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 An oasis in the city center |
Lakeside Drive Melbourne, VIC 3206 Australia http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au |
Located just three kilometres from the city center, Albert Park Lake is a 45 hectare expanse of water, set in parkland. Originally a swampy lagoon, drainage works last century deepened and reshaped the lake, making it into a popular venue for boating. The lake boasts a variety of bird life including Australia's famous black swans, as well as an impressive fountain in the center. It is ringed by a five kilometer running track and surrounded by 11 separate picnic areas featuring shelter sheds, seating and barbeques, as well as playgrounds and a lookout tower. The surrounding parkland is also home to a par 72 golf course and driving range, while in March Albert Park is the venue of the Qantas Australian Formula One Grand Prix. There is also a brand new aquatic centre, ovals and other sporting facilities. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Anthony Malloy  |
 Photo: Pete Johns |
 Photo: Jamie Yeo |
 Photo: Dean Melissinos |
 Photo: John Shadbolt |
 Photo: Cave Couple |
 Photo: Åsmund Heimark |
 Photo: Mark Bolitho |
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A park by the Yarra River |
Off St. Kilda Road Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia |
Providing a splash of green between busy Alexandra Avenue and the Yarra River, the Alexandra Gardens are a focal point for Melbourne's Moomba Waterfest and are a perfect vantage spot for the water sports, which are run during the festival. Elegant boat sheds dot the river bank, still routinely used by university rowing clubs. A walk along Capital City Trail leads to Southbank Promenade and the path is a popular spot for cyclists, joggers and inline skaters. During warmer months, Melbournians take advantage of the many barbecues dotting the riverbank. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Catherine O'Neil |
 Photo: James Burke |
 Photo: Richard Rutter |
 Indonesian treasures |
18 Grattan Street Prahran Melbourne, VIC 3181 Australia +61 (0)3 9529 6877 |
An impressive collection of beautiful work based on the traditions, cultural experience and religion of more than 200 Indonesian tribes. Asiatic holds ethnic craftspeople in high esteem and endeavours to help customers integrate unusual decorative pieces as well as practical everyday furnishings into modern interior settings. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Elegance and history |
Corner Williams Road & Lechlade Avenue South Yarra Melbourne, VIC 3141 Australia +61 3 9827 2500 http://www.nattrust.com.au |
Como House is one of Melbourne's best known historical landmarks. The Italianate mansion was originally built in 1847 by the pastoral Armytage family, and a visit today is a graphic reminder of how the upper classes of the day lived. Located on five hectares of gardens overlooking the Yarra River, the property features a fully restored interior, and spacious grounds peppered with glades of pine trees, terraces and fountains. There is also a cafe on the premises. Admission: Free for National Trust members; otherwise adults AUD12; children AUD6.50; students AUD9; family AUD30 (two adults and two children). Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Sharon |
 Photo: macinate |
 Photo: T.D. Wilson |
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A notch above the average shopping mall |
Corner Toorak Road and Chapel Street South Yarra Melbourne, VIC 3141 Australia +61 (0)3 9825 2299 |
This shopping centre rides on its exclusivity. Expensive designer stores such as Keith Matheson, Midas Shoes and Joh Bailey Hairdressers are residents here and, no doubt, their prices reflect the rent. In the heart of South Yarra, the Como Centre appeals to the person who does not usually like shopping centres. Its Cinema Como specialises in art house movies. There is a Body Bronze tanning salon, as well as heaven on earth in the form of Jurlique Como Wellness Sanctuary. Como even acts as home to a television station. Yes, a true shopping indulgence. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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"Conserving" Melbourne's history |
500 Chapel Street South Yarra Melbourne, VIC 3141 Australia +61 3 9826 0537 |
Funnily enough, the Jam Factory Shopping Centre was once a jam factory but, since then, has seen many make-overs in its attempts to draw the shoppers from Chapel Street. In recent years, with the addition of a 1,600 seat Village cinema, it would appear the Jam Factory has been successful although it is still very small compared to outer suburban shopping centres. The Jam Factory does have the huge Borders Books & Music Store and Intencity games arcade as well as the American restaurant franchise "Thank God It's Friday", along with other speciality stores and a variety of eateries. Undercover parking is available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Darrick Chiu |
 Photo: Darrick Chiu |