OFFICIAL VISITOR GUIDE
Melbourne Summer 2017-18
Fun in the Sun
Summer activities for everyone
Eat and Drink
The best Melbourne dining
Coupons
Discounts for the city’s best experiences
Australian Open
Summer nights Don’t miss a second
Australian Open 15–28 Jan
Inside
6 The Night Market 23 Discover Melbourne in all kinds of ways Om Nom Kitchen
4
Welcome to Melbourne
6
What’s On
8
Melbourne Heats Up
16 Discover the Laneways
18 Melbourne Laneways Map
20 Melbourne Precincts
22
Itineraries
26 My Melbourne with Zaadie Fourie
28
Eat & Drink
41 Reader Survey
42
See & Do
67
Arts & Culture
86
Shop
97
Neighbourhoods
104 Melbourne Neighbourhoods Map
111 Regional Victoria
120 Regional Victoria Map 130 V/ Line Network Map
131 Useful Information
26 A coffee aficionado’s city guide 46 Family fun for all ages
138 Melbourne Tram Network Map
140 Victorian Train Network Map
148 Frequently Asked Questions
150 Advertiser Index
151 Accommodation Index
152 Inner Melbourne Map
154 Melbourne City Map 156 Coupons
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Message from the Minister
year Summer is a spectacular time of and t spor arts, e’s ourn Melb to visit cultural precincts.
day and It’s many moods have it buzzing by clubs, the and n dow goes sun the as sultry up. light ts uran galleries and resta
Boxing Day Test, before The action begins with the Ashes row seat to the front a fans gives n Ope the Australian world’s best tennis players.
n, the Volvo Ocean To add to an already impressive seaso and the Race Road n Ocea t Grea s Evan l Race, Cade gh Victoria in thou fly will ships Superbike World Champion summer skies are our re ensu will t Nigh e Whit January, while bathed in glittering lights in February.
ises to excite and Melbourne’s summer calendar prom I invite everyone to and alike rs visito and rians Victo delight state has to offer. our g ythin ever of come and enjoy the best The Hon John Eren MP r Events Minister for Tourism and Majo
Message from the Lord Ma yor
Welcome to Melbourne: the World’s Most Liveable City.
Melbourne hosts the hot test events in summer: The Ashes, Aus tralian Open, White Night, Chinese New Year and, of course, our magical Christm as Festival. Marvel at the new giant Christmas tree and meet Santa at Federation Squ are, before indulging in the city’s shopping and dining destinations. Admire the decorations in our iconic laneways and watch as nig htly projections light up the city.
Melbourne will sparkle on New Year’s Eve with a fire works display to be enjoyed whe rever you can see the city skyline. From sunrise to sunset enjo y our beautiful parks, gar dens or the waterfront as Melbo urne shines in summer. Robert Doyle AC Lord Mayor of Melbourn e
4
Welcome to
Melbourne
Sport
Melbourne lives and breathes sport. A jam-packed calendar of high-profile sporting events runs year round, with spectators able to get up close to the action at our world-class arenas.
Outdoors
Within the leafy city limits there are beautiful botanical gardens and public parks. Explore Port Phillip Bay’s sheltered beaches, take a boat cruise on the Yarra River or follow a walking track along the water’s edge.
Arts & Culture
From grand theatres, museums and galleries to laneway street art and vibrant cultural festivals, Melbourne is the place to get your fix of art, design, music and live shows.
Shopping
Welcome to Melbourne
Visitors to Melbourne are spoiled for choice with sporting spectacles, arts and culture attractions, stylish shopping, beautiful arcades and laneways, and picturesque public parks.
Food & Wine
Melbourne is renowned for its flair for food, acclaimed chefs and cool bar scene. The city boasts more than 3,000 restaurants, cafes and bars representing about 75 different ethnic cuisines. Trunk
Caption
Melbourne is a favourite destination for those with a passion for fashion. The city’s shopping precincts cater to all tastes and budgets, with luxe designer boutiques, large department stores and local artisan markets.
5 5
What’s
on
New Year's Eve
Moonlight Cinema
On Now
December
From 27 December
Until 25 December
1–3 December
Various locations across Melbourne w melbourne.vic.gov.au/christmas
Royal Exhibition Building w melbourne.thebigdesignmarket. com
Arts Centre Melbourne w dreamlover.com.au 31 December
2 December – 31 March
Various locations across Melbourne w melbourne.vic.gov.au/nye
Christmas Festival
Until 25 December
Myer Christmas Windows Myer, Bourke Street Mall w myer.com.au Until 31 December
Melbourne Boomers State Basketball Centre w wnbl.com.au/melbourne Until 28 January
Aladdin the Musical
Her Majesty’s Theatre w aladdinthemusical.com.au 11 April (excluding 27 December)
The Night Market
Queen Victoria Market w thenightmarket.com.au
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The Big Design Market
Rooftop Cinema
Curtin House w rooftopcinema.com.au 8 December – 2 April
Moonlight Cinema
Royal Botanic Gardens w moonlight.com.au/melbourne 26–30 December
Ashes Boxing Day Test – Australia v England Melbourne Cricket Ground w cricket.com.au/ashes
27 December – 2 January
Volvo Ocean Race Docklands w volvooceanrace.com
Dream Lover: The Bobby Darin Musical
New Year’s Eve
January 15–28 January
Australian Open Melbourne Park w ausopen.com
From 21 January
Priscilla – Queen of the Desert: The Musical Regent Theatre w priscillathemusical.com.au
Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race
25 January
Race Melbourne
Albert Park w cadelevansgreatoceanroadrace. com.au 26 January
Australia Day
Various locations across Melbourne w australiaday.vic.gov.au/melbournes 26–28 January
Festival of Sails
Royal Geelong Yacht Club w festivalofsails.com.au 26 January – 2 March
Park Cinema
Buluk Park, Docklands w victoriaharbour.com.au 27–28 January
Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race
Geelong, Barwon Heads and Torquay w cadelevansgreatoceanroadrace. com.au
Welcome to Melbourne
White Night Melbourne
For more information on what’s happening in Melbourne whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au
February
22–25 February
1–28 February
Hisense Arena w gymnasticsworldcup.com.au
Sustainable Living Festival Various locations across Melbourne w slf.org.au 2 February – 17 March
AFL Women’s
Various locations across Melbourne w womens.afl.com.au 15–25 February
Chinese New Year Festival Various locations across Melbourne w cnymelbourne.com.au
10–11 February
Lonsdale Street Greek Festival Lonsdale Street w greekcentre.com.au
17 February
White Night Melbourne
Various locations across Melbourne w whitenightmelbourne.com.au
FIG International Apparatus World Cup Series
23–25 February
MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship
Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit w worldsbk.com.au
Looking Ahead 1–18 March
Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival Various locations across Melbourne w vamff.com.au 17 March
White Night Ballarat
Various locations across Ballarat w whitenightballarat.com.au
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Australian Open
Melbourne
Heats Up
Make the most of the endless sunshine, enjoying all the events and entertainment the city has to offer. Serving Up Excitement
Ask Melburnians what their favourite time of year is and many will tell you it’s when the tennis arrives. The Australian Open (15–28 January) sees the world’s greatest players contest the year’s first Grand Slam event. As well as the action on the courts, there’s plenty happening off them, too. Watch big games with a huge crowd on the screens at Garden Square. The AO Festival offers live music during the AO Open Sessions and fantastic food when hunger calls. Then there’s the AO Ballpark, a special area for kids of all ages that includes Autograph Island, where fans can meet their favourite players. You can also check out former greats during the legends event. Arrive early on day one for the Kids Tennis Day, where there’s the chance to play, see children’s entertainers and watch an exhibition match. w ausopen.com
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Hit For Six
It’s the greatest sporting rivalry this country knows, so you won’t want to miss being at the MCG for the Ashes Boxing Day Test (26–30 December). Cricket’s traditional adversaries, Australia and England, will spend five days trying to outwit and outplay each other. The two teams return on 14 January for a daynight game in the One Day International Series. w cricket.com.au/ashes
Artistic and Athletic
You’ll find yourself wondering exactly how they do it when you attend the FIG International Apparatus World Cup Series (22–25 February). Melbourne is hosting the men’s and women’s artistic gymnastics at Hisense Arena as part of this huge worldwide event that’s an important lead-up to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. w gymnasticsworldcup.com.au
Lauren Arnell Graeme Furlong
In The Know
Lauren Captain of the Carlton AFLW team
Welcome to Melbourne
Had you told a teenage Lauren Arnell she’d one day captain a team in a national women’s Australian football competition, she may have laughed at you. She’s not laughing now — at least not about that. Lauren became Carlton captain for the AFLW’s first season and played in the inaugural game at a packed Ikon Park. “It felt like a huge celebration that women could be supported to perform at AFL level in front of more than 25,000 people and a million nationally on television,” she says. “It was exhilarating and a ridiculous amount of fun with my team mates.” The new season of AFLW starts on 2 February, and Lauren encourages everyone to get to a game: “Expect a fierce, passionate and skilled contest unlike any other game of AFL you’ve seen.” Here are some of Lauren’s favourite Melbourne places:
Restaurant Big Kicks and Hard Hits
It was the surprise hit of last summer, with games in the inaugural AFL Women's competition attracting capacity crowds. The Adelaide Crows came out on top, winning the first ever premiership title, but the Melbourne teams are sure to want to assert their positions — Melbourne, after all, is the home of Australian football — in this new season, which kicks off on 2 February. w womens.afl
In the off season, I treat myself at Melba Restaurant’s buffet in The Langham, Melbourne for a very long dinner.
Place
Princes Park, obviously. It’s the home of Carlton, is surrounded by wonderful parklands and has a relatively flat and open 3.2-kilometre running track.
View
There are endless views I love all over Melbourne. My top three are: walking through Yarra Park to the MCG; anywhere around the running trails at Yarra Bend; and the 360-degree view from Government House in the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. Connect with Carlton: w carltonfc.com.au /officialcarltonfc @carltonfc
Melba Restaurant
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New Year's Eve
Christmas Festival
Santa’s Coming to Town
A giant tree, colourful decorations and the arrival of Santa in the city means that Christmas is just around the corner. Melbourne’s Christmas Festival launches on 24 November and goes right through to the big day, with entertainment, festive cheer and the chance to meet the man in the red suit. Most of the festivities can be found in Federation Square — visit Santa and have your photo taken with him (10am–12pm and 1pm–3pm daily, plus 4pm–7pm on Friday nights) — while the Christmas Projections program will light up a number of city locations including Federation Square, State Library Victoria and Docklands. w melbourne.vic.gov.au/christmas
Countdown to 2018
Find a spot from afar with a view of the city skyline and you’re all set to see the spectacular midnight fireworks during the New Year’s Eve celebrations (31 December). If coming into the city, enjoy free entertainment at one of four official live sites at Treasury Gardens, Docklands, Flagstaff Gardens and Kings Domain. w melbourne.vic.gov.au/nye
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Christmas Style for All Forget the jocks and socks. This festive season, grab unique gifts for friends and family at these Melbourne stores.
01 Guild of Objects
Share Your Melbourne Moment
Tag #melbmoment to share your favourite city experiences with others.
Welcome to Melbourne
One-off and limited-edition pieces made by local artists, designers and craftspeople are the feature of this North Melbourne store. Choose from jewellery, tableware, books and more. w guildofobjects.com
02 Monster Threads
The owners work with artists to create products — t-shirts, accessories and assorted cute gifts — that blend folk art, illustration and contemporary graphic design. Perfect for the young at heart. w monsterthreads.com.au
03 Clementine’s Year of the Dog
Get ready for dancing dragons, incredible fireworks displays, cultural spectacles and street parades during Melbourne’s Chinese New Year celebrations. The festivities begin in the city on 15 February and continue until 25 February. The arrival of the Year of the Dog will be celebrated across Melbourne, including at Docklands and suburbs like Box Hill. w cnymelbourne.com.au
Art After Dark
Thousands of people fill the streets for the 12-hour party that is White Night Melbourne (17 February). Public spaces, city walls, lush parks and tiny laneways become the scene for one of the most exciting cultural events of the year. Watch performances, admire projections, take part in a massive dance-off and much more from dusk till dawn. Also on the horizon is White Night Ballarat (17 March), when the regional city becomes arts central. More information to come in the autumn issue of Official Visitor Guide. w whitenightmelbourne.com.au
Locally made gifts of the edible kind can be bought at this CBD store. Stock up on chocolate, honey, spices, condiments and more, especially if you’re creating Christmas hampers. w clementines.com.au
04 Kiosk by Georgia Perry
Fans of Melbourne’s craft markets have probably seen Georgia’s enamel pins. Browse her range, as well as a collection of gifts and trinkets from around the world, at Kiosk. /kiosktheshop Clementine's
For more retail inspiration, head to the shopping section on page 86.
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Did you Know?
Rooftop Cinema
Melbourne had many unofficial names in its first years of European settlement, including Batmania, Barebrass and Bearport.
Picnics and Promenading
The warm weather is the perfect time to enjoy Melbourne’s lush outdoors. Stroll through Fitzroy Gardens, with its avenues of mature shady trees. Stock your picnic basket at Queen Victoria Market, before finding a spot for lunch at the World Heritage-listed Carlton Gardens. On the banks of the Yarra River, Birrarung Marr is a beautiful spot for a leisurely wander among the public artworks. a Fitzroy Gardens, 230–298 Wellington Parade, East Melbourne a Carlton Gardens, Corner Nicholson and Victoria Streets, Carlton a Birrarung Marr, Batman Avenue, Melbourne
Cinema Under the Stars
The drama begins even before the lights go down at Rooftop Cinema, located seven storeys up and surrounded by skyscrapers in the heart of the CBD. Head to Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria’s Melbourne Gardens for Moonlight Cinema, where you can recline on a blanket or bean bag and watch the latest releases and family favourites. See a movie and catch some live music at St Kilda Openair Cinema. There are plenty of food outlets and a licensed bar to make the evening complete. w rooftopcinema.com.au w moonlightcinema.com.au w openaircinemas.com.au Mama Rumaan
Fitzroy Gardens, East Melbourne
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Splash in the Sun
Waterside Eating
Enjoy a view with your lunch. It’s a casual affair — think burgers, fish and chips and more — at The Boatbuilders Yard, with its decks and dining spaces overlooking South Wharf. Want a venue to impress? Contemporary Japanese cuisine with views of the Yarra River are on the menu at Sake. For great Middle Eastern-style street food take a seat at Mama Rumaan, located at Central Pier in the Docklands. w theboatbuildersyard.com.au w sakerestaurant.com.au w mamarumaan.com.au
Drinks on High
Palm Springs was the inspiration for Good Heavens, a vast rooftop bar serving 1980s cocktails, a range of craft beers and Americana-style snacks. More intimate is the open-air space at Bomba Rooftop, where tapas and fine wine is the focus. For views of the city, take a seat at Naked in the Sky, where the terrace and adjoining lounge float above Fitzroy. w goodheavens.com.au w bombabar.com.au w nakedforsatan.com.au
In The Know
Campbell Read Tour guide, Punting on the Lake He’s worked in various tourism roles around Victoria, but Campbell Read’s latest position is one of the city’s more unusual: he guides visitors around the Ornamental Lake in the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria's Melbourne Gardens on a punt.
Welcome to Melbourne
Spend some time on the sand at St Kilda Beach before wandering along the foreshore to take in the sights of this vibrant beachside community. See one of Melbourne’s favourite slices of history at Brighton Beach, where there are 82 colourful bathing boxes. Don’t forget to bring your camera. A trip to Williamstown Beach is a popular family day out. It’s a safe spot for swimming, plus there’s a huge park with vast stretches of lawn, playgrounds and picnic facilities.
“It’s great showing people a different aspect of the gardens,” says Campbell. “You don’t see the turtles, the vegetation on the islands or the rarer types of birds from walking around.” He especially loves the bird life on the water, and enjoys sharing details about the black swans and Necky, his favourite snake-necked darter, with guests. Of course, floating through the park can be romantic, and Campbell has witnessed four marriage proposals, all of them successful. “Most of the time we are in on the plan and make a note in the bookings,” he says. “That way I’m not talking the whole time, so there’s a chance to ask the big question.” Here are some of Campbell’s favourite Melbourne places:
Bar
On a summer afternoon, The Gem in Collingwood is great for a beer.
Place
Watching the bats fly overhead at night from the top of the hill in Royal Park is quite stunning.
Event
St Jerome’s Laneway Festival (3 February) at Footscray Community Arts Centre has a great vibe for a music festival. Connect with Punting on the Lake: w puntingonthelake.com.au /puntingonthelake @puntingonthelake The Boatbuilders Yard, South Wharf
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Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race
Cycling’s Great Race
Sail Away
About 100,000 people line the roads to watch the Elite Men’s, Elite Women’s and Towards Zero Race Melbourne, which opens the weekend with a circuit-style event around the Formula 1 track at Albert Park.
w festivalofsails.com.au
It’s one of the most stunning drives in Australia, but at the beginning of the year it is taken over by the world’s best cyclists for the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race (25–28 January). First held in 2015 and inspired by Europe’s prestigious one-day races, the event attracts the topranking racing teams and cyclists.
Anyone who fancies themselves on two wheels can sign up for the Swisse People’s Ride for the chance to pedal alongside Cadel Evans and three-time Tour de France winner Greg LeMond. Festival of Sails, Geelong
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w cadelevansgreatoceanroadrace. com.au
Taking place on the same weekend as the Cadel Evans race is Geelong’s Festival of Sails (26–28 January). More than 300 boats and 3000 sailors compete in this, the southern hemisphere’s largest annual keel boat regatta. While the sailing action is spectacular, there’s also the Waterfront Festival to enjoy, with entertainment, food and wine, market stalls, a kids’ area and an on-water Come & Try Zone.
At the Heads Mark Chew
Artistic Inspiration
w geelonggallery.org.au w nightjarfestival.com.au
While You’re There
When on the coast enjoying the fantastic regional events, take some time to discover its other attractions. Whether you can ride a board or not, head to Bells Beach or Jan Juc to check out the surfing action. Damp fun of a different kind can be found at Adventure Park, Geelong’s huge water park. Get away from the coast and into the forest at Otway Fly Treetops Adventure, where you can walk through the canopy or go zip lining. All that activity deserves a reward, so drop into Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery to sample the wares, eat at the cafe and stock up for the drive home. w adventurepark.com.au w otwayfly.com w gorci.com.au
Otway Ranges Robert Blackburn
Dine in Coastal Style Discover gourmet destinations that combine unique settings and amazing local produce.
01 The Stoop
Welcome to Melbourne
One of the country’s favourite portrait competitions, the Archibald Prize (until 10 December), drops in to the Geelong Gallery. See this year’s winner, Mitch Cairns’ depiction of Agatha Gothe-Snape, alongside all the finalists, which include portraits of local luminaries and ordinary Australians. For eight weeks at the beginning of the year, the NightJar Festival takes over Torquay (4, 11, 18 & 25 January) and Geelong (2, 9, 16 & 23 February). Listen to music, explore the artists’ market, indulge on ‘dessert lane’ or relax at one of the bars featuring craft beer and boutique wine.
Set in a 1950s beach house, this is an atmospheric and relaxed eatery. Enjoy the Mediterranean influence in dishes like steak tartare and bouillabaisse. w thestooptorquay.com.au
02 Igni
It’s won a swathe of coveted awards, so be sure to book for Aaron Turner’s Geelong restaurant. Native and wild produce is featured on the set menus at this sophisticated venue. w restaurantigni.com
03 Brae
Dan Hunter is as much artist as chef. His Birregurra restaurant — number 44 on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list — sits on an organic farm where produce is raised and foraged. w braerestaurant.com
04 At the Heads
Set on the pier at Barwon Heads, At the Heads focuses on the freshest local seafood. The menu includes a burger that combines a wagyu patty and lobster tail. For more regional inspiration see the Regional Victoria section on page 111.
w attheheads.com.au
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Bar Americano
Laneways Discover the
Slip into Melbourne’s tiniest streets to explore cool boutiques, cosy bars and colourful street art.
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Word on the Street Liz (29) from Elwood
Welcome to Melbourne
A friend and I went into the city and ended up spending hours in Degraves Street. It looks a little European, with its cafes and footpath tables, and there are some gorgeous little shops both on the street and in Campbell Arcade.
Hosier Lane, Roberto Seba
Follow Your Art
It’s one of Melbourne’s bestknown attractions, and colourful murals and walls of street art can be found in Hosier Lane, ACDC Lane and Union Lane. Want to find out more about these constantly evolving galleries? Join a walk with Melbourne Street Art Tours. w melbournestreettours.com
Raise a Glass
Sip on an expertly mixed cocktail, icy beer or local wine at one of the many bars hidden down laneways. Bar Americano is small but perfectly formed. A cafe during the day, it evolves into a chic spot for aperitifs — standing room only — after dark. Late nights are softly lit at Bar Ampere, which takes its design cues from its position above an old electrical substation. If you want to sample absinthe, this is the place. w baramericano.com w barampere.com
Shop with Style
High fashion can be found tucked into the smallest streets. Discover the next big thing at Design A Space, a retail gallery featuring independent local designers. Want a funky piece of jewellery from one of the city’s cutest stores? Head to Lucy Folk. Linking laneways is The Block Arcade, with its old-school glamour and stores like Basement Discs and Australian By Design. w designaspace.com.au w lucyfolk.com w theblock.com.au
Lucy Folk
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LA TR OBE ST
01 Ferdydurke
Scale the stairs to discover this pumping bar, with its exposed brick walls and big arched windows. The booze is top quality, with a great range of cocktails, plus there are hotdogs for the hungry.
Knox Pl
Melbourne Central Station
Guildford Ln
Drewery Pl
Melbourne Central
Sniders Ln
Drewery Ln
352
E LI Z AB ETH ST
w ferdydurke.com.au
Hardware St
Finlay Av
Lt Lonsdale St
239
Caledonian Ln
Driver Ln
Emporium Melbourne
Postal Ln
259 Somerset Pl
Rankins Ln
Warburton Ln
Racing Club Ln
Niagara Ln
Hardware Ln Hardware Ln
Lt Bourke St
Goldie Pl
WI LLI AM ST
Q UE E N ST
LON SDA LE ST
Bourke St Mall
Block Arc
Presgrave
220
342
City Library
Scott Al
Centre Pl
57
Bligh Pl
Fulham Pl
02
Degraves St
Bond St
Flinders Ln
Manchester Ln
COLLIN S ST
53
Market St
Howey Pl
Block Pl
Equitable Pl
Bank Pl
Dame Edna Pl
w maharestaurant.com.au
Immigration Museum
Union Ln
Royal Arcade
Carson Pl
The Causeway
Lt Collins St
With some of the best Middle Eastern flavours in the city, this opulent restaurant is a great place to celebrate. Make sure to leave room for the Turkish delight-filled donuts.
The Walk Arc
02 Maha
McKillop St
151
BOURK E ST
Cathedral Ar
FLIN DE RS ST
18
Flinders St Station
E X H I B I TI O N ST
180
SWANSTON ST
S PRI NG ST
Laneways
R US S ELL ST
Albert Coates Ln
56
Liverpool St
2
Punch Ln
Windsor Pl
Meyers Pl
75
03 Pieces of Eight
Find a special ring or necklace created by a local artisan, browse the latest collection on show or work with the in-house jewellers to create a bespoke piece in this beautifully design gallery space.
