Schmap.com supports the following browsers:
PC
 Circumnavigate the bay in a day |
Port Phillip Bay Melbourne, VIC 3182 Australia +61 (0)3 132 842 (Tourist Information) http://www.visitvictoria.com |
Experience the beauty of Victoria's Port Phillip Bay with a day trip from the city. First head west to the charming port suburb of Williamstown, then follow the Princes Freeway to Geelong for a bite at the delightful waterfront area. The beautiful Bellarine Peninsula beckons you next with its first-class wineries and coastal panoramas. Then take the ferry from historic Queenscliff across the bay to chic Portsea on the Mornington Peninsula. The coast road continues through other seaside villages such as Sorrento, Rosebud and Mornington, back through Melbourne's beachside suburbs before ending in the heart of the city. Ferry times: Departs every two hours from Queenscliff between 7a-5p daily. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: joeyjo |
 Photo: John Power |
|
Mornington Peninsula panoramas |
Arthurs Seat Road Melbourne, VIC 3936 Australia +61 3 5987 2565 http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au |
This popular local attraction provides visitors to the Mornington Peninsula with spectacular views over the surrounding countryside, Port Phillip Bay and the beaches, as it makes its way up to the summit of Arthurs Seat. Once there, visitors can climb the 1934 art deco viewing tower, tour the gallery of local ceramic artist Marilyn Richards or visit the Seawinds botanical garden with its collection of native orchids. There are also five acres of grassland to picnic on, children's playgrounds, barbecue facilities and restaurants. Admission: Adults AUD8; children AUD6. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Neil O'Connor |
 Photo: Paul |
 Wildflowers, kangaroos and walking tracks |
Off Princes Hwy Melbourne, VIC 3221 Australia 13 19 63 (Local calls only: Parks Victoria Information Line) http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au |
Located 93 kilometres west of Melbourne and rising majestically above the sweeping Werribee Plains, these ranges are part of a geological fault line. Hikers and day-trippers wander at will through untamed mountain forests of stringybark, ironbark and box, and descend the many spectacular gorges and valleys that are now home to grey kangaroos, koalas and echidnas. In spring the mountainsides are carpeted with over 400 species of wildflower. The park is best accessed via Anakie, Meredith, or Ballan. Barbecue, picnic and camping facilities are available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Elizabeth Donoghue |
|
Cruise Melbourne's waters |
Vault 11 Banana Alley Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia +61 3 8610 2600 |
Melbourne and its original seaport of Williamstown shared mutual prosperity when they were established back in the 1830s. However, as Port Melbourne developed in the 1880s, Williamstown languished. Today, however, Williamstown is a major tourist attraction, revelling in its well-preserved history. A great way to see it is on one of Melbourne River Cruises' seven luxury ferries, which depart from Southbank and cruise past the new Melbourne Aquarium and Crown Casino and entertainment complex. The journey continues across Hobsons Bay (past Scienceworks Museum) to Williamstown with its bayside cafés, restaurants, and shops. Admission: Return ferry: adults AUD22; children AUD12; concession AUD18; family AUD56. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
|
Highest Views in Southern Hemisphere |
7 Riverside Quay Southbank Melbourne, Victoria 3006 Australia +61 (0)3 96 93 88 88 http://www.eurekaskydeck.com.au/ |
At almost 300 meters from the ground, Eureka Skydeck 88 is the highest public viewing platform in the southern hemisphere. Located on the eighty-eighth floor, the viewing platform reveals sky-high views of central Melbourne, including the Yarra River and Federation Square. For the thrill seeker, an added attraction is The Edge, a glass cube which is gradually extended out from the building, giving the sensation of being suspended in space. Not for the weak-kneed, but an original way to see Melbourne. –Jo-Anne Woodward Admission: Adults AUD16.50 Children AUD9 Family AUD39 The Edge: Adults AUD12 Children AUD8 Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Historic site in beautiful surrounds |
Portsea Visitors Centre, Point Nepean Road (for enquiries) Melbourne, VIC 3944 Australia +61 3 5884 4276 |
Located at the entrance to Port Phillip Bay, Fort Nepean was regarded up until World War II as a vital defence post. Today, visitors can walk through the tunnels, clamber over the battlements and enjoy the views over the Mornington National Park, with its pristine beaches and colonies of rare birds. Motion-activated sound-scapes tell the story of the fort and the area's military history. Visitor numbers are limited, so contact the Portsea Visitors Centre before you go. Admission: Adults AUD4.50; children AUD3. Alternatively, admission to the site and a round-trip bus trip from the Visitors Centre costs: Adults AUD8.50; children AUD4.50. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Andy Mell  |
 Photo: sweetcontemplation |
