the doorway in which stands a man calling out to you inviting you in. Melbourne venues are more discreet, no lights, no arrows, no men spruiking their wares. 

At first glance you might not even notice the door itself. But if you do actually lean on the brick that is in fact the hidden door release you may just find yourself in one of the most upmarket rooms in the city; night clubs, cocktail lounges, galleries, theatres and cafes. The furniture may not match, the lighting might be as subtle as the entrance, and the atmosphere slightly bohemian, but you can all but guarantee a memorable experience.

 

If you do not manage to find one of the elusive doorways then enjoy the artwork that dons the walls of the laneways themselves. Some people will describe it as graffiti, and yes there are the occasional tagging, offensive or political slogan however the term “graffiti” does not do justice to the skill and creativity of the artists. 

Sightseeing

Melbourne has done an excellent job of maintaining its historic buildings. Dotted in amongst the glass and cement that is modern architecture are numerous buildings displaying the beauty or hand crafted building techniques. Sure some of them might now house a legal brothel or be the hideaway for a gang leader, so take care when framing your shot when photographing the fine masonry, tableaux or mosaics. These are not people that demonstrate an enjoyment in being tagged on Facebook. You will take your life into your own hands if you attempt to poke them.

Docklands, great waterfront eateries, drinking holes, street entertainment and walkways. Stroll along the docks until you find your self watching the third biggest but shortest operating observation wheel being dismantled.

Eureka Skydeck, prides itself on being the highest viewing platform in the southern hemisphere with the world’s first edge experience. The experience will cost you. But it is worth it. During the day enjoy the sprawling views you can almost see to Geelong that despite their protests of denial is now an outer suburb of Melbourne. At night enjoy the lights where the whole city looks like a scene from National Lampoons Christmas Vacation.

Cafes

Jeff Green said “Cafes, what have you got one per person now” and he may be right. The upside of this phenomenon is that there is something to suit every taste, budget and size of appetite. Remember the lane ways some of the best will be hidden.

Gaylords, a great Indian restaurant which hides itself deep in the heart of China Town. There are great café strips too Degraves Lane, Hardware Lane, Lonsdale St, Little Bourke St just to name a few. Or only a short walk out of the CBD there is Lygon St, Carlton or Smith St, Fitzroy

Just like jewellery and clothing there is no reason to pay full price with nearly every eatery having nightly specials, parma night, half price curry lunches or pay the time. If you enjoy travelling and would love to visit the United States of America but just can’t afford it then walk though the city and visit a MacDonald’s, Starbucks, 7-Eleven or donut store.

Melbourne has it all.