Nestled on the shores of Melbourne’s stunning waterfront, Docklands stands as a captivating precinct that effortlessly combines modernity, leisure, and natural beauty. After attending enriching events in Perth, I started on a journey to this urban paradise to spend quality time with my son, Atinderpal, who lives in Dockland, Melbourne. A thriving waterfront precinct, Docklands showcases a harmonious blend of modern architecture, stunning water views, and an array of activities to indulge in.
Arrival on 15th April 202
Upon my arrival in Melbourne on the early morning of April 15th, after a night flight from Perth, my son eagerly awaited me at the airport. With the promise of an eventful day ahead, we set foot in Docklands. The early morning air carried a refreshing breeze, and the sight of towering skyscrapers mirrored in the shimmering water set the stage for the days to come.
Webb Bridge, Docklands
A View at Docklands, Melbourne
Strolling through Docklands:
Docklands boasts a vibrant shopping precinct, and we couldn’t resist indulging in a bit of retail therapy. DFO South Wharf, a shopping haven for fashion enthusiasts, captivated us with its impressive collection of designer brands. We satisfied our taste buds at the diverse range of restaurants and cafes, savoring culinary delights from around the world.
Atinder is standing and watching Scenic Docklands
Riverside Serenity and Urban Vibes:
No visit to Docklands is complete without immersing oneself in the scenic beauty of the Yarra River. We strolled along the river’s edge, mesmerized by the tranquil views and the rhythmic flow of water. The bustling Southbank Promenade, lined with captivating street performers, art installations, and trendy bars, provided an urban backdrop that radiated energy and creativity. We reveled in the vibrant atmosphere, sipping on refreshing beverages and capturing the essence of Docklands in every photograph. One cannot truly experience Docklands without relishing its exquisite waterfront views. The Yarra River, a lifeline that breathes life into the city, served as our companion as we strolled along its shores.
It is a beautiful place to sit and spend the evening Hooks @Yarra
Flinders Street and Beyond:
Docklands’ convenient location allowed us to venture beyond its borders and explore nearby attractions. A short walk brought us to the iconic Flinders Street, where the grandeur of Flinders Street Station captivated our attention. The bustling streets, adorned with vibrant street art, enticed us to wander and discover hidden gems around every corner. I took advantage of this opportunity to visit Federation Square and the Royal Botanic Gardens, further enriching my Docklands experience.
My time in Docklands, Melbourne, was nothing short of remarkable. The district’s seamless integration of modernity and nature, coupled with its vibrant atmosphere, provided the perfect backdrop for my adventures. With scenic waterfront views and bustling streets and diverse culinary experiences, Docklands left an indelible mark on my heart. I carried with me cherished memories, captivating photographs, and the desire to revisit this mesmerizing destination in the future. Also, read more on my travels in Melbourne EXPLORE THE EXOTIC ANIMALS AT WERRIBEE ZOO, MELBOURNE
Culture and heritage always attract human minds, and their roots give blood to our growth. No doubt life moves every moment in the future, but still past plays its role to shape our present and future. Many things of the past can be the reason for making our life more beautiful and worth living.
Puffing Billy’s steam train is one of those things of the past that are worth being preserved forever. I visited this dreamland during my visit to Melbourne in June 2010. As I feel on every travel, you see beautiful things; it was really a wonderful and memorable experience to see the rail preserved in its original look.
It is a railway track of 24 km running through dense and beautiful forest. Volunteers of Puffing Billy Preservation Society are putting their efforts to ensure the continued preservation and operation of the historic narrow-gauge steam railway between Belgrave and Gembrook.
Engine Front View
Built in 1900, Puffing Billy is Australia’s oldest steam railway. On the 18th of December 1900, this narrow-gauge railway was opened to serve the farmers in the area to transport their goods to the markets in Melbourne.
…reaching there
Belgrave, the gateway to Dandenong Ranges, is situated 35 km east of Melbourne. You can plan your way to get there. If you are not going in your own car, there is a second option to use public transport. Metro train service is available from Melbourne City to Belgrave via Ringwood. Belgrave is the primary starting point of this railway. It would take approx. One hour to get there. When I visited this place the first time, I used public transport, which is quite easy and cost-effective. After reaching Belgrave Station, take a short walk to puffing billy station.
Open-sided carriages add more fascination to the travel experience as you feel closer to the forest and nature. The whole track passes through many curves, where you can easily get the train’s view captured in your cameras. You can’t ever forget the thrilling sensation when you pass over an iconic wooden bridge. On the train, there are also several enclosed carriages, both saloon and compartment cars.
