In a two-part article, Gloria James guides you through the hidden charms of Melbourne and its outlying areas. This first part takes a tour of the attractions that Melbourne has to offer, with tips from Gloria on how to maximise your experience.
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Melbourne, the capital city of the State
of Victoria, is the most civilised, cosmopolitan epicentre of the Australian Continent. The city has the delightful
reputation of being stylish, for having the best restaurants, art galleries and
shopping outlets in the country. Vibrant, friendly, with a cosmopolitan spirit
and a youthful outlook, Melbourne breathes a life of its own. Being a
multicultural city, it is home to people from over 140 nations.
The city is not only appreciated for its cultural activities, historical buildings and fine foods, but also for the splendid gardens and parks. Many of these have interesting lakes and waterways and all are full of beautiful trees. The deciduous varieties mark the seasons and change the face of Melbourne on a regular basis.
Melbourne Highlights
Royal Botanic Gardens
Within the gardens' 100 acres are 12,000 species of native and imported plants
and trees, and lakes with ducks and swans that love to be fed. You can discover
the park on your own or through guided walks. A highlight is the Aboriginal
Heritage Walk, which is led by an Aboriginal cultural interpreter and explores
the culture of Melbourne's indigenous people. During summer, there are al fresco
performances of classic plays, usually Shakespeare, along with children's
classics guaranteeing an enchanting evening for all.
Shrine of Remembrance
Melbourne's War Memorial, in the King's Domain Gardens in South Melbourne, was
dedicated in 1934 to commemorate those who died in World War I. The forecourt
with its eternal flame and cenotaph1 was added to recognise service in World War
II, Korea, Malaya, Borneo, Vietnam and the Gulf War. The temple-style structure
is designed so that at 11am on Remembrance Day - the 11th day of the 11th month
- a beam of sunlight passes over the Stone of Remembrance in the Inner Shrine
and rests on the word 'Love'.
Victorian Arts Centre
The Arts Centre encompasses the Melbourne Concert Hall, Arts Complex and
National Gallery of Victoria. It is Melbourne's most important cultural landmark
and the venue for performances by the Australian Ballet, Australian Opera and
the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. At night, look for the centre's spire: lit
with brilliant fibre-optic cables, it creates a magical spectacle.
Rialto Towers Observation Deck
If you want a bird's-eye view of Melbourne, there's no better place than from
the 55th floor of the city's tallest building. The 360-degree panorama is
superb, with views on a clear day extending to the Dandenong Ranges and far out
into Port Phillip Bay.
Melbourne Cricket Ground2
Any sports enthusiast should visit this for an understanding of the city's
sporting obsession. Tours are conducted at reasonable costs and do not forget to
purchase the memorabilia, especially the cricket-related bits, as it has some of
the best in the world.
Old Melbourne Gaol
The city's first jail is now a museum. The jail has three tiers of cells with
catwalks around the upper levels. Its most famous inmate was Ned Kelly, who was
hanged here in 1880. His death mask and one of the four suits of armour used by
his gang are displayed in a ground-floor cell. If you dare, book an evening
candlelight tour and explore the gaol!
Cook's Cottage
Built in 1755 in Great Ayton, England, this building was purchased in 1933 by
Sir Russell Grimwade as a centenary gift to the State of Victoria. Rebuilt in
the Fitzroy Gardens to commemorate the voyages of Captain James Cook.
Crown Entertainment Complex
This 24-hour Crown Entertainment Complex is a dazzling, shuffling, beeping
playground of flashing lights and glamour incorporating state-of-the-art
cinemas, cabarets, disco and theatre venues and a casino. Give Lady Luck a go at
the casino but remember to leave behind most of your cash in the hotel safe.
Queen Victoria Market3
As you walk up the street heading to the market, you will see about 1,000 stalls
covering two city blocks. The market stalls are under cover, making it a good
place to wander and look even if it is raining. You can buy almost anything here
- gourmet cheeses, meat, fresh fruit and vegetables, clothes, shoes and
souvenirs. Be sure to bargain!
Victoria's Open Range Zoo
This is a unique wildlife safari. Hop onto the safari bus and enjoy close up
views of grassland animals from Africa, Australia and Asia. Here, the rhinos
roam free with giraffes, zebras and antelopes, whilst hippos wallow in the
waterholes and kangaroos graze nearby.
Mansion at Werribee Park5
Australia's grandest mansion and gardens will sweep you back to the 1880s. Learn
all about the romance and tragedy of the mansion through a self-guided headset
tour. Do remember to take a walk in the Garden of Roses.6
The Colonial Tramcar Restaurant
This glossy, burgundy restaurant on wheels is the only travelling tramcar
restaurant in the world and a delightful innovative approach to dining. The
atmosphere is cosy, the service friendly and the decor as inviting as the
colonial period it reflects. One may also enjoy the fine cuisine and drink the
very best of Australian wines or make a selection of beverages from the fully
stocked bar at a fully inclusive price.
The dining is not only a culinary delight, but also a trip into a little piece of Victoria's history. Sipping champagne, you will travel along Toorak Road, renowned for its stylish shops. See the famous 'Paris end of Collins Street', tree-lined and stately St Kilda Road, the city's imposing Arts Centre and the gaping jaws of Luna Park.7
Flinders Street Station8
This impressive bronze-domed building remains one of Melbourne's most vital
public buildings and is the city's busiest commuter station. Facing the Yarra
River and the South Bank, this building is at its best during the night and
makes memorable photo taking opportunities.9
St Kilda and its pier
Melbourne's best-known beachside suburb. This is the most sophisticated and
coolest place to see and be seen, and a great place to chill out by the sea.
Washed with great bars, restaurants and cafes, taking a walk around St Kilda
means you would be tempted to pop in for a bite or to sip a cuppa. If you wish
to enjoy the sunset, take a walk to the pavilion at the end of the pier.
Gloria James
Hoh & Partners
[The second part on the attractions inviting you to the outlying areas of Melbourne will be featured in the Lifestyle section of next month's Singapore Law Gazette.]
