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 Fun, free tram ride around the city |
Tram stops along Flinders, Spring, Latrobe and Spencer Streets Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia +13 1638 (Local calls only) |
A fun and typically "Melbourne" way to get around the city, these charming 1920s-era trams follow a route around the central shopping and business areas. Easily identified by their brown and gold livery, they arrive every ten minutes or so at specially marked stops. The City Circle trams are free so you can hop on and off as much as you like. On board a "conductor" talks about points of interest on the way and will answer any queries about the city. As well as tourists, the trams are popular with locals catching a free ride across town. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Andrew Smith |
 Photo: fastskybus  |
 Photo: James Garza |
 Photo: Inn Noordin |
 Photo: Paul Rondel |
 Photo: Adrian Clark |
 Photo: Giovanni Portelli |
 Photo: Celine Zheng |
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 Photo: Scott Sandars |
 Photo: Alex Bilderling |
 Photo: Katrina Saunders |
 Photo: Alexander Meins |
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 Photo: Alexander Meins |
 Photo: Alex Bilderling |
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 Photo: Donny Verdian |
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Walk through the 1800s |
Central area Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia +61 3 9654 2288 (Melbourne Convention & Marketing Bureau) http://www.melbourne.org |
One of the joys of Melbourne is its walkable scale, and with this in mind the city authorities have devised a new attraction so that you can stimulate your mind and your calf muscles at the same time! This heritage trail traces the history of Melbourne between 1835 and 1901, with a series of footpath plaques outside the city's most historically important buildings. The trail can be followed with the aid of a brochure, which can be purchased from many of the buildings featured, including the Immigration, Chinese and Gold Museums, Parliament House and the Royal Exhibition Building. Purchase of the brochure will entitle you to discounts at these places. Admission: The trail itself is free; the guide brochure is AUD2. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Goran Turda |
 Photo: Albert Ching |
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Wide choice of value for money tours |
Melbourne Day Tour Centre 184 Swanston Street Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia +61 1300 85 8687 http://www.grayline.com |
Gray Line Melbourne, which bills itself as 'the leading day tour company' has tours covering all the highlights of Melbourne and surrounds. There are morning, afternoon or full day tours through the city and suburbs, including Yarra River cruises, tramcar restaurant and trips to the Dandenong Ranges. There are lots of options for viewing Phillip Island's world-famous penguin parade. You can either go straight there and back or combine it with stops in the Dandenongs, a ride on the Puffing Billy steam train, or a visit to a typical Australian farm. Tours further afield include Soverign Hill and Ballarat, the Yarra Valley and its wineries, the Grampians national park and the Great Ocean Road. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: John Moody |
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Variety and flexibility |
180 Swanston Street Walk Melbourne Day Tour Centre Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia +61 1300 850 850 http://www.greatsights.com.au/ |
If you only have a short time in Melbourne and want to see as much as possible of the city and surrounding areas, you cannot go past a day tour. Great Sights offers a great selection of activities ranging from morning or afternoon jaunts around the city centre to full day trips to the Grampians National Park, Sovereign Hill, Phillip Island and the Great Ocean Road. The city tours cover themes such as 'The Garden City', 'Historic Melbourne' and 'Downtown' and can include a meal on the Tramcar Restaurant or a visit to the Observation Deck of Rialto Towers, the tallest office building in the southern hemisphere. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The best of Melbourne in half a day |
Melbourne Day Tour Centre 180 Swanston Street Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia +61 3 9277 8555 / +61 300 65 5965 (Australia Pacific Touring) http://www.aptours.com.au/ |
Melbourne really blossomed in the gold rush years of the late 1800s. The newcomers and influx of wealth helped to create the graceful Victorian streetscapes, public buildings and magnificent gardens that Melbourne is famous for today. This morning tour takes in highlights such as the Melbourne Town Hall, Anglican and Catholic cathedrals, Queen Victoria Market and the Royal Exhibition Building, as well as modern marvels such as Southgate, the Crown Entertainment Complex and the Westgate Bridge. Parks and gardens, including the famous Royal Botanic Gardens are never far away. You will also experience the urban villages of Carlton, Albert Park, South and Port Melbourne. The tour finishes on a high (literally) with a visit to the Rialto Observation Deck on the 58th store of the Southern Hemisphere's tallest office building. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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See Melbourne by bike |
Southbank Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia +61 3 9533 8030 http://www.bikepaths.com.au |
Starting at Southbank, this 38 kilometre path shows you the best of Melbourne as it winds its way to the north-eastern suburb of Eltham. Following the meandering Yarra River through inner urban areas and parkland, you will see gardens, historic homes and schools, bushland and impressive city views. The surface is mainly asphalt, concrete or gravel, suitable for beginners to intermediate level cyclists. Of course you do not have to go the whole 38 kilometres. Every section of the path offers something to see and there are plenty of cafés and refreshment stops along the way. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Damien Dempsey |
 See Melbourne from the water |
Office: Vault 11 Banana Alley, Flinders Street Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia +61 3 8610 2600 http://www.melbcruises.com.au/ |
Melbourne's once much-maligned Yarra River has been undergoing a facelift in recent years and is now an excellent way to get a different perspective on the city. Melbourne River Cruises is one of the tour operators now making the most of the waterway. Its fleet of six sleek vessels are specially designed for sightseeing with large windows and sundecks. They are also low enough to pass under the many bridges that straddle the Yarra. The captain provides a commentary on the sights you pass by and there are refreshments available on board. There are three cruises to choose from. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Small groups, more sightseeing, fewer delays |
Melbourne Sports Tours PO Box 287 Melbourne, VIC 3132 Australia +61 (0)3 8802 4547 http://www.melbournesportstour... |
Melbourne Sports Tours offer unique and fun half and full-day tours. See Aussie Rules Football live with a local host explaining all its rules, bumps and brawls. A Sports Lovers Tour allows you to explore the excitement and history of Melbourne sports by visiting venues that host Australia's favorite sporting events. On the Surf Coast Tour you can visit Victoria's world-famous coastline and experience a day of more than just a beautiful view. Options include surf lessons, shopping famous surf brand stores, visiting the Surfworld Museum or taking a flight over the magnificent Great Ocean Road and Twelve Apostles. Clean out your wallet on the Shopping & Brewery Tour as you explore Melbourne's best discount clothing outlets with a half-day of power shopping. You can then spend the afternoon at more shops or go for a tasting at Foster's Australia Brewery. There is also a Horse Racing Tour of Moonee Valley Racecourse with a racing industry expert as your guide. Be sure to check out their website for full tour information, schedules, prices and more. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |