|
|
 |
Melbourne
Places of Intrest
|
| |
|
Rialto Towers Observation Deck
The Rialto Towers Observation Deck is a viewing platform on the 55th floor of
Melbourne's tallest building. The deck provides breathtakingly spectacular 360°
views of Melbourne. The facilities available include telescopes, 'zoom city'
interactive live action cameras, function rooms, tour desk, licensed cafe and
souvenir shop.
|
 |
|
Myvaluetravel Note :
The Obsevation deck also showcases "Rialto Vision', a state of the art
audio visual experience which features 'Melbourne the Living City'. Allow 20
minutes for this as it is a must do.
|
| |
|
The Great Ocean Road
South East of Melbourne is the Great Ocean Road which starts in the
bay-side city of Geelong, 75 kilometres from Melbourne, to Nelson in Victoria's
far West. Acclaimed to be one of the world's most spectacular coastal drives,
the Great Ocean Road takes you past quiet bays and beaches, pounding surf
beaches, peaceful green rainforests, and historic shipwreck sites. Penguins,
whales and seals are also on view along the road. Whether by car, coach, or
through a bird's eye view from a helicopter or the historic tiger moth plane,
the Great Ocean Road throws up experience after experience and each is better
than the other.
Geelong has an exciting water front of yacht marinas,
restaurants and cafes. Just past Geelong is Torquay, the Surf City of
Australia. A little ahead and golfing enthusiasts can tee off among
kangaroos at Anglesea - another special experience offered by
Australia. Lorne, another stop on the road, offers beautiful views
of cascading waterfalls, clear rivers and gurgling streams all flowing
under the cover of giant trees and ferns, to the ocean below. Further along the
Great Ocean Road lies the Otway National Park - lush, green rainforest,
which is an ideal place for a picnic or a bush walk. Then comes the most
talked about natural wonder of the Great Ocean Road - The Port Campbell
National Park which is the home to the monolithic Twelve Apostles and
many other natural formations, such as London Bridge and the Bay of
Islands.
|
| |
|
All these and a number of other
historic sights and preserved structures make for an amazing drive along this
'Shipwreck Coast'. Besides natural and manmade history the Great Road also
offers sightings of the rare Southern Right Whale, which calve in the shallow
waters off Logans Beach, and Australian fur seals at Cape
Bridgewater. Cafes, restaurants, eateries exist all along the road and they
cater to every taste and budget. A wide choice of accommodation is also
available ranging from bed and breakfast establishments, motels, hotels,
resorts, caravan parks, hostels
|
| |
Sports Attractions
The people of Melbourne enjoy sports. The city is home to a number of
annual events and the whole year is a continuous journey from one event to
another and from the season of one sport to another. Celebrate sports with the
people of Melbourne and take a tour of the Melbourne Cricket Ground,
featuring the Australian Gallery of Sport, Olympic Museum and
venue of the Australian Rules Football Grand Final; and the Melbourne Park.
Visit the many golf courses like Royal Melbourne, Huntingdale or Kingston
Heath.
Myvaluetravel Note
1) During the football and cricket seasons special packages are available.
These include tickets to the game as well as entry to the Australian Gallery of
Sport and Olympic Museum.
Parks and Gardens
The city is noted for its lovely gardens and as a result it is known as the
'Garden City'. Tale a stroll in one of the city's parks or visit the Melbourne
Zoo. The Butterfly House is an exotic experience and so are the
the Royal Botanic Gardens.
|
Yarra Valley and The Dandenongs
Just an hour's drive from Melbourne lies a valley of lush hills producing
some of the finest Australian wines. Chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon,
pinot noir and shiraz are the Yarra Valley's award-winning wines.Explore
wineries which offer you the the pleasure of wine-tasting and also cellar
sales.
|
|
| |
|
|
In the Dandenong Ranges, one hours drive to the east of Melbourne, board the Puffing
Billy Steam Railway and enjoy the open sided train as it winds through
the spectacular forests and ferns of the Dandenong Ranges National Park. At the
Mt Dandenong Tourist Road browse through the many antique shops, cafes,
teahouses, craft stores and historical attractions.
|
Myvaluetravel Note
-
Sailing above the wineries in a hot-air balloon is also a good way of exploring
them.
-
A boat ride from the Princess Bridge is a must do activity as it is the only
way to explore the treasures that the valley holds.
|
|
Phillip Island and Gippsland Discovery
Located 140 kms South of Melbourne the Philip Island offers experiences which
are as diverse as the people visiting it. From families to bushwalkers, rock
climbers to anglers, natural historians to surfers, and those who just wanting
to experience nature all are attracted to island. Home to the world famous
Fairy Penguins, Philip Island is known for the "Penguin Parade". Every evening
as the sun sets the visitors are treated to the delightful sight of these
little creatures returning back from the sea and waddling to their dune
burrows.
The Island is also known for "Seal Rocks Sea Life Rocks Centre" where
Australia's largest fur seal colony can be seen on the rugged western tip of
the island. You can meet Koalas face-to-face at the Koala Conservation Centre.
Here the koalas can be observed in their natural settings. For the final icing
on the cake visit the the free range Phillip Island Wildlife Park where one can
experience the native animals like woombats, kangaroos and wallabes.
|
| |
|
Gippsland with it's giant
earthworms, that can grow up to three metres long, has a rich fertile soil and
is renowned for it's dairy industry. The further one gets into Gippsland the
greenar it gets. You will find some of the most scenic national parks in this
region
|
Myvaluetravel Note :
-
A full day at Philip Island and Gippsland is a must for every visitor. It is
the ideal place to observe the native wildlife at close quarters.
-
The Fairy Penguin parade in the evening is an event that no-one must miss. The
little Penguins return every evening to their burrows. They arise from the
water and march upto their burrows as the sun sets. The Parade lasts between
45-60 minutes and is one of the most spectacular displays of a routine
life.
It is suggested that visitors to the island arrive here before sunset to allow
time to understand the penguins through the details at the information centre
and a commentary by the rangers. Also you will need to reserve tickets as the
parade is a very popular event. A visitor centre complete with small theatre
and a display area and souvenir shops and food court are also there
-
Follow a gourmet trail visiting dairies, wineries, smokehouses, trout
farms, berry farms and enjoy fresh food at it's very best. The trail can be
done on horseback as well.
-
A number of adventure sports options are available in the region. Form a group
and go hiking through the mountains or ski across freshly fallen snow. Ride a
mountain bike through the countryside or else go surfing. Swim along the
peaceful beaches of Wilson's Promontory or Ninety Mile Beach. Or just
drift along, while you fish on the Gippsland Lakes.
|
Sovereign Hill
Step back into time and visit Sovereign Hill, Australia's most famous
goldrush destination. Situated 112 km north west of Melbourne it is a living
museum built on the site of original diggings and offers
distinctive attractions like the Underground Mine tour, the gold museum
and the stage coach ride of the
town.
|
Myvaluetravel Note
1) Blood on the Southern Cross' is spectacular sound and light show which runs
at night.
We acknowledge the support and contribution of Australian
Tourist Commission, India Office in the development of this content.
|
| |
|