Melbourne
Population 2,942,000
Melbourne, the capital of Victoria, is situated on the shores of Port Phillip Bay. The Yarra River flows through the city.

ORDER ONLINE ORDER > SEE MORE TITLES

Settlers in Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania) had known for years that there was good grazing land in the Port Phillip area, but had been refused permission to settle there. In 1835, John Batman ignored the ban, landed with a party, and 'bought' 600,000 acres of land from the local Aborigines for a few axes and other trade goods. He then returned to Launceston and formed the Port Phillip Association. (On the north side of Flinders Street, between Market and William Streets, there is a small plaque in the pavement marking the place where Batman stood when he declared that it was a good place for a village.

In 1836, Governor Bourke vetoed Batman's purchase, and appointed Captain William Lonsdale as resident magistrate of the rapidly-growing settlement. Bourke visited the site in the following year, named the place Melbourne, had a street plan drawn up, and offered lots for sale.

The Australian Colonies Government Act was passed in August 1850, and constituted the Port Phillip district as a separate colony, with La Trobe as its first Lieutenant-Governor. Soon after, gold was discovered near Ballarat, and people came from all over the world seeking their fortune. The consequent Eureka Uprising gave the new government its first major challenge.

Climate
Melbourne's climate is midway between maritime and continental, and is very changeable. Average temperatures: January max 26C (79F) - min 14C (57F); July max 13C (55F) - min 6C (43F). Average annual rainfall: 656mm (26 ins). The driest months are June to August.

Characteristics
Victoria is called the Garden State, and its capital city certainly does its share to live up to that reputation. Melbourne has tree-lined boulevards, acres of parkland on the banks of the Yarra River, and parks and gardens galore in the suburbs.

How to Get There
By Air
Melbourne International Airport, at Tullamarine, is serviced by over 20 international carriers.
The domestic lines of Qantas, 13 1313, Ansett, 13 1300, and Impulse, 13 1381, have regular services from other cities in Australia. Aus-Air, (03) 9580 6166, specialise in services to Tasmania and the southern islands of Flinders and King.
The airport is about 20km (12 miles) out of the city, and the Skybus operates between Tulla-marine and the terminal at 58 Franklin Street, 9335 3066 or 9662 9275. The Frankston & Peninsula Airport Shuttle, 9783 1199, takes passengers to that area, and there are also shuttle buses for the eastern suburbs.

By Bus
Greyhound Pioneer, 13 2030, and McCaffertys, 13 1499, have regular services to/from Melbourne and Sydney, Adelaide, Canberra, Newcastle, Coolangatta, Brisbane, Alice Springs, Townsville, Perth, Cairns and Darwin.

By Rail
There are rail services from Sydney and Adelaide, with connections from other capital cities, 13 2232. The country and interstate terminal is Spencer Street Station.
V/Line
Rail and coach services operate from country Victoria to Melbourne daily. They also travel as far as Adelaide, Canberra and the Sapphire Coast of NSW. For further information, 136 196.

By Road
From Sydney, via the Hume Highway, 875km (544 miles); via the Princes Highway, 1058km (657 miles); via the Olympic Way, 961km (597 miles); via Canberra/Cooma/Cann River, 1038km (645 miles).
From Adelaide, via the Western and Dukes Highways, 726km (451 miles); via Princes Highway West, 910km (565 miles).

Visitor Information
The Victoria Visitor Information Centre is in the Melbourne Town Hall on the corner of Swanston Walk & Little Collins Street, (03) 9658 9955. It is open Mon-Fri 8.30am-5.30pm and weekends and public holidays 9am-5pm. They can be emailed at visitor@melbourne .vic.gov.au

There are information booths in Bourke Street Mall, between Elizabeth and Swanston Streets, and Flinders Street Station, on the corner of Flinders and Swanston Streets.

The Victorian Tourism Operators Association is on Level 2, Rialto North Tower, 525 Collins Street, (03) 9614 8877 or email vtoa@vtoa.asn.au

Tourism Victoria is on Level 6, 55 Collins Street, (03) 132 842.

City of Melbourne, is in Melbourne Town Hall, Swanston Street, (03) 9658 9955.