George Pde
120
Federation Square
Crossley St
153
Cohen Pl Market Ln
Paynes Pl
Alfred Pl
Melbourne Pl
Melbourne Town Hall
w piecesofeight.com.au
Duckboard Pl
Malthouse Ln
St Paul’s Cathedral
Chinese Museum
Parliament Station
TRAMS
03
Rutledge Ln
Croft Al
Corrs Ln Coverlid Pl
180
Smythe Ln
ACDC Ln
Russell Pl
Rainbow Al
La Trobe Pl
Bullens Ln
Chinatown
Waratah Pl
Heffernan Ln
01
Celestial Av
Tattersalls Ln
Greek Precinct
Oliver Ln
r
Red Cape Ln
Hosier Ln
0
State Library Victoria
Regent Pl
e Pl
Melbourne
Bennetts Ln
l
3 minutes’ walk per block
19
Southbank
Melbourne
precincts
Each corner of Melbourne has its own unique style and plenty to offer inquisitive visitors.
Did You Know? Each year, Federation Square welcomes more than nine million visitors and hosts up to 2000 events?
Chinatown
With its streets of restaurants, bars and karaoke venues, Chinatown is always buzzing. In February, though, there’s an extra level of excitement when it becomes the centre of Chinese New Year celebrations. Welcome the Year of the Dog with dragon dances, fireworks and traditional cultural displays. w cnymelbourne.com.au
South Wharf
Spend the morning hunting for bargains at the more than 180 stores at DFO South Wharf before wandering along the waterfront to find a relaxed lunch spot. BangPop has a fun, colourful interior and tasty hawker-style Thai dishes. w dfo.com.au/south-wharf w bangpop.com.au
Southbank
This is Melbourne’s cultural heart. Browse the galleries at NGV International — NGV Triennale, boasting the work of 79 artists and designers from 32 countries, is on show now — before strolling up to Arts Centre Melbourne. There are daily behind-the-scenes tours, as well as exhibitions on site. When hunger takes over, head to Saké for contemporary Japanese dishes. w ngv.vic.gov.au w artscentremelbourne.com.au w sakerestaurant.com.au
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Lygon Street
w docgroup.net w cinemanova.com.au w milkthecow.com.au
Docklands
Transit Rooftop Bar
DOC Espresso, Carlton
With the sun shining there’s no better time to check out the 36 public artworks, including John Kelly’s Cow Up a Tree, that dot the precinct. Go late in the afternoon then savour some authentic Neapolitan pizza at 90 Secondi. After dark, get putting at GlowGolf Docklands, with its 18 holes of miniature golf. w 90secondi.com.au w glowgolf.com.au
Melbourne is the city with the largest population of Greek people outside Athens, and this part of Lonsdale Street is dedicated to their culture. There are many restaurants and eateries serving authentic dishes, but a hidden gem is Melina on the Rooftop. On a beautiful terrace, 13 floors above the city, dine on pickled octopus, saganaki prawns and other mouth-watering dishes. w melinaontherooftop.com.au
Federation Square
North Melbourne and Kensington
It’s Melbourne’s unofficial meeting point, and it’s no wonder. You can wander through the galleries at Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia and take in the best of local art or explore the history of film, television and video games at ACMI. Grab a quick bite to eat at one of the food trucks and wait for the sun to go down to head to Transit Rooftop Bar. Here, you’ll get a completely different view of the city as it lights up for the night. w ngv.vic.gov.au w acmi.net.au w transitrooftopbar.com.au
Greek Precinct
Music lovers will find plenty to love in these suburbs. In the afternoon, scout out White Rabbit Record Bar where you can flip through the vinyl while sipping on a craft beer. The Town Hall Hotel might not look like much from the outside, but there’s a great dining room serving pub classics, a cosy beer garden and local bands on the weekend. White Rabbit Record Bar, Kensington
w whiterabbitrecords.com.au w townhallhotelnorthmelbourne. com.au
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Welcome to Melbourne
Long thought of as the heart of Melbourne’s Little Italy, Lygon Street has evolved. Sure, you can still get an excellent bowl of porcini pappardelle at DOC Espresso, but there are other options, too. Check out an independent movie at Cinema Nova before heading across the street for cheese and wine at Milk the Cow.
Queen Victoria Market
Itineraries Regardless of your passions and interests, we’ve come up with an itinerary that will help you get the most from this amazing city.
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Itineraries Domaine Chandon, Coldstream
Ultimate Foodie Tour, Queen Victoria Market
Fun with Food
Get a tasty start on the Ultimate Foodie Tour at Queen Victoria Market. It begins in the morning, and you’ll wander through the food halls, chatting to the traders and sampling their wares. Suitably inspired, learn the techniques behind popular Asian cuisines during a cooking class at OTAO Kitchen. Some begin after lunch and others take place in the evening. w qvm.com.au w otaokitchen.com.au
Wine Lover’s Journey
Start your day in the Yarra Valley at Domaine Chandon, where you can tour the winery then taste the sparkling wine, made to Moët & Chandon’s exacting standards. Back in the city, take a wine appreciation course or join a wine dinner at a leading restaurant with Fine Wine Appreciation. Another urban wine experience can be had at Noisy Ritual — the owners make wine at this Brunswick East warehouse, run a bar and conduct tours once a month. w chandon.com.au w finewineappreciation.com.au w noisyritual.com.au
Cheltenham Golf Club
Take a Swing
Melbourne has long been known for its famous sand-belt golf courses, and you can play one of them at Cheltenham Golf Club. From its thirteenth tee, there are views across Port Phillip Bay. Just two kilometres from the city centre, you’ll find Albert Park Golf Course and its 18-hole layout right beside the lake. For something different, head to Yarra Bend Golf Course to have a go at its 36-hole adventure mini-golf. Or you could leave the kids there, while you play a round on the scenic course. w cheltenhamgolf.com.au w albertparkgolf.com.au w yarrabendgolf.com
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Thrill Seekers Required
Get an early start on the water. At St Kilda’s Kite Republic, you can hire a stand-up paddleboard and explore the bay — lessons are also available. If you’re addicted to adrenaline, join Rap Jumping and plunge head first from a seven-storey building in the CBD. Don’t worry, you’re fully harnessed and watched over by experts. w kiterepublic.com.au w rapjumping.com
With Little Kids
Word on the Street Jack (37) from Ringwood One day I realised I hadn’t done anything exciting for ages, so I decided to organise something I’d been thinking about for a couple of years: a skydive. I booked a tandem jump with Skydive Melbourne then panicked for the next few weeks. But it was amazing! You drop like a stone for a minute or so then float down to earth with insane views of the beach, bay and city. w skydive.com.au
If your kids like an early start, take them to Collingwood Children’s Farm. You can have a tasty breakfast at the Farm Cafe while they pat the lambs and hunt for eggs. Next stop is Melbourne Museum, where the Pauline Gandel Children’s Gallery is a place for babies to five-year-olds to play, explore and learn, whether they want to discover dinosaurs or dance at the camouflage disco. w farm.org.au w museumsvictoria.com.au/ melbournemuseum
Capture the Scenes
If you’re a devoted photographer, Melbourne offers so many opportunities to get busy with your camera. Look around Hosier Lane for urban scenes with streetart backdrops. Stroll over the Princes Bridge and snap the Yarra and its rowers, before heading towards the Melbourne Gardens. Make your last stop the Shrine of Remembrance, where you’ll take striking images of the architecture against a blue sky and the view towards the city.
Melbourne Museum, Carlton
w rbg.vic.gov.au w shrine.org.au Shrine of Remembrance
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For the Fellas
Got the boys together for a weekend? Get paddling with Kayak Melbourne for a tour with a difference, going under bridges and passing all the sights along the Yarra. With your afternoon on the water done, tee off at Holey Moley. This 27-hole mini golf venue with bar will have you hitting holes-in-one. w kayakmelbourne.com.au w holeymoley.com.au
Melbourne’s love affair with live music is well known and it’s reaffirming its dedication with the new Australian Music Vault, incorporating the ARIA Hall of Fame, located at Arts Centre Melbourne. The vault will celebrate everyone involved in the music scene, from the songwriters to the producers and even the roadies. Afterwards, head to the Corner Hotel where you can get an excellent burger or pizza on the rooftop before catching an Australian or international act downstairs in the band room. w australianmusicvault.com.au w cornerhotel.com
Get in touch with nature just outside the CBD with a wander along the river. Start at the Loop Picnic Ground, on Yarra Bend Road, and follow the Dights Falls Trail, which passes the site of the former Yarra Bend Lunatic Asylum and its well established gardens. There are some great views along the way, but don’t forget to look up to spy black cockatoos, sacred kingfishers and rainbow lorikeets.
Itineraries
Counting the Beat
Walk the Yarra
About 800 metres past Dights Falls, you’ll come to historic Abbotsford Convent, a great place to stop for a coffee and pastry at Convent Bakery. While you’re there, check out some of the art galleries on site. The walking trail finishes at Gipps Street, where you can stroll down Nicholson Street and on to Richmond’s Victoria Street, the heart of Melbourne’s Vietnamese community. Refuel at nearby Pho Hung Vuong 2, a lowkey eatery that serves an excellent noodle soup. w abbotsfordconvent.com.au w farm.org.au a Pho Hung Vuong 2, 150 Victoria Street, Richmond
Corner Hotel, Richmond
For more information about hot spots outside the CBD, see the Neighbourhoods section on page 97.
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My Melbourne
Zaadie Fourie Head Barista, Om Nom Kitchen at the Adelphi Hotel
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Zaadie's Favourites Here are some of the places Zaadie loves around Melbourne:
Cafe
Adelphi Hotel
Three years ago, attracted by the completely different weather, dining scene and arts and culture, Zaadie Fourie packed up her life in Brisbane and moved to Melbourne. “When I got here, I started working with some of the specialty coffee houses and became really interested in it,” says Zaadie. “I’ve always loved St Ali, so when the opportunity came up to bring it to the Adelphi I jumped at the chance.” Now, she splits her time between training the hotel staff — coffee is a new focus with the arrival of Little Nom, the foyer coffee cart — making coffees and pursuing her own studies at RMIT. “It means I spend a lot of time in the city,” she says. “And the Adelphi is in such a great location. Flinders Lane is pure Melbourne — it’s a hub of culinary and creative culture.
Anna Schwartz or Arc One. That’s one of the things I really love about Melbourne — there’s both a small- and large-scale arts scene.” When she’s not studying or working, Zaadie and her friends like to grab some fresh produce from either Queen Victoria or Prahran Market, buy a bottle of wine and enjoy one of the parks around the city. “We also like to go to Naked for Satan. Usually we start downstairs and have some of the $2 pintxos [Spanish finger food] then go upstairs to Naked in the Sky for a drink with a view.”
“If guests asked me for a suggestion, I’d tell them to walk through Federation Square and towards the NGV. There’s always an amazing special exhibition on — it really is world class. “They might also want to take a look at some of the lesser-known galleries along Flinders Lane, like
Bar
I used to live near Horse Bazaar. It’s in the Korean hub in the city, so I’d go out for some Korean food and head there. It’s small and hidden, but it’s really cool, with projections, hip-hop and live bands.
Restaurant
The concept at Smith and Daughters is crazy. I try to eat vegan, but it can be hard if your friends and family don’t. This is an interesting place with a cool vibe and nice cocktails, too.
Shop
I’m not really big on buying new things, so I often go to Recycle Boutique, where it’s all about sustainability and good quality pieces. They take designer stuff, so you can swap your clothes and get something new. Connect with Adelphi: w adelphi.com.au /adelphi.hotel.melbourne @adelphi_hotel
Prahran Market
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Itineraries
Fitzroy is where I like to go for a bit of downtime. Plug Nickle is run by a really nice team. They’re really onto it and change the coffee blends regularly.
Estelle Bistro, Northcote
Eat & Drink Dive into Melbourne’s dining scene. Great coffee, food with finesse and a cool bar scene are all on offer right across the city and suburbs.
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The Kettle Black, South Melbourne
Biggie Smalls, Windsor
Eat & Drink
Higher Ground
A Great Start
High Times
New in the ’burbs
w highergroundmelbourne.com. au w thekettleblack.com.au f /addictmelbourne
w provincialhotel.com.au w upsiderooftopbar.com.au w siglobar.com.au
w dunningkrugerbar.com w fargoandco.com.au w biggiesmalls.com.au
Melburnians take breakfast very seriously, spending time with family and friends over coffee and eggs even on a week day. Settle into the sophisticated surrounds of Higher Ground and choose from delicious dishes like warm polenta and cornflakes, stracciatella icecream, dried banana, marzipan and honey. Another smart choice is The Kettle Black, where there’s an Asian influence across the menu. At sunny Addict Food and Coffee grab one of the outside tables, commune with the local pups and order something like coconut chia pudding or French toast crumpets.
If it wasn’t for the trams running along the street below, you might think you’re in Paris at the Provincial Rooftop, with its pretty potted trees and cafe tables. Its cocktail, the Blood In (Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz gin, strawberries, balsamic and vermouth), is the taste of summer. Stare out towards the city skyline at Upside Rooftop Bar while you peruse the cocktail menu with its emphasis on Japanese flavours. Up late? Climb the stairs at the European to find Siglo, a European wine bar on a terrace overlooking Parliament House. It’s the perfect spot for a nightcap.
It’s worth a trip to Brunswick East to visit Dunning Kruger. At this cool bar, the owners bake sweet American-style pies during the day and serve up a short but astute list of cocktails, local beers and wines by night. An old bank in Richmond has been transformed into Fargo and Co, a classy cocktail bar with a list of classics, tasty newcomers and even some (an espresso martini and passionfruit bellini) on tap. If you want to eat kebabs, albeit fancy ones, as you sip cocktails with a Middle Eastern theme, the new Biggie Smalls in Windsor is your kind of place.
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Word on the Street Rebecca (14) from Richmond Mum took us to Rowena Corner Store where they have these amazing freakshakes. It took me ages to decide which one to have, but I chose the Tim Tam, which has got Tim Tam gelato, loads of gooey fudge, chocolate syrup, flaky chocolate and crushed-up Tim Tams. It was awesome, but it took me almost an hour to finish it. w rowenacornerstore.com
Trunk
Take it Outside
There’s nothing like a beer in the sunshine when the weather is playing nice. In the city, find a spot at Trunk, where the spacious garden connects the diner with the more formal restaurant. Hang out with locals at The Standard, where the sprawling beer garden plays host to family groups and mates catching up over a meal. Its green exterior has been maintained, but the Terminus Hotel has had a seriously smart upgrade that includes a two-level tropical beer garden as well as an outdoor terrace bar. Lello Pasta Bar Eugene Hyland
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w trunktown.com.au w thestandardhotel.com.au w theterminushotel.com.au
Food on Wheels
Each weekend, a new collective of meals on wheels arrives at Preston’s Food Truck Park (Friday night, Saturday and Sunday). You might get a choice of tacos or Indian curries or Korean dumplings or fancy donuts, but whatever’s there is sure to be tasty. Craft beers and wine are served up by Barry’s Bar and there are plenty of places to sit and chat with friends. w thefoodtruckpark.com.au
Frozen Favourites When the heat is on, cool off with a delicious ice-cream or gelato. Quick, before it starts dripping.
01 Popstic Ice Cream
Popstic Ice Cream
Throughout Melbourne you’ll find cuisines from many nations, served up in humble eateries as well as high-end fine-diners and everything in between. Head to Victoria Street in Richmond for Vietnamese food, or Little Bourke Street in the CBD, where Chinatown harbours hundreds of restaurants serving dumplings, Peking duck and more. Carlton’s Lygon Street is known as Little Italy. And that’s just the start of it. In the CBD, Lucy Liu Kitchen & Bar has a hip vibe and shared Asian plates, like yellow fin tuna tataki. Feast on handmade pasta at Lello Pasta Bar — a feature is culurgiones, which are plump Sardinian ravioli filled with potato, mint and pecorino. A perennial favourite with locals is HuTong Dumpling Bar, where you can watch as cooks fold the delicate parcels downstairs before taking your seat upstairs. The xiao long bao (soup dumpling) game is strong here.
Eat & Drink
This Fed Square cart serves up classic flavours made from all natural ingredients. There are vegan-friendly versions, as well as alcohol sorbets for adults.
From Faraway Shores
w popsticicecream.com.au
02 Pidapipó
Look for the line in either Carlton or Windsor and you’ve found this popular gelataria. Choose from the 20 fresh flavours, including Nutella swirl and fior di latte. w pidapipo.com.au
03 Billy van Creamy Pidapipó, Carlton
HuTong Dumpling Bar
w lucylius.com.au w lellopastabar.com.au w hutong.com.au For more information on places to eat outside the CBD, see the Neighbourhoods section on page 97.
What started with a truck now has a permanent Fitzroy North store. Brothers Alex and Mitch Wells make icecream — hazelnut, lemon, salted caramel — from whole, natural ingredients. w billycancreamy.com.au
04 Jock’s Ice Cream and Sorbets
If you’re in Albert Park, stop by this long-time favourite, where the hokey pokey is a cult classic and the sorbets comes in seasonal flavours, like summer’s roasted plum. w jocksicecream.com.au
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Our
summer picks
Soak up the Sun
Republica, St Kilda
Arbory Bar & Eatery
Paco’s Tacos
It’s just a small bar but it’s run by the guys from MoVida, so the margaritas, barbecued corn and tacos — slow-cooked beef brisket, crumbed fish and black bean among them — are ace.
Hopscotch Urban Beer Bar
w pacostacos.com.au
Bars with Bite
Republica St Kilda
Arbory Bar & Eatery
Ask for a table on the terrace overlooking the beach and tuck into fresh oysters, barbecued swordfish or duck leg risotto as you take in the views and the chilled atmosphere. w republica.net.au
Rosetta
The terrace at Neil Perry’s sophisticated Italian restaurant has excellent people-watching potential. The set lunch menu is great value, too. w rosettarestaurant.com.au
Crafty Characters
Running between the last platform at Flinders Street Station and the Yarra River, this outdoor bar is a popular spot for end-of-day burgers, hot dogs and share plates. w arbory.com.au
Heartbreaker
It’s a homage to a dive bar that attracts a free-wheeling crowd pumping coins into the jukebox until the small hours. Sip on pre-batched cocktails — negronis are popular — until the NYC-style pizza slices call your name.
There are more than 30 beers on tap at this Southbank venue, some of them created on site in Frank the Tank, the custom microbrewery. Order a tasting paddle if you can’t decide. w hopscotchmelbourne.com.au
Temple Brewing
The front garden is the place to be at this Brunswick East microbrewery, where the locals sip on Anytime IPA, Powerstance pilsner and Bicycle Beer, a thirst quencher that is light enough for you to be able to ride your bike home after a couple. w templebrewing.com.au
f /heartbreakerbar Nosh
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Healthy Habits Raw Trader
Being healthy doesn’t mean missing out on a treat. At this cafe, which offers vegan, paleo and gluten-free delights, choose from raspberry and choc layer cake, banana custard tart and more. w rawtrader.com.au
Nosh
Poke bowls brimming with fresh ingredients like salmon, tiger prawns, tempeh, avocado, sweet potato, edamame and loads of veggies are the signature of this eatery serving wholesome, seasonal food. w nosh.net.au
Serotonin Eatery
As much a sanctuary from the city bustle as a cafe, this is the place for acai bowls, banana pancakes, golden lattes and smoothies. There are plenty of gluten-free and vegan options for those who need them. f /serotonindealer
Bar Americano
Hidden Treasures
A little bit fancy
Goldilocks Bar
Kisumé
Jump into the lift inside a noodle restaurant then ride to the top. This is one of the more intimate rooftop bars in the city, so get there early to sip as the sun goes down. w goldilocksbar.com.au
Bar Americano
This tiny laneway spot morphs from an Italian cafe in the morning to an aperitivo bar as the day comes to an end. Drop in for a classic cocktail before heading out for dinner. w baramericano.com
This three-level Japanese restaurant has a funky sushi bar and restaurant on the first two floors, with an intimate 12-seat room serving a kaiseki menu upstairs. Wherever you choose to dine, you’ll love the experience. w kisume.com.au
Osteria Ilaria
For top-quality Italian fare that mostly steers away from pasta classics, you can’t beat this contemporary bistro. Order mushroom croquettes, grilled octopus with ’nduja (spicy, spreadable salami) and duck with radicchio and toasted hazelnuts. w osteriailaria.com
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Eat & Drink
Temple Brewing, Brunswick East Simon Shiff
Thunder Road Brewhouse Located in the heart of bustling Brunwick on the edge of the city, experience the best of fresh Aussie craft beer at the amazing Thunder Road Brewhouse. Inside this beautiful venue, you are completely surrounded by brewing equipment and stainless steel tanks as you drink straight from the source. Outside, in the summer beer garden you can watch the chefs hard at work preparing wonderful beer food served from the kitchen built in a shiny 1960s Airstream caravan. Also you can book the venue for corporate functions, weddings, parties or special occasions. Open: Fri, 4pm to 11pm; Sat, 12pm to 11pm & Sun, 12pm to 10pm 130 Barkly Street, Brunswick t 9385 5325 e thunderroadbrewhouse@gmail.com w thunderroadbrewing.com Find us on:
Charcoal Lane
Charcoal Lane is a vibrant and unique restaurant located in the heart of buzzing Fitzroy. Offering a twist on modern Australian food through the infusion of native ingredients, Charcoal Lane offers a dining experience like no other. Topping off an incredible culinary experience, this food comes with a side of social conscience. Charcoal Lane is a social enterprise restaurant that gives Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people the opportunity to create positive change in their lives through its hospitality training and support program.
), 48 or op 9 xit)
, 12pm to m to 2pm
Tram: Number 11 or 86 to stop 13 Open: Tue–Sat; Lunch, 12pm to 3pm & Dinner, 6pm to 9pm
bers
136 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy t 9418 3400 e eat@charcoallane.com.au w charcoallane.com.au
YLE
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Brewery. Distillery. Winery. There’s always things to eat, drink, make, learn or shop for at The Craft & Co!
Brewery/Distillery: 390 Smith St, Collingwood. p: 9417 4755 Winery: 170 Riverend Rd, Bangholme. p: 9773 4880 info@thecraftandco.com.au | thecraftandco.com.au
We’re proud to be home to some of Melbourne’s most iconic food stories
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He came to Australia rich in pastry and café expertise.
Eat & Drink
GIORGIO ANGELÉ began his training in Rome at the ripe age of 10. In 1956, he came to Australia with the Italian Olympic team as a Pastr y Chef. After working a few years he migrated to Australia permanently and has been involved in the industr y ever since. He later acquired Brunetti where you can still find him in the kitchen baking delicious European-style sweets and desserts. Brunetti is a Melbourne food institution and with expansion across the city and international locations, Melbourne Airport is ver y lucky to have them situated in the newly built T4 Domestic Terminal.
The man behind Vue de monde took cooking classes in a girls school. SHANNON BENNETT was raised in Westmeadows in Melbourne. He attended Penleigh Essendon Grammar School where an opportunity at the local girls school to study Home Economics was too good to pass up. Shannon’s passion for cooking was further realised by trips to Europe where his uncle introduced him to the sophisticated world of restaurants. His Vue de monde restaurant quickly became a Melbourne icon and in 2010 he opened Café Vue at Melbourne International Airport as an option for international travellers. In 2011 he followed this up with Café Vue Express, extending the experience to all travellers. T2, Level 1 Departures. 37
Amora Hotel Riverwalk Melbourne
2017 WINNER + Superior Accommodation Hotel of the Year.* 2017 WINNER + Hotel Restaurant of the Year – Fresco Restaurant.*
), 48 or op 9 xit)
Ideally positioned on the banks of the Yarra River in Richmond, on vibrant Bridge Road and minutes from Melbourne CBD and all it has to offer.
