Samantha

My husband and I are leaving for Australia in a few days and wanted to know what sights to see in Melbourne? We are interested in Phillip Island for the penguins, Yarra Valley for the wine and whatever other sights where we could see fuzzy OZ critters. Thanks for any help or suggestions.

marg

If you are hiring a car and driving to the Yarra Valley, the Healesville Sanctuary is just a little further along the road. This zoo specialises in Australian animals and birds. The other alternative is to go to Melbourne Zoo, which is excellent and only a few minutes from the CBD by tram. The Victoria Market is worth a visit. St Kilda is interesting - particularly on Sundays when the craft market is open on the Esplanade. Incidentally, there is a free tram around the CBD -look out for the City Circle tram - they are painted brown. You can just hop on and off. <BR>You could look up the website for City Search Melbourne which will give you info on events, concerts etc whilst you are here. <BR>If you have time, the drive along the Great Ocean Road is spectacular but you will need a few days. Hope you enjoy your stay.

Kay

If you want to see furry Oz critters, look no further than the gardens in the city. We saw heaps of possums in the Treasury Gardens (near Spring St CBD) and even hand fed them pieces of apple. There are also heaps of fruit bats in the Botanical Gardens (city) - not so cute but maybe interesting? <BR>Have a great stay. Kay

Mike

Hi Samantha, <BR> <BR>Just visited Melbourne last month for 4 days. I highly recommend Phillip Island to see the penguins, quite fascinating to see them come out of the water in groups of 50 or so and make a mad dash for the shore. One or two of them get a little nervous, and run back to the water, and the entire group follows them. Take some time for the Great Ocean Road, very scenic. The Botanical Gardens were also very nice. I also enjoyed some time at the Victoria Market, and took the free tram around the city. Melbourne has a million shops and little malls as well.

BStine

We did the penguin parade in Melbourne last month. It was cold and raining. Bring a raincoat to keep from buying one. But we would not have missed it for the world. Was wonderful, and we ate at a little Italian place on the way back that was great. super trip! Don't miss it. Have fun!