Australia 2004 - Melbourne

The city itself is beautiful

Quick Tips:

Best Way To Get Around:

The trams will get you just about anywhere you want to go ... and the city circle tram is FREE. Very walkable city too. Just be careful if you've got to be somewhere on time, as there are a LOT of things to distract you along the way if you are walking.

I had a "standard" room, which meant I shared a bathroom with a few other rooms. This is not as bad as it sounds, as there are SEVERAL well maintained bathrooms just one or two doors down the hall. I never had to "wait" to use the facilities. They also have rooms with private baths for a little more money ... However, I managed to get myself booked into the city during Grand Prix week, so nothing was available.

The room was a little spartan, but it was clean and the people were friendly. The price of the room included breakfast, and there was a nice little cafe in the next block as well. The main part of the city was just a short, fairly level, walk through a residential area from the hotel. Not bad at all. Generally, it seemed like an "older" clientele, so it was quiet. Continental breakfast is included in the price. There is a pay phone in the common area, and coin operated internet access available in the 2nd floor hallway.

OK. It's not "technically" a children's activity, but I think they'd like it best. Puffing Billy is a historic steam train, lovingly restored. The folks working it are almost all volunteers, and they dress in period costume.

It's "traditional" to ride sitting in the windows with your feet sticking out. People along the short route come out to wave as the train passes by. I'm not speaking of only the people who happen to be stopped by the train as it crosses the roadway. I mean there are folks who set out chairs and wait for it so they can wave as the train passes by. It's a short, scenic ride and lots of fun.

Beautiful gardens with lots of birds and well-maintained native plants. I think this is the largest of the city's gardens, and it is certainly worth spending an afternoon there. Small snack shop to provide refreshment.

The world's smallest penguins, "Fairy Penguins," come out of the sea every night to their nests on the shore. Almost as if on cue, they gather in groups of 5 to 15 or so and make a dash for it (so to speak) at about sunset. You can view this from raised observation decks on the shore, although photography is prohibited. I saw several chicks waiting for mom and dad to reappear with dinner, and one of the glass-enclosed nesting boxes in the visitor center was occupied by a couple of VERY young chicks. It is a little cold out there, so bring an extra sweater.

Some folks came expecting too much and were disappointed. These ARE wild animals exhibiting natural behavior, not a set show. It's a long drive out to where the penguins are and you will get "home" quite late. Several tour operators offer trips, some with other stops along the way. Probably best if you are very fond of penguins, and would like to learn more about them.

Huge flea market, with some produce and other food items as well. A bizarre bazaar in a historic building, you will find a little of everything here. Know what you are looking for when you shop, as they are bargains as well as ... well ... not bargains. It's a fun way to send an hour or two.

Healesville Sanctuary was just part of the tour I'd booked with Gray Line. (They've got a lot of different tours that include a trip to Healesville Sanctuary.) It was my favorite part, however.

At Healesville, they ONLY present native Australian wildlife, so it's not quite like a zoo where they have other animals as well. There are free flight aviaries where you will get closer to rare birds (like the male lyrebird I saw) than you will most places, but they still really aren't on "display". You have to look to see them.

This is one of the things that friends who live in Melbourne suggested I go to see and I'd have to say they were right. It was a very enjoyable way to spend an afternoon.