Melbourne and (City and Surrounding Area)

In April 2007, my wife and I spent three days in and around the Melbourne area. The city, region and the people were outstanding. While in Melbourne we did a lot of the normal tourist things such as:

* Queen Victoria's Market (a large out-door covered people's bazaar). A good place to buy your required Australian souvenirs.

* an Australian League Football game (referred to as Footy) at the Melbourne Cricket Club stadium (it holds approximately 97,000 fans). It was wild, exciting and a lot of fun. Those guys go all out all of the time (there are 15 players on each team, 8 referees, and 8 trainers, all on this huge field at the same time, without time-outs; even during injuries). The fans really get into it! A ticket went for $18 Australian.

* Puffing Billy Railway: (in Belgrave, located in the Dandenong Range 1 hour east of Melbourne). We took the round-trip from Belgrave to Menzies Creek (which is the 1st stop). The trip takes approximately 1: 45 minutes and cost $19. You get a great view of the Dandenong Mountains. We passed on the longer, more expensive trip in order to take in the Yarra Valley.

* Yarra Valley (approximately a 45 minute drive northeast of the city). We visited five of the over 200 wineries and sampled countless glasses of free wine. Very similar, in an Aussie sort of way, to California's Nappa Valley. This is a must do!

* The Great Ocean Road: A long drive west of the city along the coast, this is an all-day excursion. The toad provides impressive views of the endless beaches and perfect waves. The main attraction are the 12 Apostles (rock formations 3 hours west of Melbourne). We also stopped by the Split Point Lighthouse, in Aireys Inlet. It offered a panoramic view of the coast.

Misc. It's recommended that while in Melbourne, you use the trolley versus driving your car. Parking is impossible and the trolley is very affordable. You can buy daily and multi-day passes on the trolley or in the numerous 7-11 variety stores located throughout the city. It seems all trolleys run through Flinders Station, (Federation Square area) located in the heart of Melbourne.

Had supper at the famous Young and Jackson’s Pub located across the street from Flinder's Station. Our pub style meals cost a reasonable $10 each. Check out the bar's 2nd floor world famous painting of a naked woman, titled Chloe. Displayed in Young and Jackson';s since 1909, its said that many Australian soldiers claim Chloe was the last woman they saw before boarding trains to head off to war.

Passed on the Phillip Island Penguin Tour. It seemed high priced and too time consumptive. It has the local reputation of being over commercialized.

The local beers of choice seemed to be "Victoria Bitters (VB)" and "Carlton Draught". You can't go wrong with either.

In Melbourne, we stayed at the The Sebel & Citigate Albert Park. Outstanding facility that cost $94/night for a double. This is a first class hotel about a mile south of Flinder's Station. We booked online through "Rates To Go".