 Photo: Paul Perton |
|
Panoramic views of Melbourne |
Kinglake-Healesville Road Melbourne, VIC 3763 Australia +61 3 8627 4699 http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au |
Kinglake National Park caresses the southern slopes of the Great Dividing Range and offers fantastic views of Melbourne and Port Phillip Bay. The ferny gullies and forests are home to the rare black wallaby, kangaroos, water rats, lyrebirds and rosellas. The drier climate in the Wombelano-Andrews Hill section produces open wooded hills, while the Jehoshaphat Gully features dry and wet gullies, banksia and grass trees. Picnic facilities are available at several locations. While Kinglake is the largest national park near Melbourne, it is also surprisingly less visited than other better known parks, making it a great camping spot for the more adventurous outdoor lover. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Dey Alexander |
 Photo: Dey Alexander |
|
The wild west |
Off Western Freeway Melbourne, VIC 3340 Australia 13 19 63 (Local calls only: Parks Victoria Information Line) http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au |
Twenty two kilometres north of Bacchus Marsh, Lerderderg River along with the Werribee River has gouged a 300 metre deep gorge through the sandstone and slate of the Ballarat Plateau on its course through the rolling plains of Bacchus Marsh. The vegetation in the 12,700 hectare national park ranges from dry open forest to wet fern gullies and, in spring, a cacophony of spring flowers. The best time for walking is summer when the riverbed is dry and numerous swimming holes and sandy beaches can be found. The many walking tracks range from short hikes to more challenging overnight trips. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Dey Alexander |
 Photo: Dey Alexander |
|
Soar above Melbourne's skyline |
Gem Pier Williamstown Melbourne, VIC 3016 Australia +61 3 9547 4454 (Bookings) / +61 418 688 388 (Cell Phone) http://www.seaplane.com.au |
Soar above Melbourne's skyline in your very own chartered plane. Ideal for those seeking a special experience or visitors with only limited time for sightseeing. Flights range from 15 minutes, which takes in the city skyline, beaches and botanical gardens, to two hours, an ultimate experience flying over the coast and enjoying lunch at Sorrento. Tailored trips are also available. The seaplane can take up to three adults and one child. Bookings are strong recommended, especially on weekends and public holidays. Admission: From AUD65 per person (15 minute flight). Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Melbourne's summer playground |
Point Nepean Road, Dromana P O Box 192 Melbourne, VIC 3936 Australia +61 3 59873078 / +1 800 804 009 (Toll Free) http://www.visitmorningtonpeni... |
Named after Mornington in Ireland, this Peninsula is Melbourne's summer playground, being just over an hour's drive from the city suburbs. The greatest draw is the cluster of Peninsula's beaches-both safe family beaches (the front beaches on Port Phillip Bay) and wilder rugged beaches (the back beaches on the ocean side). The limestone lighthouse, rugged cliffs, secluded beaches and tea tree forests of the Mornington Peninsula National Park also tempt many people. Inland are the rural towns of Red Hill, Balnarring and Langwarrin, which herald quiet dairy farms and bustling country markets. The naval establishment at HMAS Cerberus is located at another sleepy hollow, Hastings. There are plenty of accommodation options in the seaside resort towns of Frankston, Mornington, Sorrento, Portsea, Rosebud and Dromana for those wanting more than a day trip. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Palmou |
 Photo: Glenn Patton |
 Photo: Kenny McColl |
 Photo: ippei + janine |
 Photo: shewhoeats |
 Photo: John Moody |
 Photo: Wynnie Kwok |
 Photo: Olivia Loh |
 Photo: VotreX Tan |
 Photo: Lindy Neill |
 Photo: Frank Bazan |
 Photo: Amanda Ong |
|
Melbourne's tallest building |
525 Collins Street Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia +61 3 9614 5888 http://www.rialto.com.au/ |
Located on the 55th floor of Melbourne's tallest building, this observation deck opened in 1994 to provide spectacular 360-degree views of Melbourne and Port Phillip Bay. It is a must for visitors. The admission price includes Rialto Vision (a twenty-minute multimedia exhibition showing highlights of Melbourne and Victoria) and the use of high-powered binoculars and fully interactive zoom cameras. There is also a function room and a fully licensed café. The gift shop has a good selection of Australian souvenirs. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Happy A |
 Photo: Julian |
 Photo: David Gundersen |
 Photo: Liz AM |
 Photo: donaldsonair |
 Photo: Stephen Edmonds |
 Photo: Brian Cooper |
 Photo: Brian Cooper |
 Photo: Karina Stiller |
 Photo: Daniel Smith |
 Photo: Sebastien Louis |
 Photo: NickandKathryn |
 Photo: Sarah Stout |
 Photo: Nathalie Rondot |
 Photo: Tina Barker |
 Photo: Blue Pyjama Syndrome |
 Photo: Tristan Baxter |
 Photo: Mamoon Chowdry |
|
A not so secret garden |
Birdwood Avenue South Yarra Melbourne, VIC 3141 Australia +61 3 9252 2300 http://www.rbg.vic.gov.au/ |
