Attractions | Melbourne's Bays

Winter in The United States Means Summer in Melbourne

Many people cuddle up in their cozy homes and wait out the chills of the winter season in the United States. From dreary snow storms that blanket anything and everything, to icy sleet that makes traveling outside a hazard; winter can be, to put it bluntly, a drag. However, if you need a little cheering up, you can think about how somewhere else in the world it is actually summer, and the warmth and softening light of the sunshine is reflecting off the warm waters of an ocean. Well maybe this won’t make you feel any better, but it might inspire an idea to visit one of the most sought after destinations in the world, Melbourne, Australia.

Melbourne, Australia is a wondrous destination that boasts a love for dining, shopping, and simply enjoying life. Those travelers who have the pleasure of making a trip to this beautiful city during the summer seasons are in for a treat. From the wide array of dining experiences that present anything from upscale five star dining to cozy cafes that serve up decedent local cuisine, to the endless shopping opportunities that await around every corner; Melbourne supplies plenty of experiences to tie up a day, or three.

In addition to the various dining, wineries, shopping and recreational destinations within the city, there are also a wide array of different festivals that are active throughout the summer months. These festivals provide unique and local entertainment and celebrate a number of different things, from the arts to the season itself. Due to the city’s prestigious reputation as one of the most modernized and illustrious cities in the world, a number of different high end sporting events roll through as well, such as the Australian open. In all, Melbourne is just one of the many gems the country of Australia holds in the international traveling industry, and as you leave your first trip there, you will already be mentally scheduling your next trip back.

Filed Under: Attractions, Travel Tagged With: Australia, Melbourne

The Sites and Experiences of Melbourne

A trip the Melbourne is something that many people can only dream about. This is in part due to the fact that it is somewhat difficult for people across the world to jump a plane and get to this prospective paradise on Earth. However, more importantly, Melbourne is chalk full of world-class experiences that one vacation cannot even begin to touch on. From the elegant dining to the natural wonders, visitors of this fantastic city will have their schedules packed and their cameras full.

Melbourne Dining

Visitors of Melbourne have over 600 wine cellars at their disposal full of wines from 21 prestigious regions throughout the world. Additionally, there are a vast array of assortments in terms of specific places to dine. From elegant five star restaurants serving up the best of Australia, to corner nook bistros and cafes providing comforting and boisterous dishes unique to the region, Melbourne has it all.

Melbourne Culture and Arts

Melbourne is a city rich in historical significance. From the various old world structures still standing in the beautiful surrounding areas, to the many art and historical museums sporadically spread throughout the city; there is no shortage of the exemplary display of humanities in this city. Additionally, there are regular monthly events held within Melbourne that exhibit a celebration of specific areas of art and help supply recognition to local upcoming masters.

Melbourne Shopping

For those travelers who like to shop, Melbourne has your number. This upscale city is teaming with local designers that set up businesses along the streets. Visitors can take advantage of such an embellished collection of upscale shopping and tasteful markets that fulfill any and all expectations and desires for souvenirs.

In all, Melbourne is a wondrous place to spend a vacation. From the sandy white beaches and crystal clear water, to the countless shopping, wining and dining opportunities, Melbourne, Australia is a gem within an already exotic and established country to vacation in.

Filed Under: Attractions, Travel Tagged With: Australia, Melbourne

Melbourne at its Best – The Colonial Tramcar Restaurant

Melbourne Australia has countless attractions for travelers to experience. With a wide array of both natural and man made sites, as well as a culture rich in history; the city of Melbourne is one of the most popular destinations throughout all of Australia. Among one of the more popular attractions and overall experiences to participate in while vacationing is to take a stop in the coveted Colonial Tramcar Restaurant. This unique dining experience is unmatched anywhere in the world, and allows visitors to uniquely experience the sites and sounds of the city while dining on some of the most exquisite cuisine in the region.

