Australia Travelogue
The wonders from Down Under
The wonders from Down Under
Part 1
Australia’s cities are destinations in their own right. Each offers the visitor a new experience. Some are known for their outdoor lifestyle,
others for fabulous dining, fashion or art. Each has its own sense of history and charm. First stop: Melbourne.
Melbourne
Melbourne, Victoria’s capital and cultural hub, is known for the good things in life - fashion, food and sport. This is a city of style,
architecture, trams and art. It is a vibrant city, with exciting events, endless attractions, vibrant nightlife and alfresco dining combined, to
make it the place to be. Known as a style-setter, Melbourne is home to some of the best shopping and nightlife in Australia, a non-stop
program of film and food festivals, cutting-edge design and architecture, and major art exhibitions and musical extravaganzas. Whether
you’re searching for haute couture or vintage clothing, souvenirs or sparkling chardonnay, chic bars, clubs or jazz venues, Melbourne
has it all.
Melbourne loves its sport and every year plays host to international tournaments and grand prix events at world-class venues. Sports-
mad Melbourne is home to world-famous sporting events such as the Melbourne Cup, the Australian Open Tennis and the Qantas
Australia Grand Prix. In fact, I was fortunate to come at that time of the year, not only because it’s summer down there (while it’s biting-
cold winter up in North America), but the city was busy as it prepared to host the world’s Commonwealth Games (which took place in
March 2006), an event that was set to be the largest sporting and community event ever staged in the city.
The influence of decades of immigration from all over the world has made Melbourne a paradise for those who love food and wine.
With more than 3,000 restaurants, cafes and bars representing about 75 different ethnic cuisines, Melbourne is always at the forefront
of food fashion. Head out in any direction for a meal and you will come across distinctive dining precincts and award-winning
epicurean icons. The wide Yarra River runs through the city, connecting parks and gardens with sports and entertainment venues.
Bing and Bal treated me for lunch at the Docklands, and I had barramundi, a kind of fish that can be found only in Australia. It is so
yummy that I came to love it with passion.
Australia’s cities are destinations in their own right. Each offers the visitor a new experience. Some are known for their outdoor lifestyle,
others for fabulous dining, fashion or art. Each has its own sense of history and charm. First stop: Melbourne.
Melbourne
Melbourne, Victoria’s capital and cultural hub, is known for the good things in life - fashion, food and sport. This is a city of style,
architecture, trams and art. It is a vibrant city, with exciting events, endless attractions, vibrant nightlife and alfresco dining combined, to
make it the place to be. Known as a style-setter, Melbourne is home to some of the best shopping and nightlife in Australia, a non-stop
program of film and food festivals, cutting-edge design and architecture, and major art exhibitions and musical extravaganzas. Whether
you’re searching for haute couture or vintage clothing, souvenirs or sparkling chardonnay, chic bars, clubs or jazz venues, Melbourne
has it all.
Melbourne loves its sport and every year plays host to international tournaments and grand prix events at world-class venues. Sports-
mad Melbourne is home to world-famous sporting events such as the Melbourne Cup, the Australian Open Tennis and the Qantas
Australia Grand Prix. In fact, I was fortunate to come at that time of the year, not only because it’s summer down there (while it’s biting-
cold winter up in North America), but the city was busy as it prepared to host the world’s Commonwealth Games (which took place in
March 2006), an event that was set to be the largest sporting and community event ever staged in the city.
The influence of decades of immigration from all over the world has made Melbourne a paradise for those who love food and wine.
With more than 3,000 restaurants, cafes and bars representing about 75 different ethnic cuisines, Melbourne is always at the forefront
of food fashion. Head out in any direction for a meal and you will come across distinctive dining precincts and award-winning
epicurean icons. The wide Yarra River runs through the city, connecting parks and gardens with sports and entertainment venues.
Bing and Bal treated me for lunch at the Docklands, and I had barramundi, a kind of fish that can be found only in Australia. It is so
yummy that I came to love it with passion.
We then proceeded to Phillip Island to watch the penguin parade in the evening. These little
penguins, which are considered the smallest penguins in the world, and can be seen only in
Ozland (Australia) and NZ, swim up to 50 km in one day to look for food, then come ashore
when night falls, gather in small groups at the water’s edge, then set off across the beach to
their burrows in the dunes. They again venture out into the ocean in the morning to do the
same thing.