, 12pm to m to 2pm
With undercover parking and trams on our doorstep. Be it business travel or a leisure stay, we have everything you need to ensure your stay is perfect. *Tourism Accommodation Australia (VIC) Accommodation Awards for Excellence.
bers
Tram: Number 48 or 75 to stop 22 Open: 24 hours 649 Bridge Road, Richmond t 9246 1200 or 1800 339 436 e res@amora.melbourne w melbourne.amorahotels.com Find us on:
YLE
The Hotel Windsor
Step back in time in Australia’s most cherished grand hotel and partake in the age-old tradition of Afternoon Tea. Enjoy delicious finger sandwiches, irresistible pastries and our famous Windsor scones from an exquisite tiered silver stand as you sip French sparkling wine and freshly brewed tea. On weekends, treat yourself to an additional indulgent dessert buffet set to satisfy any sweet tooth. Served since 1883, it's a quintessential Melbourne experience you cannot miss! Tram: Number 11, 12, 35 (free City Circle), 48 or 109 to stop 8; and number 86 or 96 to stop 9 Train: Parliament Station (Bourke Street exit) Open: Mon–Tue, 12pm to 2pm; Wed–Fri, 12pm to 2pm & 2.30pm to 4.30pm; Sat–Sun, 12pm to 2pm & 3pm to 5pm 111 Spring Street, Melbourne t 9633 6004 w thehotelwindsor.com.au Find us on:
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Eat & Drink
Yarra River
Southgate Melbourne
Southgate is a vibrant restaurant, shopping and entertainment destination located along the banks of Melbourne's Yarra River. The centre is located directly opposite the heritage-listed Flinders Street Station at the gateway to Melbourne’s arts precinct, in the heart of Southbank. Southgate is the place to be in Melbourne year round, as the restaurant precinct is a key event destination for those attending theatre, dance and opera performances at the Arts Centre. It’s also perfect for those looking for a bite to eat on their way to or from a big game at the MCG!
BearBrass
Tram: Alight at the St Kilda Road / Arts Centre Melbourne tram stop, cross over St Kilda Road and walk past Hamer Hall into Southgate Train: Catch the train to Flinders Street Station and take underpass to walk over Southbank Pedestrian footbridge to Southgate Open: Daily, 9am until late 3 Southgate Avenue, Southbank t 9686 1000 w southgatemelbourne.com.au Find us on:
BearBrass has returned after a refresh and is looking bigger and better than ever. With expanded internal dining areas it’s a great spot to pop in for a fantastic weekly special, including $20 Monday and Tuesday lunch, $18 Pizza and Pint Wednesday and tempting drink specials to kick off your weekend. Pull up a chair and take in that city view at BearBrass, open from breakfast till beer o’clock every day. Southgate offers a diverse mix of riverside restaurants, cafes and bars, a casual licensed food court, and a range of boutique retailers, as well as everyday needs.
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Bridge Road Richmond
A visit to Melbourne isn’t complete without experiencing the huge array of cuisine from around the globe available in the Bridge Road Precinct. With more than 145 restaurants and cafes, you will find the area bustling day and night. Make sure you also have enough time to explore the shops offering fashion and homewares. Tram: Number 48, 75 or 78 Train: Richmond or West Richmond Station w bridgerd.com.au Find us on:
Batmanʼs Hill – The Oak Room
Join us for our Decadent High Tea this summer in the heritage-listed Oak Room. From $59pp including a glass of bubbles. Enjoy the Happiest Hours with our resident pianist daily from 5pm. Selected drinks only $5. Mention Destination Melbourne and get 10% off High Tea or evening tapas platter. Open: Daily, 7am to 1am
623 Collins Street, Melbourne t 9614 6344 w batmanshill.com.au Find us on:
Colonial Tramcar Restaurant
Dining in Melbourne is a fabulous experience, especially aboard the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant. As the glossy, burgundy trams cruise the scenic streets of Melbourne, diners enjoy our fine cuisine and drink the very best Australian wines or something from the selection of beverages from our fully stocked bar at an inclusive price. Open: Daily; Luncheon, 1pm to 3pm; Early dinner, 5.45pm to 7.15pm & Late dinner, 8.35pm to 11.30pm t 9695 4000 w tramrestaurant.com.au
The Pancake Parlour
The Pancake Parlour is a Melbourne family business serving sweet and savoury pancakes and crepes, as well as fish, chicken, steak and salads. Breakfast fare includes delicious crispy bacon, free-range eggs, house-made hash browns and freshly squeezed orange juice and is served until 5pm daily. Melbourne Central (Level 3, next to cinemas) Centrepoint Arcade, Bourke Street Mall (down the escalators) w pancakeparlour.com.au Find us on:
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ENTER NOW!
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Eat & Drink
Melbourne Official Visitor Guide Reader Survey We’d love to know what you love about Melbourne, and how our future editions of the Official Visitor Guide can be more tailored to help you explore Melbourne. Jump online, complete our short survey and you’ll be in the running to win. To enter: destination.melbourne/reader-survey Privacy policy: destination.melbourne/privacy-policy
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St Kilda Pier
See & Do There’s never a dull minute in Melbourne, with an array of attractions and events to explore. Regardless of what you’re into, there are so many options for entertainment.
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Melbourne Zoo, Parkville
Sometimes in the middle of a summer day, it’s just too hot to spend time outdoors. Grab a choc top and a bucket of popcorn, and check out the latest independent release at Cinema Nova. There’s plenty of fun to be had at Strike Bowling. Team up for tenpin, book in for laser tag or try your hand a solving a clue in the escape room. There are more than 150 arcade games at Playtime Crown, so the whole family can test their skills and try to win prizes.
SEA LIFE Melbourne
w cinemanova.com.au w strikebowling.com.au w playtime.com.au
Talk to the Animals
Kids never tire of checking out the animals at Melbourne Zoo. Make sure you take them past Baboon Lookout where babies Quasi and Melako can often be seen playing and creating mischief. Tiny kids will love all the pats they can procure at Collingwood Children’s Farm, where there are lambs, goats, cows and more roaming the paddocks. Who’s that we spy? It’s Pinjarra, the huge saltwater croc who lives at SEA LIFE Melbourne. He’s just one of the many creatures, including sharks, penguins and seahorses, you can see here. w zoo.org.au w farm.org.au w melbourneaquarium.com.au
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See & Do
Cool in the City
Strike Bowling
St Kilda Beach
Follow the Leader
Often the best way to find out about a new city is on a guided tour. Get the lowdown on the CBD on a three-hour Melbourne Sights Free Tour. They head off twice a day and delve into the history and stories of Melbourne. Head bayside for Melbourne Walks’ St Kilda Historic Pubs and Places Tour, where your guide will reveal the suburb’s former sleazy side and its criminal associations. w imfree.com.au/melbourne w melbournewalks.com.au
Fun in the Sun
Each year, an internationally acclaimed architect builds a temporary space for talks, workshops, performances and installations at Queen Victoria Gardens. This year, MPavilion has been created by Rem Koolhaas and David Gianotten and will host a full program of activities. Cool off at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre, where you can swim laps, lie by the pool, splash in the wave pool or zip down the waterslide. You might choose to go for a swim at St Kilda Beach or you could simply enjoy a stroll along the sand before heading to Acland Street to feast on cakes at the traditional European cafes. w mpavilion.org w melbournesportshub.com.au
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Word on the Street Nina (29) from Balwyn Outdoor cinemas pop up everywhere over the summer, but my favourite is the Lido Rooftop in Hawthorn. It’s more intimate than many of the others, and it shows a good range of new release and art-house films. I get there early to grab a glass of wine and watch the sun go down before the movie starts. w lidocinemas.com.au
Access All Areas We want everyone to be able to enjoy our city, so here are our tips for Melbourne’s best accessible attractions.
Global Ballooning
01 Global Ballooning
CERES, Brunswick East
Take a Hike
w ceres.org.au Lido Rooftop, Hawthorn
w globalballooning.com.au/accessibility
02 Arts Centre Melbourne
Offering a range of services to ensure accessibility to its theatre, musical and ballet performances, all Arts Centre Melbourne venues are wheelchair accessible and patrons can request assisted listening devices. Some performances have Auslan interpretation or captioning. Vision Australia also provides audio description and tactile tours of selected performances. w artscentremelbourne.com.au
03 Federation Square
As well as wheelchair accessibility throughout the site (including River Terrace), hearing loops are located in The Atrium, Deakin Edge and the Square. ACMI offers two wheelchair entry points and access to all of its galleries, studios and cinemas. ACMI also offers wheelchair loans, as well as assisted listening devices. w fedsquare.com w acmi.net.au For more information about accessibility in Melbourne, please refer to page 145.
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See & Do
In the cool of the morning or late in the afternoon, lace up your walking shoes and take in some of the scenic walking trails around the city. The Bayside Coastal Trail links the suburbs of Sandringham, Hampton and Black Rock and has stunning views of the bay. Closer to the CBD, the Capital City Trail runs through the serene Royal Park (listen for the calls of animals from the zoo), and the Merri Creek Trail follows a natural waterway through the inner north. Stop at CERES, a community environment park, for a coffee at its organic cafe, the Merri Table.
Operating Australia’s first accessible hot-air balloon for passengers with physical mobility impairment, Global Ballooning offers sunrise flights over Melbourne and the Yarra Valley. The basket has specially designed seating and seatbelts, as well as a door that allows access without climbing over the edge.
WIN!
A $100 EFTPOS GIFT CARD See page 41 for more info.
Luna Park, St Kilda
Family Fun
There’s another side to the world’s most famous toy brick and you can find out just what that is at LEGOLAND Discovery Centre. Of course, there are build-and-play zones, but you can also go on rides, join the factory tour and visit the 4D cinema. On a beautiful day, head to St Kilda and the famous smiling face that greets visitors to Luna Park. There are 18 rides and attractions, including the Great Scenic Railway and Coney Island Top Drop, as well as places to eat. If you’ve got teenagers with you, they’ll love Zero Latency, a multiplayer, virtual reality experience. Suit up and get hunting. You might have to fight off a hoard of zombies or investigate a space station that has gone dark. It’s pure immersive mayhem and tonnes of fun. LEGOLAND Discovery Centre, Chadstone
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w legolanddiscoverycentre.com.au w lunapark.com.au w zerolatencyvr.com
An experience above all else
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Guided boat tours in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne
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Melbourne Gardens
Here are five places to discover within Melbourne Gardens this summer…
01 The Magic Pudding Sculpture
Summer is the perfect time to explore the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria with family and friends. Childrenʼs Garden
Just a short stroll from Melbourne’s CBD, you’ll find yourself surrounded by nature, majestic trees and beautifully manicured gardens. Established in 1846, Melbourne Gardens is now considered to be one of the world’s finest examples of a botanical garden. More than 8500 species of plants from across the globe grow here, creating an extraordinary place for city dwellers and visitors to get away from the bustle of the city.
02 Fern Gully
Step into this cool, shady microclimate, common throughout the Australian bush, and follow the stream that flows beneath lush tree ferns.
03 Tropical Glasshouse In this re-creation of a rainforest, see beautiful orchids, huge king ferns and the titan arum, the famous resident with a flower that smells like a rotting corpse.
04 Rare and Threatened Species Collection
Located on Central Lawn, these six beds harbour plants from around Victoria that are threatened by habitat changes.
05 Guilfoyle’s Volcano There’s no chance of an eruption since this is actually an historic reservoir built at the highest point of the Gardens. Wander around the boardwalk for amazing views of the city.
w rbg.vic.gov.au
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See & Do
Ease into Green
Set in the midst of the Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden is this bronze sculpture by Louis Laumen depicting the characters — Bunyip Bluegum, Bill Barnacle, the Magic Pudding and Sam Sawnoff — from Norman Lindsay’s famous picture book.
www.adventurepark.com.au
V Hotel Spa
V Hotel Spa is a luxurious new parlour now operating in Melbourne's CBD. This hidden gem, where the exotic secrets of relaxation, rejuvenation and meditation are professionally practiced within an exquisite day spa ambience, can be found beneath the Vibe Savoy Hotel. V Hotel Spa offers a hydro-steam and spa bath, and the best massages, facials and body treatments in Melbourne. The deluxe product range is dedicated to holistic wellbeing, nurturing the body as well as the mind and spirit, while respecting the delicate balance of nature. Trained and experienced therapists provide expert treatments that focus on your unique wants and needs. Tram: Number 11, 12, 48, 86, 96 or 109 to stop 1 Train: Any train to Southern Cross Station Open: Daily, 10am to 9pm
Melbourne River Cruises Enjoy a sightseeing cruise and discover the best of what Melbourne has to offer, while gently meandering your way through this river city.
+ Yarra Sightseeing Cruises: One- or two-hour cruises + City and Williamstown Ferry: One-way or return trip Daily Cruises: Ports and Docklands – 12.10pm & 3pm River Gardens – 11am & 1.30pm Williamstown – 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm & 3.30pm Open: Daily, 9.30am to 3.30pm Ticket Kiosk 1: Southbank Promenade Berth 5 (below Southgate food court) Ticket Kiosk 2: Federation Wharf (next to Riverland Bar) t 8610 2600 w melbcruises.com.au Find us on:
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See & Do
Lower Ground, 630 Little Collins Street, Melbourne t 9629 6600 w vhotelspa.com.au Find us on:
Victoria Police Museum
Visit the Victoria Police Museum and see the largest collection of Kelly Gang armour in Australia, view forensic evidence from some of Melbourne’s most notorious cases and learn how police fight crime. Tram: Number 12, 96 or 109 to stop 124; and number 35 (free City Circle), 70 or 75 to stop D6 Train: Southern Cross Station Open: Mon–Fri, 10am to 4pm World Trade Centre, 637 Flinders Street, Melbourne t 9247 6354 w policemuseum.vic.gov.au
RAAF Museum Point Cook
See Australia’s Air Force in fascinating detail through thousands of memorabilia items, beautifully preserved aircraft and interactive flying displays, just 25 minutes from the CBD. Admission is free! Open: Tue–Fri, 10am to 3pm; weekends and public holidays, 10am to 5pm (closed Mon, Christmas Day & Good Friday) RAAF Williams, Point Cook Road, Point Cook t 8348 6040 e raaf.museuminfo@defence.gov.au w airforce.gov.au/raafmuseum
Arts Centre Melbourne Sunday Market
On Sundays from 10am to 4pm, more than 80 local artisans fill Arts Centre Melbourne's lawn to showcase their unique, handmade goods, ranging from arts and crafts to freshly made edible delicacies. Everything on offer is produced locally, making the market a real favourite for those seeking one-of-a-kind treasures. Open: Sun, 10am to 4pm 100 St Kilda Road, Melbourne t 1300 182 183 w artscentremelbourne.com.au
IceBar Melbourne
The ultimate arctic experience! At minus 10°C, the only IceBar in Australia is definitely the coolest place in town. The walls, tables, chairs and even the bar are all made of ice. Tram: Number 11 to stop 16 Open: Thu–Mon, 11am until late; children welcome until 7pm 319 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy t 9077 9716 or 1300 ICEBAR e info@icebarmelbourne.com w icebarmelbourne.com
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WE LCOME TO A WOR LD OF E NTERTA IN MENT Located on the Southern bank of the Yarra River, and with public transport right to the front door, Crown is the only destination in Melbourne where you will find over 70 restaurants, cafes, and bars with an enviable variety of worldclass dining options, plus free live entertainment every day of the week. At Crown, there is a dining experience to suit every taste. From indulging at one of our awardwinning restaurants, while you enjoy the magnificent views of the Yarra River and the Melbourne skyline, or meeting friends for a drink at one of the 14 bars, you are sure to find somewhere that suits your mood.
There are also endless ways to be entertained – all in the one convenient location. From watching the latest blockbuster movie, to exploring Melbourne’s best bars and clubs, or catching a live show at The Palms, there is a world of entertainment for everyone.
Visit crownmelbourne.com.au
Puffing Billy Railway
Puffing Billy is Australia’s premier preserved steam railway and has been loved by generations for more than 100 years. Journey through the magnificent forests and fern gullies of the Dandenong Ranges from Belgrave, only one hour east of Melbourne, every day except Christmas Day. Enjoy an authentic Excursion Train journey to Emerald Lake Park and Gembrook. Alternatively, you can travel first class in our luxury, fully enclosed dining carriages on the daily Steam & Cuisine Luncheon, or on one of the many evening dining experiences, which depart on selected Fridays and Saturdays. Tours are offered by all major day-tour operators. Train: Belgrave Line to Belgrave Station Open: Operates daily (except Christmas Day) 1 Old Monbulk Road, Belgrave t 9757 0700 w puffingbilly.com.au Find us on:
Phillip Island Nature Parks
Only 90 minutes from Melbourne, Phillip Island offers a spectacular coastal environment with an abundance of Australian wildlife and exciting experiences. Experience the magic of little penguins crossing the beach at sunset at the world famous Penguin Parade. Choose from a range of viewing options including Penguins Plus or the underground area for an up-close view. A selection of ranger-guided tours offer a unique and intimate viewing experience. The new Antarctic Journey offers hands-on fun and a state-of-the-art multimedia experience. The Wild Oceans EcoBoat takes a high-speed adventure to Australia’s largest fur seal colony, while the Koala Conservation Centre and Churchill Island Heritage Farm encourage a more relaxed pace. Open: Daily, from 10am 1019 Ventnor Road, Summerlands t 5951 2800 w penguins.org.au
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See & Do
Luna Park Melbourne’s Luna Park is famous about town for its thrills, fun and excitement as well as for a rich and beautiful history stretching back more than a hundred years.
It all started on 13 December 1912, when Luna Park opened its doors to its very first visitors. More than 22,000 people passed through the mouth of Mr Moon on that summer’s day, many of them rushing to try the new Great Scenic Railway — now the oldest operating wooden roller coaster of its kind in the world. Fast forward to this summer and the park will be home to Pirate’s Revenge, an action packed aquatic coaster that plunges riders down a 16-metre slope through plumes of gushing spray. So step up and get wet while you have the chance! Try out your dodgem skills, take a nail-biting thrill ride on the Power Surge or check out the spectacular
Tram: Number 16, 96 or 3a to stop 138 Open: School holidays, weekends and public holidays from 11am 8 Lower Esplanade, St Kilda e justforfun@lunapark.com.au w lunapark.com.au
views of the city and Port Phillip Bay while suspended upside down on Pharoah’s Curse. There are plenty of rides and attractions for the little ones too, with winged elephants, a mini coaster and the Red Baron flying roundabout to soak up some of their boundless energy! Grab an unlimited ride ticket to enjoy all the spinning, zooming, twirling and shrieking you could possibly want all day long.
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29 September 2017 — 21 January 2018 An Australian exclusive honouring the career of multi-award winning Hollywood costume designer Edith Head. The significant collection showcases Edith’s works for Hollywood stars including Shirley Temple, Fred Astaire, Hedy Lamarr, Shirley MacLaine, Jane Russell, Audrey Hepburn and more. Tickets and packages: www.bendigoartgallery.com.au
#EdithBendigo
Arthurs Seat Eagle
Get ready to soar! Board a state-of-the-art gondola and fly over the state forest to the highest point of the Mornington Peninsula. Enjoy breathtaking views across the bay to the city as you soar above the trees. Travel in the safety and comfort of a contemporary gondola cabin as you fly between the Base Station in Dromana to the summit of Arthurs Seat. Open: Daily, from 10am 1085 Arthurs Seat Road, Dromana t 5987 0600 e info@aseagle.com.au w aseagle.com.au
Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park
Melbourne’s award-winning wildlife park. Explore our bushland, meet endangered species, feed kangaroos, cuddle up to koalas and enjoy encounters with colourful birds, reptiles, dingoes and many other animals. Or come on a magical lantern-lit evening wildlife walk. Close to Melbourne on the way to Phillip Island.
See & Do
Open: Daily, 10am to 5pm 550 Tyabb-Tooradin Road, Pearcedale t 5978 7935 w moonlitsanctuary.com.au
Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm
Pick your own famous Sunny Ridge strawberries at our beautiful hinterland property. Treat yourself to heavenly desserts and delectable chocolate fondue in our strawberry cafe. Purchase seasonal fresh produce or peruse our retail shop for local gourmet products and gifts. Open: See website for details 244 Shands Road, Main Ridge t 5989 4500 w sunnyridge.com.au Find us on:
Parliament House
Visit Victoria’s Parliament House — one of Australia’s oldest and most architecturally distinguished public buildings. Free guided tours are provided on non-sitting days, Monday to Friday. Groups of six or more must book. On sitting days, come and see Parliament in action. Public tours: Mon–Fri, 9.30am, 10.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm, 2.30pm & 3.30pm (non-sitting days only) Express tours: 1pm & 4pm Spring Street, East Melbourne t 9651 8568 w parliament.vic.gov.au/visit
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William Ricketts Sanctuary
Wander along the lush pathways of the William Ricketts Sanctuary and discover more than 90 beautiful clay sculptures of Indigenous figures half-hidden among rocks and tree ferns. Created by William Ricketts and inspired by the culture and traditions of the Pitjantjatjara and Arrernte people of Central Australia, the forest gallery is the perfect place to enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of the Dandenong Ranges. Entry is free. Make the most of your day with a picnic nearby in the Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden or National Rhododendron Garden. Train: Belgrave Line to Upper Ferntree Gully Station Bus: Number 688 from Upper Ferntree Gully Station Open: Daily, 10am to 4.30pm (except Christmas Day)
See & Do
1402 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road, Mount Dandenong t 13 19 63 w parks.vic.gov.au
Melbourne Star Observation Wheel
Located in the city’s waterfront precinct of Docklands, Melbourne Star is the perfect way to start your Melbourne visit. Hear stories of Melbourne’s origins and its place in the world while taking in views stretching up to 40 kilometres. Special offer: present this ad for 20% off full price general admission tickets. Open: Daily; May–Aug, 11am to 7pm; Sep–Apr, 11am to 10pm; Christmas Day and ANZAC Day, 1pm to 10pm Last flight departs 30 minutes prior to closing time Last ticket sales 45 minutes prior to closing time Tram: Number 70, 86 or 35 to stop D11, free from CBD 101 Waterfront Way, Docklands t 8688 9688 w melbournestar.com Find us on:
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Advertorial
Legends and Heroes Unite At the National Sports Museum, learn about the greatest athletes Australia has ever seen in a venue that combines action with memories. When summer rolls around in Melbourne, thoughts turn to the sporting field. It’s when international teams arrive to play the Australian cricket team at the MCG, the atmosphere at Melbourne Park reaches new heights as the Australian Open hosts the world’s greatest tennis players, and the whole city can hear the roar of the motors as the Formula 1 Grand Prix takes off.
Big Day Out
Add another layer of the sporting life to your day with a visit to the National Sports Museum. Planning on spending the evening watching a game of Twenty20 cricket? Arrive in the city a bit early and check out the Backyard to Baggy Green exhibition that traces the evolution of some of our favourite cricketers and the game.
Great Sporting Memories
Australia’s history and its greatest sporting achievements are bound together. Many would say sport has helped shape the nation we are today. Checking out the collections you’ll see Don
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Bradman’s baggy green, the 1956 Melbourne Olympics cauldron and Tulloch’s carefully preserved heart, as well as the balls, bats and uniforms that were part of momentous sporting occasions.
Test Your Skills
If you’ve ever wondered how your kicking compared to an AFL champion’s, if you could hit an archery target or if you could ride a bike to glory at the Olympic Games now is the time to find out. Game On! is a favourite interactive zone with all the fans.
Tour and More
Combine your visit to the National Sports Museum with a tour of the MCG, where you get to visit places usually out of bounds, including the MCC Long Room, players’ dressing room, the media room and the hallowed turf. w nsm.org.au /nationalsportsmuseum
Twelve Apostles
Let us help you make the most of your time in Melbourne! AAT Kings offers a range of one-day and half-day sightseeing tours around Melbourne. Leave the stress of exploring an unknown area to us! We’ll show you all the must-see sights, share local stories and introduce you to the history and culture of Melbourne. We also offer free hotel pick-ups, so all you need to do is sit back and relax. Whether you’re wanting to travel along the majestic Great Ocean Road, watch the Phillip Island penguins come home after a long day at work or even hop on board the Puffing Billy Heritage Steam Train, we have a day tour to suit your needs. Our Great Ocean Road & Twelve Apostles tour takes you from the heart of Melbourne all the way along one of the world’s greatest coastal drives. You’ll be t 1300 615 110 w aatkings.com Find us on:
Penguins Plus
treated with incredible views and natural wonders. On your way to Phillip Island to see the amazing little penguins, you will have the chance to get up close and personal with koalas, kangaroos, Tasmanian devils and much more! Why not hop on the Puffing Billy Steam Train and take a journey through the Dandenong while on your way to the Yarra Valley, where you will have the chance to taste some of Victoria’s best wines!