The Colonial Tramcar Restaurant was introduced in the early 1980s and has quickly become a popular attraction in Melbourne. The early 19th century tramcar was restored and finished with a glossy aesthetic appeal presenting a beautiful site as it travels down the arteries of the city. Inside, clients can view the beautiful scenery of Melbourne while partaking in some of the finest dining in the world. To accompany the glee of their palettes as they sample the food, a wide array of wines and drinks are provided by elegant servers who are overzealous in their accommodating of guests. A fully stocked bar resides within the car to ensure every passenger has the opportunity to have access to their favorite drinks.

For those who might be skeptical of the stability of the car taking away from the dining experience, fear no more. The restored tramcar is equipped with stabilizers that ensure the ride is smooth and comparable to eating in a stationary facility. One way windows throughout the car ensure that clients can view the city privately without the curiosity of the outside world interrupting the experience.

The Colonial Tramcar Restaurant is a truly unique experience that can only be found in Melbourne. What a wonderful way to begin or end your stay in such a fantastic place.

Filed Under: Attractions, Vacations Tagged With: Australia, Melbourne

Melbourne: A Culinary Destination

If vacation or business takes you to Melbourne, Australia, one thing you will want to do is experience the wide variety of restaurants and food selections. Melbourne has established itself as a premier culinary destination, and offers a little bit of everything with an Aussie twist.

Melbourne’s close proximity to Asian countries has resulted in a large Asian influence in the culinary scene. If you’re looking to experience authentic and delicious Asian cuisine you can sample restaurants with styles including Korean, Cantonese, Japanese, Thai, sushi, and Chinese, among others. Other foods genres from all over the world, from American to Italian to Czech, are also known for their authenticity here. There is something for everyone when visiting Melbourne.

Visitors to Melbourne will also want to check out at least one steakhouse. Steak in Melbourne has a distinctive Australian twist. A few of the meats you might experience in an Australian steakhouse include:

Australian Beef - The beef industry is actually the biggest agricultural market in Australia. A Melbourne steakhouse will take advantage of locally raised Australian beef, resulting in a delicious steak.
Kangaroo Meat - Australia is home to many kangaroo, and visitors who are looking to sample a different kind of meat, that’s difficult to find anywhere else, should try kangaroo meat, which is available in many Australian steakhouses.
Emu - Emu and ostrich are local meats some Melbourne steakhouses may serve. If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime taste sensation, consider sampling emu or ostrich meat on your trip.
Lizard / Snake - For those who are feeling a little more daring, consider reptiles when ordering. Some steakhouses in Melbourne take pride in serving everything from lizards to snakes.

A trip to Melbourne is the ideal destination for experiencing cuisine from all over the world. Meat lovers will want to head to a steakhouse in Melbourne to experience exotic local flavors you won’t be able to find anywhere else.

Filed Under: Attractions, Family Travel, Tourism Tagged With: Australia, Meat, Melbourne

The Top Places to Ski in Australia

: Image via Wikipedia

If you are looking for the best ski deals, 2011 is your year. Consider looking into some of the ski resorts in beautiful Australia.

1) Mt. Buller

Mt. Buller is a three-hour drive from Melbourne, Australia. This ski resorts offers access to a variety of skiing terrains and accommodates skiers of all levels. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced skier, you’ll be able to find a slope to ski at Mt. Buller.

2) Mt. Hotham

At Mt. Hotham you will also find access to ski terrains for all skill levels. You can snowboard here or go cross country skiing. Mt. Hotham is known for its breathtaking scenery.

3) Falls Creek

The winter activities at Falls Creek include skiing, snow biking, snowboarding, snowshoeing and more. This ski resort accommodates skiers of all skills levels. It is also known in Australia for its longest beginner’s run. If you are new to skiing, you will be able to get lots of practice.

4) Mt. Kosciusko

Mount Kosciusko is the highest mountain in Australia and is surrounded by a national park. There are numerous ski resorts in the area offering a wide variety of snow activities, including skiing, sledding, snowshoeing and cross country skiing. Mt. Kosciusko is a popular ski location in Australia.

5) Perisher Blue

At Perisher Blue you have access to skiing, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. You can also take advantage of free guided tours of the mountain. Perisher Blue also has night skiing and fireworks events.

