Princetown to Melbourne

Southbound

Princetown to Melbourne - Apr, Sep-Aug: Fri, Sat, Mon May-Aug: Fri, Tue
Princetown	The 13th Apostle, G.O.R Princetown	7.00am
Apollo Bay	Hostels	12.00pm
Lorne	Lorne YHA	2.30pm
Torquay	Front of Rip Curl Shop	4.00pm
Geelong	Geelong Central Railway Station, Gordon St	4.30pm

Melbourne

Melbourne is a culturally diverse international city with loads of wit, style and energy. The cityscape is fringed with the Yarra River and Port Phillip Bay and the inner neighbourhoods are thriving mini-cities. The weather – a rather fickle element – is always a conservation starter.

Athletes, entertainers, performers, riders, drivers, players and musicians, they all put Melbourne on their international touring plans. As Australia’s top festival and events city, Melbourne offers a world of year round sporting spectaculars, cultural events and breathtaking entertainment.

Christmas in the City
Celebrate Christmas in the city, where you will find a fabulous array of free events and attractions and sensational stores in which you can find those special gifts for family and friends.

The magic of Christmas will return to the city this year when Myer unveils the hugely popular Christmas Windows around the 10th November on Burke Street Mall, this is also when Santa has his grand arrival in the city. The city square comes alive, starting with the lighting of the city Christmas tree around Nov 18th @ 8:30pm. The tree lighting begins with a free Christmas concert starring Santa followed by the official lighting of the tree. The free family entertainment continues at Federation Square every day in December when the community choirs perform Christmas carols in a range of styles including gospel, jazz, Capella and hip hop.

New Years Eve
The city once again hosts a massive celebration with festivities taking place along the Yarra River from Swan Street Bridge to Water Front City, Docklands. Enjoy a great night of free celebrations from live bands, dancing, roving performers, family entertainment and children’s activities across six venues at Alexandra Gardens, Birrarung Marr, Fed Square and along waterfront at Southgate, Arts & Leisure Precinct, New Quay and Waterfront City, Docklands.

The city skyline will burst into a rainbow of colour and sound with a special family fireworks display at 9:15pm, following by the midnight fireworks spectacular which can be seen at any one of the six entertainment venues.

Tennis
There is no better time to enjoy Melbourne than in January during the 2007 Australian Tennis Open. Witness the action in over 22 outdoor courts and two state of the art venues as players from all around the world complete in the first Grand Slam tournament of the year. This is two weeks of explosive action. This event attracts the world’s best tennis players and over 550,000 spectators over the fortnight making it the highest attended annual sporting event in Australia.

Boxing Day Test
The BDT is arguably one of the greatest and highest profile Test Matches on the world cricket calendar.
This is more than just a cricket match, it’s a sporting and cultural event Melbourne is proud to show case to the world. There is something for everyone at the cricket such as; Family Day, Kids Zone, Merv’s Walk to the G, Ladies day and more, all combining to make the Melbourne Boxing Day Test an event not to be missed.

Following the ashes series, Trans Tasman rivals New Zealand join Australia and England for the annual One day International Series. This will be Australia final One Day International tournament before heading to the Caribbean to defend their World Cup title.

Midsumma Festival
Midsumma Festival, Melbourne’s annual gay and lesbian festival, is federation of the arts and cultural events spread over six municipalities and located in over 60 different venues across Melbourne. Midsumma is presented over 3 weeks and 4 weekends from mid January - February. In its 17th year, Midsumma Festival is a significant attraction on the Melbourne festival calendar.

Gardens
The Royal Botanic gardens is considered one of the most significant Botanical Gardens in Australia. It boasts excellent curved pathways, sweeping lawns and thousands of unusual plants. There is an enchanted fern gully located beneath a rainforest canopy, a cactus garden, herbarium and an ornamental lake with flocks of waterfowl, ducks and black swan. Located on Anderson Street, Alexandria and Birdward Avenue in South Yarra, the gardens are the perfect spot to cool down on a hot day.
You could also head for the hills to the Dandenong Ranges and spend some time wondering through the glorious National Rhododendron gardens which are a riot of blooms throughout the summer.

Biking
There are plenty of bay side beaches to go bike riding along, there are bike trails that follow the Yarra River and the foreshore, passing picturesque spots along the way. Cycle from the city to St Kilda and enjoy fish and chips on the beach or head to Port Melbourne and see the cruise ships at station pier.

Alfresco Melbourne style
The warm summer weather attracts many people to experience Melbourne Alfresco style to enjoy dinning outdoors. Many of the great places around the city include the many small central city streets and laneways. Southgate, the Crown Entertainment Complex and the Docklands where New Quay and Waterfront city draw crowds to enjoy the sunshine, wonderful food and equally wonderful water views. Sipping a long cool drink or cappuccino and the watch the world go by is a great way to sit and chill out.

