Holidaying in my home town, Melbourne….

As an American living in Australia, I have been eager to see as much as I can. Unfortunately, life gets in the way and I haven’t been able to or made the time to do all that I would like. So this will include things I have done and things I would like to do. When I came to visit Australia before my husband and I got married, Melbourne was my favourite city. Loved the culture, the lifestyle, the public transport! Melbourne reminded me a lot of San Francisco, another favourite city of mine.   There is so much to do here, I guess it depends on what you would like to see and do.  

If you are into sports, there is so much on offer in Melbourne. Of course, it is the home of AFL, Australian Rules Football.  There are 2 venues to watch professional AFL, Telstra Dome and The Melbourne Cricket Ground MCG.  Even if you have no idea what is happening in the game (like me) it is still fun to attend. If you enjoy tennis, Melbourne is the home of the Australian Open.  This is a most enjoyable event to attend even on just a ground pass as you can see good matches at Vodofone Arena and can see many of the players at practice on the smaller courts as well as up and coming stars. There are large screens around the grounds to watch the matches including the ones in Rod Laver. If you enjoy golf, the MFS Women’s Australian Open will be held in Melbourne in 2008.  If you like to cycle and are feeling brave, try Around the Bay in a Day. "Around the Bay" is one of the world's biggest and most popular cycling participation events. With a choice of four ride distances (250km, 210km, 100km or 50km), this year's event offers a challenge for riders of all abilities. The ride takes in some of Melbourne's most scenic and popular riding routes around Port Phillip Bay and includes the West Gate Bridge, Beach Road and the Bellarine Peninsula.  In 2006, more than 14,000 riders took on the challenge of riding "around the bay", raising a record $460,000 (as of Feb 07) for The Smith Family.

If you enjoy shopping, there is lots of that available in Melbourne. The Queen Victoria Markets are a must see. Open 5 days a week, you are sure to be able to get to the markets during your time here. Anything that you may want to purchase, you can find it here. There is fantastic fruit and veggie stalls, fish mongers, butchers, deli’s, winemakers, live animals, leather good, clothing, junk, jewelry, candy, food, flowers, shoes, you name it you can find it.  If you are into the good shopping, there plenty of shops to choose from. Chapel Street is Melbourne’s premier retail fashion district.  The Bourke Street Mall is a fun and easy place to go. It is home to the old favorites Myers and David Jones amongst the many smaller well known and specialty shops.  It is a blast walking down the laneways and finding out of the way shops that have unique items. If sightseeing is what you enjoy, your eyes will be amazed. 

There is so much to see in Melbourne. St Kilda is a lovely trendy area to visit and have a cup of coffee, an ice cream or a meal. Plenty to look at and do. Luna Park is there, plenty of restaurants and shops. On the weekends, there is a craft market along Upper Esplanade. Well worth the trip.   Southbank and the Yarra River are another must see. Southbank is situated along the Yarra.  Melbourne is home to 3 Zoos, Melbourne Zoo, Werribe Open Range Zoo, and Healesville Sanctuary. Haven’t been to Werribe but would love to go and hear it is wonderful. The other two are definitely worth the trip.   There are plenty of cultural venues to attend as well. The National Gallery of Victoria on St Kilda Rd and  Ian Potter Museum and  Center for Moving Images  are both located in Federation Square which is located across from the Flinders Street Train Station, a beautiful building. Docklands has been refurbished and is the hot spot to see.  

If eating is your thing, then Melbourne is the place to be.  There are restaurants too numerous to list but rest assured, if there is a cuisine you want, you can find it in Melbourne!

And you can't go past talking about the public transport system.  You can get anywhere in Melbourne via the extensive public transport system.  Within the city there are taxis, buses, trams and trains.  The system is pretty easy to use.  There is an information center in Federation Square and I have found that the operators are very informed and willing to help you out.  There is a free tram that circles the city with many stops along the way.  There is also the Tram Car Restaurant you can travel the city while dining on some fantastic fare (pun intended).  If you would like to do this, you must book early as it fills quickly. 

Well, that is what I have to share about my home town Melbourne.  I hope to see you here real soon!

Angela