But since it was still early in the afternoon (Phillip Island is 2 hours away from the city), we
first went to the Koala Conservation Centre where I saw the koalas up close and personal.
Almost all of them were sleeping, except for one, because they sleep 20 hours a day (that’s a
thought – I think I would like to be a koala in my next life, but then again, that would be boring
because I won’t do anything but sleep. How about shopping???) They’re so cuddly and cute
in their own environment.
penguins, which are considered the smallest penguins in the world, and can be seen only in
Ozland (Australia) and NZ, swim up to 50 km in one day to look for food, then come ashore
when night falls, gather in small groups at the water’s edge, then set off across the beach to
their burrows in the dunes. They again venture out into the ocean in the morning to do the
same thing.
But since it was still early in the afternoon (Phillip Island is 2 hours away from the city), we
first went to the Koala Conservation Centre where I saw the koalas up close and personal.
Almost all of them were sleeping, except for one, because they sleep 20 hours a day (that’s a
thought – I think I would like to be a koala in my next life, but then again, that would be boring
because I won’t do anything but sleep. How about shopping???) They’re so cuddly and cute
in their own environment.
Tooraq
Tooraq, a kilometer-long strip has side streets that boast more than 400 fashion, lifestyle and
service operators, international brand names, beauty salons, cafes and restaurants.
Remember, Melbourne is a shopping Mecca. Melbournians take fashion seriously, and nowhere in
Australia offers a greater range of shops dedicated to looking good - whether you’re after something
funky, a traditional classic or a big-name label - than Melbourne. We browsed through Chapel
Street, Melbourne's centre for high-end fashion and food. The latest trends, fine restaurants and
chic bistros abound. After lunch, we headed for St. Kilda, a bustling shoreline that is lively,
cosmopolitan, risqué and refreshing, with a touch of the bohemian charm of Venice Beach,
California.
Thereafter, we headed towards downtown for our dinner at the Colonial Tram Car restaurant. While
waiting for our dinner train, we made a detour towards Crown Entertainment Complex for some
R&R – casino! Located on the Southern bank of the Yarra River, Crown is Melbourne’s premier
entertainment venue offering a brilliant combination of luxury, warm service and non-stop
excitement. Featuring one of the largest casinos in the Southern Hemisphere, Crown offers an
incredible array of gaming options in a vibrant and sophisticated setting. It also boasts over 40
restaurants, cafes and bars, cinemas, nightclubs, an indoor amusement park, luxury brand
shopping, such as Prada, Burberry and Versace, just to name a few, and two world-class hotels.
Then we headed off for our dinner. Dining in Melbourne can be a fabulous experience, especially
aboard its famous fleet of historical trams that have become the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant. The
glossy, burgundy restaurants on wheels are the only traveling tramcar restaurants in the world, and
ensure a delightful innovative approach to dining. As we cruised the scenic streets of Melbourne,
we enjoyed our fine cuisine and drank the very best of Australian wines. The atmosphere is cozy,
the service friendly and the décor as inviting as the colonial period these trams reflect. Since their
inception in 1983, the restaurants have become a star attraction and a tourist symbol for
Tooraq, a kilometer-long strip has side streets that boast more than 400 fashion, lifestyle and
service operators, international brand names, beauty salons, cafes and restaurants.
Remember, Melbourne is a shopping Mecca. Melbournians take fashion seriously, and nowhere in
Australia offers a greater range of shops dedicated to looking good - whether you’re after something
funky, a traditional classic or a big-name label - than Melbourne. We browsed through Chapel
Street, Melbourne's centre for high-end fashion and food. The latest trends, fine restaurants and
chic bistros abound. After lunch, we headed for St. Kilda, a bustling shoreline that is lively,
cosmopolitan, risqué and refreshing, with a touch of the bohemian charm of Venice Beach,
California.
Thereafter, we headed towards downtown for our dinner at the Colonial Tram Car restaurant. While
waiting for our dinner train, we made a detour towards Crown Entertainment Complex for some
R&R – casino! Located on the Southern bank of the Yarra River, Crown is Melbourne’s premier
entertainment venue offering a brilliant combination of luxury, warm service and non-stop
excitement. Featuring one of the largest casinos in the Southern Hemisphere, Crown offers an
incredible array of gaming options in a vibrant and sophisticated setting. It also boasts over 40
restaurants, cafes and bars, cinemas, nightclubs, an indoor amusement park, luxury brand
shopping, such as Prada, Burberry and Versace, just to name a few, and two world-class hotels.