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AAT Kings Melbourne Day Tours
Global Ballooning Australia Global Ballooning Australia has shared a sunrise with more than 90,000 people over 25 years. Traversing the breeze, every journey is different. Operating 364 days a year, we rise before the sun almost every day in Melbourne city and the Yarra Valley, because we believe there’s something magical about experiencing the world from the sky.
It starts with an alarm – that familiar shrill that drags you from bed and dares you to meet the dawn. Your adventure starts before the city stirs. Birdsong begins as balloons inflate and you find yourself drawn to the heat of the flame. As the earth falls away, you rise with the sun. There’s no need to travel far, and no better way to see the world’s most liveable city — Melbourne. For an hour, it’s just you and the sky. Some prefer the scenic route to the Yarra Valley, traversing roads through gnarly vineyards and misty farms until a landscape worthy of silence appears. Your adventure starts with us! t 1800 627 661 w globalballooning.com.au Find us on:
Bunyip Tours
Come and experience some of the most amazing landscapes Victoria has to offer with Bunyip Tours, our small group sizes (24) ensure personalised and interactive experiences. From the Twelve Apostles to Wilson’s Promontory, Phillip Island or Ramsay Street, we have something to blow everyone away. Special offer: Save $72 with Melbourne Attractions Pass Package – Great Ocean Road + Phillip Island Tour + Melbourne Zoo & Melbourne Star. Free translation app downloadable in seven languages on selected services. Available via app store for iPhone and Android. 10% Discount – book online with promotion code ‛OVG’ (valid for direct bookings only). Five minute walk from Skybus and Southern Cross Station. Tram: Number 35 (free City Circle), 70 or 75 to stop 1 Open: Daily, 7am to 7pm 570 Flinders Street t 9650 9680 w bunyiptours.com Find us on:
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Regent Theatre
Arts& Culture They don’t call Melbourne Australia’s cultural capital for no reason. On any day and at any time, you can find an event or exhibition to enchant and inspire.
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Art on Show
Take some time to explore The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia. This expansive gallery in Federation Square focuses on Australian art. While the permanent collection is always interesting, there are a number of temporary installations on show. The work of contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island artists who take their customary symbols and techniques and re-interpret them are on show at Past Legacy: Present Tense (until January). Previously seen at the Venice Biennale, The Pool (until 18 February) is an architecture exhibition that examines culture, landscape and architecture through a singular object, the swimming pool.
Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia Robert Blackburn
w ngv.vic.gov.au
On the Stage
One of the Melbourne Theatre Company’s most anticipated productions is the adaptation of Mark Haddon’s book The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time (11 January – 18 February). This is the first time this acclaimed production from the UK’s National Theatre will be seen in Australia. At Arts Centre Melbourne, David Campbell takes to the stage in Dream Lover – The Bobby Darrin Musical (from 27 December), which promises to capture the glamour and passion of the big band era. A favourite is returning to the stage with the musical version of Priscilla Queen of the Desert (from 21 January) coming to the Regent Theatre. w mtc.com.au w artscentremelbourne.com.au w marrinergroup.com.au
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Priscilla Queen of the Desert
Day at the Museum
Inside Out
The newest exhibition at Melbourne Museum is absolutely fascinating. Inside Out (23 December – 11 February) is an immersive experience where visitors journey through frozen moments and abstracted everyday environments. Your unseen host will guide you through the adventure. At the museum’s Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre, Marramb-ik (I Am) (1 December – 18 February) explores the role of storytelling in the First Peoples’ culture using the contemporary medium of comics. w museumsvictoria.com.au
Word on the Street Janet (32), Coburg
Arts & Culture
I hadn’t been to Melbourne Museum for years, but a friend suggested we check out Nocturnal, the adults-only Friday night event that happens once a month. It was very cool. We wandered through some of the collections, grabbed a drink, listened to one of the experts talk about space and saw a really cool band. It reminded me that there’s so much to see there. w museumsvictoria.com.au
Nocturnal Cesur Sanli
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Arts Centre Melbourne Robert Blackburn
The Unbelievables
Family Favourites
There are laughs, music and great storytelling during the theatre adaptation of Cressida Cowell’s much-loved book, Emily Brown and the Thing (3–14 January). It’s suitable for kids aged three and older. If they’re a bit bigger, they’ll love the colour and movement of The Unbelievables (3–13 January), combining jaw-dropping magic, circus tricks and spectacular ballroom dancing. The acrobats of Gravity & Other Myths are bringing their hair-raising stunts to A Simple Space (3–14 January), where seven performers and one musician push their physical limits. Whether you’re 12 or 52, you’ll be gasping at the spectacle. All shows are on at Arts Centre Melbourne. w artscentremelbourne.com.au
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State Library Victoria Cameron Murray
Step Back in Time
If you’re captivated by the city, check out Melbourne: Foundations of a City at the Old Treasury Building. The exhibition brings together paintings, pictures and maps that show the evolution of Melbourne from European settlement to 1900. Also on display is Christmas at the Old Treasury (until 6 January), showcasing intricate, homemade decorations of the 1920s. At the State Library Victoria, Writing the War: personal stories from WWI brings together the letters, photographs and diaries of seven ordinary Australians who were sent to fight overseas. w oldtreasurybuilding.org.au w slv.vic.gov.au
Indigenous Melbourne Experience Melbourne’s rich Indigenous history, culture and art at one of many locations across the city.
The Tote, Collingwood Tahlia Palmer
The Beat Goes On
w thetotehotel.com w dingdonglounge.com.au w evelynhotel.com.au
Bunjilaka
01 Bunjilaka
Melbourne Museum’s First Peoples exhibition (above) at the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre focuses on the story of Aboriginal Victoria from the time of creation to today. w museumsvictoria.com.au/first-peoples
02 Koorie Heritage Trust
The Koorie Heritage Trust is the oldest community-owned Aboriginal arts and culture centre of its kind in Australia. It’s home to temporary exhibitions and permanent displays, as well as a retail centre that promotes art and craft work by Koorie artists. w koorieheritagetrust.com
03 Aboriginal Heritage Walk
Explore the ancestral lands of the Wurundjeri people and taste Indigenous food straight from the tree on a guided tour of the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria's Melbourne Gardens. w rbg.vic.gov.au
04 The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia
This gallery in Federation Square focuses solely on local art. The Aboriginal collection is particularly strong, with both artefacts and works by major Indigenous artists on permanent display. Evelyn Hotel, Fitzroy
w ngv.vic.gov.au
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Arts & Culture
See a favourite act or discover the next big thing on a night out enjoying Melbourne’s thriving live music scene. The Tote, where the beer is cold and the music is loud, holds a special place in the hearts of Melbourne’s rockers. Booths line the dance floor at Ding Dong Lounge, where the entertainment can range from electronic up-and-comers to soul bands. For more than 20 years, the Evelyn Hotel has hosted live music seven nights a week. You might see a local band launching an album or a showcase from an indie label.
THE AUSTRALIAN MUSIC VAULT IS A CELEBRATION OF THE AUSTRALIAN CONTEMPORARY MUSIC STORY. Explore your love of music, revisit big music moments, share memories and discover the stories of Australian music. Opening 19 December 2017, the Australian Music Vault will feature: A free immersive exhibition Interactive and digital experiences Iconic objects Learning programs Performances Everyone’s welcome. No backstage pass required. AUSTRALIAN MUSIC VAULT #AUSTRALIANMUSICVAULT
@AUSTRALIANMUSICVAULT
AUSTRALIANMUSICVAULT.COM.AU
Forum Theatre, Melbourne, 1999. Photograph by Shellie Tonkin Arts Centre Melbourne, Australian Performing Arts Collection
OPEN UP AUSTRALIAN MUSIC
Richard Mosse still from Incoming 2015–16 (detail) three channel black and white high definition video, surround sound, 52 min 10 sec (looped) Co-commissioned by the National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne and the Barbican Art Gallery, London. National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne. Purchased with funds donated by Christopher Thomas AM and Cheryl Thomas, Jane and Stephen Hains, Vivien Knowles, Michael and Emily Tong and 2016 NGV Curatorial Tour donors, 2017 © Richard Mosse courtesy Jack Shainman Gallery, New York and carlier|gebauer, Berlin PRESENTED BY
PRINCIPAL PARTNER
NGV.MELBOURNE
MAJOR PARTNERS
DEC 15 – APR 15 2018
SEE THE WORLD OF ART AND DESIGN NOW OVER 100 ARTISTS & DESIGNERS / 32 COUNTRIES FREE ENTRY / ONLY IN MELBOURNE
State Library Victoria
State Library Victoria, located in Melbourne’s CBD, is one of the state’s most popular heritage destinations. Established in 1854, it is the oldest and busiest public library in Australia. The majestic La Trobe Reading Room is the heart of the library, and one of its most magnificent and most photographed spaces. When the room opened in 1913, it was the largest concrete dome in the world, with a soaring glass ceiling and three levels of galleries. A viewing platform on the top-level gallery
Tram: Number 1, 3, 3a, 5, 6, 64, 67 or 72 to stop 8; and 30 or 35 (free City Circle) to stop 6 Train: Melbourne Central Station Open: Mon–Thu, 10am to 9pm & Fri–Sun and public holidays, 10am to 6pm 328 Swanston Street, Melbourne t 8664 7099 w slv.viv.gov.au /statelibraryofvictoria library_vic @library_vic
Ned Kelly's armour
offers a fabulous panorama of the dome and the reading room below. The galleries that line the dome also house free exhibitions showcasing some of the library’s most precious treasures from its collection of almost five million items. Enjoy free daily tours and discover the stories of Victoria and its people. You’ll see the original armour of Australia’s most infamous bushranger, Ned Kelly; artefacts from the ill-fated expedition of famed explorers, Burke and Wills; and a dedicated display of some of the world’s rarest books, including medieval manuscripts. Entry to State Library Victoria is free. Free lockers and Wi-Fi are available, and there’s an onsite cafe.
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Arts & Culture
State Library Victoria
Photo of Luke Treadaway by Hugo Glendinning
Evening Standard
11 JANUARY – 18 FEBRUARY TICKETS ON SALE NOW PLAYHOUSE, ARTS CENTRE MELBOURNE
mtc.com.au | artscentremelbourne.com.au
PRESENTED BY MTC AND ARTS CENTRE MELBOURNE
Advertorial
Changing Weather, Changing Hues
Take a stroll around the Docklands after dark and you may notice a luminous newcomer. The facade of the 15-storey residential building 888 Collins, located on the corner of Bourke and Collins streets, is covered by 58,000 LED lights embedded into 35 full-height vertical fins flanking the triangular building. At dusk each day, a five-minute interpretative display of the next day’s weather is performed in lights every hour on the hour until midnight. A weather station on the roof of the building links to the Bureau of Meteorology’s weather feed, taking data to create patterns of colour that reflect real-time conditions and a more artistic interpretation of how the weather ‘feels’.
“Melbourne is known for its tempestuous and changeable weather,” explains artist Bruce Ramus, who worked with developer Lendlease to formulate the display, titled Light House. “We wanted to create an installation that would reflect the environment and beauty of the area, but also reflect some softness that allows people to connect with the space around them.” A pulsing red light across the top of the building indicates a forecast is about to begin, then the weather elements are shown. The background colour represents the temperature being forecast for the next day, followed by relevant weather conditions. It won’t replace the Bureau of
Meteorology website, but it does offer visitors to the Docklands a visually striking attraction that can be seen from as far as the Bolte Bridge. “My role as an artist in this instance was to reflect the environment and the people who live there,” says Ramus. “We wanted to make it gentle. It is an artwork, not a billboard. I really enjoy seeing people’s faces when they see it light up for the first time.” w victoriaharbour.com.au/ lighthouse w lendlease.com w ramus.com.au
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Arts & Culture
At 888 Collins, Melbourne’s weather influences the appearance of the building’s facade to create an epic, ever-changing artwork.
S U M M E R W H AT ’ S O N
STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS IN CONCERT 7 - 10 December | Palais Theatre, St Kilda
HANDEL’S MESSIAH 9 - 10 December | Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall
MSO CHRISTMAS 16 December | Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall
SYMPHONICA: ARMAND VAN HELDEN WITH THE MSO 27 January | Sidney Myer Music Bowl
SIDNEY MYER FREE CONCERTS 7, 10, 14 February | Sidney Myer Music Bowl
EAST MEETS WEST: CHINESE NEW YEAR CONCERT 24 February | Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall
mso.com.au
Advertorial
In-spire-ing
Arts Centre Melbourne
Sitting beneath one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks — the magnificent spire — Arts Centre Melbourne is at the heart of Australia’s largest performing arts precinct. The Cultural Hub
Arts Centre Melbourne is much bigger than even most Victorians realise, comprising three venues on both sides of St Kilda Road: The Theatres Building has the impressive State Theatre, Playhouse and intimate Fairfax Studio; Hamer Hall is a premier venue for musical performances, including Melbourne Symphony Orchestra; and Sidney Myer Music Bowl is popular for openair concerts. More than merely a place to see a show, this buzzing cultural precinct is a remarkable tourist attraction in its own right that can be explored and enjoyed in a variety of ways.
Opening 19 December, the Australian Music Vault will feature a free exhibition showcasing Australian contemporary music. Also on Sundays (10am - 4pm), local artisans showcase their unique handmade goods at the Sunday Market on the Arts Centre Melbourne Lawn.
Wining and Dining
There are plenty of great places to eat and drink. The Barre is perfect for a pre-show wine, meal or late-night drink. For a quick coffee and cake break try Cento and Café Vic. At Hamer Hall, Bombini Buzz is serving micro-roasted Melbourne coffee and ice-cream during the day, morphing into a pre-show and late night bar. Fatto Bar & Cantina, Teatro and Saké all overlook the Yarra River.
Arts & Culture
For more than 30 years, Arts Centre Melbourne has been a hub for story-telling through world-class theatre, dance, music, art and circus, and thrilling audiences with a diverse program of local and international productions and exhibitions.
More Than Meets the Eye
From 11 January
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time Featuring remarkable, immersive staging, the Australian premiere presented by Arts Centre Melbourne and MTC is a global theatrical phenomenon that simply must not be missed.
w artscentremelbourne.com.au Guided tour
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HaVE AN
g n i t s e R r A exPEri e n c E
OPEN DAILY 9.30am to 5.00pm and select evenings 377 Russell St, Melbourne oldmelbournegaol.com.au
Melbourne Theatre Company
The iconic Melbourne Theatre Company is your ticket to the city’s best entertainment, all year round. From new Australian writing to renowned classics and the very best international works, there is something for everyone at Melbourne’s home of theatre. This summer, the wild mind of Eddie Perfect comes to Southbank Theatre for the Australian premiere of Vivid White. Verity Hunt-Ballard (Mary Poppins), Brent Hill (Little Shop of Horrors) and a stellar ensemble dole out the perfect dose of black comedy in this merciless homegrown satire with songs. Now playing! Tram: Number 1 to stop 17 Train: Flinders Street Station Open: Mon–Sat, 9am to 5pm (Southbank Theatre Box Office) 140 Southbank Boulevard, Southbank t 8688 0800 w mtc.com.au Find us on:
Arts & Culture
Grainger Museum
One of Melbourne’s most fascinating institutions, the Grainger Museum is a unique site devoted to creativity and is one of the city’s hidden gems. The only purpose-built, autobiographical museum in Australia, the Grainger Museum is home to a wonderful collection of art, photographs, costumes, music scores and instruments acquired by Percy Grainger, an icon of 20th-century Australian music culture. Discover the creative genius of Percy Grainger through the diverse collection and rotating temporary exhibitions that showcase Australia’s musical history. Free admission. Tram: Number 19 to stop 11 Open: Sun–Fri, 12pm to 4pm Gate 13, Royal Parade, Parkville t 8344 5270 w grainger.unimelb.edu.au Find us on:
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Arts & Culture
Shrine of Remembrance Join the Shrine Tour and learn the fascinating stories behind Australia’s first national war memorial. The Shrine is like no other building, in appearance or origins. It has both an immense cultural and heritage significance, and a compelling history. The Shrine was originally built to honour the men and women who served in the First World War. Today the monument recognises more than a century of service by Victorians and Australians in conflicts from the 1850s to the present day. As your professional tour guide leads you through this enthralling site, exploring the classically inspired Tram: Number 3, 3a, 5, 6,16, 58, 64, 67 or 72 Open: Daily, 10am to 5pm (closed Good Friday and Christmas Day) Shrine Tours: Depart daily from the Visitor Centre, 11am and 12.45pm Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne t 9661 8100 w shrine.org.au Find us on:
architecture, this grand structure slowly reveals its secrets and uncovers an array of concealed meanings and symbology. On the Shrine Tour you are invited to experience the Ray of Light ceremony in the reverent solitude of the Sanctuary, take in magnificent views of Melbourne from the balcony and immerse yourself in the evocative and moving stories of Victorians in times of conflict within the galleries. Throughout your Shrine Tour you will come to appreciate why this great building holds such an important place in Australian history.
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Old Treasury Building Andy Gibson
Discover Melbourne’s history, heritage and people.
Built at the height of the gold rush, the magnificent Old Treasury Building is one of the finest 19thcentury buildings in Melbourne. The equally grand interior now hosts a variety of displays centred on the history of Melbourne, featuring rare original documents from the Public Record Office Victoria. Be sure to visit the historic gold vaults, used during the 1860s to store the precious metal coming from the goldfields in central Victoria. Wild Colonial Boys, a temporary exhibition, explores early Victoria’s frontier society and the bushrangers who created public panic. Train: Parliament Station Tram: Number 11, 12, 35, 48 or 109 to stop 8 Open: Sun–Fri, 10am to 4pm 20 Spring Street, Melbourne t 9651 2233 w otb.org.au /oldtreasurybuildingmuseum @oldtreasurymelb @oldtreasurymelb
Robert Russell
A new exhibition, A Nation Divided: the Great War and Conscription, examines the extraordinary period in our history when the debate over conscription raged. Described by some historians as the most bitter, divisive and violent dispute ever to consume the nation, in 1916–17 thousands of impassioned speeches were made, endless newspaper columns written and huge rallies were held throughout Australia. As families, communities and organisations divided in bitter recrimination, it seemed as if the soul of the grieving nation would tear itself apart.
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Arts & Culture
Old Treasury Building
Double Monk
Shop Whether you’re a fashion addict or bargain hunter, you’re sure to be surprised by the range of retail experiences right across Melbourne.
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Emporium Melbourne
Under One Roof
Shop
When the days are heating up, it’s perfectly understandable to want to pick a single shopping destination. Luckily, there are plenty of options. Get a slice of Australia at RM Williams, update your make-up bag at Sephora and much more at Melbourne Central. It’s a huge shopping centre, but there are also dining and entertainment zones. Emporium Melbourne has hundreds of high-end fashion stores, some cult favourites like Uniqlo and Muji, plus a fancy food court. The District Docklands has arrived with a multimillion dollar facelift and the addition of H&M, as well as brand outlets, specialty stores and an entertainment precinct. w emporiummelbourne.com.au w melbournecentral.com.au w thedistrictdocklands.com.au
Elk Fiona Lynch
Finishing Touches
Men Only
w elkaccessories.com w egetal.com w mimco.com.au
w masonsofficial.com w doublemonk.com w lordcoconut.com
Everyone knows accessories can make or break an outfit, so you need to find the right ones. Elk is a Melbourne label that produces hand-crafted leather bags and shoes, including cool clogs, as well as well-priced, eye-catching jewellery. If you’re thinking of adding a statement piece to your jewellery collection, visit e.g.etal, where contemporary jewellery from local and international craftspeople is on sale. Another label that began in Melbourne, but has now gone global, is Mimco. Shop here for chic handbags, wallets and glitzy earrings and necklaces.
Whether he’s after luxury streetwear from around the globe or bespoke suiting, it can all be found at Masons. Some of the labels available in the elegant and spacious store include Vivienne Westwood, Marni and Lanvin. Shoes to go with that new designer outfit can be found at Double Monk. Find imported brands, including John Lobb and Crockett & Jones, at this beautiful store with a whisky bar. Handmade men’s jewellery, cuff links and tie pins are sourced from all over Australia to fill the cases at Lord Coconut.
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Third Drawer Down, Fitzroy
St Kilda Esplanade Market
Melbourne Markets
Looking through the stalls at local markets can reveal unexpected treasures. Head towards Arts Centre Melbourne for its Sunday Market, where all the gifts, arts and crafts are made locally. If you’re looking for presents for the kids, find Snail Trail, which makes handcrafted felt kangaroos and koalas that will bring a huge smile to their faces. Also on Sunday is the St Kilda Esplanade Market, where stalls of independent fashion, jewellery, homewares, gifts and more are accompanied by entertainment, fitness challenges, massages and tasty street food. It’s like an open-air, seaside gallery, where each stallholder has had a hand in making the pieces they sell. w artscentremelbourne.com.au w stkildaesplanademarket.com.au
Something for Home
Cushions made from vintage fabrics, handwoven Turkish towels and plenty of other limited-edition pieces can be found at Cottage Industry, a sweet little store that blends fashion with homewares. Find quirky artist-designed tea towels and trinkets you never knew you needed at Third Drawer Down. At Mr Kitly, stock up on delicate, handmade ceramics, as well as art books. w cottageindustrystore.com.au w thirddrawerdown.com w mrkitly.com.au
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Beautiful Feeling
Treat yourself to some special products, and marvel at the surroundings, at any of Melbourne’s Aesop stores, where you’ll find luscious formulations for face, hair and body. Anyone with sensitivities should visit The Lab Organics, which stocks natural skincare brands from around the world, including Kjaer Waes, Sodashi and Hunter Lab. You could spend hours breathing in the aromas of the beautiful perfumes at Lore Perfumery. Niche brands, including Fragonard and Penhaligon’s, are available, as is Eight & Bob, the French cologne worn by John F Kennedy. w aesop.com w thelaborganics.com.au w loreperfumery.com.au
In the Neighbourhood
It’s located just a few tram stops from the CBD, which makes bargain hunting at Bridge Road even easier. This Richmond thoroughfare is lined with samples and seconds stores, as well as clearance outlets, from big-name brands. Italian couture is on offer at Claudia, linen kaftans, shirts and pants feature at Havana Blue, and men can get bargain shoes at Batsanis. Local labels, including Alannah Hill, Bonds, Gorman and Perri Cutten, all have clearance stores along the street.
Need a gift to pop under the tree? You’re sure to find a little something at one of these places.
01 Design Dispensary
Support young designers and smaller companies at this store where a carefully selected range of well-crafted and extraordinary objects can be found, many of them compact enough to be packed into a carry-on. w designforuse.com.au
02 Melbournalia
Gifts and souvenirs depicting Melbourne, or those made in the city, can be found here. The prints of significant local buildings and books by local authors are perfect for family back home. w melbournalia.com.au
03 Australian by Design
Most of the items in this Block Arcade store are handmade by Australian craftspeople. Hand-blown glass perfume bottles and silk scarves are just some of the products that make great gifts. w australianbydesign.com.au
04 The SuperCool
Part of SO:ME Space at South Melbourne Market, this outlet has funky gifts ranging from macrame plant hangers to bath brew kits. There are cute kids’ clothes and toys, too. w thesupercool.com The SuperCool, South Melbourne
Mr Kitly, Brunswick
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Shop
w bridgerd.com.au
Christmas Giving
Local & international fashion, exquisite giftware, quality entertainment & mouth watering cuisine.