Since opening in 2002 New Quays waterside restaurants and cafes have been a great hit with locals and visitors alike. The harbour side precinct boasts a range of exciting restaurants run by some of Melb’s leading chefs, as well as sporting stars. Just past New Quay, check out the eateries at Waterfront City, Melbourne’s newsiest waterside food precinct. Located along side the main piazza. The wine and cheese provedore produces cheese on site and has rare fine wines for purchase and a café where guests can enjoy a casual lunch and coffee.

Yachting
Yachting is one of Melbourne’s most popular sports and there are more than 20 sailing clubs lining the shores of Port Phillip Bay – many of them welcome visitors who want to volunteer as crew on racing boats. One of the oldest clubs is the Royal Melbourne Yacht squadron located at St Kilda.

There is lots of watercraft plying the Yarra River. Hop aboard a ferry or a river boat and go gliding along the water; the views are spectacular. Head to the Yarra River and watch out for boats the depart from South Gate.

Shopping for the girls (& boys)
 Brunswick St (Fitzroy)
 Bridge Road (Richmond)
 Chapel St/Greville St (Prahran)
 Collins St Boutique shops along the little back arcades
 Lygon Street (Carlton) – particularly for food.
 Markets on Sundays in summer; Esplanade St Kilda & Arts Centre/South Bank

Melbourne Observation Deck
The Rialto Tower observation deck offers spectacular 360-degree views of Melbourne and surrounds. A fantastic way to orientate yourself with the city’s layout. Open daily from 10am to 10pm. $13.50 entry, although certain days it is free.

Queen Victoria Market
Open Tues, then Thursday - Sunday, the markets are a complete shopping Mecca where you can spend hours browsing through the wide variety of fresh produce, clothing and general wares. The deli section is a particular delight. Enjoy some morning tea from the market – the hot donut van is highly recommended.

Melbourne Central
Almost 300 stores to explore in a very unique and modern shopping centre. Even if you are not in the mood for shopping and spending your money, drop in for a look at the architecture.

Bourke Street
Home to an assortment of department and speciality stores, the mall is also a great place to be entertained by the endless street performers. The section between Swanton and Elizabeth Streets is closed to traffic (watch out for trams). Wander through Melbourne’s oldest arcade – The Royal Arcade – which will take you into Little Collins for further shopping delights along the some of the cobbled laneways in the area. This place is a good spot to take a break for some lunch in one of the laneways/ cafes or in the large shopping mall food courts such as Australia on Collins.

The Melbourne Town Hall
Stop at the Half Tix Box Office (open daily except Sundays) and check out what specials deals are available for entertainment and shows around town.

Federation Square
A meeting point for locals and visitors alike, Fed square is one of Melbourne’s more courageous architectural statements, and is home to a selection of bars and eateries. Treat yourself to lunch if you have not eaten or take a break and relax with a rewarding beverage at the transit bar which overlooks the Yarra River. You will find Fed Square and energetic social scene both day and night. Cross the Princes Bridge over the Yarra River, walk past the Arts Centre with its distinctive spire.

National Gallery of Victoria
The famous NGV features a renowned collection of international works, including Picasso and Rembrandt and an impressive array of sculptures. The great hall is a highlight.

Crown Entertainment Complex
The largest Casino in the Southern Hemisphere – its glitzy, tacky and noisy, but something to be seen! A labyrinth of gambling facilities, bars, cafes and restaurants, hotels, flashy boutiques, waterfalls and fireballs. The casino has no clocks and no natural light – pop in for a look, but don’t get lost!

Werribee Open Range Zoo
This summer you can experience African beats every weekend at Werribee’s Open Range Zoo summer music program from 6th January - March 11th. “Rhythm of Africa” features musicians and dancers that capture the energy and spirit of Africa while viewing Africa’s exciting animals.

Melbourne Zoo
This award wining Melbourne Zoo has more than 350 wildlife species on view in naturalistic settings, 4 km from the city centre. The new elephant enclosure is fantastic!

Healesville Sanctuary
Keeping with the animal theme, discover over 200 species of Australian wildlife in a stunning natural bush setting. While you are in the Yarra Valley jump on the old steam train, Puffing Billy.

Cycle Tours
Take a walk or hire a bike and cycle the bike tracks for an excellent afternoon and a great way to orientate yourself. A fun and informative way to get around is Street wise Bike Tours. They run regular trips around town. Get out there and get cycling! Ask your Guide for details.