The Travellers' Aid Society of Victoria is on the 2nd Floor at 169 Swanston Street, (03) 9654 2600. They are open Mon-Fri 8am-6pm and Sat-Sun 10am-4pm. They also have a Rail Room at Spencer Street Railway Station, (03) 9670 2873.
Melbourne also has an Information Line available 7 days a week from 8am-6pm - 13 28 42.

The following websites will give you a detailed insight into the city of Melbourne, outlying regions and potential itineraries for travel around Victoria:
melbourne.citysearch.com.au
www.melbourne.org
www.tourism.vic.gov.au
www.theage.com.au
www.victrip.vic.gov.au

ORDER ONLINE ORDER > SEE MORE TITLES

Accommodation
For a complete list of accommodation, contact one of the Tourist Offices above or explore the web pages.
As with any big city, accommodation is usually cheaper in the outer suburbs, and that is obviously where you find the caravan parks. Here is a selection of city and inner suburban accommodation, with prices for a double room per night, which should be used as a guide only. The telephone area code is 03.

Australia hotels hotel.com.au Sydney Hotels Melbourne Hotels Canberra Hotels Sleep with us, hotel.com.au the easiest way to book hotels in Sydney, Melbourne, Cairns, the Gold Coast and other popular Australian business and holiday destinations.

Local Transport
The Met, Melbourne's public transport system, covers trains, trams and buses, and is operated by the Public Transport Corporation. Melbourne is divided into three zones and your ticket type depends on which zone you are going to travel in, and for how long. Two-hour, daily, weekly, monthly or yearly tickets are available.

The routes of the various forms of transport are indicated on the Met map, available from railway stations, newsagencies and some book shops. Further information is available from the Met Transport Information Centre, 589 Collins Street, 13 1638 (open 7am-9pm), or from The Met Shop at 103 Elizabeth Street.

ORDER ONLINE ORDER > SEE MORE TITLES

Melbourne's metropolitan public transport website for Bayside Trains is www.met.vic.gov.au
Victoria's official public transport site, containing timetables and fares for trams, buses and trains, is www.victrip.com.au

Trams
Trams are just about the 'symbol' of Melbourne, and are a big draw-card for visitors. These vehicles, some old-fashioned and some sleek and new, continue to provide transport for thousands of commuters. They are an interesting, reliable and efficient way to see the city. The Visitor Centres can provide you with a brochure outlining the routes, stops, zones and fares, with explanations to assist your reading of tickets (Metcards) and timetables.

Here are a few hints: remember to take coins with you, as this is the only form of currency which ticket vending machines accept. You can purchase a daily ticket for $4.40, allowing you unlimited travel in Zone 1, which covers the city and immediate surrounds. Keep an eye out for retailers displaying the Metcard Sales Flag, because daily tickets must be pre-purchased. In the city centre, there is a free tram service, the Free City Circle, which skirts the rectangular perimeter of the CBD and may be useful for reducing your legwork while shopping or sightseeing.

Taxis
These can be hired off the street, at taxi ranks, major hotels, or by phoning one of the taxi companies.
Initial flagfall is $2.60 and the meter clicks over at $1 per kilometre, or at 41.6 cents per minute if the speed of the vehicle drops below 25km/h. There is a booking fee of $1 and also a late night surcharge of $1. Be aware that CityLink tolls will be added to the fare if you choose to travel on certain roads -  both the Western and Southern Links are $2 for taxis.

Following are some of the companies operating in Melbourne:
Arrow Taxi Service, 13 2211; Astoria Taxis, 9347 5511; Black Cabs Combined, 13 2227; Embassy Taxis, 13 1755; Frankston Radio Cabs, 9786 3322; North Suburban Taxis, 13 1119; Regal Corporate Cars, 9326 6600; Silver Top Taxi Service, 13 1008; West Suburban Taxi, 9689 1144; Yellow Cabs, 13 19 24.

Water taxis include:
River Yarra Water Taxis, &0416 06 8655; and Melbourne Circle Water Taxis, 9686 0914.