45 Collins St, Melbourne
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collinsplace.com.au
The Block Arcade
A Melbourne heritage building and key feature of the city’s Golden Heritage Trail, this Collins Street National Trust treasure is a must to visit. The Block Arcade opened in 1892 during Melbourne’s Golden Age. Truly Melbourne’s grandest arcade, it’s home to 29 fascinating shops, an amazing intricate mosaic floor and the National Trust ‘Tapping Man’ who has been tapping Melbourne’s CBD windows for half a century. The Block Arcade is listed on the Heritage Register of Victoria. Guided tours: Available every Tue & Thu – bookings by phone or email are essential 282 Collins Street, Melbourne t 9654 5244 e tours@theblock.com.au w theblock.com.au
Green Olive at Red Hill
Made in Melbourne. Green Olive at Red Hill is a whole farm experience. We grow olives, grapes, herbs and veggies, raise sheep, chooks and pigs, as well as use fresh produce to create a range of food, wine and body products you’ll love! Our city store houses all our favourite products, including our beautifully nourishing olive-based body washes and lotions. All our farm produce and gift sets are handmade in Melbourne with natural farm ingredients.
Shop
Open: Mon–Fri, 10am to 6pm; Sat, 10am to 5pm & Sun, 11am to 4pm Shop 11, Centreway Arcade, 259–263 Collins Street t 0438 002 606 w greenolive.com.au
Central Equity Apartments Superb city and Southbank locations.
Walk to Bourke Street Mall shopping, Queen Victoria Market, Crown, MCG, restaurants and cafes plus RMIT, Melbourne University and more. Choose from off-the-plan or brand new, recently completed apartments that are ready to move in. Left: Artist impression Open to inspect: Mon–Sat, 10am to 5pm & Sun,12pm to 5pm 560 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne t 9278 8888 w centralequity.com.au
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Tivoli Jewellers
Tivoli Jewellers is located in the heart of Melbourne CBD, in the iconic Royal Arcade. We specialise in Australian diamonds, opals and pearls. Among our collection we have exclusive Argyle Kimberley pink diamonds, Australian chocolate diamonds, South Sea pearls, Tahitian pearls, Helas Collection for Japanese Akoya and Australian pearls, and Ellani Collection for silver. Our experienced and knowledgeable staff is committed to giving you the best shopping experience while in our shop and we will help you find the best piece for you. Tram: Number 1, 3, 3a, 5, 6, 16, 64, 67 or 72 to stop 10; and number 86 or 96 to stop 5 Open: Mon–Thu, 10.30am to 5pm; Fri, 10.30am to 5.30pm; Sat, 10am to 5pm & Sun, 11am to 4pm Royal Arcade, Shop 27, 335 Bourke Street t 9663 0996 w tivolijewellers.com.au Find us on:
Join the Le Souëf family to learn about the most beautiful gemstone in the world. With more than 40 years experience mining, cutting and exporting opals, we can teach you about all eight varieties available in Australia and how they are cut, polished and valued. Visit our showroom for a unique, interactive, obligation-free lesson, then browse our huge range of internationally guaranteed opals. Tram: Number 19, 57 or 59 to stop 2 Open: Mon–Fri, 9.30am to 5.30pm & Sat–Sun, 10am to 5pm 63 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne t 9654 4444 w opals.net.au Find us on:
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Shop
Lightning Ridge Opal Mines
Downies Coins & Collectables
Visit one of Australia’s largest displays of collector coins, featuring modern numismatic releases, decimal and pre-decimal Australian and world coins and banknotes. Featuring three interactive, rotating coin display cabinets, mechanically controlled with a forward and reverse viewing function. Holding more than 1000 coins from all over the world, including an extensive British Colonial and Australian selection. Specialised services include rare coin sales and wish-list fulfillment, valuation services, including auction consignments, and gold and silver bullion sales. Open: Mon–Thu, 9.30am to 5pm; Fri, 9.30am to 6pm & Sat, 10am to 3.30pm Shop U04, Southgate, 3 Southgate Avenue, Southbank t 9686 8411 w downies.com
Johnston Jewellers
Johnston Jewellers, a family business dating back to 1901, is proud to be one of Melbourne’s largest opal dealers. With knowledge stemming from an involvement in opal mining and manufacturing, Johnston Jewellers can provide first-class quality and a selection to suit all budgets. We stock a huge selection of unmounted opals, as well as set opal jewellery, and are only too happy to explain the intricacies of purchasing one of these fine gems. Johnston Jewellers also has a magnificent range of South Sea black, white and gold pearls, as well as jewellery, to choose from. 124 Exhibition Street, Melbourne t 9650 7434 e info@johnstonjewellers.com w johnstonjewellers.com Find us on:
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St Kilda Beach
Neighbourhoods
North, south, east and west‌ Head out of the CBD to discover the diversity of experiences this wonderful city has to offer.
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Williamstown
Jump on the train to find your way to this bayside suburb, popular for its gorgeous beach. Get up early and fuel up for the day at General Food Co. This contemporary cafe has an all-day breakfast menu that includes favourites like sweetcorn, halloumi and mint fritters. Explore a piece of maritime history when you visit the HMAS Castlemaine, a Bathurst-class corvette that served during World War II. Once you’ve had a walk along Gem Pier and maybe a splash at the beach, go for lunch at George Calombaris’ Hellenic Hotel, where tasty, home-style Greek food is on the menu.
K Road Cliffs, Werribee
/generalfoodco w hmascastlemaine.org.au w hellenicrepublic.com.au
Werribee
Hire a car from Redspot Enterprise and plot a course for The South Corner, a cool urban brunch spot that’s opened in a converted milk bar. The pancakes are a great choice. When you’ve eaten your fill, the next stop is Werribee Open Range Zoo. Here, you’ll take a safari on an open-sided bus past giraffes, rhinos, zebras and other endangered species who roam free in the park. There’s plenty more to explore — the zoo even has three silverback gorillas who live as a bachelor group in their huge enclosure. For some great views of the You Yangs and the Werribee River, take a break at the K Road Cliffs. It’s a great spot for a picnic if you’ve brought one along. w redspot.com.au /thesthcorner w zoo.org.au/werribee Chapel Street, South Yarra
South Yarra
Head to the corner of Toorak Road and Chapel Street on the number 58 tram. When you arrive, walk along Chapel Street to explore a huge range of local fashion stores including Scanlan Theodore and Gorman. If you need a retail break, head to the glamorous Palace Cinema Como to see the latest releases. As the day ends, grab a table at Bosozoku, a bar inspired by Japanese biker gangs. It’s a kooky spot, with arcade games, alcoholic bubble teas and Japanese burgers. HMAS Castlemaine, Williamstown
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w chapelstreet.com.au w palacecinemas.com.au w bosozokuhq.com
Word on the Street Vicki (33) from Essendon My boys, who are eight and ten, love Scienceworks. There’s always something new and this time it was the LightTime exhibition, where Melbourne artists had created amazing pieces using light and sound. Afterwards we met up with their dad at Two Birds Brewing for Philly cheese steaks and hot dogs. It’s a craft brewery so the beers are great, too. w museumsvictoria.com.au/scienceworks w twobirdsbrewing.com.au
Two Birds Brewing, Spotswood
Abbotsford
w redspot.com.au w abbotsfordconvent.com.au w carltonbrewhouse.com.au
Richmond
In the afternoon, take the number 48 or 75 tram to the Bridge Road shopping precinct and browse the many stores looking for a bargain. When you’ve worked up an appetite, have dinner at Anchovy, with its contemporary Asian flavours. Afterwards, consider a nightcap at Bowerbird, where the beers and wines are all sourced from Victoria. w bridgerd.com.au w anchovy.net.au w bowerbirdbar.com.au
Anchovy, Richmond
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Neighbourhoods
Hire a car from Redspot Enterprise before heading toward Abbotsford Convent. This cultural complex has art galleries and beautiful gardens that run down to the Yarra River. Stop at the Convent Bakery for coffee and freshly prepared pastries. For something different, head to the Carlton Brewhouse for a tour. Follow the River of Beer, find out about the history of brewing on the site and take part in a tasting.
Ascot Vale
You’ll want to linger over breakfast at No 19 (not far from Ascot Vale Station), one of the prettiest cafes in all of Melbourne, with its polished concrete floors, brass accents and elegant furnishings. When you’re done, stroll down Union Road. It’s dotted with unique stores, including Freakshow Alternative Emporium, with a burlesque studio, tattoo parlour and recording studio. Stop at Grandpa Joe if you need an excellent coffee to keep you going.
w no19.com.au w unionroad.com.au /grandpajoecafe
Windsor
This is one of the hottest dining destinations in Melbourne. Find a date, catch the train to Windsor Station and wander along Chapel Street seeking out the best share plates and cocktails. Saint Lucia takes its menu cues from the Caribbean, Cuba and South America. If you’re after a side of fun with contemporary Asian dishes and cold beers, head to Hawker Hall, an expansive venue set in a former horse stable. Set your sights on Impala, a bar featuring disco tunes, classic drinks and top-shelf whisky. w saintluciawindsor.com.au w hawkerhall.com.au w impala.melbourne Saint Lucia, Windsor
Nice Day for the Pub Check out these great watering holes from all four points of Melbourne’s compass.
01 Great Northern Hotel
If you love sport and beer, this is your place. There are screens showing big games everywhere in this sprawling Carlton North venue, as well as a sunny beer garden and 21 different taps. w gnh.net.au
02 The Espy
After two years of uncertainty, the landmark St Kilda pub has reopened, with its band room once again filled with music. It’s not fancy but it is fun. /theespystkilda
03 Auburn Hotel
The eastern suburbs aren’t renowned for pubs, but this one has been operating since 1888 and retains its heritage charm. The beer garden is a drawcard. w theauburnhotel.com.au
04 Steam Packet Hotel
One of the oldest pubs in Melbourne has a reassuring atmosphere and solid reputation. Craft beer, pub grub and sport on the TVs makes it a good Williamstown choice. w steampackethotel.com
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Word on the Street Bridget (47) from Prahran When I went to Japan I became obsessed with the bathhouses. Luckily, Collingwood has its own Japanese Bath House and it’s really traditional. Just like in Japan, the public baths are separated by gender and guests are always nude. It sounds confronting, but it really is a wonderful way to relax. w japanesebathhouse.com.au
Brighton Bathing Boxes
Catch the train to Brighton Beach Station early and hit Dendy Street Beach to check out the historic Brighton Bathing Boxes. You might even want to have a dip. When you’re hungry head for breakfast at Brighton Schoolhouse. There’s plenty of space for kids to run around, while you choose spicy scrambled eggs or house-made granola. Afterwards, take a stroll along Church Street, the main shopping precinct. w brightonsh.com.au w churchstreetbrighton.com.au
Neighbourhoods
Brighton
Footscray
It’s a quick train ride from the CBD to Footscray Station, where you’ll find a fast-changing neighbourhood. Head to Hop Nation, a craft brewery run by former winemakers, and sample the wares in the tap room. In a multi-storey converted warehouse called Back Alley Sally’s, relax with mates, choose pizza from Slice Girls and drink from the selection of beers, wines and cocktails. Later on, the Reverence Hotel is the place to be for live rock and roll. w hopnation.com.au w backalleysallys.com.au w reverencehotel.com
Reverence Hotel, Footscray
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In The Know
Shelley's Favourites Shelley gives us the lowdown on some of the places she loves in the neighbourhood, as well as other parts of Melbourne
Cafe
Chino & Co in nearby Beaumaris is just so amazing. It’s really welcoming and everything is made in house.
Walk
Melbourne Cable Park
Shelley Joughin Manager, Melbourne Cable Park
I just love the Mornington Peninsula — the Arthurs Seat Eagle and Peninsula Hot Springs are my two favourite spots.
Treat
Restaurant
“It’s a really awesomely fun day out,” says Shelley, who deals with all the day-to-day running of the operation. “Whether you’re a family, group of mates or school group having a blast at the Aqua Fun Park, or a wakeboarder using our lakes for the first time, there is something for everyone to enjoy.”
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Place
It doesn’t happen that often, but I love the decadence of a luxurious, relaxing night at Crown Towers.
Now that summer has well and truly arrived, it’s full steam ahead at Melbourne Cable Park, located in the southeast suburb of Bangholme.
It’s situated in a great neighbourhood, too. “We’re in beautiful Bangholme, right next to the National Watersports Centre,” explains Shelley. “And even though we’re only 30 minutes from the CBD, coming out here feels like a real getaway.”
A nice stroll along any of the bayside beaches is really lovely.
For anyone making the trip, there are some great stretches of sand, like Chelsea Beach, which has some colourful bathing boxes, as well as walking trails that start near the mouth of the Patterson River.
I can’t go past the exquisite Craft & Co Farm. We’re lucky it’s just down the road from Melbourne Cable Park. It’s a great place to grab a bite to eat, with a glass of their own wine, and enjoy the live music on weekends. The food is straight from the farm to the plate. Connect with Melbourne Cable Park on: w melbournecablepark.com /melbournecablepark @melbournecablepark
Did you know? Williamstown was the stand-in for the fictitious town of Mount Thomas in the Australian television drama Blue Heelers?
Gontran Cherrier, Hawthorn
Brunswick
Catch the number 19 tram from the city to Sydney Road. You could spend hours shopping, but be sure to step into Finki, showcasing the fashion designs of local Jaylene Falkner alongside the work of 40 independent artists and designers. At the end of the day, stop for a refreshing ale in the garden at The Cornish Arms, then get ready for a taste sensation at Tiba’s Lebanese. Dips, shawarma, falafel and salads are all on the authentic menu.
If the day is bright, catch the train to Hawthorn Station and head to the Hawthorn Aquatic and Recreation Centre, which has a beautiful outdoor pool that’s perfect for doing some laps or letting the kids cool off. When they’ve worked up an appetite, it’s time to eat some of the best pastries in Melbourne at Gontran Cherrier. It’s hard to choose from the luscious line-up, but the croissants are superb. Set within the beautifully restored Hawthorn Arts Centre, the Town Hall Gallery has three spaces showing contemporary works of art. Some are group shows and others feature the work of individual artists. w hawthorn.boroondaraleisure.com.au w gontrancherrier.com.au /townhallgallery
Elsternwick
There’s a great diversity of residents in this villagelike suburb, which is great news for visitors. Start by catching the train to Ripponlea and visiting the heritage-listed Rippon Lea House, an elegant mansion set within spectacular park-like grounds. Wander down Glen Eira Road, stopping at Le Petit Lapin, serving gorgeous French lunches. When the sun starts to set, try Antique Bar, a cosy spot for classic cocktails and craft beer. Antique Bar, Elsternwick
w ripponleaestate.com.au w lepetitlapin.com.au w antiquebar.com.au
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Neighbourhoods
w finki.com.au w cornisharms.com.au a Tiba’s Lebanese, 504 Sydney Road, Brunswick
Hawthorn
Sunbury
Melbourne Airport Broadmeadows
Melton
Keilor
Airport West
St Albans Caroline Springs
Essendon Moonee Ponds Flemington
Sunshine
Footscray Seddon
Melbourne Neighbourhoods Hoppers Crossing
Werribee Point Cook
Wyndham Harbour
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Yarraville Spotswood
Newport
Altona
Williamstown
Port Phillip Bay
Epping
Hurstbridge
Diamond Creek
Thomastown
Kangaroo Ground
Bundoora Greensborough Eltham Pascoe Vale Preston
Coburg
Brunswick
Northcote
Parkville
Melbourne
Docklands
South Melbourne
Doncaster Kew
Richmond
Port Melbourne
Bulleen
Ivanhoe
Carlton Collingwood North Melbourne Fitzroy
Hawthorn
South Yarra Toorak
Camberwell
Burwood
Armadale
St Kilda
Box Hill
Canterbury
Mitcham
Ringwood
Wantirna
Glen Waverley
Caulfield
Brighton
Oakleigh
Wheelers Hill
Bentleigh Mulgrave Clayton South
Hampton
Springvale
Noble Park
Sandringham Beaumaris
Rowville
Mentone Mordialloc
Dandenong
Doveton
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Neighbourhoods
Prahran Windsor
Elsternwick
Warrandyte
Templestowe
Heidelberg
Victoria State Rose Garden
Werribee & Surrounds
Just 30 minutes from the city and en route to the famed Great Ocean Road is one of Victoria’s holiday playgrounds. Werribee and its surrounds has so much to offer visitors this summer. Don’t miss it! Werribee Visitor Information Centre
Train: Werribee Line to Werribee Station Bus: Route 439 from Werribee Train Station to Werribee Park and Werribee Open Range Zoo Open: Daily, 9am to 5pm Werribee Park Tourism Precinct, K Road, Werribee t 8734 6006 w experiencewyndham.com.au /experiencewyndham /experiencewyndham
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Werribee Open Range Zoo
Werribee Park Precinct is your go-to place for a cluster of world class attractions. Where else can you experience a morning wander through a grand mansion, an afternoon safari across the savannah and a night in a luxury hotel? And that’s in just one day. Come see it all. Big cats, towering giraffes and quirky meerkats are just a few of the creatures great and small you will find at Werribee Open Range Zoo. It’s wild! Step into history at the Werribee Park Mansion, brimming with stories of scullery maids and wealthy pastoralists. Just beyond the mansion you will discover the bluestone homestead, sculpture walk, heritage orchid and 5,000 roses at Victoria State Rose Garden. While you’re with us, don’t forget to taste awardwinning food and wine at the famous Shadowfax Winery, or stay in style at the gorgeous Mansion Hotel and Spa at Werribee Park. Feed your soul in the fullfeatured day spa or sit down to a grand high tea.
Neighbourhoods
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Williamstown, Altona, Newport & Spotswood Explore the inner west’s Historic Spotswood Home to Scienceworks, the heritage, culture and Melbourne Planetarium, cool cafes and Australian history. Head waterfront locations. to Scienceworks where you can It’s the perfect day trip explore, unearth and unveil the – close to the CBD yet a inner workings of the world. See a show at Melbourne Planetarium world away. then download the Spotswood Waterfront Williamstown Historical charm mixes freely with a contemporary lifestyle showcasing cafes and restaurants overlooking a picturesque waterfront in Melbourne’s oldest suburb. Board the HMAS Castlemaine, a floating museum. Experience a seaplane flight, ghost tour, Titanic adventure, railway museum and more. Take one of three self-guided tours and visit more than 300 shops in a friendly main street setting, including more than 70 restaurants, bars and cafes. Take the ferry from Southgate or the train to Williamstown station.
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industrial heritage tour app. Take the train to Spotswood station.
Beach town Altona
Stroll the beach, spot the birds, walk the pier then watch the sun set over the bay as you dine alfresco at one of a selection of restaurants and bars. With the beach and a tree-lined reserve adjacent to the shopping area, Altona is a destination with something for everyone. Take the train to Altona station.
The Strand, Williamstown
coastline. Take the punt across the Yarra River, start at Spotswood and set your own course passing through Williamstown, Altona and beyond. Look out for public artworks and markers along the trail.
Cultural Newport
The Substation is one of Melbourne’s newest and most exciting arts destinations. Check out the schedule of performances and exhibitions. Take the train to Newport station.
Biking and walking
Hobsons Bay is blessed with 23 kilometres of paved walking and cycling trails set along a stunning
Movies by the Bay, Logan Reserve, Altona
Williamstown Beach
What’s On 17 December 2017 Victorian Open Water Championships Williamstown Beach Swimming Victoria hosts the 5km and 10km Championship events.
Essential Theatre is recognised for its professional and innovative Shakespeare in the Vines program. w essentialtheatre.com.au 12 & 27 January, 2 & 24 February Movies by the Bay Altona and Williamstown Free outdoor cinema at waterfront locations. Altona – Friday 12 January and Friday 2 February. Williamstown – Saturday 27 January and Saturday 24 February.
Outdoor free music events. Laverton – Saturday 13 January. Williamstown – Saturday 20 January. Altona – 10 February.
Markets Regional Farmers Market, Williamstown Second and fourth Sunday of the month, 9am to 2pm w rfm.net.au
26 January Australia Day in Altona Altona Beach
Williamstown Craft Market Third Sunday of the month, 10am to 4pm
Enjoy family time at Altona Beach with free activities, food, markets, entertainment and more.
Altona Beach Market Every Tuesday, 9am to 3pm
December – March Accessible Beaches Williamstown Beach and Altona Beach Accessible beach matting (seven days a week) and beach wheelchairs (free to hire during patrol hours) available throughout summer. w hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au
w williamstowncraftmarket.com.au
Visitor Information Hobsons Bay Visitor Information Centre
Open: Daily, 9am to 5pm (except Christmas Day) Commonwealth Reserve, Williamstown t 9932 4310 w visithobsonsbay.com.au w dyob.com.au/hobsonsbay
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Neighbourhoods
3 January Essential Theatre’s Twelfth Night Williamstown Botanic Gardens
13 & 20 January, 10 February Summer Sounds Laverton, Williamstown and Altona
Summertime Cinema
Summer fun in the east It’s summertime and in Boroondara that means there’ll be outdoor cinema and live music, in some of Melbourne’s best gardens east of the city. Summertime Cinema
Summertime Cinema is a free community event each December presented by Council for all of the family to enjoy. Cult and classic films are screened on three consecutive Saturdays in December at parks in Boroondara. There’ll be pre-film entertainment from 8pm, with movies starting at sunset — usually around 9pm. Entry is free! Bring along a rug and a picnic dinner or purchase something from the food stalls on the night.
Summertime Cinema
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Summer Music
Over three weekends in February, the City of Boroondara presents the much-loved Summer Music program, featuring some of Australia’s finest musical talent. Each event takes place in a beautiful park, in a different Boroondara location. The Summer Music program is for music lovers of all ages. Whether soul, jazz, indie pop, folk or swing is your thing, gather your friends, family and neighbours and spend an evening relishing all that Summer Music has to offer. Entry is free. w boroondara.vic.gov.au/ recreation-arts @boroondaralife
Summer Music
Getting there
Train: Belgrave or Lilydale Line to Auburn, Hawthorn, Camberwell or Glenferrie Station Tram: Number 16, 48, 70, 72, 75 or 109
12 Apostles, Great Ocean Road
Regional Victoria Head away from the city limits to discover beautiful districts boasting stunning beaches, fascinating history, rolling hills of vines and sensational dining.
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TarraWarra Estate, Yarra Glen
Geelong and the Bellarine
Take the V/Line train to Geelong (or hire a car from Redspot Enterprise) and get set for summer fun. Check out the winners of prestigious portrait competition, the Archibald Prize, on show at Geelong Gallery (until 10 December). Head to Little Creatures, where you can tour the brewery before kicking back at the canteen for share plates, pizzas and beer. No trip to Geelong is complete without a waterfront stroll. Check out the famous Baywalk Bollard Trail, where the timber structures are painted to look like characters from history, the vintage carousel and the enclosed sea baths, a fantastic place for a dip. Jump back in the car and head to Queensliff’s 360Q, overlooking the harbour, to watch the sun go down and enjoy a special dinner. w visitgeelongbellarine.com.au
Yarra Valley
This is the perfect day trip from Melbourne. Taste some of the region’s wines at TarraWarra Estate, then lunch at the charming Healesville Hotel. Sample the award-winning gins at contemporary Four Pillars Distillery. On the way back to Melbourne stop at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery for a sweet treat. w visityarravalley.com.au
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Phillip Island
Everyone loves penguins and you can catch these little cuties on their nightly sunset penguin parade at Phillip Island Nature Parks. They come out of the water after a day’s fishing and waddle up the beach to their burrows in the dunes. There’s also an underground viewing area that allows visitors to be at ground level to watch the penguins pass by. Book a trip with a tour company to get there and back easily. w visitphillipisland.com Baywalk Bollard Trail, Geelong
Word on the Street Daniel (53) from Port Melbourne We’d seen Geelong’s Restaurant Igni had won a number of prestigious awards, so we decided to book dinner and stay in town for the night. It was well worth it. Aaron Turner’s eight-course menu with matched wines was sublime — it’s like he creates art for the tastebuds. It’s a meal my wife and I won’t ever forget. w restaurantigni.com
Victoria’s Favourite Beaches There are some amazing stretches of sand around the state, but these four are outstanding.