Belgrave Station
Menzies Creek, Clematis, Emerald, Nobelius, Lakeside, Wright, Cockatoo, and Fielder are the main railway stations between Belgrave and Gembrook. Neal Menzies Creek station, there is a narrow-gauge railway museum.
During my first visit to Puffing Billy
Emerald is a good place to stop off and eat and Lakeside to have a walk. Emerald is also the destination as well departure point of many trains of Puffing Billy.
..stop to relax at Lakeside
At Lakeside, there are many café refreshing points, lawns, supervised swimming pools, playgrounds, barbecues, and other picnic facilities, so passengers can alight here for a few pleasant hours and enjoy bushwalking, swimming, or just relaxing in peaceful surroundings. This station is 13.2 Km from Belgrave.
The operations and administration center, main refreshment room (also selling souvenirs), and ticket purchasing are located at Belgrave station.
Most trains start from Belgrave and travel to Lakeside and return. Except for Christmas Day, the railway operates every day of the year. One service each day has the option of first-class carriages and lunch.
..once decided to close, but preserved
This railway track was blocked in 1953 after a heavy landslide but again reopened in 1962 to Menzies Creek and in 1988 at Gembrook Station. A plan was made to close the line and a farewell day was organized. However, when people gathered to say goodbye, a dedicated group of train enthusiasts came together to save the Puffing Billy.
Children hanging their legs out of the steam train’s windows. The court banned this practice in 2019 after an accident.
Before you plan your trip, there are a few important things that you need to take care of. You must know the timetable of daily trains that starts from Belgrave. There were four trains daily when I last visited. You must check it while planning to go there. Trains have tickets that you also need to book well in time to avoid any issues later.
Traveling on the Puffing Billy train is like recapturing the romance and charm of the bygone days of the steam engine era. Puffing Billy steam train takes you through the dense and beautiful forest of the Dandenong hill ranges, and you feel like moving in some dreamland. It’s really worth visiting again and again.
Special events train for couples & families
If you are thinking that the puffing train is all about kids, families, picnics, and fast food, you are not very right. Sometimes on some occasions, special carriages are set out for parties with special cuisines, delicious foods, drinks, chocolates, soups, baked chicken, and different desserts. If you are looking for a unique and lifelong experience, you must plan to join special event trains. Puffing Billy is great for families and children, but it is also fantastic for couples, singles, and groups.
The century-old tradition of leg tangling outside train windows is banned
A minibus driver crashed the iconic pugging Billy train in March 2018. One passenger on the bus was injured, but no one was injured on the puffing Billy. The court ended the century-old tradition of children hanging their legs outside the train. Many people protested the court’s decision, but it ended what was a long tradition practice. Safety is more important than anything despite that, people love it as a kid, so they bring their kids, then they bring their grandchildren. Generations of families have done it for years. It would just be so sad to see that tradition disappear forever. Court’s decision is also taken as a complete overreaction by a group of masses.
I will end my article by saying that traveling always helps us understand the meaning of life, become better people, keep traveling, and keep exploring and never forget to visit once in a lifetime, this beautiful adventure of puffing billy train in Melbourne. Read about more Beautiful Places around Melbourne
During my trip to Australia in September 2019, I got few days to explore Melbourne, although I visit this beautiful city almost every year. This time, I attended some family functions; hence, it was a gathering of family and friends. One day I planned to visit Werribee Open Range Zoo with family members.
Spread over 225 hectares, it is an African-themed zoological park. It is on the Werribee River, about 32 kilometres in southwest Melbourne. We spent an almost full day with several species of animals, birds and experienced a never forgettable moment there.
Plan Trip with Family & Friends
This tour can be more fun-filled if you visit with family, friends, and especially kids. We enjoyed watching wildlife, including different species of animals like camels, zebras, crocodiles, horses, waterbuck, giraffe, ostrich, rhinoceros, and so many others. Because of its size and variety, this place promises you an entire day packed with many activities.
Deep & my sister, Paramjit @ Werribee Zoo Entrance
Off Road Safari at Werribee Zoo
At Werribee Zoo, visitors can book various ‘specialty’ tours, including the Off-road Safari, and have close encounters with gorillas, giraffes, and ostriches. With this tour, you can experience animals’ natural habitats; live commentary makes you more aware of wildlife. On this safari, you pass through well-maintained grasslands and natural forest surroundings. When Safari stops, you sneak a peep into the lives of different animals; you feel amazing when the giraffe touches the window of Safari, and you touch and even feed them.
Road Safari tour takes you off-road and up close to the animals, creating a more intimate and exceptional experience. You get opportunities to stop, observe, ask questions to your guide, and capture the perfect photograph; it’s nothing less than a true African safari.
