Melbourne Visitors Guide : Part 3

Ballarat Day Tour - 1 day

Ballarat is located about 105 km from Melbourne (that's about 3 hours drive at speed limit mostly 60-90km/h).  It used to be the gold-diggers town during the Victorian gold-rush era. Now, the town bears its historic charm and here you can have a taste of how they lived in the 19th century at Sovereign Hill.  Great place for families.Try your luck on goldpanning - finders keepers!  Tickets cost AUD47 (A) / AUD21.40 (C) / AUD117.50 (F-2A + 4C). For more info, go to: http://www.sovereignhill.com.au/

                                              From www.sovereignhill.com.au

Great Ocean Road Day Tour - 1 day
This is one of the world's most scenic coastal drive.  GOR stretches along 243km of South-Eastern coast of Australia, starts from a town called Torquay (famous for surfing championships @ Bell's Beach) and ends at Warnambool (famous for whale watching). However, the highlight of this road trip is none other than the 12 Apostles at Port Campbell National Park.  Do start your journey early especially during winter as from Melbourne, the journey takes approximately 4 hours to reach Port Campbell via the coastal route i.e. Melbourne-Geelong-Torquay-Lorne-Apollo Bay-Port Campbell. Bring along a picnic basket! Make a few pitstops to enjoy the mesmerizing view of the coastline. You will finally reach the 12 Apostles Visitors Centre (opens from 10am-4.30pm, refreshments available).  Other stunning spots include Loch Ard Gorge, Gibson Steps & London Bridge (Arch). 

The 12 Apostles - pic from my personal collection

Now that you are done, you may return to Melbourne using the M1 Motorway via Colac. Its faster and safer.  However, if you choose to take the coastal route, let me warn you, it's pretty dark! And be careful, there might be koalas and kangaroos crossing the roads at night.

Yarra Valley

Yarra Valley is located within the Dandenong Ranges, famous for its vineyards. From Melbourne, it takes approximately 45 minutes (50 km) to reach Yarra Valley. For families, I recommend you these places:

Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary (www.zoo.org.au/healesville) - 1/2 day
If you haven't been to an Aussie Zoo, this is the place to see Aussie's wildlife.

Puffing Billy Steam Train Ride (www.puffingbilly.com.au) - 3 hours
If your kids are a fan of Thomas & Friends, you shouldn't skip this.  Huffs and puffs along the fern tree gullies, its a totally awesome experience for kids & adults. I suggest you start your ride at Belgrave Station and get down at Lakeside Station (approximately 1 hour ride).  Have a picnic at Lakeside and enjoy the nature. Ticket costs AUD89.00 return for a familly of 2A+4C. You should know that Puffing Billy is operated by some tireless 900 volunteers.  Your tickets helps to preserve an Australian Heritage! Just remember to be early to get the best window seats! Timetable is available in their website.

Look at the legs hanging out the windows!
(Picture credit to everythingaustralia.com)

Lavender Farm, Warrantina (www.warratinalavender.com.au) - 2 hours
I have not personally been to this lavender farm, but I wish I had!  Just look at the view! And what i crave so much now is a slice of butter cake with lavender flavoured butter cream to go with my tea!

Photo from Warrantina Lavender Farm's facebook page

Last but not least, I end my three-part Melbourne & surroundings travel guide with some tips on halal food.  Happy travelling & cheers! ~kd~

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Near Melbourne city –  along Sydney Road

A number of halal restaurants available here but my favourite is Alasya Turkish Restaurant

Dandenong Rd

On the way to Phillip Island, exit to Dandenong Rd. Marmara Halal Meats is located near Dandenong Plaza (Myer). There's also a really nice kebab in Dandenong Plaza's foodcourt.

Eastern suburbs

You can find halal butchers at Clayton Rd (Saray Halal Meats). There are a few Pakistani & Indonesian restaurants around this area too.

Nando's 

All Nando's chicken are halal but only selected outlets are pork free.