01 Squeaky Beach
Run along the sand at this Wilsons Promontory beach and, yep, it makes a squeaking noise. It’s a beautiful spot, too, but unpatrolled, so take care. Surfers will love the break.
02 Johanna Beach
All along the Great Ocean Road you’ll find world-class beaches, but this one is often quite deserted. The surf can be huge, but it’s a stunning place for a long walk.
03 Cape Paterson
There are two beaches at this South Gippsland town. The bay beach is protected and lined with rock pools, so is great for families, while the surf beach has great waves and is patrolled during summer.
04 Bells Beach
Bendigo Art Gallery
No list of awesome beaches can leave this one out. Famous around the world for its two righthand breaks, it’s also the home of the Rip Curl Pro surf comp, held in April each year.
A trip to this beautiful gold rush-era town is easily negotiated in a day, whether you travel by train or car. Take in all the sights when you arrive on the vintage Talking Tram — you can hop on and off as you please, and the commentary tells stories of the mining days. Taste the best of local produce and wine over a long lunch at Masons of Bendigo. Later, check out the exhibitions at Bendigo Art Gallery. The Costume Designer: Edith Head and Hollywood, which features more than 70 costumes from movies like Vertigo and The Ten Commandments, is the blockbuster show on until 21 January. Before you head back to Melbourne, stop at the very cool Brewhouse Cafe & Coffee Roasters for a caffeinated pick-me-up. w bendigotourism.com
Regional Victoria
Bendigo
Bells Beach, Great Ocean Road
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Did You Know? Dan Hunter’s restaurant Brae, in Birregurra, entered the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2017 at number 44?
Wilsons Promontory
Gippsland
Great Ocean Road
w visitpromcountry.com.au
w visitgreatoceanroad.org.au
While there are a number of postcard-perfect beach towns along the Gippsland coast — Venus Bay, Metung and Lakes Entrance among them — the jewel in this pretty crown is Wilsons Promontory. You’ll need a car to get here, so hire one from Redspot Enterprise, then prepare to be inspired by this 50,000-hectare nature reserve. Camp at Tidal River or book one of the nearby cabins at Wilderness Retreats, then get back to nature. Walking trails, wildlife and gorgeous beaches are all waiting to be discovered.
It’s the greatest drive in Victoria, so hire a car from Redspot Enterprise and head towards Lorne. Stop at Swing Bridge Cafe & Boathouse, a simple beach shack where tasty burgers and toasties are served with a view of the water. The ultimate destination is the 12 Apostles, best observed as the sun goes down. Book a cabin at Bimbi Park, where you’ll be amazed at the koalas in the trees overhead. Bespoke Harvest, where produce is sourced from the neighbourhood, is the perfect spot for dinner before you head back to Melbourne the next day.
Ballarat
Jump on the V/Line train to Ballarat and explore the colourful history of this gold rush town. The Art Gallery of Ballarat is a good place to spend an hour or two. Romancing the Skull (until 28 January) examines this bony structure’s use in art and why we continue to be enamoured with it. The exhibition includes Shaun Gladwell’s virtual reality work, Orbital Vanitas, which debuted at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival. Just around the corner, tuck into a tasty lunch at the funky Fu Man Lou Dumpling Bar. History is on show at one of Victoria’s best-loved attractions, Sovereign Hill, a re-creation of a gold-mining town from the 1850s. If you feel as though you haven’t scraped Ballarat’s surface, stay for the night at the majestic Craig’s Royal Hotel. w visitballarat.com.au
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Wilderness Retreats, Wilsons Promontory
Peninsula Hot Springs, Fingal
Argus Dining Room, Hepburn Springs
Mornington Peninsula
Milawa Cheese
High Country
w visitmorningtonpeninsula.org
Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges
Get ready for gourmet adventures. Hire a car from Redspot Enterprise then head towards Milawa. Here, you’ll find Brown Brothers. Try the different varietals at the cellar door before lunch at the casual Epi.Curious. Drop into Milawa Cheese to stock up on farmhouse cheddar, then drive to Beechworth. Check into the romantic Freeman on Ford B&B before indulging in a multicourse dinner at Provenance.
Plan a romantic getaway. Set the GPS in your Redspot Enterprise hire car for the Lake House for an amazing lunch on the deck. Stroll along Daylesford’s Vincent Street exploring the excellent boutiques and antique stores. Check into the outstanding villas at Clifftop at Hepburn before heading to the Argus Dining Room for inventive modern Australian cuisine. In the morning, relax in the mineral waters at the Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa then return to Melbourne.
w victoriashighcountry.com.au
w dmrexplore.com.au
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Regional Victoria
This beautiful region, just 90 minutes’ drive from Melbourne, blends rolling countryside and stunning beaches. Hire a car with Redspot Enterprise to get you there. Jump into the saddle for a winery tour of a different kind with Horseback Winery Tours. Soothe any aching muscles with a soak at Peninsula Hot Springs. Then, on the way back to Melbourne, stop at Red Gum BBQ for slow-cooked, American-style meats in a beer hall atmosphere.
Word on the Street Rod (37) from Yarraville For a few years, I’ve been exercising on a climbing wall, but I always wanted to try the real thing. Mount Arapiles in the Grampians is a premier rock-climbing destination, so I booked a guide through The Climbing Company. They’re all locals and really helped me find my feet. I’m now a convert and can’t wait to get back there. w climbco.com.au
The Murray
The Murray is the longest river in Australia, and Mildura (it’s best to fly there) is one of the biggest towns on its length. On arrival, take a historic cruise with Mildura Paddlesteamers, or hire a kayak from Wild Side Outdoors and do your own paddling. Stay the night on the water with Mildura Houseboats and treat yourself to dinner at the famous Stefano’s Restaurant. w visitthemurray.com.au
Grampians
Brambuk – The National Park & Cultural Centre, Halls Gap
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This region is a nature lover’s paradise. Base yourself at Halls Gap — the Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park now has glamping accommodation — and take on the many hikes in the area. Start at Brambuk – The National Park & Cultural Centre to tackle the eight-kilometre Boronia Peak walk that offers great views of Lake Fyans. Kids will love visiting the animals at the Halls Gap Zoo. The family-friendly bistro at the Kookaburra Hotel serves up great country pub meals. w visitgrampians.com.au
Rush to Ballarat Take the V/Line Goldrush Special for a trip back in time to the 1850s and the discovery of gold. Soverign Hill, in Ballarat, is one of Victoria’s most popular attractions and the Goldrush Special makes it even easier to visit. Take the V/Line train from Southern Cross Station at 9.16am daily and arrive in Ballarat less than 90 minutes later, where a coach will be waiting to take you to Sovereign Hill.
Golden Years
Sovereign Hill
Why Travel With V/Line?
Apart from being dropped directly outside, everyone on the Goldrush Special receives a 10 per cent discount on the entry ticket to Sovereign Hill* and a free Cobb & Co Coach ride during the day. When you arrive, your coach driver will tell you where to meet at 3.30pm for the journey home. It really is the stress-free way to enjoy a day out in Sovereign Hill. Find out all the information at the website below. w vline.com.au/goldrush w ptv.vic.gov.au w sovereignhill.com.au
Gold pour at Sovereign Hill
T&C: Discount only applies to tickets purchased on arrival at Sovereign Hill. Discount not applicable to groups of more than 20 people. Both myki and V/Line paper tickets are valid for use on Ballarat buses. Not valid on purchase of VIP Gold Pass.
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Regional Victoria
Pan for gold, take a ride in a horse-driven carriage and tour an underground mine during your day at Sovereign Hill. This is a re-creation of an 1850s goldfield on one of the original mining sites. There are working shops, traders, schools and factories, all based on original Ballarat businesses. Make sure you don’t miss any of the daily events that include a spectacular gold pour, where an industrial blacksmith heats the precious metal to more than 1000ºC and pours it into an ingot.
Self-drive
Adventures Hit the open road to discover Victoria’s regions at your own pace on a self-drive tour. Go Beyond Melbourne
Travel from Melbourne to the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges, Phillip Island and on to the white beaches and wineries of the Mornington and Bellarine Peninsulas. Put together a three-, four- or five-day journey winding through lush valleys and pristine coastal landscapes.
Sydney–Melbourne Touring Routes
Chart a course from Melbourne to Sydney (via Canberra) on the Heritage Drive, exploring historic gold rush towns, award-winning vineyards and the mighty Murray River along the way. Alternatively, the 1160-kilometre Coastal Drive hugs the southeast coast of Australia, taking in national parks, pristine beaches and amazing native wildlife.
Great Southern Touring Route
The 850-kilometre Great Southern Touring Route takes in the breathtaking beauty of the Great Ocean Road, rich Aboriginal culture in the Grampians and the intriguing history of the Goldfields.
Great Alpine Road
The Great Alpine Road extends from the High Country region to East Gippsland, winding through lofty mountains, pine forests, bushland and past rivers, vineyards and farms. The 308-kilometre touring route got its name for being the mountain equivalent of Victoria’s famous Great Ocean Road.
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Toll Roads
Some major roads around Melbourne carry tolls, which means you need to pay to use them. If you use the CityLink or EastLink toll roads, you’ll need to pay in advance or within three days of travel via the applicable operator’s website (see below). Alternatively, you can call CityLink or EastLink (see website for phone numbers) to make a payment over the phone, or purchase a pass over the counter at a post office. If you are hiring a car, check with your hire company to see if toll payments are taken care of as part of the hire fee. w citylink.com.au w eastlink.com.au
Get Touring
The best way to get around Melbourne and the surrounding regions is with a great-value rental car. Redspot Enterprise will have you sorted with a comfortable and safe car that’s the right size for your travel party and suitable for the terrain you’ll be driving through while sightseeing. Vehicle pick-up and drop-off is available at Melbourne Airport, in the city on Little Collins Street and in South Melbourne on Thistlewaite Street. t 1300 668 810 w redspot.com.au
10
%
IT’S NOT A MUST SEE. IT’S A MUST DRIVE.
off*
when you book using the code
DESTMELB
From the Great Ocean Road to the Great Alpine Stretch, Victoria boasts some of the most iconic and spectacular scenery in Australia. And the best way to take in every beauty spot is with a hire car from Redspot. Call 1300 668 810 or go to redspot.com.au
Roberto Seba | Visions of Victoria | Copyright 2017
*Quote the code DESTMELB for a 10% discount on time and kilometres. GPS subject to availability.
Driven by you.
Halls Gap
Grampians
Bendigo
Ararat
He Castlemaine
Daylesford
Creswick
Dunkeld
Ballarat
Woodend
Daylesford & The Macedon Ranges
Geelong & The Bellarine Peninsula
Me Geelong
Portarlington
Ocean Grove Torquay
Warrnambool
Great Ocean Road
Apollo Bay
Mornington Peninsula
12 Apostles
Distance from Melbourne Geelong & The Bellarine Bendigo Ballarat
The Murray
Mornington Peninsula
Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges
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75km / 47mi 147km / 91mi 115km / 71mi 214km / 133mi 55km / 34mi 60km / 37mi
Gippsland
Great Ocean Road
188km / 117mi 207km / 128mi
Phillip Island
142km / 88mi
High Country
308km / 191mi
Daylesford & Macedon Ranges Grampians
113km / 70mi 254km / 158mi
So
The Murray
Bright Mount Beauty
Nagambie
eathcote
High Country
MansďŹ eld
Marysville Healesville
elbourne
n
Myrtleford
Shepparton
Echuca
Port Phillip Bay
orrento
Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges
Lakes Entrance
Gippsland
French Island
Regional Victoria
Phillip Island
Mt Baw Baw
Wonthaggi Inverloch Wilsons Promotory
Regional
Victoria
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Ballarat Discover a city with a strong sense of hisory and contemporary cultural influences.
Lake Wendouree
Ballarat has long been defined as the city at the heart of Australia’s goldfields. And while history and heritage continue to be a major drawcard for many visitors, the city has another side to its personality. Experience diverse contemporary offerings — from cafes to culture — as you explore its streets and attractions that ooze character.
sourced menu offerings with a cup of premium caffeine to boot.
Arts and Culture
Everything from the historic streetscapes to the trees, the cafes to the major attractions is full of beauty, wonder and charm. Here’s how you can spend your summer getaway in this regional city.
Head to the Art Gallery of Ballarat — Australia’s oldest regional art gallery — and take your time as you admire the permanent collection of historic fine art, as well as the indigenous and contemporary works. After your gallery visit, explore the city’s other gallery offerings, including The Lost Ones, the Post Office Gallery or Wyatt Art, and enjoy the contemporary offerings that adorn the walls.
Cafe Brilliance
Wine and Beer
Ballarat’s cafe culture is a force to be reckoned with. Take up a table at Yellow Espresso and order yourself some smashed avo or matcha pancakes, or settle in to The Local and enjoy the locally
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Ballarat is becoming known as the craft beer capital of Australia, with breweries including Athletic Club, Red Duck Brewery and Cubby Haus, all calling this city home. Mitchell Harris Wine Bar is also
a local favourite, providing guests with an awardwinning vino experience.
Major Attractions
Discover Ballarat’s nationally renowned attractions as they take you on a journey filled with history, art, culture and imagination. Pan for gold at the outdoor museum Sovereign Hill, watch the jousting demonstrations at Australia’s only medieval theme park Kryal Castle, get up close and personal with the native fauna at the Ballarat Wildlife Park, or learn about the infamous Eureka Rebellion at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka. For more information about things to see and do in Ballarat: w visitballarat.com.au
visitballarat.com.au
Ballarat Wildlife Park
Only 90 minutes west of Melbourne, at Ballarat Wildlife Park, you can get up close and personal to some of Australia’s most famous native animals, including kangaroos, koalas, a variety of reptiles ranging from snakes to lizards and even giant tortoises. See a 3.5-metre-long anaconda, Tasmanian devils, Victoria’s only Komodo dragon and Crunch our 660-kilogram, five-metre super croc. Take a leisurely stroll around the Wildlife Park and enjoy handfeeding 100 free roaming kangaroos. Join our free guided tour and one of our numerous keeper talks throughout the day, and ask our friendly staff about a personal Animal Encounter, which includes close contact with your chosen animal and a professional photograph as a memento of the occasion. Oh, and don’t miss our new little penguins exhibit. 250 Fussell Street, Ballarat East t 5333 5933 w wildlifepark.com.au Find us on:
Art Gallery of Ballarat What is it about the skull? Why has it fascinated generations of artists?
The stunning Romancing the Skull exhibition looks at the skull in art and examines why we continue to be so enamoured with this iconic image. The exhibition includes new commissions by leading artists, as well as pirate skulls and poison bottles, Mexican Day of the Dead images and mediaeval Dance of Death, plus an amazing virtual reality experience. Only at the Art Gallery of Ballarat until 28 January 2018. Open: Daily, 10am to 5pm 40 Lydiard Street North, Ballarat e artgal@ballarat.vic.gov.au w artgalleryofballarat.com.au
Clare Tom Equilibrium
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Sovereign Hill Sovereign Hill brings to life the excitement of Australia’s great 1850s gold rushes. Named Australia’s best Major Tourist Attraction four times, most recently in 2015 and 2016, Sovereign Hill provides a unique Australian experience and a full day of entertainment.
Train: V/Line service from Southern Cross Station to Ballarat Station Bus: Number 9 from Ballarat Station Open: Daily, 10am to 5.30pm throughout summer (closed Christmas Day) Bradshaw Street, Ballarat t 5337 1199 w sovereignhill.com.au
impressive Chinese artefact collection, including Loong, one of the world’s oldest Chinese dragons. By night, the entertainment continues with Blood on the Southern Cross, an explosive multi-million-dollar sound-and-light show like nothing you’ve ever seen before! Set under the night skies of Sovereign Hill, the story of the 1854 Eureka Rebellion is retold. Excellent accommodation is available on-site at the Sovereign Hill Hotel. Accommodation options include Governor’s Rooms ideal for couples, Sovereign Rooms for families, as well as recently refurbished, fully accessible rooms.
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Regional Victoria
There’s real gold to be panned — and it’s finders keepers — an underground gold mine, street theatre and costumed goldfields characters. See a spectacular $150,000 gold pour and chat with the skilled craftspeople at work in the blacksmith’s forge, the wheelwright’s plant and the confectionery factory. Sovereign Hill entry also includes entry to the Gold Museum, which currently displays an
Craig’s Royal Hotel Located on historic Lydiard Street in the heart of beautiful Ballarat, Craig’s Royal Hotel is a destination in itself. The legendary Australian gold-rush-era grand hotel is a true icon of the Victorian period. Opening in 1853, it has played host to poets, princes and prime ministers over its 160-year history. Now, after extensive restoration, the magnificent accommodation, dining experiences and business facilities offered are also establishing Craig’s as a modern-day icon. Stay in one of the 41 luxurious rooms or suites, where elaborate attention to detail is evident in every finishing. Enjoy a coffee and cake in Craig’s Cafe & Larder and local produce store, or a drink in the legendary Craig’s bar, with its antique carved Australian cedar detail.
10 Lydiard Street South, Ballarat t 5331 1377 w craigsroyal.com.au /craigsrh @craigsroyalhotel
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Dine in The Gallery, where you can enjoy breakfast or lunch basking in the sun-drenched conservatory or dinner under the stars. The seasonal menu produced by head chef Shannon Easton highlights some of the best local produce on offer, matched with an extensive wine list, featuring both local and international wines. If you’re looking to entertain, why not host a private party in the original bluestone cellar? Or if you’re looking for a beautiful historical wedding space, celebrate your special day in any of the three stunning banquet rooms. If you’re ready to experience the extraordinary, then it’s time you experienced Craig’s.
Explore Bendigo Pall Mall
A vibrant regional city, Bendigo’s beautiful streets are the legacy of one of the world’s greatest gold rushes.
Bendigo is only a 90-minute drive from Melbourne Airport and 90 to 120 minutes via V/Line trains from Southern Cross Station.
Bendigo Visitor Centre
Open: Daily, 9am to 5pm (closed Christmas Day) 51–67 Pall Mall t 1800 813 153 w bendigotourism.com /explorebendigo @explorebendigo @explorebendigo
What’s On Until 21 January The Costume Designer: Edith Head & Hollywood Bendigo Art Gallery 1 December – 28 February Summer in the Park Throughout Bendigo
Regional Victoria
Explore these streets to find the heart of Bendigo. Discover an arts culture led by the acclaimed Bendigo Art Gallery, dine at award-winning restaurants and cafes, and unearth unique fashions and collectables. Relive the gold rush by visiting our world-class attractions, and taste quality local wines and produce from markets, nearby farms, and surrounding vineyards.
2 December Belvoir Park Food and Wine Festival Belvoir Park Estate 16 December, 20 January & 10 February Moonlight Market Bendigo Hargreaves Mall February Chinese New Year Dai Gum San Precinct 2nd Saturday of every month Bendigo Community Farmers’ Market Sidney Myer Place, Bendigo
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Thirteenth Beach, Barwon Heads
Geelong
& The Bellarine
Geelong, Victoria’s second largest city, has emerged from its past as a manufacturing town to be reinvented as a city with an enviable lifestyle. Incredible places to eat and drink dotted throughout precincts across the city, combined with a fresh approach to culture and a sparkling event calendar, make Geelong an ideal destination to explore. Half an hour from the city in any direction leads to deliciousness. In the Moorabool Valley and across the Bellarine, produce is grown in fresh air alongside some of Australia’s most awarded wineries and vineyards. Around the Bellarine, towns overlook bays and oceans. You’ll find great coffee, secret shopping spots and fun activities, all with a sea breeze. You needn’t travel far to feel like you’re a million miles away. Geelong is only an hour from Melbourne by car or regular trains that run from Southern Cross Station.
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The Bellarine is a 90-minute drive from Melbourne or ferry from the Docklands or Sorrento. w visitgeelongbellarine.com.au
What’s On 13 January Portarlington Mussel Festival 26–28 January Festival of Sails Geelong 27–28 January Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race 1–4 February Oates Vic Open Golf Championships Barwon Heads 17 February Great Australian Beer Festival Geelong 24 February Pako Festa Geelong
Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race
Visitor Information Centres Open: Daily, 10am to 4pm
t 1800 755 611 (toll free) w visitgeelongbellarine. com.au Geelong & Great Ocean Road Visitor Information Centre Princes Hwy, Little River Geelong Visitor Information Centre 26 Moorabool Street, Geelong Bellarine Visitor Information Centre 1251-1269 Bellarine Hwy, Wallington
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Degraves Street
Useful Information
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Melbourne Airport
With four terminals servicing arrivals and departures, Melbourne Airport is Victoria’s gateway to the world. More than 305 million passengers use the airport each year, and there are plenty of ways to spend your time before your plane takes off.
Terminal 1
Terminal 2
Home to Qantas’ Melbourne domestic aircraft, Terminal 1 has more than 60 retail outlets, offering a broad range of products and services. Whether it’s the latest fashions, a new magazine or just some travel essentials, there’s something for everyone.
The transformation of our Terminal 2 (T2) precinct has now launched. The precinct houses some of the most fashionable and desirable brands in the world including, Tiffany & Co, Burberry, Salvatore Ferragamo, Max Mara and Emporio Armani.
Fashion labels such as Victoria’s Secret, Mimco and Sunglass Hut will ensure you’re suitably dressed for any occasion, while restaurant Billie Chu brings a taste of Asia to travellers, offering a range of exciting dishes. Throw in a number of other cafes, bars and fast food outlets, and there’s a meal for any traveller.
Showcasing the sophisticated essence of Melbourne city, all 11 world-class retailers are ready for travellers to explore. Brands including Australia’s leading official watch specialty store Watches of Switzerland, Hugo Boss, Bally, Michael Kors, Furla and luggage brand Tumi offer travellers access to a sophisticated range of luxury goods.
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Terminal 2, Hugo Boss
Adjacent to the luxury precinct, is our next generation Melbourne Duty Free and a variety of new shopping and dining experiences. Reflecting the Melburnian food and coffee culture, our restaurants and bars feature culinary delights from some of the city’s most celebrated chefs, serving up an authentic taste of Melbourne.
Terminal 2 Artist impression
Terminal 3
Virgin Australia operates from Melbourne Airport’s Terminal 3, which is located at the left end of the main airport building, directly adjacent to the International Terminal. One of the most popular venues in the airport is PJ O’Brien’s Irish pub, with Able Baker Charlie another favourite for authentic Italian food.
Terminal 4
Among the extensive list of retailers are household names Country Road and Witchery, and exclusive brands, such as international fashion label Desigual. One of Melbourne’s favourite eateries, Brunetti Café, is also on hand to provide a tasty way to spend your time before flying off on your Jetstar, Tigerair or Regional Express flight. w melbourneairport.com.au
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Useful Information
Terminal 4 is Melbourne Airport’s newest terminal. It opened in August 2015 and features new technology, including automated check-in kiosks and bag-drop facilities, as well as an expanded departure lounge and more shopping and food choices.