For the best ski deals 2011 might be the year you’ve been waiting for to learn how to ski. If you are an advanced skier, this might be your opportunity to stay at a new resort and ski a new and more challenging slope. All of the ski resorts also have a variety of activities nearby such as shopping and indoor activities to keep your friends and family fully entertained.

Filed Under: Attractions, Travel

Essential Tips for Your Australian Adventure

Preparing for a vacation to Australia can be time consuming and arduous if you’ve never travelled there before. Knowing the best way to get there and what you need to bring can help you have a fun and stress-free trip.

Modes of Travel
The easiest ways to travel to Australia are by airplane or by cruise ship. When flying, it is a good idea to shop around to find the best deal. Layovers can cause differences in price, depending where you stopover or change planes. A cruise ship can be a fun way to extend your vacation and eliminate mundane travel time. After enjoying your time on the ocean you can tour different Australian cities like Melbourne or Brisbane. Then, jump back on the cruise ship or stay and enjoy the beaches for a few extra days and fly back home.

Visas & Customs
All non-Australian citizens will need a visa to enter the country. New Zealand citizens can apply for a visa upon arrival. All other travellers must obtain a visa in their home country prior to departure for Australia.

Bringing drugs, protected wildlife and weapons into the country is prohibited by customs laws in Australia. Some types of food also cannot be brought into the country. Bringing reasonable amounts of currency is fine but amounts in excess of $10,000 will need to be declared.

Medicine & Vaccinations
All prescription drugs should be accompanied by a letter from your doctor describing the medication and your condition. Vaccinations are not necessary to enter Australia unless you have a visited a country infected with yellow fever within the past six days.

Now, you should have a good start to planning your adventure to the Outback and will be able to save yourself some valuable relaxation time. For more information on customs, visas and travel information, you can visit the Australian government’s website, www.australia.gov.au.

Filed Under: Attractions, Tourism, Travel Tagged With: Australia, Brisbane, Melbourne, Travel

It’s in One’s Nature to See These National Parks

: Image via Wikipedia

Some of the most serene sites to experience in Melbourne, Australia are its beautiful national parks. You can catch a glimpse of endangered animals that aren’t found anywhere else in the world, like the legless lizard and the orange-bellied parrot. There are also numerous campsites where you can hike, go skiing or just enjoy being in the outback. Here are some unique parks that are worth a visit in the southeast region of Australia known as Victoria, where Melbourne is also located.

Alpine National Park
The expansive park measures 6,460 square kilometers and is the largest in Victoria. It also has the most diverse array of scenery, home to 339 indiginous animal species and 967 indiginous plant species. Alpine is also home of the highest point in Victoria, Mount Bogong, which rises almost 2000 meters above sea level.

Grampians National Park
This park is known for its preservation of thousands of rock painting by aboriginal tribes who called this land home around 4000 years ago. This type of art is rare throughout Australian and the sheer amount that has been saved here is a sight to behold. You can also view many other hints of ancient peoples on trees and mounds located throughout the park.

Big Desert Wilderness Park
If you are into roughing it but are also looking for peaceful tranquility, then this park is right for you. It is visited by only a few hundred people per year so this is nature at its most natural. The park has no visitor’s center and is perfect for someone who is a true adventurer.

These are just a few parks that Victoria has to offer, but they are all worth the visit. There is a little bit for everyone to enjoy and the sights and sounds will leave you with memories that will last you a lifetime.

Filed Under: Attractions, Tourism, Travel Tagged With: Alpine National Park, NationalPark, Victoria

Experience the Royal Treatment at Crown Casino and Entertainment Complex

So, you’ve played every slot machine at your local casino, beaten your friends at your monthly poker tournament and even won a jackpot in Las Vegas. What’s next? How about a trip around to the world to Crown Casino and Entertainment Complex in Melbourne, Australia? While there, you will experience gaming and entertainment like you never have before.

Located on the southern bank of the Yarra River, Crown is the biggest casino and entertianment district in the Southern Hemisphere. It offers thousands of slot and poker machines, a huge poker room and even specialty games like Rapid Roulette. The casino also offers plenty of VIP games for high rollers. Even if you aren’t much of a gambler, the atmosphere alone will be something to write home about.

