Recently I came across Melbourne Travel Experience competition organized by Indiblogger and Tourism Victoria. It all began as a Travel Plan but as soon as I ended up researching in depth about the diversity of Melbourne, I felt a sudden urge deep within to visit Melbourne City at least once in my life.

Travelling solo to Melbourne is on my wish list now. Safety is priority for solo travellers and Melbourne being world’s most liveable city is a haven for such travellers. If at any point of time I get a chance to visit Melbourne this is how I will make this trip extraordinarily memorable and different than my previous journeys.

I desire to see the best of Melbourne not only with a traveller’s eye but also from the perspective of a local Melbournian. Visiting popular places will unquestionably be on my list but along with that I would also explore different places in Victoria which are less frequented by travellers.

 

My Idea for an enriching experience in Melbourne

I will start my day with a pleasant morning walk in the beautifully landscaped Royal Botanic Gardens.  Its prime location near the centre of the city is a plus factor which makes it easy to commute to other popular parts of Melbourne with ease.

Nothing could be more perfect than a free ride in the heritage City Circle Tram (Route Map) to explore central Melbourne and the Docklands. That’s not it; one can also enjoy delicious meals while travelling and hop on hop off at any stop. City Circle Tram is the simplest way to visit historic St Paul’s Cathedral, informative Melbourne Museum, and fascinating Melbourne Aquarium.

In order to make sure that I am not alone I will step inside the vastly spread Queen Victoria Market – mecca for shopaholics. Established in 1878, Queen Victoria Market offers such wide array of products that it will be hard to predict what’s coming next.

Being a die-hard cricket fan it is my duty to enter the walls of Melbourne Cricket Ground where many great matches have been played.

For a perfect day’s end I will spend my evening at St. Kilda Beach during the golden hour. Silhouettes of the ocean will be best seen from wooden boardwalk stretching out till the very end, which also gives an occasional chance to spot the penguins at night.

 

Witnessing the blend of nature and modernity

Second day morning stroll will be reserved for picturesque Dandenong Ranges – an ideal place for a hike amidst nature. The aim of this hike is to see splendid views of Port Phillip Bay and Melbourne City from Bourkes Lookout. There are some good cafes in this region where I can quench my thirst and feed my hunger.

Graffiti art always leaves me curious and in order to serve this curiosity of mine a walk down the Hosier Lane along with my camera is a must do activity of the day. Some extremely talented artists have painted this lane into a colourful paradise. After dead slow walk at Hosier Lane I will indulge in Spanish delicacies at MoVida – my idea for a perfect lunch.

Bourke Street, Melbourne’s Central and Block Arcade redefines the street and mall shopping experience. Elegant architecture, live performance by various artists and vibrant atmosphere is just too good to resist.

Cycling down the Capital City Trail on the banks of the Yarra River in the evening showcases some really nice spots. Gleaming lights of skyscrapers reflecting on the waters of Yarra River transforms Melbourne City into a surrealistic sphere.

 

Encounter with an adventurer within

In order to feel the wild wind that ocean carries with her, I will do cycling on the Great Ocean Road. Driving a car would shorten the journey of experiencing scenic beauty of the Great Ocean Road.

I have never liked the idea of keeping animals in a cage, encountering an animal in its habitat is a gift from nature. Werribee Open Range Zoos gives the opportunity to do safari in widespread scenic landscapes where you can easily spot Cheetah, Giraffe, Rhinoceros, Zebra, Lion and other spectacular animals. I would love to feed Giraffe’s in their habitat.

Melbourne is never short of dive sites and has a lot to offer not just above sea level but under water as well. I will steal this chance to access magical underwater world by scuba diving.

Day tour to Philip Island will definitely occupy my itinerary. Capturing gorgeously cute penguins on a parade with the backdrop of ocean will make a perfect photograph.

 

Few more desires

Hot Air Balloon soaring above Melbourne

 

If my trip is not constrained with budget or time then I would definitely book myself a Hot Air Balloon Flight over Melbourne at sunrise. I will explore the grand spectacles of Grampians National Park and paddle down the lifeline of Victoria, Yarra River on a kayak.

If I happen to visit Melbourne during winters then I will soothe and relax in oasis of Melbourne – Peninsula Hot Springs. If weather is in favour then nothing could be more romantic than a walk in the rain in laneways of Melbourne, and if luck is in favour then may be a girl might join me.

 

Even though I have mentioned about too many places still there is a lot more that I am missing on.

Before bidding adieu to Melbourne I will visit Eureka Skydeck 88 for aerial view of the city. It promises an incredible sight of Melbourne City from 88 floor up when the night is about to strike.

Eureka Skydeck 88

 

Melbourne is a cultural capital in truest sense of the word and a visit to this magnificent city would be a priceless gift to my relentless love for nature, art and diversity.

The moment I ended up writing this travel plan I said to myself “It’s your time to visit Melbourne now, you are prepared for it”.

 

 

 

Till then I will explore the streets of Melbourne on Google Earth. Here is a screenshot.

Hosier Lane as seen on Google Earth

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Virtual Tour of Melbourne: http://www.visitmelbourne.com/in

 

 

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