Car Hire
There are plenty of car rental agencies, and they accept current international licences.
Airport Rent A Car, 9335 3355; All Cheap Car Rentals, 9429 6999; Atlas, 9633 6233; Avis, 9330 4011; Budget, 1300 362 848; Crown, 9682 2266; Delta, 9330 6122; Hertz, 13 3039; Murphy, 9602 2265; National, 9696 9000; Pacific, 9347 9600; Thrifty, 1300 367 2277.

When driving in Melbourne, there are a few rules about the trams. Drivers must not obstruct trams, and there are yellow lines on roadways indicating streets in which drivers must keep clear of the tracks when trams are approaching. Drivers must also stop when a tram is picking up or setting down passengers, if there is not a central traffic island. Making a right hand turn can sometimes be dicey in the city centre. If the intersection has a 'hook turn' sign, the turn has to be made from the left-hand lane when the lights change, to leave the centre of the intersection clear for trams.

Tollways
Citylink is a system of roads that connects some of Melbourne's motorways together. At the time of writing, Citylink tolls are applicable on the Monash Freeway, Tullamarine Freeway and the Bolte Bridge. No other motorways in Melbourne have tolls on them. Leave your change in your pocket, though, because tolls are collected electronically.

Most people visiting Melbourne will only want to use Citylink a couple of times at most. It is possible to buy up to twelve day passes per year on Citylink. Day passes cost $3.85 and can be paid for with a Visa, Mastercard or Bankcard over the phone or bought at selected Shell service stations. Day passes can be bought up until 12pm the day after travel, but an extra fee for late day passes applies. The Citylink customer service number to pay for the pass is 13 26 29.

Bicycle Hire
Melbourne has quite a few bike tracks, and to hire a bike it is best to get in touch with Bicycle Victoria, 19 O'Connell Street, North Melbourne, 9328 3000.

Eating Out
Melbourne has over 3200 restaurants representing 70 national cuisines. The most plentiful choice of Asian restaurants is found in Chinatown's Little Bourke Street; for Italian food, try Lygon Street, Carlton; for Greek, Lonsdale Street; and for Vietnamese, Victoria Street, Richmond. South Yarra is another restaurant centre.
Here is a selection of highly recommended restaurants.

Asian
Flower Drum, 17 Market Lane, 9662 3655. This is the number one Chinese restaurant, with a legendary status in Melbourne culinary circles. The question, however, is whether the justifiable fame, outstanding cuisine and impeccable service are worth the average $150 bill for two. The Drum is open for dinner 7 days and lunch Mon-Sat, licensed.
Mask of China, 117 Little Bourke Street, 9662 2116. Licensed, excellent seafood and wine list, dinner served daily from 6pm, lunch on Sunday from midday.
Empress of China, 120 Little Bourke Street, 9663 1833. Open for dinner 6 days and lunch on Sundays.
Bamboo House, 47 Little Bourke Street, 9662 1565. Licensed. Peking duck and spicy seafoods are specialties. Open daily from 5.30pm and for lunch Mon-Fri.
King of Kings, 209 Russel Street, 9663 2895. Inexpensive meals of a good quality, open daily 11am-2.30am.
Isthmus of Kra, 50 Park Street, South Melbourne, 9690 3688. Gernerally considered one of the finest Thai restaurants in Melbourne. Licensed, wonderful wine list, varied menu, open for dinner 7 days and lunch Mon-Fri.

European
Austria Haus Edelweiss, 419 Spencer Street, 9329 5877. Licensed, open 7 days for lunch and dinner, with Viennese Sunday luncheon.
Casa Di Iorio, 141 Lygon Street, Carlton, 9347 2670. Italian cuisine restaurant and pizza house, plus takeaway.
Da Salvatore, 29 Gratton Street, Carlton, 9663 4778. Pizza, pasta and steaks, quick service, open 7 days for lunch and dinner.
Bonum, 2 Collins Street, City, 9650 9387. Licensed, up-market restaurant with inventive and exotic dishes at prices around $25 for a main course. Open for dinner Mon-Sat and for lunch Mon-Fri.
2bc, 177 Greville Street, Prahran, 9529 4922. Busy and trendy establishment that serves Mediterranean-style meals at reasonable prices. It is licensed and open for lunch 7 days and dinner Mon-Sat.
Akvavit, Ground Level 3a, 2 Southgate, Southbank, 9699 9947. Swedish restaurant with views of the river and city. Licensed or BYO, open daily for lunch and dinner. Two people can escape here paying around $40 for meals plus drinks.

