Mum and small business owner, Paula lets us know why Melbourne, in Victoria, Australia is so awesome and why she loves where she lives.
If I only had 24 hours to visit Melbourne, Australia, describe what I should do.
I would say hit up the city, take the free city circle tram which gives commentary along the way and what is coming up at the next stops. Go up Eureka Tower to the skydeck for a 360° view of Melbourne. The museum is great if that’s your thing, or you have kids. If sport is your choice, a tour of the MCG is a must. And without a doubt, eat out for all meals. The coffee and
food culture is some of the best. De Graves St, Hardware Lane and Lygon St (Italian precinct) are lined with cafes/restaurants with all fresco dining that creates an incredible atmosphere.
What is your favourite restaurant / cafe / eating / drinking place, there?
Din Tai Fung for dumplings (Emporioum Shopping Centre) Maccaroni Trattoria for Italian (Manchester Lane, Melbourne) Martini and Co for drinks and steaks (Pacific Werribee shopping centre)
If you could suggest for me to just do ONE thing in Melbourne, what would it be and why?
Spare a couple hours for lunch or dinner on the Tramcar Restaurant. It goes through part of the city and out to St Kilda along the Bay and serves some lovely food (set menu from memory).
What is one thing Melbourne, Australia should be known for and why?
Has to be two for Melbourne, Food and Sports!
Tell me about your favourite outdoor activity in Melbourne?
Most of my outdoor activities these days with a toddler and baby is the local parks. The suburbs have some great parks and bike tracks for walking/riding bikes.
Tell me about your favourite indoor activity?
Definitely going to the theatre. There is usually always something worth seeing, even if it’s more local amateur shows or comedy shows.
Imagine I am blind. If I come to visit Melbourne how would you describe it to me?
Melbourne city is a grid. Do 3 left or right turns and you’ll basically be back in the same spot you started! Parallel from Spencer St, working up to the top of the city you start with King, William, Queen, Elizabeth Streets, followed by Swanston, Russell, Exhibition and Spring. It’s an easy way to work out how many blocks you need to go. Going perpendicular to those, you have all the “big” and Little Streets. The city itself has plenty of hills with all the high rises, and one of the few places that has all the sports stadiums on the edge of the CBD. The suburbs spread out to the north, east and west (south of the city takes you into Port Philip Bay).
What makes Melbourne stand out compared to nearby cities?
Being the capital, Melbourne is obviously the biggest city in Victoria. The next closest major cities being Adelaide, Canberra and Sydney. Compared to Sydney, Melbourne is an easier city to navigate around and closer together. It’s also slightly friendlier and slower paced than Sydney and we get the best of the best sporting events. In my opinion, the arts and theatre shows and food can’t be compared to anywhere else. The weather is also unique. It is one of the few places I’ve been to that has 4 seasons in one day. It’s hard to adjust to the weather.
What is the best thing to do with children in Melbourne and why?
The zoos; Melbourne Zoo (just outside the city CBD) and Werribee Zoo (open plain style). Both are fantastic and definitely a winner for kids and adults. There are also quite a few animal petting farm style places in the east and west, that are also fabulous and more interactive for kids. Older kids might enjoy Scienceworks in Williamstown, for something a bit different and interactive.
What is the best thing to do as a solo traveller why?
Hanging out in the city, hitting up the multiple lane ways that have an array of eating places and fabulous street art. Although, best to visit these places during the day! Do some of the walking tours and things like that to meet up with others and have some company. If there’s a couple of days to spare, it’s worth jumping on some tours. Down the Great Ocean Rd (an extremely long, but awesome day and best to have a jumper/jacket no matter the time of year!) and also to Phillip Island for the nightly penguin parade.
What is the best thing to do as a couple in Melbourne and why?
Plenty of fabulous restaurants and bars to hit up around the city and the casino can be fun to go to for a splurge. Also, a day trip out to the Yarra Valley and some of the wineries is a great day with some lovely scenery. An early morning hot air balloon over the city could be a lovely/romantic start to the day.
Is there anything else I should know about why you love where you live?
Melbourne is just a great place to live and covers so many interests – music, theatre, arts, sports, food, shopping, travel. Everyone should be able to find something that they like to do in Melbourne or at least try something new!
Don’t forget to support small business as much as you can when you travel. When in Melbourne check out D’Kebabs and Paratha Gully for amazing takeaway!
Would you like to share why you love where YOU live? Send an email to happylifesafari.com to be included!