Longhorn Cattle
Longhorn Cattle protecting her grassland
A day at Werribee Open Zoo gives you wonderful experiences about the lives of so many wild animals, like lions, hippopotamus, Kulinda, and cheetah. The Gorillas encounter is one of the largest in the world and allows you to feed and interact with mammals. The Texas Longhorns cattle alongside zebra make grassland look more amazing, and it reminds you of African wildlife more lively.
Safari passes near Lake
Ostrich greeting you
Feeding giraffes can be a wonderful experience
Another wonderful experience that you can have with your kids is feeding giraffes at the Werribee Zoo while you see eye-to-eye with one of the tallest animals in the world. There are plenty of giraffes, so everybody easily sees them closely. Normally, they bend their long necks over the fence, and you can even touch them, as they are so friendly.
Giraffe at Werribee Zoo
Other attractions nearby
Other attractions near Werribee Zoo are Werribee Park Mansion and State Rose Garden. Thomas Chirnside, built between 1874 in the Italianate style mansion from Scotland and his brother Andrew Chirnside. Nowadays, it is converted into the five-star Mansion Hotel & Spa, also named the ‘Most Romantic Hotel in Australia.’ The mansion has several rooms open to the public, including the billiards rooms, main bedrooms, reception rooms, and the kitchen. In the surrounding mansion, a State Rose Garden is having 5000 roses blooming. You can plan and enjoy a picnic or explore the gardens.
Carry some eatables
As you will be there for almost an entire day, you must carry some eatables or fruit, but if you forget, don’t worry about lunch. There is a cafe that has an excellent list of scrumptious food on its menu. The menu includes soups, salads, sandwiches, steaks, etc. You can also order a glass of wine or a bottle of beer. Enjoy your meal and drinks with wildlife animals in lush green grassland.
Werribee Open Range Zoo tickets
You need to purchase entry tickets to visit Werribee Zoo. You can buy tickets at the counter, but it is safe to buy tickets online to avoid waiting in long lines. We also recommended opting for a guided tour pass to learn more about the zoo’s various animals and their habitats. If you’re planning to visit during the weekend, then having an entry ticket at hand is the best way to make the most of your tour.
Werribee Zoo & State Rose Garden
Must visit while you are in Melbourne
This time, when you visit Melbourne, you must book a Werribee Open Range Zoo Tour with Wildlife Tours Australia and experience the grassland wildlife. You will surely get a lifetime experience of grassland full of savanna-like African environment.
If you are planning a tour for two or three days, you can add Grampians National park and Ballarat and Sovereign hills as both destinations fall on the same route if you are going from Melbourne. At 235 km west of Melbourne, Grampians National park is an oasis of diversity, having an abundance of things to see and do, including Aboriginal art sites, bushwalking, wine-tasting, native wildlife spotting, waterfalls, and mountains. Other activities in the Grampians include cycling, rock climbing, and fishing. The Grampians are also home to many kangaroos, koalas, emus, and so many birds. There are so many stunning lookouts and free-flowing waterfalls, all adding to the region’s natural beauty. A wide range of recreational activities like bushwalking, rock climbing, horse riding, fishing, and bird watching can make your trip memorable.
Ararat: A Beautiful Town
somewhere in Ararat
If driving from Melbourne, head towards the gold mining town of Ballarat through the Western Freeway; Ararat is the next important destination on the way. It is an attractive and old gold mining town. A Chinese discovered gold here in 1857, and soon, people shifted here, and this town came into being. After finding of goldmines, this place turned into a boomtown that continued till the beginning of the 20th century. Ararat is surrounded by several mountain ranges, including Grampians National Park, Mount Langi Ghiran, Mount Cole, Mount Buangor, Ararat Hills Regional Park, and the Pyrenees Ranges. All this makes Ararat an ideal base for visiting these natural attractions. There are so many wineries in the surrounding of Ararat. If you are in your vehicle, you can stop for a while and taste different wines.
Halls Gap
Another beautiful place near Ararat is Halls gap which provides an ideal base for exploring the region. It is famous for fine dining while you are in the area. There are several motels, hotels, and caravan parks in town providing accommodations if you are staying for few days in Grampians Park. Waterfalls are another attraction of this region. McKenzie Falls is one of the best waterfalls, which attracts tourists. Halls Gap is home to Aboriginal Cultural Centre. In the picturesque township of Halls Gap, there are so many restaurants catering to fine dining. You can also enjoy the use of the Halls Gap swimming pool in the summer months.
Night View of Sky High. Glittering Lights of Melbourne city are visible on one side.
