What About Melbourne?

Personally, Australia has always been one of my targeted destinations for travel. I am actually planning for a surprise trip for our next honeymoon there. I am undecided on which part of Australia to go to. Hmmm… could it be Gold Coast? Perth? Melbourne? I couldn't make up my mind 'coz every part has its own attractions and seems pretty tempting to me! I really hope you guys can help me. Anyone been to Australia, I need your advice. I've surfed the Net and found some interesting spots in Melbourne which are really interesting.

Did you know that there are actually penguins in Melbourne? I only got to know this lately. Gosh, what a shame?! (But hey, better late than never) There's this place called Phillip Island a.k.a. Penguin Island, where we can see the little birds at a close distance. I am really attracted to this and I’m sure my wife should be too! We both love cute little animals. So, I guess, the penguins might do the trick. Hehe…

(Original Photos by stowaway)

Another place which tempted me is the Great Ocean Road. I’m sure everyone would be wowed by the beautiful scenery of this place where we can witness the real art of nature. Huge lime stones erecting across the ocean bay, creates a magnificent spot for photography. Another interesting lime stone sculpture is the "London Bridge" of Port Campbell National Park. It is called "London Bridge" because of its shape. According to a website, at first, the "London Bridge" was connected creating two arches but in early 1990, one of the arches collapsed due to long-term erosions and leaving only one arch left now.

(Original Photos by atiiota & Joe Gattuso)

I also heard that the Queen Victoria Market is a place where you can get generally everything you want! That's great news for visitors like me 'coz I'm sure I would want to try out some local delicacies and get a bundle of souvenirs back for my friends. Fresh seafood, shellfish, vegetables, fruits, meat and other groceries are found there. If I were there, I think I would 'help' to boost up the economy of Melbourne by becoming a 'shopaholic' there! Hahaha… Gosh, what a sinful thought?!

(Original Photos by adambalic)

I am seriously considering Melbourne as my surprise honeymoon destination now. What do you think? Any takers? Furthermore, PYO Travel.com is offering some alluring packages which I can't say 'NO' to. Check them out!

Chic City of Melbourne

Listed as one of the world’s most livable cities, it is not surprising for quite a number of my friends have happily migrated to Melbourne. People who live in Melbourne enjoy the many interesting cultural attributes, convenient and reliable public transportation system, proper health care services, comfortable (but sometimes crazy) climate, low crime rates, peaceful multicultural atmosphere and others. What else would you ask for more in comparison with other less fortunate places in the world?

Being sophisticated and contemporary, upbeat and trendy, Melbourne has uniquely blended in these modern elements together with its historical structures of ornate Victorian architecture. With the formation of its citizens from so many different races and background, it has given Melbourne such vibrant colours that will no doubt bring your senses alive.

Attractions in 'the city'

Melbourne city is actually pretty small for me but it is known to be ‘big’ because it consist a wide spread of low urban density stretching far especially towards the South East side. The place where all the cool happenings actually take place is commonly called ‘the city’ by the locals, which usually concentrates around the areas of Flinders Street. (At least for the tourists anyway)

1854 Flinders Street

One of the iconic historical landmarks at the city is the Flinders Street Station. Built in 1854, it is Melbourne’s first railway station. Now, this railway station still sees hundreds and thousands of commuters going in and about on a normal weekday going to work. It is also a popular meeting spot for the Melbournians as it goes with the idiom “I’ll meet you under the clocks” referring to the rows of clocks on the building which indicate the time of departure of the trains.

It is nice to look at this beautiful architectural structure with its modern high rise buildings in the background. If people-watching is one of your hobbies while at a foreign country, pick a nice seat out at the Young & Jackson’s pub opposite the station and enjoy a cold beer in hand on a warm summer day. It has been in business for more than a hundred years, and still a popular hot-spot.

The austere interior of St Paul Cathedral

Around the corner of Flinders Station, stands the austere looking St Paul Cathedral, built between the years of 1880-1891. St Paul Cathedral is famously known for it stained glass on both sides down the aisles. I like visiting churches like these. It is more than just a religious setting; it reminds me of the great efforts, ingenious details and creativity that people would put in to build such great churches. It represents the wonders of God that shows in the art forms and ornate designs of these churches. I like sitting on a solid wooden pew, my heart will quiet down as I enfold myself in the solemn presence of the church. Sometimes there’ll be a whiff of burning incense with some soft jingling of bells along with silent prayers by other people sitting around.

The work of art itself in Ian Potter Centre

For each and every of my visits to a foreign country, I’ve always make it a point to drop in at the National Art Gallery. Local artist always reveal not only the interest of their heart, often times, it showcase the spirit of the country itself. In Melbourne, there’s Ian Potter Centre: National Gallery of Victoria. This sleek-looking futuristic glass and steel structure has often times snatch the limelight off its Victorian style neighbours. Inside the centre houses the collection of Australian painters such as Modernist Sir Sidney Nolan, Arthur Boyd, Australian impressionist including Frederick McCubbin, Arthur Streeton and many others. Art portrays a country’s soul, to fully understand a country; a visit to the National Gallery is a must.

Melbourne is such a charming city. Relaxing, peaceful and cultured, I would very much love to live a couple of months in such an ultra neat ultra tidy city like Melbourne. Maybe someday…

Going Down Under! - Travel Dream Come True

I always wanted to go to Australia, specially Sydney. I have been longing to visit this beautiful city for many many years. Even I have not been there before, everytime I closed my eyes, I could illustrate the city in my mind. Starting from the LRT station nearby Chinatown, and a few steps away, there is Paddy Market, and Martin Place is always within walking distance, the Harbour Bridge will be not far away, there I could see the famous landmark of Sydney, that is Sydney Opera House. And nearby are Circular Quay, The Rock... ..... These are all in my mind, in my dream.


Sometimes it is funny, I dream of Sydney, and I admit that I dream of Sydney, I want to go to Sydney. But people always think I should go to China. I want to see the Sydney Opera House very much, but people think I prefer to climb the Great Wall at Beijing. Who cares? I am the one to plan for my own holiday, not others.


And yes, I always wanted to go to Australia, but the time was always not right. Maybe when the time is right, other things else will be wrong. I could not think too much but bought a ticket (I have no gut to buy only one-way ticket) and flied to Sydney.

Sydney, here I am coming! No words can describe when I saw the Opera House and Harbour Bridge with my own eyes. It was like kind of dream comes true. (No words can describe…because I don’t write good English :-p).


I was there for 3 weeks, and continued to Melbourne for another one week. I did not manage to go to Gold Coast, neither do I go to Ayer Rock. I was in Sydney, doing nothing, everyday took a MRT train to city center, sitting at Circular Quay, staring at the Opera House with blank mind. Relax…. no stress….no work hassle…. How I wish I could live this kind of life forever!

(Manly Scenic Walkway... guess if I finished the 10km journey?)

(Great Ocean Road - the 12 apsotles collapse one after one, remain only 9 at the moment. Make sure you visit them early before all dissapear from the sea.)

What kind of tour itinerary that I have planned for myself, spent a whole month in Australia, and only managed to visit Sydney and Melbourne. Maybe it is good for me to have an excuse to go down under again to visit Perth, Gold Coast, Adelaide, even Ayer Rock....! And maybe one day I feel bored again, I will do the same, doesn't matter one-way ticket, or returns ticket......

(I'll meet you under the clock)

(Queen Victoria Market)

(Sovereign Hill)