Established in 1846, Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens are magnificently landscaped and boast a superb collection of plants from around Australia and the world. Spend a few hours strolling around, observing the beautiful black swans and water birds. Alternatively, join a tour, such as the Aboriginal Heritage Walk or the Night Sky Experience (bookings required). There are special holiday and educational programs for children. Moonlight Cinema takes place nightly during summer. The Plant Craft Cottage sells unique handcrafts and the Observatory Café is great for light refreshments. The more formal Terrace Restaurant is ideal for corporate and private functions. Admission: Free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: m_l_monschein |
 Photo: Allyson Krieger |
 Photo: Janette Agg |
 Photo: Peter and Rachael Ba |
 Photo: Debora Silva |
 Photo: Peter Gawthrop, ARPS |
 Photo: Cristy Weggelaar |
 Photo: Rendy Anthony |
 Photo: wiessie |
 Photo: T.D. Wilson |
 Photo: Heather and Rob |
 Photo: Laureen LaBar |
 Photo: Philippe Ariaudo |
 Photo: Sim Tilcock |
 Photo: Ryan Smith |
 Photo: Vadim Berman |
 Photo: George Yi |
 Photo: Matthew Crowley |
|
Melbourne's Blue Dandenongs |
Mt Dandenong Tourist Road Melbourne, VIC Australia http://www.dandenong-ranges.ne... |
The troubles of the world slip away as you ascend through mountain forests to Olinda. Bark hanging over the road outside William Ricketts Sanctuary lends a primordial feel to the drive. Further on, craft shops, tearooms, and restaurants with quaint names like "The Pig and Whistle" and "Fox and Hounds" line the village of Olinda. Once on top of the ridgeline it is an easy run to Sassafras with its tea shop, tearooms and Doll House Lane. Coming down the mountain, the villages of Ferny Creek and Tremont reveal more hidden delights en route to Ferntree Gully. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Dey Alexander |
 Photo: Dey Alexander |
 Photo: David Hewett |
 Photo: don2g |
 Photo: Jay Wright |
 Photo: MaG CSL 2 |
 Photo: Gert Stobbe |
 Photo: Vidura Gamini Abhaya |
 Photo: Pamela Amores |
 Photo: Davor |
 Photo: Joanna Ng |
 Photo: Steve Matthews |
 Photo: Simon Skevington |
 Photo: walkingwalking |
|
Natural bush in the suburbs |
24 km from Melbourne Melbourne Australia |
The River Yarra winds through the foothills of the town of Warrandyte on its journey to the sea, passing through the Warrandyte State Park. Once mined for gold, the area now attracts Melburnians in their thousands trying to beat the heat in the summer months. Being only 24 kilometres from the city, it is one of the rare natural bush areas that can be found in the metropolitan area.During the gold rush the river was diverted under the mountain at Pound Bend so that the river could be sluiced for gold. Pound Bend, Black Flat and Jumping Creek Reserves offer good nature walks and picnic areas, and you can pick up pamphlets showing points of interest from Warrandyte's community centre (corner of Yarra and Webb Streets). Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
A yawning span |
Westgate Freeway Melbourne, VIC 3015 Australia |
Opened in 1978, this Bridge is one of Melbourne's most prominent landmarks and, at 336 metres long, is Australia's second-longest bridge. Construction began in 1965. On 15 October 1971, a section of the bridge collapsed killing 35 workers in one of Australia's worst industrial accidents. There is a memorial park under the bridge at Spotswood to honour the dead. Tolling was lifted from the bridge in 1985 when the State Government deemed it had been paid for. It is now the main link between Melbourne, the historic port town of Williamstown and the satellite city of Geelong. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Webgrrl.biz |
 Photo: Aaron Booth |
 Photo: andrew j. cosgriff |
 Photo: Andrew Harris |
 Photo: Anthony |
 Photo: Adrian Furby |
 Photo: Leone Fabre |
 Photo: Leone Fabre |
 Photo: Phuong Pham |
 Photo: Brent K Ferrand |
 Photo: Richard (Rick) Churton |
 Photo: scotchmist1 |
 Photo: John Holland |
 Photo: paulmoons.com |
 Photo: Luke Tscharke |
|
Wine, dames and opera country |
Via Maroondah Highway Lilydale Melbourne, Vic 3140 Australia +61 3 5962 2600 http://www.yarravalleytourism.... |
Just outside the north-eastern suburb of Lilydale is Melbourne's most well-known wine region. The former residence of opera singer Dame Nellie Melba marks the unofficial entry point, which leads to dozens of wineries dripping with old world charm--Chateau Yering (Victoria's first), Domaine Chandon, St Huberts, De Bortolis and Loveys to name a few of the 30-odd that are dotted around the valley. Drop in at Yarra Glen Dairy for a quick cheese tasting when the wine gets too much. This is a great area for cycling, being fairly flat and with well-spaced wineries for regular refreshment. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: John Moody |
 Photo: Marcus Crafter |
 Photo: Marcus Crafter |
 Photo: Crystal Campbell |
 Photo: Crystal Campbell |
 Photo: Rebecca Weeks |
 Photo: Rebecca Weeks |
 Photo: Chee-Yan Kan |
 Photo: Evan Madow |
 Photo: Oliver Fynch |
 Photo: Melissa Rogers |
 Photo: Winnie Chow |
 Photo: Steve Taylor |