Dandenong Ranges
Like the Grampians region, another destination with abundant opportunities to be close to nature is the Dandenong ranges. Just at 35 km east of Melbourne, it can be your party time destination whenever you feel. Dandenong has an abundance of beautiful things where you can escape to breathtaking beauties. The scenic attractions of Dandenong are outstanding, and you can’t stop yourself praising them. Enjoying nature, exploring wildlife, and other outdoor activities like walking, hiking, cycling, golf, and camping can be your favourite things to do in Dandenong. Several locations throughout the ranges offer excellent views. Mt Dandenong provides you with a beautiful skyline from where you can see the whole of Melbourne city. Fairytale-like forest makes the entire region a perfect destination for a romantic weekend.
For nature lovers and outdoor adventures, this place is like heaven. As it is just on the doorstep of Melbourne, I used to go there frequently. You can experience nature by cycling, walking, skiing, camping, golfing, ballooning, and other outdoor activities. You can also disappear in a mystical forest to breathe more fresh air, to see the beauty of birds, listen to the sound of thundering waterfalls. This place is also known for its flair with food and atmospheric eating-places like tearooms and restaurants with stunning views. Being a popular destination for weddings, Dandenong has many things to make you more romantic.
Sky High is a popular restaurant where you can arrange your romantic dates with your partner. This place is Melbourne’s unique ‘special occasions‘ venue. You can enjoy your day at this beautiful place. A deep forest surrounds beautifully landscaped gardens where you can sit and enjoy different cuisines with coffee or wine. After sunset, you can see Melbourne’s skyline from the heights of Dandenong. The glittering lights of the city seem like stars and diamonds glowing from one horizon to another.
Puffing Billy Train
Puffing Billy Train
Dandenong ranges are full of wonders and excitement. The famous Puffing Billy Railway, a steam engine tourist railway, runs through the southern parts of the Dandenong. Just 40 km east of Melbourne, this fantastic steam train runs every day except Christmas Day from Belgrave to Lakeside and Gembrook. Throughout the whole track, the train passes through scenic forests and breathtaking views.
Puffing Billy is now a major tourist attraction. You may plan your one-day picnic trip to this place. Hanging your legs outside or wrapping arms over the window safety bars, you can feel fresh air on your face.
The trestle bridge is a famous point on this track. Its timber bridge is having 15 spans, 91.4 m and 12.8 m in height. It offers a thrilling feeling when the train passes on this bridge.
Lakeside (Emerald Lake) is a usual stoppage of the train to fill the locomotive water tanks. This place is lovely to spend a few hours in the surrounding forest, a gigantic pool with paddle boats, tracks for pleasant walks, and some cafes around.
The Puffing Billy Railway line has been in operation since 1900. This train was used to transport vegetables, fruits, and other farming goods in the early days.
Train Route from Belgrave to Gembrook
Phillip Island
Mt Buller, Phillip Island, Yarra Valley wineries, and Great ocean road are a few more important destinations you can’t miss visiting.
Phillip Island, situated approximately 130 km southeast of Melbourne, is a major tourist destination, attracting surfers to its beaches. We know Phillip Island for its coastal scenery, best surfing conditions, and world-famous penguin parade. It’s the world’s largest colony of little penguins. Thousands of little penguins emerge from the sea with sunset, march across the beach to their dune burrows.
The day I visited this place with my friend, it was drizzling and freezing. They made fenced platforms from where you can see moving penguins. I still feel the romance of waiting for little penguins. Thundering sea, darkness and drizzling were making those moments really memorable. As we did not have an umbrella, we were covering our self with our long jackets. Suddenly few little penguins appeared from the sea, and in a few moments, there was a full parade of thousands of penguins. It was really amazing to see them moving towards their natural shelters.
I took the title of this article from someone’s blog on Melbourne Experiences. Once again, my memories got refreshed, and I shared my impressions here. I visited Williamstown Beach a few years back. Despite that, I feel it’s a tale of yesterday. During my stay in Melbourne, it was my favorite place to spend time, whenever I felt to relax my soul and mind. I have seen different moods of nature there, like color-changing horizons, different shapes of clouds, and thundering waves. Quoting someone, I will say, the sea does not reward those who are too anxious, too greedy, or too impatient. One should lie empty, open, choiceless as a beach – waiting for a gift from the sea’.
Williamstown Beach is located where the Yarra River enters Hobsons Bay and Port Phillip in the southwest of Melbourne. They originally developed this beach as an industrial port to serve the needs of those days. Now it is one of the most beautiful beaches around Melbourne with a lot of scenic beauty.
Williamstown Beach station
Another View of Williamstown Beach Station
Whether you live near or far from the ocean, river, or lake, hearing the name of the beach makes you full of enthusiasm, and many things come to your mind. I heard one popular saying, ‘If you’re lucky enough to be at the beach…then you’re lucky enough’ Life and nature are always together on the beach. No matter how upset and down you feel, visiting the beach can make you full of life once again. In every drop of water and every blow of breeze, there is a story of life. All this is true for Williamstown Beach as well.