Then we headed off for our dinner. Dining in Melbourne can be a fabulous experience, especially
aboard its famous fleet of historical trams that have become the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant. The
glossy, burgundy restaurants on wheels are the only traveling tramcar restaurants in the world, and
ensure a delightful innovative approach to dining. As we cruised the scenic streets of Melbourne,
we enjoyed our fine cuisine and drank the very best of Australian wines. The atmosphere is cozy,
the service friendly and the décor as inviting as the colonial period these trams reflect. Since their
inception in 1983, the restaurants have become a star attraction and a tourist symbol for
We then waited for nightfall for the penguins to show up. They finally showed up at 9:10 p.m. and what a sight to behold! These
penguins are used to people that they aren’t bothered at all. Unfortunately, no photos are allowed because the flash from the camera
will scare them. But have a look at this amazing photo that I have with the penguins. It’s my trade secret as to how I got to have my
photo taken with the smallest penguins in the world.
penguins are used to people that they aren’t bothered at all. Unfortunately, no photos are allowed because the flash from the camera
will scare them. But have a look at this amazing photo that I have with the penguins. It’s my trade secret as to how I got to have my
photo taken with the smallest penguins in the world.
| It’s my trade secret as to how I got to have my photo taken with the smallest penguins in the world. |
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Melbourne. So, dining is not only a culinary delight, it is also a trip into a little piece of
Melbourne’s history. To ensure a smooth ride while dining, stabilizers have been fitted
so that not even a glass trembles as the trams glide along. The food itself is prepared
on the trams and a Maitre d’ oversees the traditional silver and white linen service. One-
way glass windows have been installed, too, so we diners can enjoy the passing scene
without curious gazes to distract us. As well, the trams feature all the modern
conveniences one would expect from a first-class restaurant, which includes comfort
such as burgundy carpet underfoot and seats covered in plush velvet, beautiful brass
fittings to cast a cozy glow, and tables decorated with fresh carnations, which were
given to us when we left. The trams are air-conditioned for total comfort and piped
music help to create the unique mood on wheels that is the Colonial Tramcar
Restaurant. As the Melbournians would say: “To dine on the Colonial Tramcar
Restaurant is to dine in luxury. “ I agree wholeheartedly.
After dinner, we headed to the Rialto Towers, the tallest office building in the Southern
Hemisphere. The observation deck features majestic 360-degree views of Melbourne
and offers a birds-eye look of the Albert Park Grand Prix circuit.
The following day, we visited the majestic St. Patrick’s Cathedral and
the Parliament House. You see, Parliaments of different countries still hold a special
place in my heart, having worked in one for so many years. Anyhow, we wanted to go
inside but we were turned away because there was a Christmas party going on. So I
just had a snapshot taken on the steps outside the massive building.
Thereafter, we walked towards the Victoria Arts Centre, an impressive complex nestled
on the banks of the Yarra River, which is recognized worldwide for its excellent facilities.
Home to the State Theatre, Concert Hall, Performing Arts Museum and Playhouse, this
is definitely the cultural centre of Melbourne.
We had lunch at Southgate, the newest and most exciting retail and dining
development. Situated on the south bank of the Yarra River next to the Victorian Arts
Centre, Southgate has transformed the way Melbournians look at their city and has
added a lively and sophisticated flavor to Melbourne's Arts precinct.
Melbourne’s history. To ensure a smooth ride while dining, stabilizers have been fitted
so that not even a glass trembles as the trams glide along. The food itself is prepared
on the trams and a Maitre d’ oversees the traditional silver and white linen service. One-
way glass windows have been installed, too, so we diners can enjoy the passing scene
without curious gazes to distract us. As well, the trams feature all the modern
conveniences one would expect from a first-class restaurant, which includes comfort
such as burgundy carpet underfoot and seats covered in plush velvet, beautiful brass
fittings to cast a cozy glow, and tables decorated with fresh carnations, which were
given to us when we left. The trams are air-conditioned for total comfort and piped
music help to create the unique mood on wheels that is the Colonial Tramcar
Restaurant. As the Melbournians would say: “To dine on the Colonial Tramcar
Restaurant is to dine in luxury. “ I agree wholeheartedly.
