I will be going to Australia in September and will be spending sometimes in Melbourne. Everyone raves about Sydney, the Great Barrier Reef, Alice Springs, etc. But what about Melbourne? I heard it's a fabulous and yet underrated city. Does anyone have any good suggestions as to what I should do while I'm there? <BR> <BR>Thanks!

There is SO much to do in Melbourne, it will depend on what interests you. Some suggestions: <BR> <BR>If possible, get tickets to an AFL (Australian Football League) final (season finishes in Sept). <BR> <BR>Catch a tram to St Kilda and walk out along the pier. <BR> <BR>While there have a meal overlooking the bay. <BR> <BR>Get on and off the free (burgundy coloured) tram which runs around the city. <BR> <BR>Attend a theatre performance of some kind (For last minute tickets go to the Half Price Tix booth in Bourke St Mall). <BR> <BR>Hire a bicycle near the rowing sheds on the Yarra, (near the bridge across to the Arts Centre) and cycle along the river. <BR> <BR>Book ahead to go on a balloon flight above the city OR go out to the Yarra Valley for one. <BR> <BR>Drive out to the Yarra Valley and visit wineries, have a relaxing lunch, stay the night or perhaps drive back via Mt Dandenong lookout. Blood alcohol level cannot exceed .05 to drive here. I'd suggest a morning tour of Domaine Chandon (produce lovely sparkling wines) followed by a selection of tastings, then on to Oakridge Estate just down the road for reds and lunch - just my suggestion. There's plenty of others also. <BR> <BR>From there head out to Healseville Sanctuary to see our odd wildlife. <BR> <BR>It's not too late to catch some Spring snow - head up to the Victorian snowfields for a few days. <BR> <BR>Hire a car and drive down to Lorne on the Great Ocean Rd stopping in at Bells Beach (near Torquay) on the way. <BR> <BR>Why not stay a a night down there and have a surfing lesson? Go Ride a Wave operate at Angelsea and provide full wet suits. (My kids have both thoroughly enjoyed this but there were plenty of adults giving it a go too.) <BR> <BR>Visit: http://www.visitvictoria.com.au/ for more ideas. <BR> <BR>I grew up in Melbourne and am now in Sydney. I've tried to pick out distinctly Australian/Melbournian things to do that can't quite be done elsewhere. Have a great time. <BR>

Great suggestions from Rhonda. Also the Rialto Tower has a viewing area at the top where you can see for miles - go up at night as well if you can. Queen Victoria Market is wonderful - Saturday morning is especially good for fruit, veg, fish etc. Sells just about everything and has great buskers. <BR>Have a cafe latte at Southbank and watch all the people - especially good on a sunny weekend. <BR>Hope you enjoy our city. <BR>Kay

Our OS guests always enjoy the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant. An experience unique to Melbourne. <BR>Safe travelling <BR>Maggie

Melbourne is the second largest city in Australia alongside of Sydney. What to do in Melbourne? I strongly recommend seeing the Penguin Parade at Philip Island. The downtown area is vibrant with activity. The Queen Victoria Market is famous for shopping. St Kilda is a pretty good sight. Rent a car or go by tour. The Great Ocean Road alongside the shores. Very breathtaking. Each city has there own unique characteristics. =)