Pleasant weather, clean water, and soft sand make this beach a nice place to spend time. In a few words, I will say that this beach is a fantastic place to be there and, if you like, for immersing yourself in the water with someone you really love. It will give you a wonderful life experience that you will never forget. A feeling of calmness invades your soul, and over time, it goes firmer and deeper in memories.
Sunset time @ Williams Town Beach
As a nature lover, here you will get all to make your visit a really memorable moment. The beach is around 550 m long, surrounded by water from three sides. The eastern shoreline comprises foreshore reserves dotted with piers, gardens, and remnants of Williamstown’s maritime history.
If you are not interested in going out and swimming, there is a bar facing the beach, where you can sit and enjoy the sea view. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants as well, where you can enjoy coffee and other things. Ice cream and meal shops will make your trip really enjoyable. The Williamstown Swimming and Surf Life Saving Club, formed in 1922, is at the western end next to the Baths.
During summers, this place remains full of people of all ages enjoying swimming and relaxing in the sun on the sandy beach, whereas during winter days people come here for a walk and enjoy calm and peace to relax their minds. During summer days, you can see people there doing different fun activities. You can plan a picnic with your family and kids. You will find people making sandcastles, playing volleyball, collecting seashells, taking picture shots, relaxing on beach chairs, and making beach tents. Going for a picnic at Williamstown will make another day in paradise.
Williamstown is a 30-minute train journey from Flinders Street Station, the last station on the Williamstown line. Railways station there has two platforms opening on opposite sides, and the beach is just a 5-minute walking distance away from the station.
I read somewhere that you can also reach Williamstown if you catch a ferry from Melbourne. I feel it would be a great journey passing through downtown Melbourne and the Yarra River, finally changing to a broad shipping yard. Ferries from Melbourne’s Southgate Arts & Leisure Precinct take approximately 1 hour.
I wish to have a ferry ride on my next trip to Melbourne. Be sure to make Williamstown Beach your first place to visit when you are in Melbourne and when you go out to explore Melbourne Beaches. I will end this article by saying that Williamstown Beach has everything to refresh your mind, body, and spirit. Keep visiting this outstanding place whenever you get time. I will write more on Melbourne Beaches.
Roads are made for journeys, not destinations, and sometimes, while travelling, we get moments that can’t be explained in words. Tasmania is one of those destinations, which is perfect for road tripping with outstanding views around every corner, an abundance of beachfront, and roadside produces stalls aplenty, there’s every reason for you to hit the highway. Road trip Tasmania has a lot of things that can make your trip a lifelong memory.
Many years have passed, but the memories are still afresh that I can recall all the wonderful moments I experienced during my trip to Launceston & Hobart in Tasmania. We travelled from Launceston to Hobart by bus. In 2014, the University of Tasmania organized a trip for education consultants working with them, and I was part of it. We spent two nights in Launceston, a beautiful city in Tasmania. It is like some holiday place, where you get everything that refreshes your mind and soul. You can’t stop praising the elegant architecture of the city.
Volunteer holding Koala at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. I got the picture.
It is indeed a city full of art and design, beautiful green parks, surrounding hills, pleasant and cold weather make you feel outstanding. I spent my maximum time walking around different places in Launceston and seeing the sights. Tasmania is a place of wild and beautiful landscapes, friendly people with a relaxed lifestyle, but this is more true of Launceston.
Tamar Valley, Launceston
Tamar Valley is a place you can’t miss visiting when you are in Launceston. It’s a very scenic place where you can easily spend your afternoon checking out some wineries.
Launceston’s local airport receives flights from Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Before coming to this place, my stay was in Melbourne, where I often stay while I am in Australia. Launceston Airport is a regional airport on the outskirts of the city.
After visiting campuses of universities and few colleges in Launceston, our next destination was Hobart. Organizers of the trip planned to take us to Hobart by road on a tourist bus. The trip guide asked us to be ready in the morning at a time.
First stay at Colonial town Champbell with some refreshment
The next morning, we all were ready in front of our hotel at the right time. We all were excited because the road trip was going to be full of wonderful experiences. The very first stoppage, on the way, was Campbell town. Located 67 km southeast of Launceston, Campbell Town is the perfect place to stay and have some relaxing moments. You may take a walk along the banks of the Elizabeth River before finding a local bar or restaurant for a well-earned meal.
