Sophisticated and
slick, edgy and rough, Melbourne’s physical and cultural landscape is shaped by
a dynamic population, ever-ravenous for a bite of global culture.
STATION 1: 12 Apostles
Witness the rugged
spendour of the famous 12 apostles, magnificient rock stacks that
rise up
majestically from the Sourthern Ocean on Victoria’s dramatic coastline.
Limestones cliffs
Created by constant erosion of the limestones cliffs of the
mainload beginning 10-20 million years ago, the stormy Southern Ocean and
blasting winds gradually the softer limestones, forming caves in the cliffs.
The caves eventually became arches and when they collapsed
rock stacks up to 45 metres high were left isolated from the shore. View the 12
Apostles at sunrise and sunset as they change colour from dark and forebodingin
shadow to brilliant sandy yellow under a full sun.
How to get there?
The 12 apostles are located 275 kilometres west of melbourne,
approximately a four-hour drive along the Great Ocean Road.
STATION 2: Flinders Street Station
Flinders Street Station, apart from
being the hub of Melbourne's transport system, is one of the city's great
landmarks and icons. Opened in 1884, the station dominates the intersection of
Flinders and Swanston Streets. The steps under the station's famous domed clock
tower has long been the most popular meeting place for Melbourneans coming into
the city.
STATION 3: Melbourne Aquarium
The Melbourne Aquarium was officially
opened in January 2000 and is now host to over 30 exhibits and providing a home
for 3,000 animals. It is located on the corner of Flinders & King Streets
and overlooks the Yarra River. It has a striking view directly across to Crown
Casino and to the east, up-river, to Southgate. It is also adjacent to the
location purported to be where John Batman declared "this will be the place for a
village" on the
founding of Melbourne.
penguins
frolicking
At the end of the tunnel and having
passed through the turnstiles the tour begins with the Antarctica exhibition, a
display of a variety of penguins frolicking, swimming, socialising and watching
you watching them. You then follow a meandering path which passes further Experiences, of what the Aquarium has
classified as, the Weird &
Wonderful, River to Reef and ending with Sharks Alive.
Entry to and exit from this 360º
viewing area is via two viewing tunnels at opposite sides of the main arena. Visitors
who wish to experience something different can Dive With The Sharks or try the Shark Walker experience, both of which are
conducted in the main tank.
The Melbourne Aquarium experiences near
to 55,000 visitors per month with its most people viewing The Antarctica and
Fish Bowl exhibits.
The Aquarium is open all year round
between the hours 9:30 to 18:00 daily and from 1st to 26th January from 9:30
until 19:00 daily. Wheelchairs access is available to all exhibits.
Station 4: Cafes
Brother Baba
Budan, Melbourne
Melbourne
is the coffe capital of Australia. In the CBD, the cobblestoned laneways are
filled with the aroma of espresso coming from a myriad of cafes, Furthes
afield, Richmiond, St Kilda, Fitzroy, South Melbourne and Prahran also offer
great cafe strips, with a more laid-back feel.
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 Coffee. We all know it and we all love it. With so
many different types and combinations everyone has a favourite. Everyone loves
coffee just ask them. If they don't... shoot them, they are clearly zombies and
have lost all cognitive ability. Drinking coffee is one of the more
pleasant life experiences one can partake in as we did at Brother Baba
Budan in the beautiful city of Melbourne, synonymous with all things good.
Especially coffee.
Station 5: The Arts Centre
The Arts Centre, at the start of the St
Kilda Road Boulevard, is Melbourne's main arts, music and theatre complex.
There are two main buildings on the left as you leave Flinders Street Station
and walk across Swanston Street Bridge. The buidings are situated alongside the
Yarra River and Southbank.
You can't miss the complex as one of
the buildings has a spire that towers 162 metres and which is lit up at night.
Located in the building beneath the tower are three theatres: State Theatre,
Playbox Theatre and the George Fairfax Studio. In the second building is the
Hamer Hall (previously Melbourne Concert Hall). There are cafes at both venues.
On Sundays, you can
take a "Backstage Tour" at the Arts Centre.
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