The casino itself is just one part of the experience. There are over 40 nightclubs and restaurants and also a movie theater, depending on your nightly preference. For those of you who love to shop, you can indulge your high class tastes at stores like Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Versace and Prada. If you are more into low key fun, you can hang out at the bowling alley or pool halls nearby. Finally, you can take a trip into the future and try out the virtual reality theme park. With all these options you may never want to go back home.

Crown offers many differnt accommodations for long or short-term guests, including a spa, pool, gymnasium and relaxing sun terraces for your convenience. Rooms range from ones with bay or city views to luxury suites, which have suited the tastes of many celebrities. Visiting one of the most lively and exciting places in Australia will be an experience that you will never forget. Go international with your gaming skills and visit Crown Casino and Entertainment Complex in Melbourne, Australia.

Filed Under: Attractions, Tourism, Travel Tagged With: Crown Casino and Entertainment Complex, Melbourne, Slot machine, Yarra River

Raise Your Standards With a Trip Down Under

You need a vacation, but you don’t know where to go. Everyone has been there before. You want to go somewhere exotic that still offers the comforts of home. A place that whisks you away from your everyday mundane life and gives you the relaxation and excitement that you so dearly deserve. If this sounds like what you are seeking, then look no further than the country that is also a continent, Australia.

Australia is a place like none other that you’ve been to before. The country is home to hundreds of animals unique to the outback, like the kookaburra bird and the dog-like dingo. Most mammals and amphibians found in Australia are rarely seen in other parts of the world. You can see kangaroos jumping along the roads and koalas feeding in trees at dusk. Imagine that, looking out your window in the evening to see cute mammals and marsupials playing in nature.

While a large part of Australia may seem to be geared towards a rustic lifestyle, the cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth offer all the comforts of city life. These bustling cities offer downtown shopping areas, exciting nightlife and hundreds of years of culture. Many cities are also located near the ocean where you can go on boat tours, lay on the beach or go fishing for the big one.

A trip down under can be fun for couples, families or friends. The romantic ocean views and beautiful landscapes will enhance any couples retreat. Kids will love to behold animals that they have only seen in books. Groups of friends can explore national parks, ocean reefs or unique aboriginal culture. Everyone will be able to find something to tickle their fancy, no matter what they are looking for. While Australia may seem like a world away, you will feel right at home with all there is to keep you busy.

Filed Under: Attractions, Fun Places, Tourism, Travel Tagged With: Australia, Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney

Walk, Don’t Run, Through Melbourne or you Could Miss Something Cool

They say that those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it. So, why not spend your vacation learning about a time and culture that you probably know very little about. Melbourne, Australia has some of the most interesting and thought-provoking tours in the world. While there, travellers can takes many different heritage walks and tours exploring the city’s rich history.

Aboriginal Heritage Walk
Located at the Royal Botanical Gardens Melbourne, this tour will take you back to a time when aboriginal people were the only people roaming the land. You can see a strong cultural history of how they lived and gaze upon their ancient cave art. The Bunurong and Woiworung tribal people will come alive right before your very eyes.

Haunted Melbourne Ghost Tour
Here you can experience supernatural evidence that will chill and amaze you. This two hour tour is led by one of Australia’s leading ghost experts, Drew Sinton. He is the founder and owner of The Haunted Bookshop which offers books and other occult merchandise to fill your ghostly needs. The tour has been featured on many international television shows and has been labeled as one you should not miss.

Golden Mile Heritage Trail
Experience how gold shaped the city of Melbourne through its brilliantly colored buildings and amazing architecture. Your guide will tell you the secrets of the city and impress you with stories of its past. If you so desire, you can also explore the city without a guide, at your own pace, accompanied by the Golden Mile Booklet. Either way, the city’s golden past is worth the trip.

These are just a few of the tours at your beckon call in Melbourne, so choose the ones that interest you the most. You can still have fun and also learn something. The tours will leave you with stories to tell you grandkids for years to come.

Filed Under: Attractions, Tourism, Travel Tagged With: Australia, Bunurong, Melbourne