In 1811, Governor Macquarie named the river Elizabeth after his wife’s name. There are so many interesting tourist spots in town that you can explore. There are so many buildings dating from the 19th century. Campbell Town is full of colonial history where you can find many colonial structures; you can’t stop yourself admiring them. Red Bridge is one of them, which was built in 1830 by convicts. You may also visit Campbell Town Museum if you wish to learn more about the town’s history. Here you can have a useful brochure from the Visitor Information Centre.
If you feel hungry, you need not worry. There are a lot of eateries for quick snacks and lunches. If you have sufficient time, you may sit on the bank of the river and enjoy your picnic.
Red Bridge on River ElizabethSt Michael’s Catholic Church Campbell
Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary
The next important stoppage we took was Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, just 17 miles before reaching our last destination, Hobart, the capital city of Tasmania. As the sanctuary is mostly situated outdoors, you get plenty of free parking. It was almost evening time when we reached there.
Bonorong is one of Tasmania’s important sanctuaries. It is home to many awesome animals, including Kangaroos, koalas, wombats, and Tasmanian devils. You get free time to see a sanctuary, touch even feed these beautiful and cute animals like kangaroos, koalas. Visitors get pictures clicked to keep as memories.
Check timing before planning trip
As I said, the sanctuary is outdoor, so you must keep with your weather-appropriate clothing. The sanctuary is open almost daily, but you must check it before planning your trip. You can take your eatable if you have a picnic there, but even if you forget to take food, you will find excellent restaurants serving snacks and other eatables.
Entry to the wildlife sanctuary is paid. This entry fee is used to maintain Bonorong sanctuary. You also get a free bag of kangaroo food with this entry fee. We all enjoyed a good time being at the sanctuary. I can certainly recommend this place as must visit if ever you are near Hobart.
Bonorong Park Wildlife CentreBonorong Wildlife SanctuaryHe too enjoying posing to Camara Road Map from Launceston to Hobart
In Hobart, our stay was at Hotel Maya Colonial, near to Salamanca market. It was very comfortable to stay, especially because of its location. Hobart’s picturesque waterfront is quite close to this hotel. Salamanca Market is Tasmania’s largest and most vibrant outdoor market, which opens every Saturday. You can buy almost everything you need like fresh food, homeware, crafts, jewellery, and so many other things.
As I earlier said, the University of Tasmania and the Department of Education organized our trip, so our primary focus was visiting the university and different Tasmania TAFE campuses. After two or three day’s busy schedules, our trip organizers again planned a leisure trip to two awesome places. One of them was Mt Wellington, and another one was Bruny Island.
Exploring the Salamanca market
Salamanca Market is a street market in Salamanca Place, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
Trip to Mt Wellington
On the day of the trip, we again started around 8 am. Everybody was so excited to see Mt Wellington from the close; no doubt it is normally visible from the city of Hobart itself. We all were on a tourist bus running through the green forest and zig zag slopes. All this was creating an incredible experience.
All members of the group were enjoying the natural scenery and trying to feel windy mountains. It was a cool but sunny day, but the roaring cool wind was making everyone feel chilled. I recommend everybody should be dress according to the weather.
Standing on Mt Wellington, you can feel Hobart city somewhere in the clouds, and all this makes stunning scenery, which you can never forget. You can catch panoramic views of clouds, sunrise and sunset. The Wellington Range is popular for mountain biking as well as horse riding. We all spent few hours there, enjoyed the beautiful facets of nature before moving to our next destination.
Mt WellingtonHobart to Mt Wellington
Day spent at Bruny Island
Bruny Island is nothing less than a paradise for those who love beaches, surfing, scenic views, boat riding, and food lovers. We went there in our tourist bus arranged by trip organizers. The entire way was through a green forest. You have to board your vehicle on a ferry at one particular point, which takes you to Island.
Bruny Island, Tasmania
The very first view after reaching the island makes you outstanding. A natural wonderland full of stunning coastline gives you such a soothing impression that you can’t forget it throughout your life. Food lovers get so much variety of eatables that you will love to stay a few days there. Locally produced cheese, chocolate, whiskey, seafood, berries, wines, and so many other options you get to enjoy your trip.
With Co-traveler at Bruny Beach
Scenic views at Bruny Island are an all-time attraction. You can enjoy a long beach walk, see the sunset and so many such moments. Boating can add a thrill to your trip. As a whole, it is a complete paradise you would like to visit again and again.
..more about Bruny Island
Beautiful video of Bruny Island, Tasmania, Australia
I visited Australia and Melbourne many times in the last almost ten years, but I spent so many days in Melbourne during my first visit. This city is one of my favourite cities I have ever visited. The reasons behind my all visits were mixed. Visiting campuses of a few colleges and universities was also one reason, as I have my profession related to it. But as a whole, I spent my days as long vacations as I visited almost every known place in Melbourne. Every time, I felt Melbourne was one of the best places to be. There are so many beautiful places around Melbourne.