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Concert series
Experience one of Melbourne’s most loved summer traditions, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra free concerts at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. The annual event, presented by the MSO and university of Melbourne, features magnificent music and talented Australian soloists in a relaxed outdoor parkland environment
February 14,17,21,24

Melbourne City Tourist Shuttle
This is a fantastic way to see Melbourne’s attractions, and it’s free! Hop on and off the bus at any of the stops at key city destinations including: Melbourne Museum; lygon Street; Queen Victoria Market; Melbourne Aquarium: Immigration Museum; South Bank: the Shrine of Remembrance, Royal Botanic Gardens and China Town. The shuttle runs between 10am - 4pm daily with the complete trip taking approximately 50mins. The free service also includes an informative on-board audio commentary about the cities attractions.

The 15 stops are:
1. Melbourne Museum and Carlton Gardens
2. Lygon Street at Elgin Street
3. Royal Parade
4. Melbourne University
5. Queen Victoria Market
6. Flagstaff
7. Law courts
8. Immigration Museum
9. South Bank
10. Arts Precinct
11. Shrine of Remembrance
12. Sports and Entertainment Precinct
13. Flinders Quarter
14. China Town and theatres
15. Exhibition Street at Latrobe Street

Australian Grand Prix
Each year in March, Melbourne is transformed into party central as the thunderous roar of Formula One hits town. The world’s fastest cars and a carnival of off-track entertainment come together to offer a 4 day carnival for the senses. This is from 15-18 March at Albert Park.

Australian Rules: AFL
Put yourself in the action and be part of a truly unique and interactive football experience. Test your Australian football skills against the professionals and experience the thrill of playing in your own Grand final at “AFL World” at the QV, 292 Swanston St. Open daily 10am-6pm (last admission @ 4:30pm).
The actual AFL footy season kicks off Mid March – with the finals at the end of September.

Melbourne’s Public Transport System
It’s so easy to travel on our extensive transport network. One ticket can give you flexible travel between trains, trams and buses. All you need is a valid Metcard. Most fares are based on three zones. Zone 1 covers the CBD and most of the inner suburbs. Zone 2 and 3 extend to Melbourne’s outer suburbs. For your journey, simply select the zone/s you will be travelling in and purchase the appropriate Metcard.

2 hour Metcards allow for unlimited train, tram and bus travel for at least 2 hours within selected zones. 2 hour Metcards first validated after 6pm are valid til 2 am. Daily metcards allow for unlimited train, tram and bus travel for a whole day within selected zones.

You can pre-purchase Metcards from customer service centres at premium stations, retail outlets displaying the blue Metcard sign, the Met shop at the Melbourne Town Hall (Crn Swanston and Little Collins Streets), the Melbourne Visitor Centre at Federation Square and the Metcard ticket machines at train stations. A limited selection of Metcards is also available from buses and from coin-only ticket machines on trams. Failure to travel with a validated ticket could lead to a fine. For more information on ticket types and fares call metlink on 131 638.

Validating your ticket; you are required by law to always validate your metcard before entering a train platform and each time you board a tram or a bus. Remember to always check the expiry details printed on the back of your Metcard after validation.

Timetables: train and tram services normally operate between 5am and midnight, Monday – Saturday and 8am – 11pm Sunday. For train, tram and bus information call the number above or visit metlinkmelbourne.com.au. Timetables, maps and information brochures are available from the Metshop located at the Melbourne Town Hall (Crn Swanston and Little Collins Streets).

City Circle Tram: The free city circle tram travels the perimeter of the central business district every day between 10am – 6pm except Christmas day and Good Friday. Extended hours of operation between 10am – 9pm occur on Thurs, Fri and Sat during daylight saving time.

Nightrider buses: travel from the city to the suburbs in the early hours departing Swanston Street (between Collins and Flinders Streets) hourly from 12:30am -4:30am on Sat and sun mornings, with connecting services to the Crown Casino. Buses go to Bayswater, Belgrave, Craigieburn, Croydon, Lilydale and Dandenong.

Travelling to Regional Victoria: V/line is the largest regional transport operator and provides regional communities with rail and coach services. Inter-city services link major provincial cities, while frequent Inter-Urban services operate to Geelong, Ballarat, Kyneton, Seymour and Tralgon.

Some helpful facts you may not have known about Melbourne
• The sculpture on Wunrundjeri Drive depicts “Bunjil” the eagle creator spirit for many Aboriginal clans and you learn about this creator on the video at the Grampians culture Centre.
• Melbourne’s 245km Tram system is the 3rd largest world wide and the largest in an English speaking language.
• The ‘Bionic Ear” was invented at Melbourne Uni by Professor Graeme Clarke
• The Queen Victorian markets lies on top of an old cemetery. There are 9,000 people still buried under the sheds and car parks.
• It was 1956 (50 years ago) that David Warren developed the “Black Box” that us used by airlines around the world to identify the causes of plane accidents – the box is actually red, not black (for obvious reasons - black would be too hard to find in a burnt out wreck)
• In 1835, John Bateman named this new founded town “Batmania” briefly before reverting to its eventual name “Melbourne”
• An institution for many children the “Malvern Star” was named after one of Melbourne’s suburbs; Malvern
• The great Hall of the National Art Gallery of Victoria contains the largest stained glass ceiling in the world – need to lie on your back to fully appreciate it.
• The backpacking expo in Melbourne is held each year at the Melbourne Exhibition Building in Carlton during in February. The building and its surroundings is the only World Heritage listings in the state.

For more helpful information check out http://www.backpackvictoria.com
(some information has been sourced with consent from this site for this publication)

For that underground Melbourne experience ck out what’s going on at:
http://www.threethousand.com.au

Melbourne & Other Attractions Ask someone from Sydney what Melbourne is like and they’ll tell you it sucks and vice versa. As for us, we love it. Melbourne would have to be the most cosmopolitan and culturally obvious city in Oz. It has a diverse and interesting multicultural population that is best seen in the numerous restaurants. Those that appreciate a good cup of coffee and a feed will love it. Melbourne’s history probably is the root of the rivalry between it and Sydney. Once upon a time Victoria was originally part of New South Wales, however in 1851 it became independent. Melbourne was the epicentre of a gold rush that spanned to the outlying regions such as Plenty and as far afield as Glenrowan and Ballarat. The city is located on the banks of the Yarra River.Take a walk or hire a bike and cycle the bike tracks for an excellent afternoon and a great way to orientate yourself. The city has loads of great shops and most Aussies who are victims of fashion will tell you it is the capital of shopping.

Definitely check out South Bank where there are some good bars especially on Friday and Saturday night. Tip for going out after dark in this city - wear black. The city is great by day, however it winds down at night like most cities, with the exception of the clubs that pump all night. The Crown Casino is enormous and is sure to have some signs of life most times of the day (if you can call it that).
Go and see an Aussie Rules football match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground Oval, or do some cheap shopping at the Victoria Markets. Then there’s the Rialto Tower where, from the top, you will get a superb view over Melbourne.

St. Kilda is a popular place with the locals and travellers as well as the city’s largest red light area. It’s a pretty safe area, just be careful. Check out Acland Street, the waterfront (Port Phillip Bay) and South Melbourne.

There are plenty of cool pubs - try the Provincial Hotel on Brunswick St, Fitzroy, one of the best areas in Melbourne.
Carlton is a favourite with the locals. It’s a slice of Italy in Melbourne and the obvious Italian influence has meant good cheap pizza and coffee. Plenty of cheap eats on Lygon Street. Check out Friday and Saturday nights on Lygon Raceway and the streets behind. The local rev heads drag each other along the strip and fry their brains with music so loud it smashes windows.

South Yarra/Toorak is the place to go on Saturday afternoon and see the beautiful people of Melbourne. Specifically check out Chapel St and Toorak Rd. On Sunday head to the Queen Victoria market where you can rub shoulders with the locals. T
he Royal Melbourne Zoo is worth a look, as is the Art Gallery, the Arts Centre, the Old Melbourne Gaol, a game of cricket or footy at the MCG, tennis at the tennis centre, the Botanical Gardens and a Melbourne tram. If you’re lucky to be there at the beginning of March you will see ‘Moomba’. A huge festival, In June check out the Film Festival, which runs all night.

The Mornington Peninsula forms the eastern side of Port Phillip Bay and also has a coastal side where there are amazing beaches, foaming rock pools and historic light houses gazing out across one of the roughest most torturous straits in the world - Bass Strait. The land is extremely fertile which makes for awesome wine grape production and farming. You can find a job picking fruit or pay a few bucks and just pick and eat it! Mornington Peninsula is one of the favorite spots with Melburnians. Here you’ll see the fashionable ‘vogue’ areas where the beautiful people strut their stuff and, only minutes away, areas of unspoiled wilderness, pristine national parks, wetlands and marine life which offer you some unique wild life encounters.

Philip Island Phillip Island is located at the entrance to Western Port Bay and is a holiday spot popular with the locals. As well as the famous penguins, there are fur seals at Seal Rocks, where a fantastic new facility has been installed recently so you can see them up close without disturbing their fragile environment. There are mutton-birds which nest in the dunes at Cape Woolamai, and the island is also host to the Super Bike series (motor bikes). The main town on the island is Cowes. It’s a fair size and there’s plenty to do. Every night you can see the famous Penguin Parade where thousands of penguins come charging out of the water at sunset and into the nests dug in the sand on the beach. It’s a fascinating sight and well worth a look. You can join a tour from Melbourne or get out there under your own steam and just pay the $12.50 entry fee, but be warned - it’s a long way.