After dinner, we headed to the Rialto Towers, the tallest office building in the Southern
Hemisphere. The observation deck features majestic 360-degree views of Melbourne
and offers a birds-eye look of the Albert Park Grand Prix circuit.
The following day, we visited the majestic St. Patrick’s Cathedral and
the Parliament House. You see, Parliaments of different countries still hold a special
place in my heart, having worked in one for so many years. Anyhow, we wanted to go
inside but we were turned away because there was a Christmas party going on. So I
just had a snapshot taken on the steps outside the massive building.
Thereafter, we walked towards the Victoria Arts Centre, an impressive complex nestled
on the banks of the Yarra River, which is recognized worldwide for its excellent facilities.
Home to the State Theatre, Concert Hall, Performing Arts Museum and Playhouse, this
is definitely the cultural centre of Melbourne.
We had lunch at Southgate, the newest and most exciting retail and dining
development. Situated on the south bank of the Yarra River next to the Victorian Arts
Centre, Southgate has transformed the way Melbournians look at their city and has
added a lively and sophisticated flavor to Melbourne's Arts precinct.
| The Parliament House |
| At Dracula’s Cabaret Restaurant, our photo was taken with the “characters”. |
After a grueling sightseeing and shopping day at such sweltering heat, we had dinner & show at Dracula’s Cabaret Restaurant for
some “screeming” sensation, where over 1 million victims have been horrified, mortified, terrified, embalmed, wined, dined, thrilled
and entertained.
For over two decades, Dracula’s has thrilled audiences with their unique blend of fetish rock and comedy variety. We entered via a
ghost train into the Theatre of the Vampire, where weird waiters and talented performers sink their teeth into a night of comedy,
puppetry, magic illusion, musical productions and some amazing visual effects. The fast-paced, professionally produced show offers
spine-chilling “thrillertainment” that will leave you breathless. The evening incorporates an eccentric cocktail bar, quality dining and
award-winning entertainment, all set in a century-old foundry. I really enjoyed the show, especially because we got the best seat in the
house.
some “screeming” sensation, where over 1 million victims have been horrified, mortified, terrified, embalmed, wined, dined, thrilled
and entertained.
For over two decades, Dracula’s has thrilled audiences with their unique blend of fetish rock and comedy variety. We entered via a
ghost train into the Theatre of the Vampire, where weird waiters and talented performers sink their teeth into a night of comedy,
puppetry, magic illusion, musical productions and some amazing visual effects. The fast-paced, professionally produced show offers
spine-chilling “thrillertainment” that will leave you breathless. The evening incorporates an eccentric cocktail bar, quality dining and
award-winning entertainment, all set in a century-old foundry. I really enjoyed the show, especially because we got the best seat in the
house.
The Great Ocean Road region
Next day, we headed out to Port Campbell National Park, via the Great Ocean
Road, to see the amazing 12 Apostles and the Loch Ard Gorge.
With spectacular vistas from start to finish, and the famous Twelve Apostles
along the way, the Great Ocean Road region has some of the most
impressive coastal scenery in Australia. The Great Ocean Road region
stretches westwards from the regional city of Geelong and the Bellarine
Peninsula to the South Australian border. Along with striking ocean views,
Next day, we headed out to Port Campbell National Park, via the Great Ocean
Road, to see the amazing 12 Apostles and the Loch Ard Gorge.
With spectacular vistas from start to finish, and the famous Twelve Apostles
along the way, the Great Ocean Road region has some of the most
impressive coastal scenery in Australia. The Great Ocean Road region
stretches westwards from the regional city of Geelong and the Bellarine
Peninsula to the South Australian border. Along with striking ocean views,
the region contains laidback coastal towns and maritime villages. There are plenty of
opportunities for bushwalking, swimming, surfing, fishing and whale watching.
The Great Ocean Road hugs the contours of Victoria’s rugged south west coast, taking
visitors on one of Australia’s greatest and most spectacular coastal drives. From Torquay to
Nelson, almost 300 kilometers to the west, the road snakes past cliffs, scenic lookouts,
waterfalls, rainforests and sunken ships.
