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 Melbourne's hidden history |
Royal Botanical Gardens Visitors Centre, Birdwood Avenue South Yarra Melbourne, VIC 3141 Australia +61 3 9252 2300 |
Melbourne was once a very different to how it is now. It was a place where the Bunurong and Woiworung people hunted in the bush land and fished in the Yarra River for thousands of years before white people came. This walking tour aims to rediscover some of this hidden history, all but obliterated by 200 years of white settlement. Commencing at the Visitors Centre, walkers go with a Koori guide through the Gardens that were once rich hunting grounds and ceremonial land, learning about the lifestyles of Melbourne's first settlers and the traditional uses for native plants. Admission: Adults AUD15.40; concession AUD11. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Centre of Melbourne's Chinese community |
Little Bourke Street (Between Swanston and Russell streets) Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia +61 (0)39 658 9658 (Visitor Information Centre) http://www.visitvictoria.com |
Located in the heart of the city in Little Bourke Street, Chinatown is the focus for Melbourne's Chinese community. It is home to a plethora of Chinese and other Asian restaurants and curiosity shops. Colourful Chinese New Year celebrations are held here annually. Since the 1850s gold rush that brought many Chinese to Victoria, Melbourne's Chinatown has grown to become the only continuous Chinese settlement in Australia. Among today's restaurants and shops, there is still a fascinating sense of the brothels and opium dens that prevailed in bygone days. To discover more of the area's history visit the Chinese Museum or take the Chinatown Heritage Tour. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Cyrus Farivar  |
 Photo: M.Tan |
 Photo: Daryl |
 Photo: Jessica Stanley |
 Photo: liz b |
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Melbourne's multicultural history uncovered |
22 Cohen Place Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia |
Commencing at the Chinese Museum, this two-hour walking tour takes visitors through Melbourne's Chinatown, the oldest in the world outside Asia. After touring the museum, where visitors can walk through a simulated 1860s goldmine and view Dai Loong, the world's longest imperial dragon, it heads outside into the lane ways, stopping at a traditional Chinese herbalist on the way. Guides explain (in English or Chinese) the history of Chinese immigration to Australia, the prejudice that the Chinese encountered, and the lively community they founded in Little Bourke Street which survives to this day. Admission: Adults AUD15; children AUD8; concession AUD12. Optional Chinese banquet is AUD13 extra. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mark Radford |
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Treat yourself to this delicious tour |
14 Rae Street, Hawthorn Corner Elizabeth & Latrobe Streets Melbourne, VIC 3122 Australia +61 (0)3 9815 1228 http://www.chocoholictours.com.au |
This is a walking tour with a difference--you put weight on instead of burning it off! Visitors are introduced to a variety of Melbourne's finest chocolate vendors for exclusive tasting of their latest products, before finishing with coffee and (surprise, surprise) chocolate cake at a café. Participating stores include Darrell Lea, the Chocolate Box, Cadbury's and New Zealand Natural Ice Cream. Aiming to explore and celebrate the city's rich café and chocolate culture, the tour meets at Melbourne Central, and finishes at Southbank. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Chocolate and Sweet Temptations Walk |
6508/7 Riverside Quay Southbank, VIC 3006 Australia +61 3 9686 4655 http://www.chocoholictours.com... |
Suzie Wharton, who also conducts a chocoholics walking tour of Melbourne's top choc spots, has branched out a little on this tour to include desserts. After meeting at the ice cream 'Mecca' Charmaine's at Southgate Food Court, Suzie will take you down the lanes and arcades of central Melbourne. Tastings, tales and tips on dessert making are a feature of the tour. After stops at Haigh's Chocolate (in the beautiful and historic Block Arcade), the Pancake Parlour and Brown Bean cafe, the tour finishes at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Collins Street. Here you go behind the scenes at the hotel's pastry kitchen and can quiz the dessert-meisters on their secrets. The best thing is that after this two-hour walk you can indulge guilt free in afternoon tea. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Eating on the move |
PO Box 372 Melbourne, VIC 3205 Australia +61 3 9696 4000 http://www.tramrestaurant.com.au/ |
As these burgundy trams trundle through South Yarra, Toorak, Armadale and St. Kilda, the diners on board sink into the luxurious Pullman style seats and tuck into a sumptuous meal. Decked out in the style of yesteryear, the trams are specially fitted to reduce swaying and jerks. Tinted windows enhance the romance and fun of spying on the outside world. The modern Australian menu has two choices for each course such as kangaroo or salmon for entree, chicken or steak for main. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Fernando de Sousa |
