There are views here that would make you think you were in Chicago, Boston or even NYC (scaled down of course!) Melbourne is the cosmopolitan capital of the territory of Victoria in the southern region of the country.
Despite Australia being discovered a few centuries before, Melbourne’s Port Phillip Bay was not discovered until 1802. Because of the territorial Governor’s reluctance to settlements along the Yarra River, it took until 1835 for it to become populated. An entrepreneur bought 5000,000 acres from the local Aboriginal tribe. By the end of the 1800’s Melbourne became the center of trade and commerce when the Melbourne Harbour Trust was created.
Today, the city is easy to navigate due to its rectangular shape. This simplicity adds to its thriving cultural and entertainment climate. Its simple layout gives public transportation a boost with trains, buses, taxis and freeways.
As much as sports and arts are in abundance, there are still the beaches, watersports and fine dining to draw the visitor. This is the perfect spot to visit for days, weeks or even months if you can.
So, what’s to do? …
- Are you a golfer? No? You may want to give it a try anyway. Anglesea Golf Course is a traditional 18-hole course with a twist. It’s home to over 300 kangaroos that roam freely. So, whether you play well or not, you can blame being distracted by the bouncing joey’s all over!
- If you have the time, plan a trip a bit further and visit Tasmania! It’s a short trip by ferry or plane.
- Take a tour of the wine country. Australian wines are considered among the best in the world.
- Puffing Billy’s Steam Train is a fun way to explore places like Sherbrooke Forest – a rainforest that is a must. And Billy’s train is the best way to experience it.
- A trip to Phillip’s Island allows you to see koala bears and penguins strolling along Summerhead Bay. They are best seen in the evening hours.
- There is world class food and entertainment not to be missed. Have you ever seen a grumpy Aussie? Me either. The lifestyle down under makes for happy people!