Getting into
Melbourne After touching down at Melbourne or Avalon Airport, you have a number of options for making your way into the city. SkyBus
SkyBus operates 24 hours, seven days a week and provides an express service every 10 minutes from Melbourne Airport to Southern Cross Station in the city. There are three SkyBus stops just outside Terminal 1, Terminal 3 and Terminal 4. Tickets can be bought online and shown to the driver in paper form or on your smart phone. Alternatively, you can visit one of the SkyBus ticket booths near the terminals. A oneway trip to the city costs $18 per adult and $18 to $36 for families. w skybus.com.au
StarBus
StarBus Melbourne Shuttle Service offers transfers from Melbourne Airport to your accommodation in the CBD or inner suburbs. The service runs seven days a week from 6am to 6pm, with departures every 20 minutes. The StarBus leaves from Bus Zone L (otherwise known as Groups and Charters). Bookings can be made online or via phone. The price for a one-way trip to the city is $20 per adult and $20 to $25 for most inner urban destinations. w starbusshuttle.com.au
Bluebird Airport Shuttle
This prebooked door-to-door airport service operates to any address within the CBD and inner suburbs. Prices start at $49 return for an adult ($25 one way). Bookings can be made online or over the phone. w bluebirdshuttle.com.au
Taxi
You can catch a taxi from designated taxi ranks located on the ground floor outside Terminal 1 and between Terminal 2 and 3 at Melbourne Airport. Taxi fares vary based on distance, location and time of travel. You can use the taxi fare estimator on the Taxi Services Commission’s website to obtain an approximate cost. w taxi.vic.gov.au
Hit the Road with Redspot If you like the idea of deciding where you want to go and for how long, then a hire car from Redspot Enterprise will provide that freedom. Pick up the keys to your temporary set of wheels at Melbourne Airport and let the adventure begin. Redspot Enterprise has all-inclusive packages that are great value, and also offers hire of GPS devices and booster seats for young travellers. w redspot.com.au
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Avalon Arrivals
If you’re flying into Avalon Airport, you can now catch a ride to Southern Cross Station in Melbourne’s CBD on a SkyBus Avalon Express. Meeting all departing and arriving flights, passengers will have access to free Wi-Fi, easy ticketing options and a regular, reliable service. You can buy tickets online or at dedicated e-kiosks at Avalon Airport or Southern Cross Station’s Airport Gateway. One-way tickets from Avalon to the city are $22 for adults (or $42 return) and children 16 and under travel free when booked with an adult fare. Avalon Airport also has a taxi rank directly outside the terminal and bookings can be made by calling 131 008. For travellers disembarking at Avalon and heading to Geelong, Bellarine or the Surf Coast, catch a lift with Murrell Group’s Avalon Airport Shuttle. A one-way adult ticket to Geelong is approximately $22 or $50 to Torquay. Buy a ticket at the booking counter in the Arrivals Hall or call ahead on 5278 8788. w skybus.com.au w murrell.com.au
Avalon Airport
If you want to touch down and drive straight out to enjoy the sights, choose Avalon Airport. Avalon is the most efficient and economical airport in Australia. It’s only 40 minutes from Melbourne’s CBD, which is now easier than ever to reach through SkyBus Avalon City Express. Avalon Airport is also the closest domestic airport to the Great Ocean Road, Bells Beach, Geelong and the 12 Apostles. Drive straight up the highway, park out the front, grab a drink or meal and stay connected with free Wi-Fi, while charging all your devices in comfort right by the gate. It really is flying made easy. Bus: SkyBus Avalon City Express to/from Southern Cross Station via Werribee or SkyBus Geelong Express to/from Geelong, the Bellarine and the Surf Coast. Open: Daily, 4am to midnight 80 Beach Road, Lara t 5227 9100 w avalonairport.com.au Find us on:
Melbourne Airport to City SkyBus operates a world-class airport transfer, offering value for money, reliability, frequency and convenience in comfortable transport to and from Melbourne Airport 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. SkyBus meets every flight at Avalon Airport, departing to/from the heart of the city daily. Our St Kilda Express, Frankston, Peninsula and Bayside services operate seven days a week.
Ticket Booths: + Melbourne Airport at kerbside (T1, T3 & T4 outside arrivals) + CBD SkyBus Gateway Terminal + Gateway Terminal at Southern Cross Station A free Hotel and City Transfer service operates in the CBD, Southbank and Docklands precincts. For fare information and to purchase tickets visit our website. t 1300 SKYBUS w skybus.com.au Find us on:
135
Useful Information
Enjoy free Wi-Fi onboard all our vehicles and our ‘Kids Travel Free’ policy for all family tickets.
Getting Around From trams and trains to bike hire and ferries, here’s all you need to know about getting around Melbourne. Tickets
myki is your ticket to travel on trains, trams and buses in Melbourne and many parts of regional Victoria. To get started, buy a myki Explorer pack or myki card.
myki Explorer
Enjoy a ready-to-use myki card with one day’s unlimited travel on public transport in Melbourne. Your pack also includes handy maps, a souvenir wallet and discounts to lots of our favourite places. If you want to keep travelling, just top up your myki at a huge range of shops, myki machines or online. To find out where to buy yours, visit the website below. w ptv.vic.gov.au/mykiexplorer
Buy Your myki Card and Top Up
You can buy and top up your myki at a huge range of shops (including all 7-Eleven stores), myki machines and station ticket offices. As a guide, $10 will get you around Melbourne for a day, with a little change. For more on fares, visit the website below. w ptv.vic.gov.au/fares
Plan Your Journey
Download the PTV app or visit the website below to plan your journey and get real-time travel updates. w ptv.vic.gov.au
136
Free Tram Travel
Craig Newell
The Free Tram Zone includes the city centre and extends from Queen Victoria Market to Docklands, Spring Street, Flinders Street Station and Federation Square (see the Melbourne tram map on page 138). If you’re only travelling in the Free Tram Zone you don’t need a myki. Travel on the City Circle Tram is also free. Hop on and off the historic trams as often as you like. You don’t need a myki if you’re only travelling on the City Circle Tram.
Regional Victoria With the largest public transport network in Australia, our trains and coaches can take you many parts of regional Victoria. Simply make your way to V/Line's passenger hub at Southern Cross Station and we'll help you plan your next getaway.
PTV Hubs
To find out more about public transport in Melbourne and Victoria, visit a PTV Hub at Southern Cross Station or 750 Collins Street, Docklands.
Night Network
Night Network is about giving everyone a convenient and affordable way to travel later. Night Network includes all-night public transport on weekends, with all-night metropolitan trains, trams, late-night buses, and a 2am coach service to key regional centres. Stay out longer and enjoy Melbourne's vibrant nightlife, popular hot spots and special events throughout the year.
Skybus
Skybus is a direct service between Southern Cross Station and Melbourne Airport that operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The buses depart every 10 minutes in both directions and stop at Terminals 1, 3 and 4. Skybus also offers a free City Hotel Shuttle service to an extensive list of hotels and hostels in the CBD and inner suburbs (check the website for the list of participating accommodation providers). If you’re heading to Southbank, Docklands, St Kilda, Elsternwick, Elwood, Brighton, Frankston or Mornington Peninsula, SkyBus runs services to these areas. w skybus.com.au
Melbourne Bike Share
Melbourne Bike Share allows locals and visitors aged 15 or older to hire a set of wheels (and helmet) from one of 50 public bike racks across the CBD. You can borrow and return bikes at any of the racks across the borrowing network. Bikes can be hired for as little as $3 per day and $8 per week (providing you with unlimited 30-minute trips) using VISA or Mastercard. For everything you need to know about the bike sharing program, including pricing and rack locations, visit the website. w melbournebikeshare.com.au
Pedicabs (three-wheel bike taxis) are a fun and carbon-neutral way to get around the CBD. See Green Cabs’ website for booking information, operating hours and fare estimates.
Catching a Melbourne Water Taxi can be a smart way to beat the traffic or simply enjoy a scenic ride to your destination. There’s a regular service between Southgate, Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Park and the MCG for major events, such as football matches and concerts. Water taxis operate on the Yarra and Maribyrnong Rivers seven days a week, day and night. w melbournewatertaxis.com.au
Car hire
Plan on doing lots of travelling far and wide? A great way to get around Melbourne and its surrounds is in a rental car. Redspot Enterprise will have you sorted with a comfortable and safe car that’s the right size for your travel party (think little and zippy or large and luxurious). Vehicle pick-up and drop-off is available at Melbourne Airport and in the city (Little Collins Street). w redspot.com.au
Taxis
Taxis can be hired off the street, from designated taxi ranks or by phone/online bookings. There are taxi ranks all over the CBD (refer to the Melbourne City map on page 154), including four safe city taxi ranks for late-night travellers. Taxi fares vary based on distance, location and time of travel. You can use the taxi fare estimator on the Taxi Services Commission’s website to obtain an approximate cost. Between 10pm and 5pm, Victorian taxi drivers are allowed to ask for an upfront deposit for the trip fare. Melbourne’s major taxi companies are 13 CABS, Silvertop Taxis and CABiT. w taxi.vic.gov.au w 13cabs.com.au w silvertop.com.au w cabit.com.au
Useful Information
Pedicabs
Melbourne Water Taxi
w greencabs.net.au
137
Driving
around town Road Rules
Traffic laws in Victoria may be different to those in your home city. Below are some of the major traffic rules that apply in Victoria to keep road users safe and ensure traffic flows efficiently. ++ Drivers are required to carry a licence at all times. International Driver Licences are acceptable for up to three months, however you will require a Victorian Drivers Licence after this period. ++ Australians drive on the left-hand side of the road, which can be initially disconcerting for visitors used to driving on the right. ++ Drivers and passengers are required to wear seatbelts. Infants must be restrained in baby capsules and small children in an appropriate booster seat.
++ Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol carries serious penalties. In Australia, you are not permitted to drive a car if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.05 or higher. If you hold a probationary or provisional driver’s licence, your blood alcohol level must be zero at all times.
Traffic Near Trams
Cars share the roads with trams on many streets within Melbourne. With these trams come some important rules about driving near them: ++ Tram lanes are designated by a tram lane sign (that may indicate hours of operation) and continuous yellow line. You must not drive in a tram lane during the times it is operational, except for up to 50 metres before turning, so long as you do not obstruct the progress of a tram. ++ You may only overtake a tram on the left. ++ Do not drive past the rear of a tram stopped at a tram stop (where there is no safety zone, dividing strip or traffic island). ++ You must stop level with the rear of the tram and wait for people to get on and off. The tram doors must be closed again before proceeding.
Bicycle Lanes
Bicycle lanes are indicated by a bicycle lane sign and a continuous or broken white line. You must not drive in a bicycle lane during the times it is operational, except for up to 50 metres before turning or when parking.
Some particular driving manoeuvres used in Melbourne are described below.
Hook Turns
Due to tramlines running down the middle of major city streets, there are some intersections where cars turning right need to do so from the left lane. The vehicle remains there until the traffic lights for the road it’s entering turn green, then carefully executes its turn. See onlymelbourne.com.au for a short video demonstration of how to perform a hook turn.
U-turns
To perform a U-turn, a driver makes a 180-degree turn to head back in the direction from which they came. The simple rule to remember is drivers performing U-turns are required to give way to other vehicles and pedestrians. In Victoria, drivers are allowed to make U-turns at intersections with or without traffic signals and at breaks in the median unless there is a ‘No U-turn’ sign.
Visit the VicRoads website For more information about Victoria’s road laws and guidelines for appropriate child restraints. w vicroads.vic.gov.au
139
Useful Information
++ Speed limits are clearly marked (generally 50 kilometres per hour or 60 kilometres per hour in built-up areas and 100 kilometres per hour on open roads) and police operate speed safety cameras across Victoria.
Driving is an efficient way to get around during your time in Melbourne, but read on to familiarise yourself with our road rules before taking to the street.
140
Useful Information
141
City of
Melbourne Visitor Services
Visitors will find much to love in Melbourne. On every street and laneway, there are shopping, dining and cultural experiences to discover. It’s all here — let a local show you the way. Melbourne Visitor Centre at Federation Square
City Ambassadors
Open daily from 9am to 6pm (closed Christmas Day)
Mon–Sat, 10am to 4pm; Sun, 12pm to 3pm (excluding Good Friday and Christmas Day)
A one-stop shop for visitors providing information on Melbourne and Victoria; what’s on in the city; maps; brochures; souvenirs; plus a travel booking service.
Dressed in their distinctive red uniforms, City Ambassadors provide a mobile information service in the city and can help with advice on shopping, events and how to get around.
Melbourne Visitor Booth in the Bourke Street Mall
Melbourne Greeter Service
Friendly volunteers at the Melbourne Visitor Booth provide free maps and information on shopping, attractions and what’s on in Melbourne.
Open daily from 9am to 5pm (closed Good Friday and Christmas Day)
Fitzroy Gardens Visitor Centre
Your first stop when visiting the heritage-listed Fitzroy Gardens. Find out about current events and attractions, purchase your Cooks’ Cottage tickets and merchandise, and enjoy the cafe and free Wi-Fi facilities.
Open daily from 9am to 5pm (closed Christmas Day)
142
Enjoy a free, two- to four-hour walking orientation of the city, conducted by a trained volunteer. Orientations in English depart the Melbourne Visitor Centre at Federation Square daily. Orientations in other languages are available on select days. Departing daily at 9.30am (excluding Good Friday and Christmas Day). Bookings are essential. Phone 9658 9658 on weekdays and 9658 9942 on weekends or visit the What's On website. w whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/visitor
Fitzroy Gardens Visitor Centre
Melbourne Visitor Hub at Hamer Hall
The Melbourne Visitor Hub at Hamer Hall is positioned at the gateway to Melbourne’s creative and cultural precinct. Speak with City of Melbourne’s friendly and knowledgeable volunteers to help plan your visit, including what to do and see in Melbourne and for information on the precinct. The Melbourne Visitor Hub at Hamer Hall is fully accessible with restroom facilities, a riverside cafe and free Wi-Fi available. Open daily from 10am to 5pm. Please note extended opening hours may apply during busy periods or events.
24/7 guide to What’s On in Melbourne
Cooks’ Cottage
A visit to Cooks’ Cottage in the heritage-listed Fitzroy Gardens is a must when exploring Melbourne. Step back in time and learn about life in the 18th century with centuries-old antiques, a delightful English cottage garden, information on James Cook’s adventures and volunteers dressed in 18th-century costumes. Open daily from 9am to 5pm (closed Christmas Day)
Explore Melbourne in Chinese
For the latest updates on what’s going on in Melbourne, including upcoming events and opportunities search CityofMelb in the WeChat app now to subscribe.
For more information on events, restaurants, shopping destinations and things to do in Melbourne city visit the website below. Share your favourite city experiences using #melbmoment
Melbourne Town Hall Tours
Free one-hour tours of the historic Melbourne Town Hall give visitors the chance to learn about the architectural, social and political significance of this impressive 19th-century building. Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri 11am and 1pm (excluding public holidays).
Useful Information
w whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au
Cooks’ Cottage
t 9658 9658 e visitor@melbourne.vic.gov.au w whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/visitor /whatsonmelb @whatsonmelb @whatsonmelb
143
Traveller
tips
Wondering where to get your hands on visitor information, buy tickets to a show or what to do in an emergency? Here is a handy reference guide and tips to help your trip run smoothly. Time Zone
Melbourne is located in the Australian Eastern Time zone. Standard Time is UTC/GMT +10 hours. Daylight Saving Time (now until 1 April 2018) is UTC/GMT +11 hours.
Weather
During summer (December to February), Melbourne’s average temperatures during the day are 19 to 21ºC (66 to 70ºF). For daily forecasts, check the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) website. w bom.gov.au
144
Luggage Lockers
Be Sun Smart
Various sized lockers are available at Southern Cross Station and hire ranges from $10 to $16 for 24 hours. Travellers Aid offers short-term luggage storage at Flinders Street Station between 8am and 8pm daily (same day only, not overnight). For costs, visit the website.
w sunsmart.com.au
Lockers are available for hire at several locations throughout Melbourne.
w southerncrossstation.net.au w travellersaid.org.au
Too much of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause painful sunburn. Australia has some of the highest UV levels in the world, so it is important to apply sunscreen and wear protective clothing such as a shirt, hat and sunglasses if you’re spending time outdoors. Visit the SunSmart Victoria website to check the daily UV index and alerts.
Smoking Laws
Victoria has strict laws on where people are permitted to smoke tobacco as well as e-cigarettes and personal vaporisers. Smoking is not allowed in or around non-enclosed drinking and eating venues, outdoor areas where food is served (alfresco dining), train stations and platforms, public transport, cars carrying passengers under the age of 18 years, shopping centres, and enclosed spaces that are workplaces (to protect the health of employees, customers and public). QV Melbourne and The Tan running track have also been declared smoke-free precincts. Visit the website below for full details of smoke-free locations and smoking laws in Melbourne. w melbourne.vic.gov.au
Accessible Melbourne
Improving accessibility to Melbourne’s public transport, visitor attractions, events, venues and amenities for people with special mobility needs is a major priority of the Victorian Government and City Council. Maps and resources The City of Melbourne offers a variety of downloadable Mobility Maps on its website covering the different city precincts. Lonely Planet also offers a free Accessible Melbourne e-book packed with tips and recommendations for travellers with special needs. Other useful online resources for accessible travel and recreation throughout Victoria and Australia are provided by Australia For All and NICAN. w melbourne.vic.gov.au w lonelyplanet.com/ accessible-melbourne w australiaforall.com w nican.com.au Assistance and support
The below support numbers can be of service during an emergency. Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance) 000 Lifeline (Counselling/crisis support) 131 114 Poisons Information 131 126 Nurse-On-Call 1300 606 024
Police Stations Melbourne East 226 Flinders Lane, Melbourne East 9637 1100
Melbourne West 313 Spencer Street, Docklands 8690 4444
Major Hospitals
Epworth Hospital 89 Bridge Road, Richmond 9426 6666 Royal Melbourne Hospital 300 Grattan Street, Parkville 9342 7000 St. Vincent’s Health 41 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy 9288 2211
Useful Information
Travellers Aid
Travellers Aid provides travelrelated support and aid, including accessible toilets, showers, equipment loan and a rest area. It provides advice and assistance to older and frail people, and people with disabilities to ensure safe passage. This not-for-profit operation has been helping travellers for almost 100 years. Some services attract a small fee, but many are performed free of charge by staff and volunteers. Travellers Aid is located at Southern Cross Station (open seven days from 6.30am to 9.30pm) and Flinders Street Station (open seven days from 8am to 8pm).
In an Emergency
The Alfred Hospital 55 Commercial Road, St Kilda 9076 2000 The Royal Children’s Hospital 50 Flemington Road, Parkville 9345 5522
w travellersaid.org.au
145
Design A Space
Shopping / Bank Hours
As a general guide, large shopping centres and specialty stores are open from 9am to 5.30pm, Monday to Saturday (except Friday where stores tend to stay open longer). Sunday shopping centre opening hours are usually 10am to 5pm. Most banks are open 9.30am to 4pm Monday to Thursday and 9.30am to 5pm Friday. Most banks are closed on weekends. ATMs are operational 24 hours.
Currency Exchange
The currency used throughout Australia is the Australian dollar (AUD). Foreign money can be exchanged for Australia dollars at banks and currency exchange desks at the airport and other locations (such as currency kiosks at shopping centres) around Melbourne.
Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS)
A 10% goods and services tax (GST) is incorporated into the price of all goods and services, except some basic items, sold in Australia. Under the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) you can claim a refund of the GST and wine equalisation tax (WET) that you pay on goods you have purchased during your stay. To claim a refund you must: ++ Spend $300 (GST inclusive) or more in the one store and retain your invoices ++ Have purchased the goods no more than 60 days before your departure from Australia ++ Wear or carry the goods on board the aircraft or ship and present them along with your original tax invoice, passport and international boarding pass to a Customs and Border Protection Officer at a TRS facility. w border.gov.au
146
Tipping
Unlike other countries, tipping is not customary and generally not expected, although it is appreciated.
City Postal Services
Melbourne GPO 250 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne Mon–Fri, 8.30am to 5.30pm & Sat, 9am to 5pm. w auspost.com.au
Visa Information
For comprehensive information about visitor visas, bridging visas and transit visas, visit the Australian Government’s Department of Immigration and Border Protection website. w border.gov.au
Consulates
All of the following countries have consulates in Melbourne: China
9822 0604
France
9690 6075
Germany
9642 8088
Greece
9866 4524
India
9384 0141
Indonesia
9525 2755
Italy
9867 5744
Japan
9679 4510
United Kingdom
9652 1600
USA
9526 5900
Fast and Free Wi-Fi
Free public Wi-Fi is available in Melbourne CBD including CBD train stations, Bourke Street Mall, Queen Victoria Market and South Wharf Promenade at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. The VicFreeWiFi pilot is managed and maintained by telecommunications company TPG and allows for the download of up to 250MB per device, per day. It also does not require personal information or feature popup advertising.
To login to VicFreeWiFi: 1. Look up available networks on your device 2. Select 'VicFreeWiFi' 3. Accept the terms and conditions VicFreeWiFi is also available in two regional Victorian cities: central Ballarat and central Bendigo. As you explore Melbourne CBD use VicFreeWiFi to contact family and friends, book accommodation, get directions, book tickets to events or find restaurants and cafes. Visit the website below to find your nearest outdoor VicFreeWiFi hotspot. w vic.gov.au/wifi
Arts Centre Melbourne Robert Blackburn
Frequently Called Country Codes
Australia 61 Canada 1 China 86 Germany 49 Greece 30 Indonesia 62 Ireland 353 Italy 39 Japan 81 New Zealand 64 Spain 34 Taiwan 886 UK 44 USA 1
Public phone boxes are dotted throughout the city and can be used for local, interstate and international calls (mobile and landline numbers). Local calls cost 50 cents, while long-distance calls are charged depending on duration. You can use either coins or prepaid phone cards. Alternatively, prepaid SIM cards for mobile phones can be purchased at retailers across the city. To make an international phone call, dial 0011 (the international access code), then the country code followed by the telephone number, including area code.
Ticket Booking Services Tickets for major events, theatre productions, exhibitions and attractions can be booked and bought through a number of vendors, including Ticketek and Ticketmaster.
Halftix is a great way to save money on last-minute bookings. Located in the Melbourne Town Hall Administration Building on Swanston Street, Halftix sells tickets to events on the day at a discount. Arts Centre Melbourne also has a ‘tixatsix’ offer. At 6pm each night, at least 20 tickets become available for selected evening performances for just $30. Tickets must be booked in person from the Box Office on level five of the Theatres Building. w ticketek.com.au w ticketmaster.com.au w halftix.com w artscentremelbourne.com.au
147
Useful Information
Hong Kong 852
Public Phones
Frequently asked
questions New to Melbourne? Here are the answers to common travel questions. Where can I rent a car in Melbourne?
Redspot Enterprise will have you sorted with a comfortable and safe car that’s the right size for your travel party and suitable for the terrain you’ll be driving through while sight-seeing. Vehicle pick-up and drop-off is available at Melbourne Airport, in the city on Little Collins Street and in South Melbourne on Thistlewaite Street t 1300 668 810 w redspot.com.au
What’s the best way to get around the city? What are the public transport options in Melbourne?
Melbourne’s public transport system is an ideal (and cost-effective) way to explore every pocket of the city and further afield. The extensive train, tram and bus network stretches from the city into surrounding suburbs and regional areas. For more information about public transport, refer to page 136.
148
What type of ticket do I need to use public transport in Melbourne?
myki is the name of Melbourne’s public transport ticketing system and covers travel on trains, trams and buses. International and interstate visitors can purchase a myki Explorer Pack that includes: a myki smartcard (a credit card-sized plastic card that is effectively your ticket) pre-loaded with enough credit for one day’s unlimited travel in metropolitan Melbourne; instructions on how to use myki; handy maps; discount offers at many tourist attractions (over $200 value); and souvenir wallet. A full fare pack for an adult is $15; child and concession packs are $7.50. The myki Explorer Pack is available from the PTV Hub at Southern Cross Station, Melbourne Visitor Centre at Federation Square and SkyBus terminals at Melbourne Airport and Southern Cross Station.
Are there any free ways to travel around the city?