 Photo: Fernando de Sousa |
 Photo: Rachel Wilke |
 Photo: DIANE SHEN |
 Photo: Rachel Wilke |
 Photo: Rohan Caldwell |
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A walk on the spooky side |
15 McKillop Street The Haunted Bookshop Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia +61 3 9670 2585 http://www.haunted.com.au |
Melbourne is teeming with ghosts. Well, so says Drew Sinton, occultist and g-host of the Haunted Melbourne Ghost Tour. Starting from his appropriately-named Haunted Bookshop, the tour winds through the city's back streets. At each stop Mr Sinton recounts stories of unnatural deaths and the scary antics of poor souls denied eternal rest. Among 60 reputedly haunted hotspots, are the Queen Victoria Market and Flagstaff Gardens (both former cemeteries) and the Princess Theatre. Whether or not you are lucky enough to have a ghostly encounter, this tour reveals a fascinating slice of Melbourne's history. To enjoy it most, come with comfortable shoes and an open mind. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Who's who in the graveyard |
Melbourne General Cemetery Main Entrance College Crescent, Parkville Melbourne, VIC 3052 Australia +61 3 9872 5492 / +61 3 9890 9288 |
Now the permanent home to artists, actors, explorers, judges and the odd murderers and their victims, the Melbourne General Cemetery offers a fascinating glimpse into Melbourne's past. Led by historians Jan Davidson and Helen Harris (OAM) the tours cover specific themes such as Creative Colonists, Law & Order, the Gentle Sex and Who was Who. Some of the famous Melburnians resident in this vast slice of Parkville are explorers Burke and Wills; actor Federici (now rumoured to haunt the Princess Theatre); Judge Redmond Barry, who sentenced Ned Kelly to death, and Peter Lalor, leader of the Eureka Stockade rebellion. The tours are not suitable for young children. Bookings are essential, as a minimum of five participants is needed for the tour to go ahead. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Lars Hagelin |
 Photo: Lars Hagelin |
 Inside a Melbourne landmark |
90-130 Swanston Street Corner Collins Street Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia +61 3 9658 9658 |
The Melbourne Town Hall has stood in the heart of the city for generations and has seen the city grow and change around it. This tour takes you behind the scenes of this beautiful and unique building, and gives you an appreciation of its historical, architectural and social significance to Melbourne. Highlights of the tour are the Council Chambers, Napier Waller murals and the famous Town Hall Organ. You will also see the portico where the Beatles greeted their fans in 1964 and the Melbourne Room where Queen Elizabeth II had a cuppa during her visit in 1954. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Rizzie |
 Photo: Rizzie |
 Photo: Putra Sadikin |
 Photo: Jenny Crossling |
 Photo: Paul Ducco |
 Photo: thminhduc |
 Photo: Claire Spencer |
 Photo: Celio Hirai |
 Photo: chris.whitmarsh |
 Photo: berenjera |
 Photo: Tessa |
 Photo: Raymond Lam |
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An early bird experience to remember |
542 Footscray Road Melbourne Wholesale Markets Melbourne, VIC 3011 Australia +61 3 9620 2089 http://www.melbournemarkets.com/ |
The tour offers a glimpse of the behind the scenes activity that goes on to supply the shops, restaurants and florists of Melbourne. It takes in the three huge markets located on one site in Footscray. First up, at 5:15a is the Wholesale Fish Market where produce fresh from the sea is weighed, measured, bought and sold. If you cannot make it that early, or do not fancy the sight and smell of fish first thing in the morning, you can pick up the tour at the Wholesale Fruit and Vegetable Market at 6a, or the more fragrant Australian National Flower Centre at 6:30a. In all markets your senses will be bombarded by the smells, sights and sounds of three of the city's most frenetic and vibrant places. Admission: Adults AUD15; concession AUD13. Booking is essential as a minimum of 10 people are needed to run the tour. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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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 |
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Shop till you drop |
Box 7119, Gardenvale GPO Brighton Melbourne, VIC 3186 Australia +61 3 9596 6600 http://www.shoppingspree.com.au |
Melbourne lays claim to being Australia's shopping capital, but there is more to the city than glossy department stores and boutiques. This guided bus tour takes you into the warehouses and factory outlets of Melbourne's inner suburbs in search of the real bargains. Whether you want fashion, shoes, handbags, leather, knitwear, home ware, watches, toys, chocolates or even electrical appliances there will be something for you to spend your hard-earned cash on! The tour also includes a trip to the Rialto Tower Observation deck for sweeping views over the city, and a two course lunch. Admission: Adults AUD50; children under 12 AUD15. Review © 2007, Wcities |