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It is not quite Sydney Harbour, but Port Phillip Bay, which laps at Melbourne's toes, is a vital part of the city. To realise the “big picture” of this immense body of water, try the Around the Bay day trip. For the more adventurous there are also scenic flights (Atomic Dog Scenic Flights, Melbourne Seaplanes) and balloon trips which will really give you a seagull's eye view.

Phillip Island is not the only place to see our famous little "fairy" penguins. There is also a colony resident on a rock structure built out in the Bay for the 1956 Olympic Games. Tour operator Penguin Waters Cruises runs day and sunset cruises out to the rock. These tours also give great views of the city and suburbs from the water.

Take a tram to St Kilda, formerly a holiday village and now one of the grooviest inner suburbs, where you will find endless cafés and restaurants. Alternatively, join the locals and sit on the sand to eat takeaway fish and chips, maybe washed down with some beer. The Sunday craft market is also worth checking out.

Williamstown was Melbourne's first port and is now a thriving urban village that respects its history. Either take the train, drive over the Westgate Bridge, or hop aboard the Williamstown Ferry from Southbank. To really appreciate this charming place, join one of the Hobsons Bay Historic Tours.







Copyright 1999-2005 Wcities, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Contact Wcities

Around the Bay


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
Around the Bay photo by joeyjo
Photo: joeyjo
Around the Bay photo by John Power
Photo: John Power
 

 
City to Williamstown Cruise


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
City to Williamstown Cruise photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Hobsons Bay Historic Tours


Rediscover Williamstown's past
Commonwealth Reserve, Nelson Place
Williamstown
Melbourne, VIC 3016
Australia
+61 3 9397 6023
In the late 1800's, Williamstown was a major town with Victoria's economy dependent on its port facilities. Only the lack of a fresh water source prevented Williamstown becoming the capital of Victoria. Rediscover Williamstown's past with a leisurely one-hour walk around the historic seaport with a local guide. See and hear all about Gem Pier, The Morge, Hotels, Point Gellibrand, The Timeball Tower, National Trust buildings and other areas of local interest. Bookings are advisable. In addition to the regular Sunday tours, school groups and coach tours can be arranged on request.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Melbourne City Penguins Day/Night Cruises


City, penguins and more
Berth 2, Southgate
Southbank
Melbourne, VIC 3006
Australia
+61 3 9645 0533
If you want to see Victoria's famous little (fairy) penguins and do not have the time to go down to Phillip Island, this cruise will also let you get fairly up close and personal with the cute little birds. A rock structure built in Port Phillip Bay for the Melbourne Olympics in 1956 is now occupied by a colony of little penguins. This cruise takes you out to the rock where you are guaranteed viewing of the penguins parading ashore. Flash photography is also permitted, unlike at Phillip Island. On the way out to the bay the cruise takes you past the city, Port of Melbourne, Westgate Bridge and Williamstown. You can also pick up the cruise at St. Kilda Pier Eco-Centre. Sunset cruise is for two hours and the day cruise for one and a half hours.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Melbourne Seaplanes


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
 

 
Southbank


Melbourne
Australia
On the southern bank of the muddy and surprisingly narrow river lies the landmark Victorian Arts Centre and the chic Southgate shopping and dining precinct. Further along is the glitzy Crown Entertainment Complex offering a 24-hours of entertainment, luxury stores, nightclubs, eateries and one of the world's largest gaming facilities. Hugely controversial, it is one of the city's most popular, and popularly detested, sites. Whether the locals like it or not, it is also Melbourne's favourite visitor attraction. Directly opposite is the state-of-the-art aquarium, the Convention Centre and Exhibition Centre.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Southbank photo by bebluno
Photo: bebluno
Southbank photo by Scott Sandars
Photo: Scott Sandars
Southbank photo by Scott Hall
Photo: Scott Hall
Southbank photo by Wynnie Kwok
Photo: Wynnie Kwok
Southbank photo by Martin Dunkel
Photo: Martin Dunkel
Southbank photo by Dan A'Vard
Photo: Dan A'Vard
Southbank photo by Andrew Foster
Photo: Andrew Foster
Southbank photo by James
Photo: James
Southbank photo by Claudine Chionh
Photo: Claudine Chionh
Southbank photo by Auðunn Níelsson
Photo: Auðunn Níelsson
Southbank photo by Fiona Mulrooney
Photo: Fiona Mulrooney
 

 
St Kilda Esplanade Market


Beachside market
The Esplanade
(St Kilda)
Melbourne, VIC 3182
Australia
+61 (0) 39 534 0066
http://www.esplanademarket.com/
St Kilda on a Sunday is a microcosm of Melbourne life in the summer: sunshine, coffee, friends, sports, the beach and shopping! Situated on The Esplanade above St Kilda's beach, this market is a great excuse for a stroll in the sunshine. The stalls are excellent and offer a wide variety of art and craft work, including cosmetics, toys, ornaments and clothing--all handmade by the stall holders and all with their own sense of individuality. The market is close to the continental cake shops of Acland Street and the cafes and restaurants of Fitzroy Street--making it a perfect Sunday outing.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
St. Kilda


Melbourne
Australia
Further out is St. Kilda, which has transformed from a shabby red-light district to a bayside resort and is now a popular place for backpackers and Melburnians on a sunny weekend. The attraction is not so much the mediocre beach as the lively street life along Acland and Fitzroy Streets. Parts of the area still have a mildly seedy feel--that is definitely part of the attraction--but it also boasts Luna Park, an ornate and historic funfair along the waterfront, a lovely pier, weekend craft market, and the Esplanade and Prince of Wales hotels.