One of the most visited stretches of the road is Port Campbell National Park, home to
significant areas of native bushland and fauna. Buffeted by wild seas and fierce winds, the
coastline has been sculpted over millions of years to form a series of striking natural
features, famous of which are the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge.
The Great Ocean Road has a rich maritime past. Historic towns such as Port Fairy and
Portland allow you to enjoy seafaring village life, with their fishing wharves, old pubs and
beautifully preserved colonial buildings. As well, a number of ships from the nineteenth and
twentieth centuries have foundered off the rugged shipwreck coast, and their histories are
recounted in many of the museums in the region.
Restaurants and cafés in lively coastal communities offer freshly caught seafood or a latte
fix. Surfing is a major draw. The resort town of Torquay is widely regarded as Australia’s
surfing capital and nearby Bells Beach hosts the Rip Curl Pro, part of the surfing World
Professional Tour, attracting many of the world’s best board riders each Easter.
opportunities for bushwalking, swimming, surfing, fishing and whale watching.
The Great Ocean Road hugs the contours of Victoria’s rugged south west coast, taking
visitors on one of Australia’s greatest and most spectacular coastal drives. From Torquay to
Nelson, almost 300 kilometers to the west, the road snakes past cliffs, scenic lookouts,
waterfalls, rainforests and sunken ships.
One of the most visited stretches of the road is Port Campbell National Park, home to
significant areas of native bushland and fauna. Buffeted by wild seas and fierce winds, the
coastline has been sculpted over millions of years to form a series of striking natural
features, famous of which are the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge.
The Great Ocean Road has a rich maritime past. Historic towns such as Port Fairy and
Portland allow you to enjoy seafaring village life, with their fishing wharves, old pubs and
beautifully preserved colonial buildings. As well, a number of ships from the nineteenth and
twentieth centuries have foundered off the rugged shipwreck coast, and their histories are
recounted in many of the museums in the region.
Restaurants and cafés in lively coastal communities offer freshly caught seafood or a latte
fix. Surfing is a major draw. The resort town of Torquay is widely regarded as Australia’s
surfing capital and nearby Bells Beach hosts the Rip Curl Pro, part of the surfing World
Professional Tour, attracting many of the world’s best board riders each Easter.
The Twelve Apostles are giant rock stacks that rise majestically from the Southern Ocean and are the central feature of the rugged
Port Campbell National Park. The giant rocks are the remnants from constant erosion of the limestone cliffs of the mainland that
began 10-20 million years ago. The stormy Southern Ocean and blasting winds gradually eroded the softer limestone, forming
caves in the cliffs. The caves eventually became arches and when they collapsed, rock stacks up to 45 meters high were left
isolated from the shore.
Sunrise and sunset offer particularly impressive views as the Twelve Apostles change color from dark and foreboding in the shadow
to brilliant sandy yellow under a full sun. Above left are some snapshots to show you how awesome the rock formations really are.
Also of the Loch Ard Gorge. Aren’t they spectacular???
To recap, as they say in Melbourne, “You'll barely meet a visitor who hasn't fallen in love with Melbourne. Rattling trams, parklands
singing with blackbirds, stately architecture and palm trees - it's like northern Europe on the Mediterranean.” I must say the saying
holds true for me because I was one of those who was enthralled with the beauty of Melbourne.
Port Campbell National Park. The giant rocks are the remnants from constant erosion of the limestone cliffs of the mainland that
began 10-20 million years ago. The stormy Southern Ocean and blasting winds gradually eroded the softer limestone, forming
caves in the cliffs. The caves eventually became arches and when they collapsed, rock stacks up to 45 meters high were left
isolated from the shore.
Sunrise and sunset offer particularly impressive views as the Twelve Apostles change color from dark and foreboding in the shadow
to brilliant sandy yellow under a full sun. Above left are some snapshots to show you how awesome the rock formations really are.
Also of the Loch Ard Gorge. Aren’t they spectacular???
To recap, as they say in Melbourne, “You'll barely meet a visitor who hasn't fallen in love with Melbourne. Rattling trams, parklands
singing with blackbirds, stately architecture and palm trees - it's like northern Europe on the Mediterranean.” I must say the saying
holds true for me because I was one of those who was enthralled with the beauty of Melbourne.