Australia Tourism » Australia Travel

AUSTRALIA - VICTORIA
Nine people, of nine different age groups, with those many interests! All on a family holiday and unless the place they go to has something to offer for all interests, the pleasurable confusion would only turn into unpleasant chaos. But that was not meant to be. The state of Victoria in Australia had a lot to offer, and explore.

The Australian June is the advent of winter, so it’s a good time to be there, if you want to escape the heat. It’s not bitterly cold and it’s perfect weather to enjoy food and drink; travel and simply hang out. There is a lot which you can do to achieve all this, depending on how heavy the pocket is, and how adventurous you are.

My advice is to base yourself away from the city. We were a good 45 minutes drive at a quiet nook of Clayton South. This allows you to enjoy the hustle, bustle, night life and great lights of Melbourne blended with the lazy mornings. A place like Clayton has an interesting mix of cultures to offer. Right next to Clayton station are shops selling Indian masalas, sweets, vegetables and the latest Bollywood DVDs. Try and board a train from there, and you’ll be surprised to hear crisp Punjabi or chaste Tamil.

Its time now to explore Melbourne, which is considered to be one of the most liveable metropolises in the world. We began our exploration from Flinder’s Street station. Right next to it is Federation Square, a gift to the city courtesy the Commonwealth Games in 2006! Its vast open space, contemporary mosaic design leaves you dumbfounded. It is more attractive in the dark when all lit up. As one walks to Yarra River, over a bridge, there is a fantastic line up of glass panels which give you the history when people from different nationalities (presently residing in Australia) came to the country.

A little ahead is the Yarra River, which flows through the heart of the city. Along the Southbank promenade is a chain of restaurants, offering all kinds of cuisine and a large variety of sea food. It’s an experience to dine there, but your wallet will be thinner after that. If you prefer sea side dining, try Docklands.

Some of the great restaurants here are the Waterfront Seafood restaurant along the Yarra, Renzo’s Cafe and Italian Restaurant at Docklands, and Hard Rock Cafe in the city for the American touch!

Other attractions are the old theatres, churches and Gothic buildings. For instance, the Regent theatre on Collins Street attracts the elite for operas, theatre and other performances. But there are areas with buzz too—China Town effect.

These welcome you with ornate gates and dangling lanterns. There is the popular Max Brenner’s, a great place for chocolates—creative chocolate drinks, chocolate flavours and desserts.

To see the Dandenong Range, there is the century old steam engine, Puffing Billy which takes you through a jolly chilly ride in the forest. It stops at stations with great picnic spots and lakeside playfields. There isalso the fantastic Philip island Nature Park that gives children and adults a close view of koalas, kangaroos, and the penguin parade in the evening you can watch the penguins swim back to the shore and toddle to their burrows. This is an expensive exercise.

If you are seeking relatively cheaper nature there is the Melbourne Zoo and the Melbourne Aquarium. There is also the Melbourne museum with its vast number of galleries. The forest gallery shows Victoria’s temperate a forests. The exhibition there teaches about water, forests, earth process and human intervention Other galleries include one on Australia, highlighting the lives of the people of the country. Others are on science and life; mind and body, on the maritime glory of the Pacific Ocean and also one on evolution of life. There is one specific gallery only for children.

In the 21st century, how can we forget machines, new gadgets? You get all this and more at Lunar Park at St. Kilda, they can strap you in, make you shout and take you for a spin. There are several rides there with levels of speed, churning and turning, for one to choose from. Little ones have their share of thrills in minitrains, cars and merry-go-rounds. There is also the massive Crown Entertainment Plaza in the city, housing a casino, video game zone for kids. a food court and shops.

Of course, shopping is a must—large shopping malls like Chadston, Southlands, Direct Factory Outlets (DFO) at Cheltenham or the city were the hubs. Not all nine of us were interested in being there all the time, so we went in turns. For those who don’t care much for shopping, Villa and Hut at DFO is a great place to sip a coffee and eat an organic meal. This is part of a horneware store which houses beautifully crafted and unique furnishings from across the world.

No holiday is complete without a weekend getaway. That’s what Daylesford and Hepburn Springs offered us. About a two-hour drive from Clayton South, this quaint spa town has a unique charm. The country house welcomes you with champagne, a cosy fireplace, barbeque fun and no mobile connectivity. There is an old chocolate shop, the walk to the lake and for those with relaxation on their mind rejuvenating massages.

Or you can decide to take the drive along the Great Ocean Road in south-west Victoria, have the pleasure of seeing the 12 apostles and enjoy the weekend at Apollo Bay. Only eight apostles are standing offshore as waves continue to erode their bases. Great Ocean Road is one of the most scenic and breathtaking drives in the world, with the long stretch of the vast ocean on one side and great forests and mountains on the other. There is a string of quaint little towns on the way. Stop the car at different places, enjoy the clear and clean beaches.

Victoria has its share of waterfalls like Tooronga and Amphitheatre, north of Noojee township. Then there are also some ancient lighthouses, each with its own history.

Victoria also has Yarra Valley wineries which offer free wine tasting, Andre’s Peak and endless other places to explore.

At the end of the three weeks, for the nine of us, of different age groups and seriously contrasting interests, Victoria clicked. As a family we got closer, collected our share of memories and lived a dream.

FACT FILE
Whether you’re travelling interstate or from overseas, Victoria has a multitude of transport options—by air, bus, train, car or boat. You’ll generally arrive directly in the Centre of Melbourne, or if you arrive by air you can simply jump on a shuttle bus service into town. Victoria’s top attractions are easily accessible from Melbourne.

GETTING THERE
Melbourne Airport serves both domestic and international flights. It’s more spacious than Sydney and has speedy immigration and customs.

CURRENCY
Australian dollar

WEATHER
Melbourne has four seasons, with no great extremes. It has half the rainfall of Sydney and Brisbane. Summer highs are around 26°C (79°F), spring and autumn highs around 20°C (68°F) and winter maximums are about 13°C (550F)

TIME DIFFERENCE
10 hours ahead of GMT

OPENING HOURS
Shops generally 9 am to 5.30 pm, Monday-Saturday (though some shops close early Saturday). Banks usually open 9.30 am to 4 pm. Post offices 9 am to 5 pm, Monday-Friday.