Review © 2007, Wcities
St. Kilda photo by Jennie
Photo: Jennie
St. Kilda photo by Paul Ryan
Photo: Paul Ryan
St. Kilda photo by Torsten Curdt
Photo: Torsten Curdt
St. Kilda photo by Alpha
Photo: Alpha
St. Kilda photo by Warwick Johnston
Photo: Warwick Johnston
St. Kilda photo by Claire McFarlane
Photo: Claire McFarlane
St. Kilda photo by Karvistan
Photo: Karvistan
St. Kilda photo by Stephen Pritchard
Photo: Stephen Pritchard
St. Kilda photo by Jonas Bolin
Photo: Jonas Bolin
St. Kilda photo by www.nevillephotos.co
Photo: www.nevillephotos.co
St. Kilda photo by Jeremy Keith
Photo: Jeremy Keith
St. Kilda photo by Peter Fordham
Photo: Peter Fordham
St. Kilda photo by Kiana Rae
Photo: Kiana Rae
St. Kilda photo by Bernd Ploderer
Photo: Bernd Ploderer
St. Kilda photo by Olga
Photo: Olga
St. Kilda photo by Mun Hi
Photo: Mun Hi
St. Kilda photo by Astrid van Zon (NL)
Photo: Astrid van Zon (NL)
St. Kilda photo by Antoon Huiskens
Photo: Antoon Huiskens
St. Kilda photo by Bright Mohan
Photo: Bright Mohan
St. Kilda photo by Khai Yang Ooi
Photo: Khai Yang Ooi
St. Kilda photo by frockstar
Photo: frockstar
St. Kilda photo by Jono Reeve
Photo: Jono Reeve
St. Kilda photo by Junwen Wee
Photo: Junwen Wee
St. Kilda photo by John Sinclair
Photo: John Sinclair
St. Kilda photo by Kresimir Dulic
Photo: Kresimir Dulic
St. Kilda photo by nina.nethercott
Photo: nina.nethercott
St. Kilda photo by annie.hutton
Photo: annie.hutton
St. Kilda photo by Let's call it Steve
Photo: Let's call it Steve
St. Kilda photo by Christine Rutherford
Photo: Christine Rutherford
St. Kilda photo by lily lied to me
Photo: lily lied to me
St. Kilda photo by Anushka Samaranayake
Photo: Anushka Samaranayake
St. Kilda photo by Andrew Bexx
Photo: Andrew Bexx
St. Kilda photo by Ben Smith
Photo: Ben Smith
St. Kilda photo by David Withnall
Photo: David Withnall
St. Kilda photo by Guislain Bonnard
Photo: Guislain Bonnard
St. Kilda photo by Chris Cavanagh
Photo: Chris Cavanagh
St. Kilda photo by Kathleen Vervoort
Photo: Kathleen Vervoort
 

 
Williamstown


Melbourne
Australia
A little further out, but easily accessible by ferry or train, lies the old town of Williamstown--once a vital port. This quiet residential suburb has recently regained favour after many years in decline. Picturesque and historic streets, views over the sea and pride in bygone days attract hundreds of weekend visitors. An information centre advises on the many things to do and see.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Williamstown photo by Peter Fritze
Photo: Peter Fritze
Williamstown photo by Hien Nguyen
Photo: Hien Nguyen
Williamstown photo by Justin Roselt
Photo: Justin Roselt
Williamstown photo by Alister Coyne
Photo: Alister Coyne
Williamstown photo by Anthony
Photo: Anthony
Williamstown photo by Kate Graham
Photo: Kate Graham
Williamstown photo by © Janine Fabre
Photo: © Janine Fabre
Williamstown photo by Jenny Dobson
Photo: Jenny Dobson
Williamstown photo by Troy Boulton
Photo: Troy Boulton
Williamstown photo by Dave & Lorelle
Photo: Dave & Lorelle
Williamstown photo by anne beaumont
Photo: anne beaumont
Williamstown photo by John Carney
Photo: John Carney
Williamstown photo by Kate Sinclair
Photo: Kate Sinclair
Williamstown photo by Wibowo Rusli
Photo: Wibowo Rusli
Williamstown photo by ...cYc...
Photo: ...cYc...
Williamstown photo by Raine & Carina
Photo: Raine & Carina
Williamstown photo by Reuel Santos
Photo: Reuel Santos
Williamstown photo by Squirrel_monkey
Photo: Squirrel_monkey
Williamstown photo by wayneatwerrcc
Photo: wayneatwerrcc
Williamstown photo by Glynn Lavender
Photo: Glynn Lavender
Williamstown photo by Stephen Bell
Photo: Stephen Bell
Williamstown photo by Tim Best
Photo: Tim Best
Williamstown photo by Davide Ludovisi
Photo: Davide Ludovisi
Williamstown photo by Emily Clare
Photo: Emily Clare
Williamstown photo by Graham Owen
Photo: Graham Owen
Williamstown photo by allen.mason
Photo: allen.mason
Williamstown photo by Gmea
Photo: Gmea
Williamstown photo by Sherly T. Tasim
Photo: Sherly T. Tasim
Williamstown photo by robinmts
Photo: robinmts
Williamstown photo by Helen Norcross
Photo: Helen Norcross
Williamstown photo by Seaway Princess
Photo: Seaway Princess
Williamstown photo by rosalee scriven
Photo: rosalee scriven
Williamstown photo by K. J. Fairbrass
Photo: K. J. Fairbrass
Williamstown photo by Spruce and Sonia on tour
Photo: Spruce and Sonia on tour
Williamstown photo by Linda Watson
Photo: Linda Watson
Williamstown photo by Tam Le
Photo: Tam Le
 

 
Other Schmapplets in this city related to "Melbourne - Sea and Sand"
Melbourne - Top Attractions
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Melbourne - Top Restaurants
Melbourne - Top Nightlife
Melbourne - Around the City
Melbourne - Tours with a Difference
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