Melbourne has a Free Tram Zone in the CBD and Docklands. You don’t need a myki to ride any tram in this zone. However, if you travel anywhere outside this zone, you will need to touch on with a valid myki card. See the map in the inside back cover for zone boundaries. You can also see Melbourne on the free City Circle Tram, an iconic W-Class tram that travels past major attractions and shops. If you're only travelling on the City Circle Tram, you don't need a myki.
Where can I find public bathrooms or accessible public bathrooms around Melbourne? Public bathrooms can be found throughout the city. For locations, please refer to the map in the inside back cover.
Where can I find travel-related assistance and help?
The Travellers Aid Access Services operates from both Southern Cross and Flinders Street train stations, offering personal care and assistance for senior, disabled or disadvantaged travellers, as well as information, referrals for accommodation, showers, rest facilities, internet access, and transport and travel information. The Travellers Aid Access Services at Southern Cross are available weekdays from 10am to 5pm and weekends from 11am to 4pm. The Flinders Street service is open seven days from 8am to 8pm. w travellersaid.org.au
Travellers Aid
Where can I buy discounted tickets to shows and events?
Halftix is a great way to save money on last-minute bookings. Located in the Melbourne Town Hall Administration Building on Swanston Street, Halftix sells tickets to events on the day at a discount. Arts Centre Melbourne also has a Tixatsix offer. At 6pm each night, at least 20 tickets become available for selected evening performances for just $30. Tickets must be booked in person from the Box Office on level five of the Theatres Building. w halftix.com w artscentremelbourne.com.au/tixatsix
Where can I get face-to-face information about what to do and how to get around Melbourne?
Where can I exchange currency for Australia dollars?
Foreign money can be exchanged for Australian dollars at banks and currency exchange desks at the airport and other locations (such as currency kiosks at shopping centres) around Melbourne.
149
Useful Information
City Ambassadors and the Melbourne Greeter Service are local experts who know everything there is to know about Melbourne. They offer useful advice and assistance and can be found at a variety of locations. For more information, refer to page 142. You can also visit a PTV Hub at Southern Cross Station, 750 Collins Street, or in the Melbourne Visitor Centre at Federation Square for public transport information.
Advertiser Index Eat & Drink
Arts & Culture
Amora Hotel Riverwalk Melbourne
p.38
888 Collins – Light House p.77
Batman's Hill – The Oak Room
p.40
ACMI – Wallace & Gromit and Friends: The Magic of Aardman p.82
Bridge Road Melbourne
p.40
Arts Centre Melbourne
p.79
Brunetti – Melbourne Airport
p.37
Australian Music Vault
p.72
Café Vue Express – Melbourne Airport
p.37
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical p.73
Charcoal Lane
p.34
Grainger Museum
Colonial Tramcar Restaurant
p.40
Immigration Museum – British Migrants: Instant Australians? p.84
Southgate Melbourne
p.39
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
The Craft & Co
p.35
Melbourne Theatre Company – Vivid White p.81
The Hotel Windsor
p.38
The Pancake Parlour
p.40
Melbourne Theatre Company – The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time p.76
Thunder Road Brewhouse
p.34
See & Do AAT Kings Melbourne Day Tours
p.65
Adventure Park Geelong
p.52
Arthurs Seat Eagle
p.61
Arts Centre Melbourne Sunday Market
p.54
Australian Open
p.2
Bendigo Art Gallery – The Costume Designer: Edith Head & Hollywood p.60
p.81 p.78
NGV – Triennial p.74 Old Melbourne Goal
p.80
Old Treasury Building
p.85
Priscilla Queen of the Desert: The Musical p.73 Shrine of Remembrance
p.83
State Library Victoria
p.75
Shop Central Equity Apartments
p.93
Collins234 p.92
Bunyip Tours
p.66
Collins Place
p.91
Crown Melbourne
p.55
Downies Coins & Collectables
p.96
Dialogue in the Dark
p.57
Green Olive at Red Hill
p.93
Eureka Skydeck
p.47
Johnston Jewellers
p.96
Global Ballooning Australia
p.66
Lightning Ridge Opal Mines
p.95
Queen Victoria Market
p.94
Healesville Sanctuary
p.160
IceBar Melbourne
p.54
The Block Arcade
p.93
Last Minute Day Tours
p.62
The District Docklands
p.90
LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Melbourne
p.50
Tivoli Jewellers
p.95
Luna Park
p.59
MCG Tours
p.64
Melbourne River Cruises
p.53
Melbourne Star Observation Wheel Melbourne Zoo
p.63 p.160
Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park
p.61
National Sports Museum
p.64
Parliament House
p.61
Phillip Island Nature Parks
p.56
Puffing Billy Railway
p.56
Punting on the Lake
p.48
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
p.49
RAAF Museum Point Cook
p.54
SEA LIFE Melbourne
p.51
St Kilda Esplanade Market
p.58
Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm
p.61
V Hotel Spa
p.53
Victoria Police Museum
p.54
Werribee Open Range Zoo
p.160
William Ricketts Sanctuary
p.63
150
Neighbourhoods Werribee & Surrounds
p.107
Regional Victoria 360Q
p.129
Art Gallery Ballarat – Romancing the Skull p.124 Ballarat Wildlife Park
p.124
Craig's Royal Hotel
p.126
Redspot Enterprise
p.119
Sovereign Hill
p.125
visitballarat.com.au p.123 V/Line Goldrush Special
p117
Useful Information Avalon Airport
p.135
Melbourne Airport
p.132
SkyBus p.135
Accommodation Index refer to maps on pages 152-155 Melbourne CITY MAP
GRID REF
39
Rydges Melbourne | 9662 0511
F2
1
Adelphi Hotel | 8080 8888
E3
40
Sheraton Melbourne Hotel | 9240 1000
F2
2
Alto Hotel on Bourke Eco Friendly | 1800 135 123
C2
41
Sofitel Melbourne on Collins | 9653 0000
F3
3
Aria Hotel Apartments | 8102 3990
C4
42
Somerset on Elizabeth | 1800 766 377
E2
4
Atlantis Hotel Melbourne | 9600 2900
C2
43
Stamford Plaza Melbourne | 9659 1000
F2
5
Causeway 353 Hotel | 9668 1888
D2
44
The Langham, Melbourne | 1800 858 662
E3
6
Causeway Inn on the Mall | 9650 0688
E2
45
The Paramount Serviced Apartments | 9251 5555
F2
7
Citadines on Bourke Melbourne | 1800 766 377
F2
46
Treasury on Collins Apartment Hotel | 8535 8535
D2
8
City Limits Hotel Apartments | 9662 2544
F2
9
Crossley Hotel Melbourne | 9639 1639
F2
10
Crown Metropol Melbourne | 9292 6211
C4
11
Crown Promenade Melbourne | 9292 6688
C4
12
Crown Towers Melbourne | 9292 6868
D3
13
Crowne Plaza Melbourne | 9648 2777
C3
14
DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne – Flinders Street 9654 6888
E3
15
Four Points by Sheraton Melbourne Docklands 1800 073 535
A1
16
Fraser Place Melbourne | 9669 6888
F2
17
Grand Hyatt Melbourne | 9657 1234
F3
18
Pan Pacific Melbourne | 9027 2000
B3
19
Holiday Inn Melbourne on Flinders | 9629 4111
C3
20
Hotel Casueway | 9660 8888
E2
21
ibis Styles Melbourne, The Victoria Hotel | 9669 0000
E2
22
InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto | 9627 1400
D3
23
Jasper Hotel | 8327 2777
E1
24
Melbourne Marriott Hotel | 9662 3900
F2
25
Short Stay Apartments, Melbourne CBD | 1800 008 910 C2
26
Short Stay Apartments, MP Deluxe | 1800 008 910
27
Short Stay Apartments on Lonsdale | 1800 008 910
C2
28
Short Stay Apartments on Power | 1800 008 910
D4
INNER Melbourne MAP
GRID REF
47
Abode by Easystay | 8598 0251
48
Amora Hotel Riverwalk Melbourne | 9246 1200
E4 F2
49
Crest On Barkly | 9537 1788
E4
50
Easystay Studio Apartments | 8598 0255
E4
51
Lyall Hotel and Spa | 9868 8222
E3
52
Melbourne Parkview Hotel | 1300 785 453
E3
53
Miami Hotel Melbourne | 9321 2444
C1
54
PARKROYAL Melbourne Hotel | 8347 2000
C1
55
Punthill Essendon | 1800 331 529
B1
56
Punthill South Yarra Grand | 1800 331 529
E3
57
Punthill Williamstown | 1800 331 529
A2
58
Quest Hawthorn | 8803 7700
G2
59
Royce Hotel | 9677 9900
E3
60
The Blackman | 1800 278 468
E3
61
The Cullen | 1800 278 468
E3
62
The Larwill Studio | 1800 278 468
C1
63
The Olsen | 1800 278 468
F3
C4
Short Stay Apartments on Whiteman | 1800 008 910
C4
30
Short Stay Apartments, Southbank Collection 1800 008 910
D4
31
Pegasus Apart'Hotel | 9284 2400
D1
32
Pullman Melbourne on the Park | 9419 2000
G3
33
Punthill Flinders Lane | 1800 331 529
E3
34
Punthill Little Bourke | 1800 331 529
F2
35
Punthill Manhattan | 1800 331 529
F3
36
Punthill Northbank | 1800 331 529
C3
37
Quay West Suites Melbourne | 9693 6000
E3
38
Radisson on Flagstaff Gardens Melbourne | 9322 8000
D1
Published by Destination Melbourne Melbourne’s Tourism Organisation w destination.melbourne e marketing@destination.melbourne
This guide uses paper from internationally certified sustainably managed forests and is printed at a plant that holds the ISO14001 Environmental Management System certification.
The following organisations have actively endorsed this publication as the Official Visitor Guide to Melbourne While every attempt has been made to ensure accurate information at the time of going to press, the publishers accept no responsibility for supplied information or omissions.
151
Useful Information
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Summer coupons TWO-FOR-ONE PANCAKE OFFER THE PANCAKE PARLOUR
20% OFF ADVENTURE PARK ENTRY PG.40
Buy one Short Stack (two pancakes) and receive a Short Stack free.
ADVENTURE PARK GEELONG
PG.52
Receive 20% off one general admission ticket price on presentation of this coupon.
10% DISCOUNT OFF TOURS BUNYIP TOURS
Get out and discover the best that Melbourne has to offer with these great discounts and deals.
10% OFF SKYDECK ENTRY PG.66
EUREKA SKYDECK 88
PG.47
Experience some of Victoria’s most loved destinations and save 10% off your tour when booking online use promotional code ‘OVG’ to receive your discount.
Experience awe-inspiring views over Melbourne from the highest viewing platform in the Southern Hemisphere.
15% OFF MID-WEEK FLIGHTS
20% OFF DELUXE ICEBAR ENTRY
GLOBAL BALLOONING AUSTRALIA
PG.66
SAVE UP TO 35% ON ALL TOURS
$3 OFF INDIVIDUAL ADMISSION PG.62
Save up to 35% off RRP with top tour operators. Great Ocean Road, Phillip Island, Yarra Valley and more. Use code ‘OVG’ to receive a further $5 off your booking.
MELBOURNE’S LUNA PARK
PG.59
Enjoy every ride at Luna Park as many times as you can handle for a full day with 20% off adult or child unlimited ride tickets purchased on-site.
20% OFF ALL CRUISES Save 20% on all Sightseeing and Williamstown cruises with a live commentary by the captain. Departing every 30 minutes from Southgate Berth 5.
PG.50
20% OFF LUNA PARK FUN! PG.64
Present this coupon to receive 20% off a guided MCG Tour, visit to the National Sports Museum, or combined admission to both.
MELBOURNE RIVER CRUISES
LEGOLAND® DISCOVERY CENTRE MELBOURNE
Receive $3 off admission for two people when presenting this coupon. Promo code: 1871.
20% OFF MCG EXPERIENCE MCG TOUR AND NATIONAL SPORTS MUSEUM
PG.54
The coolest place in town and Australia’s only IceBar. 20% off Deluxe Entry, includes ski gear rental, cocktail and shot. See how long you can last at –10°C!
Quote ‘OVG17’ when you call to book a midweek Melbourne or Yarra Valley hot air balloon flight and receive 15% off your booking.
LAST MINUTE DAY TOURS
ICEBAR MELBOURNE
20% OFF GENERAL ADMISSION PG.53
MELBOURNE STAR OBSERVATION WHEEL Experience Melbourne’s vibrant cityscape day or night on the Melbourne Star with 20% off full-priced adult and child single admission tickets.
PG.63
BUY ONE, GET ONE HALF PRICE
20% DISCOUNT
ABORIGINAL HERITAGE WALK AT ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS VICTORIA Buy one ticket, get 50% off the second (of equal or lesser value). Experience a rich and ancient culture, and attend a smoking ceremony with an Indigenous guide.
PG.49
20-MINUTE FREE FOOT SPA PG.61
Receive 20% off strawberry picking tickets for two adults when presenting this coupon.
MELBOURNE MUSEUM, SCIENCEWORKS AND IMMIGRATION MUSEUM
50% OFF OPALS, PEARLS & DIAMONDS PG.83
Join a Shrine Tour and learn more about Australia’s first national war memorial. Receive 20% off on presentation of this coupon.
JOHNSTON JEWELLERS
20% OFF MARKET TOUR PG.95
QUEEN VICTORIA MARKET
Enjoy a 10% discount and a free rough opal. We will educate you with a free in-depth opal lesson too.
Enter the promo code ‘Summer’ when booking online to receive 20% off the Queen Vic Market Ultimate Foodie Tour.
40% OFF OPALS
15% OFF CITY SKYLINE FLIGHT PG.95
10% DISCOUNT + FREE GPS Exploring Melbourne at your own pace has never been easier. Book your Redspot Enterprise car and receive a 10% discount on time and kilometres, plus a free GPS.
MELBOURNE SEAPLANES
PG.94
PG.108
15% off a City Skyline Flight.
Receive 40% off any opal jewellery.
REDSPOT ENTERPRISE CAR RENTALS
PG.96
50% off all the regular prices of pearl, opal and diamond jewellery on presentation of this voucher.
10% DISCOUNT
TIVOLI JEWELLERS
PG.84
Save 20% on adult admission plus kids admission FREE.
20% OFF THE SHRINE TOUR
LIGHTNING RIDGE OPAL MINES
PG.53
20% OFF THREE GREAT MUSEUMS PG.79
Go behind-the-scenes at Australia’s largest performing arts centre. Guided tours depart daily at 11am. Receive 20% off when using the promo code: SUMMERTOUR.
SHRINE OF REMEMBRANCE
V HOTEL SPA Enjoy your 20-minute free foot spa and complimentary tea and nibbles with any one-hour massage or facial service.
20% OFF GUIDED TOURS ARTS CENTRE MELBOURNE
PG.51
Enjoy a 20% discount on adult and child tickets purchased on-site at SEA LIFE Melbourne.
20% OFF STRAWBERRY PICKING SUNNY RIDGE STRAWBERRY FARMS
SEA LIFE MELBOURNE
15% OFF SOVEREIGN HILL ENTRY PG.119
SOVEREIGN HILL Open 10am to 5.30pm daily except Christmas Day. General admission tickets include entry ticket to both Sovereign Hill and the Gold Museum across the road.
PG.125
Summer coupons
Get out and discover the best that Melbourne has to offer with these great discounts and deals.
20% OFF ADVENTURE PARK ENTRY
TWO-FOR-ONE PANCAKE OFFER
Adventure Park Geelong 1249 Bellarine Highway, Wallington, Geelong 5250 7200 | adventurepark.com.au
The Pancake Parlour Level 3, Melbourne Central, Melbourne Centrepoint Arcade, Bourke Street Mall, Melbourne (down the escalators) facebook.com/thepancakeparlour
T&C: Valid until 8 April 2018. Excludes 1 November 2017 to 30 January 2018. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Not redeemable for cash.
T&C: Dine-in only. One coupon per person. Valid until 28 February 2018.
10% OFF SKYDECK ENTRY
10% DISCOUNT OFF TOURS
Eureka Skydeck 88 7 Riverside Quay, Southbank 9693 8888 | eurekaskydeck.com.au
Bunyip Tours 570 Flinders Street, Melbourne 9650 9680 | info@bunyiptours.com | bunyiptours.com
T&C: Not valid for Edge experience. Valid until 28 February 2018.
T&C: Discount offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or package. Offer for direct bookings only. Valid until 28 February 2018.
20% OFF DELUXE ICEBAR ENTRY
15% OFF MID-WEEK FLIGHTS
IceBar Melbourne 319 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy 9077 9716 or 1300 ICEBAR info@icebarmelbourne.com | icebarmelbourne.com
Global Ballooning Australia 1800 627 661 balloon@globalballooning.com.au | globalballooning.com.au
T&C: Not valid with any other offer. Must be 18 years and over. Valid until 28 February 2018.
T&C: Offer is for mid-week adult flights only (Mon–Fri). Not valid in conjunction with any other offer. Valid until 28 February 2018.
$3 OFF INDIVIDUAL ADMISSION
SAVE UP TO 35% ON ALL TOURS
LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Melbourne Level 2, Chadstone Shopping Centre 1341 Dandenong Road, Chadstone 1800 803 297 | legolanddiscoverycentre.com.au
Last Minute Day Tours Suite 409, Level 4, 2 Queen Street, Melbourne 1300 242 488 info@lastminutedaytours.com | lastminutedaytours.com
T&C: This voucher provides $3 off entry for up to two individual admissions at LEGOLAND Discovery Centre. Adults must be accompanied by a child. Valid until 28 February 2018.
T&C: Valid until 28 February 2018.
20% OFF LUNA PARK FUN!
20% OFF MCG EXPERIENCE
Melbourne’s Luna Park 18 Lower Esplanade, St Kilda 9525 5033 | justforfun@lunapark.com.au | lunapark.com.au
MCG Tour and National Sports Museum Gate 3, MCG, Yarra Park, Jolimont 9657 8879 | contactus@nsm.org.au | mcg.org.au
T&C: Valid for up to four people. Not valid for family passes or tickets purchased online. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Valid until 31 March 2018.
T&C: Promotion not valid when MCG is in event mode. Operating hours vary on event days, please visit website for details. Code: GUIDE. Valid until 28 February 2018.
20% OFF GENERAL ADMISSION
20% OFF ALL CRUISES
Melbourne Star Observation Wheel 101 Waterfront Way, Docklands 8688 9688 | melbournestar.com
Melbourne River Cruises Southgate Berth 5, Lower Promenade, Southbank (Blue & White boats) 8610 2600 | melbcruises.com.au
T&C: One coupon per person. Cannot be combined with any other promotional offers or Sights and Lights tickets. Valid until 28 February 2018 for tickets purchased on site.
T&C: Valid for adult and child tickets only. Cannot be redeemed with any other offer. Valid until 28 February 2018.
20% DISCOUNT
BUY ONE, GET ONE HALF PRICE
SEA LIFE Melbourne Corner King & Flinders Streets, Melbourne 1800 026 576 | melbourneaquarium.com.au
Aboriginal Heritage Walk at Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria Melbourne Gardens, Birdwood Avenue 9252 2429 | mbookings@rbg.vic.gov.au | rbg.vic.gov.au
T&C: Not valid with any other offer or online purchase. Valid until 28 February 2018.
T&C: Valid until 28 February 2018. Second ticket must be of equal or lesser value. Not redeemable for any other tour.
20-MINUTE FREE FOOT SPA
20% OFF STRAWBERRY PICKING
V Hotel Spa Lower Ground, 630 Little Collins Street, Melbourne 9629 6600 | relax@vhotelspa.com.au | vhotelspa.com.au
Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm 244 Shands Road, Main Ridge 5989 4500 | sunnyridge.com.au
T&C: Limit one use per voucher. Not valid with any other offer. Valid for any one-hour massage or facial service. Valid until 28 February 2018.
T&C: 20% off standard adult tickets only for up to two people. Coupon must be presented before 10am. Not valid public holidays. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. For one transaction only. Valid until 28 February 2018.
20% OFF THREE GREAT MUSEUMS
20% OFF GUIDED TOURS
Melbourne Museum, Scienceworks and Immigration Museum 13 11 02 | museumsvictoria.com.au
Arts Centre Melbourne 100 St Kilda Road, Melbourne 1300 182 183 | artscentremelbourne.com.au
T&C: Present this coupon for 20% off adult admission at any of the three museums when purchased in the one transaction. Excludes special exhibitions, Planetarium, Lightning Room and events. Valid until 28 February 2018.
T&C: Valid for standard tours until 28 February 2018.
50% OFF OPALS, PEARLS & DIAMONDS
20% OFF THE SHRINE TOUR
Johnston Jewellers 124 Exhibition Street, Melbourne 9650 7434 | johnstonjewellers.com.au
Shrine of Remembrance Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne 9661 8100 | shrine.org.au
T&C: Excludes clearance goods. One coupon per person. Valid until 28 February 2018.
T&C: This coupon is valid for a maximum of two adults. Valid until 28 February 2018.
20% OFF MARKET TOUR
10% DISCOUNT
Queen Victoria Market 65 Victoria Street, Melbourne 9320 5822 | qvm.com.au/tours
Lightning Ridge Opal Mines 63 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne 9654 4444 | opals.com.au
T&C: Subject to availability. Valid until 28 February 2018.
15% OFF CITY SKYLINE FLIGHT
40% OFF OPALS
Melbourne Seaplanes Gem Pier, Williamstown 9397 5388 bookings@melbourneseaplanes.com.au | melbourneseaplanes.com.au
Tivoli Jewellers Shop 27, Royal Arcade, 335 Bourke Street, Melbourne 9663 0996 | tivolijewellers.com.au
T&C: 15% off adult tickets. Minimum three passengers. All ights are subject to appropriate weather conditions. Valid until 28 February 2018.
T&C: Not to be used in conjunction with any other offers. Not applicable to any other items. Valid until 28 February 2018.
15% OFF SOVEREIGN HILL ENTRY
10% DISCOUNT + FREE GPS
Sovereign Hill Bradshaw Street, Ballarat 5337 1199 | sovereignhill.com.au
Redspot Enterprise Car Rentals Melbourne Airport | 30-60 Little Collins Street Melbourne 124 Thistlewaite Street, South Melbourne 1300 668 810 | redspot.com.au
T&C: Only applies to general admission tickets, and not be used in conjunction of any other coupon. Valid until 28 February 2018.
T&C: GPS subject to availability. Present this coupon for discount. Cannot be used with any other offer. Terms and conditions apply. Valid until 28 February 2018.
Get onboard a guided safari across the open range savannah spotting rhinos, giraffes and zebras! Come face to face with a pride of lions, visit the gorillas, see cheeky monkeys at play and discover a family of hippos in their wetland home.
K Road, Werribee Just a 30 minute drive from Melbourne. Public Transport: Take the Werribee line train to Werribee Station. Then take Bus Route 439 to Werribee Open Range Zoo.
Elliott Avenue, Parkville See some of the world’s most dangerous predators in the new Leopard Ridge exhibit. See eye to eye with orangutans and meet our family of elephants. Spy unique native wildlife in the Australian Bush setting and see playful penguins and seals.
Wander tranquil tracks to see koalas, kangaroos, platypus, dingoes, wombats and emus. Meet the kangaroo mob in the new exhibit, Kangaroo Country! Enjoy feeding Australia’s best loved birds and don’t miss the exclusive platypus presentation.
KIDS ARE FREE Children under 16 years of age receive free entry every weekend, during Victorian Government school holidays and on Victorian public holidays.
Open daily 9am to 5pm 1300 966 784 | zoo.org.au
Only 10 minutes from Melbourne’s CBD. Tram: Take tram No. 58 from William St. Train: Take the Upfield line to Royal Park Station from Flinders St or Southern Cross stations.
Badger Creek Road, Healesville An hour’s scenic drive from Melbourne. Coach: Group and private day tours to Healesville Sanctuary depart from Federation Square daily.