Somewhere in Melbourne
Metro Trains in Melbourne
During my first visit, Ashburton on Warrigal road was an area of my stay. It was very near to Homes glen metro station. I used this station so many times while roaming around Melbourne. Having 16 simple train lines starting from Flinders street station, this metro service passing through 211 stations is like the lifelines of Melbourne. Flinders Street Station is the central railway station on the corner of Swanston and Queen Street. We knew flinders Street as the heart of Melbourne. The most crucial icon here is the building of a station built inbuilt and started in 1854, and it was the first train station in any Australian city. Yarra River is also passing near Flinders station.
Parliament House Victoria
‘I will meet you under the clock’ is a famous idiom in Melbourne, which refers to clocks fixed on the main entrance of Flinders’ street station. Because of being in the city’s central place, people use this place as a meeting point. I can assure, you will never get bored being at Flinders street, Swanston, and Elizabeth, Collins, or Queens street. I used to be there frequently.
Another prominent place touching to Flinders’ station is Federation square. Its meeting place as well centre of various cultural and other activities. It is open 24 hours and 365 days of the year. Fed Square Pty Ltd, a company wholly owned by the state government of Victoria, is committed to representing Melbourne’s multiculturalism via the array of festivals throughout the year and acknowledging the National Days of countries across the globe.
Melbourne Aquarium
Melbourne Aquarium
The day first, I planned to visit some important places. Melbourne’s Aquarium, Parliament House, Eureka sky deck, and Crown Casino were on the top of my list of sites. All these sites are in the central city within walking distance of each other. Melbourne Aquarium is on the Yarra River. It is the world’s only Southern Ocean aquarium, housing a Great Barrier Reef exhibit, Giant Southern Crabs, Japanese spider crabs, clownfish, jellyfish galore, sea turtles, and Grey nurse sharks. Walk along the glass tunnel and watch the underwater world swim around you! Watching the sharks around is a fantastic experience. You feel like walking through Ocean, looking at sea life. It’s a beautiful place to spend your day. No wonder if I say that no trip to Melbourne is complete without visiting Melbourne Aquarium.
Shrine of Remembrance
Another beautiful place within walking distance of Flinders street station is the National War Memorial of Victoria, popularly known as the Shrine of Remembrance. As Australia’s largest war memorial, it is another landmark in Melbourne. Opened in 1934, the Shrine is a memorial to those served during different wars for the country. It is the annual Anzac Day and Remembrance Day, which commemorates the sacrifices made by the countrymen for the country. The upper balcony of the Shrine offers a beautiful view of the surrounding area and the skyline of Melbourne. In brief, it is a must-visit while you are in Melbourne.
Shrine of Remembrance Melbourne
One of the best things to do in Melbourne is just being outside, with some fantastic weather. In June July, there are so many great places to enjoy it. Going city with or with no work, roaming in shopping malls, sitting on the banks of Yarra River, Tasting Chinese, Italian, Indonesian and Indian foods, walking on the sand and water on different beaches can be your regular activities. Williams’s town and St Kilda beaches were my favourite beaches during my stay in Melbourne.
Regional escapes are full of more beautiful things than city life. Suppose you wish to breathe more fresh air. In that case, you can plan a long trip to any destination like Mt Buller, Phillip Island, Great Ocean Road, Dandenong Hill Ranges, Sovereign Hill gold mines at Ballarat, or Grampian National Park.
Ballarat & Sovereign Hills gold mines
Somewhere in Ballarat
One day, we planned to visit Ballarat and Sovereign Hills gold mines. It is situated 110 km northwest of Melbourne. The day we went there, it was cloudy with drizzling at brief intervals. Way to Ballarat from Melbourne passes through beautiful landscapes and breathtaking sceneries. Wines, yards and green hilly slopes create a soothing effect on you. At Ballarat, you will get a re-created environment of 1850s gold mining. The Discovery of gold in the 1850s is the most significant event in the state’s evolution of Victoria. Even now, you can try your luck and pan for gold in water and sand flowing there. You can wander through colonial buildings and feel the atmosphere of a bygone era. Continue reading more beautiful places around Melbourne
Initially written in 2010, so dates belong to that year.
If you feel a love affair with the sea, sand, salt, and clear water, you will find all these in Melbourne’s bayside city. I got fascinated with the crystal clear water of Melbourne beaches during my recent visit, and my first encounter was with stunning Brighton Beach on 14 June 2010. Coastal Melbourne’s bay-side, touching its Yarra River, has a lot of breathtaking views.
