Melbourne Visitors Guide : Part 1

While running through the folders in my PC, i stumbled upon a file - Melbourne Iteneraries - which i had prepared for a dear friend of mine.  I think it would be such a waste to delete it off as it was prepared with such detail, hence, let me share it here..who knows someone else might need it.

Melbourne & surroundings

Time required: At least 1 week.

Part 1:  Explore Melbourne City ( 1- 2 days)

1. Queen Victoria Market (www.qvm.com.au).  A place for cheap souvenir shopping.  Here's where you can buy fridge magnets, aprons, T-shirts and other made-in-china stuffs that shout "AUSTRALIA".  The market sells local fruits too.  Watch for the van selling “Churros”.  Closes on Mondays & Wednesdays (kinda weird huh?) Check the website for opening hours.

Churros anyone?

2.  Take the City Circle Tram to see Melbourne City Landmarks.  This is a free ride.  You can just hop-on-hop off.  If you have a car, park at the Harbour Town Shopping Centre (www.harbourtownmelbourne.com.au) where the parking fees per day is much cheaper than in the CBD (AUD2 for 1st 2 hours & AUD6 flat thereafter)  and take this tram to the CBD which takes about 10 minutes. Never ever park in the CBD as the parking is SUPER FREAKING expensive.  To download the tram map, go to www.yarratrams.com.au .  You can also use the journey planner in ptv.vic.gov.au

3.  Shopping at Myer / David Jones, Bourke Street.  The City Circle Tram will take you there.  During Christmas they have an amazing window display which becomes sort of a tradition.  Don’t be surprised with the long queue though.

4.   Yarra River Cruise (www.melbcruises.com.au).  Best way to enjoy the sun, breeze and scenery. Tickets are available from its Southgate and Federation Wharf ticket booths - Adult AUD23, Child AUD11.

5.       Find great bargains on famous Aussie brands at DFO , South Wharf (www.dfo.com.au).  Among the brands available at this factory outlet are Oroton, Pumpkin Patch, Bras N Things, Cotton On, Country Road and Smiggle.

6.  Brighton.  A beachside suburb and made famous for its colourful "bathing box". These colourful huts costs AUD200,000 per unit.  The fastest way (22 minutes) to get to Brighton from Melboune city is to take the train from Flinders St Station (Sandringham line). The train stops at Brighton Beach. Use the journey planner in ptv.vic.gov.au

7.   Melbourne Zoo (www.zoo.org.au/melbourne).  If you have an extra day, this is a great place for kids and adults alike. Tram No 55 (William St) will take you right at the Zoo's doorstep.

8.  Hungry? Fret not.  Halal food are easily available in Melbourne CBD.  Try these:

• Es Teler 77 (Swanston St) – Indonesian Food
• Burger Edge (Melbourne Central) – Vegetarian Burger
• Bismi Golden Fork  (Elizabeth St) – Indian Food
•  Mama Wong's Kitchen (Shop 2, 76-78 Flinders St i.e corner of Flinders & Exhibition St) - Chinese Food 

- to be continued-

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