Great Ocean Road Beach
Nobody can describe Melbourne’s ultimate beauty without its beaches. Coastal Melbourne faces Port Phillip Bay, and the city’s closest Melbourne beaches are Albert Park and Middle Park just south of South Melbourne. St Kilda, Elwood, Brighton and Sandringham, Williams Town, and Frankston are other beaches in Melbourne. Melbourne’s beaches have excellent facilities like beachside restaurants, water sports, beach games, surfing, cafes, bars, barbecue, pedestrian pathways, and parking areas.
Driving along the gorgeous Great Ocean Road, you can see the fantastic Port Campbell National Park and the famous Twelve Apostles rocks. Here are some of the most popular beaches in the Melbourne area.
Night view @ St Kilda PierPeople enjoying @ St Kilda Beach
St Kilda Beach
Because of its proximity to the city center, St Kilda Beach is one of the popular beaches in Melbourne. Today St Kilda is the prime tourist destination on one of the most picturesque points of the Bay. Being Melbourne’s most fashionable suburbs, St Kilda is home to the wealthiest people.
In the mid of 20th century, this area was dominated by prostitutes and drug dealers. The haunt of prostitutes and druggies now has been pushed to some outer parts of the city. I found the shops and eating areas on the busy Fitzroy and Acland Streets. Carlisle Street is the right place if you prefer European delights.
The safe and sandy beaches of St Kilda offer you the best place for many outdoor activities like windsurfing, sailing, kite surfing, rollerblading, beach volleyball, jet-skiing, waterskiing, and sunbathing.
me@ St Kilda Beach, April, 2023
St Kilda Pier is the most famous attraction on St Kilda’s beach. Constructed in 1853, the wooden structure was originally used for loading timbers and other materials. At the end of the pier, the iconic kiosk was built in 1904, which got destroyed in a fire in 2003 but was rebuilt soon. The pier is a popular destination for cycling, roller-skating, strolling, and fishing. At the end of the pier, there is also a ‘ Little Blue Restaurant’ where you can enjoy a fantastic range of foods and local wines.
Brighton Beach
Having the reputation of being the cleanest of the many beaches along Port Phillip Bay, Brighton Beach is near St Kilda. Golden sand and sparkling blue water, and bright, colorful “beach huts” make it a colorful beach. The beach huts, symbolic of Melbourne Australia, and its beach suburbs, command high prices when they come up for sale.
Beach walks, sunbathing, swimming, sightseeing, fishing, and kite surfing are popular activities on this beach. There are a few excellent restaurants around with good beach views, including a café/bar and a restaurant at Middle Brighton Sea Baths. You can also glimpse the city at the end of the beach. Brighton Beach is popular with both locals and tourists visiting the Melbourne area.
Bathing Huts @Brighton BeachWilliamstown Beach
Williams Town Beach
Williamstown Beach was my favorite place during my stay in Melbourne. I used to go there whenever I felt like being close to nature. It is at the mouth of Yarra River, where it enters Hobson’s Bay and Port Phillip Bay, southwest of Melbourne city center.
Williamstown has developed from what was a neglected industrialized center into a popular maritime village. Water surrounds Williamstown on three sides. We can enjoy scenic views of the Melbourne skyline from Gem Pier, where cruises on the Yarra River and the bay depart regularly. I wish to go to this place again and again as I feel close to my soul while seeing seashores and changing the colors of the sky.
Torquay: Surfer’s Beach
Torquay Beach
Bhawana @ Torquay Beach
Any detail about Melbourne beaches can’t be completed if we miss Great Ocean Road and Torquay Beach. At around 105 kilometers in southwest Melbourne, it is a beautiful beach having so many fun-oriented activities you can spend your wonderful picnic. If you are fond of surfing, this is the best place. Even if you can’t go surfing like me, you will certainly enjoy the picturesque views changing every moment as the sun moves.
Because of surfing, it is also known as the Surf Capital Of Australia. Besides surfing, there are so many other options to make your trip enjoyable. So many cafes where you will find delicious eatables. Beer bars are there full of varieties of beers and other drinks. This place is also popular for fishing spots. Torquay is the most rapidly expanding town. Just 22 km from another area named Geelong. Torquay has many businesses and manufacturers of surfboards and surf-related products.
On the way to Torquey Beach
You can coastal walk or bike ride there. There is a 44-kilometer coastal walk, which is certainly not for faint-hearted ones. So many eucalyptus trees surround the beach, making it an amazing place to enjoy your time. There is an information center in Surf Coast Plaza. You can get all information easily if you are going for the first time. Torquay has been a holiday place since the late 19th century as they designed its beaches with grasslands and shady trees where you can sit and watch the movements of the sea. In summer, this place remains overflowing with visitors, especially day-trippers from Geelong and Melbourne.