International
O'Connels, 407 Coventry Street, South Melbourne, 9699 9600. A changing menu that ranges from North American to Middle Eastern cuisine. Licensed, open for lunch and dinner 7 days.
Blakes, Ground Level, 2 Southgate, Southbank, 9699 4100. Extensive menu offering a variety of unique flavours. Wonderful views of the Yarra and city. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
Harvey's, 10 Murphy Street, South Yarra, 9867 3605. Predominantly Asian and Italian flavours. Open daily for lunch and dinner, from 7am Mon-Fri.
Becco, 11-25 Crossley Street, 9663 3000. Efficient service, strong wine list and an extensive menu. Open daily 9am-11pm.
Chinois, 176 Toorak Road, South Yarra, 9826 3388. Expensive but elegant modern restaurant. Licensed, open for lunch and dinner Mon-Fri.
Abla's, 109 Elgin Street, Carlton, 9347 0006. Considered to be the best Middle Eastern restaurant in Melbourne. Set menu with a variety of complementary flavours. Open Thu-Fri for lunch and Mon-Sat for dinner.
est est est, 440 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne, 9682 5688. Short but innovative menu with good wines to match. An expensive venture. Licensed and open Mon-Sat from 6pm.

Theatre Restaurants
Hofbrauhaus, 18-24 Market Lane, Melbourne, 9663 3361. Bavarian beerfest. Affordable lunch menu. Licensed, open daily midday to midnight.
Dirty Dick's Medieval Madness Restaurant, 45 Dudley Street, West Melbourne, 9325 3999. Licensed, medieval banquet.
The Comedy Club, 380 Lygon Street, Carlton, 9348 1622. Open 9am-5pm Mon-Fri. Fully, licensed, cabaret environment, dinner and show packages available.
Witches in Britches, 84 Dudley Street, West Melbourne, 9329 9850. Bar, three course meal and a two-hour show to follow. Open 7pm-1am 7 days.
Dracula's Theatre Restaurant, 169 Exhibition Street, Melbourne, 9663 1754. Comic Transylvanian theme. Centrally located in the city.

At the other end of the scale, KFC is at 201 Bourke Street and 37 Swanston Street. Pizza Hut is on the corner of Elizabeth and Bourke Streets (13 1166 for delivery). There are no less than 11 McDonalds branches, with 4 on Bourke Street, 2 on Collins Street, 2 on Elizabeth Street, and one each on Lonsdale, Swanston and St Kilda. Of course, the suburbs are represented by additional branches of each of the above.

You will find many other types of fast food outlets in the city centre. Going hungry in Melbourne is almost impossible, except in cases when you remain indecisive for hours, overwhelmed by the wide choice of venues. But this seldom occurs.

Entertainment
Melbourne's nightlife conjures up images of excitement, colour, action and entertainment. There is a comprehensive range of nocturnal activities to select from including discos, wine bars, concerts, theatre, cinema, live bands, nightclubs and much more. Here is a selection of entertainment venues in the city.

Cinemas
Hoyts Cinema Complex, 140 Bourke Street, 9663 3303.
Village Centre, 206 Bourke Street, 9667 6565.
Chinatown Cinema, 200 Bourke Street, 9662 3465.
Crazy Horse Cinema, 34 Elizabeth Street, 9654 8796.
Greater Union, 131 Russell Street, 9654 8235.
Kino Cinemas, 45 Collins Street, 9650 2100.
Lumiere Cinemas, 108 Lonsdale Street, 9639 1055.
Moonlight Cinemas, Level 10, 140 Bourke Street, 9663 9555.

Theatres
The Half-Tix kiosk is in the Bourke Street Mall, 9650 9420.
Princess Theatre, 163 Spring Street, 9662 2911.
Victorian Arts Centre, 100 St Kilda Road, 9281 8000.
Athenaeum Theatre, 188 Collins Street, 9650 1500.
Comedy Theatre, 240 Exhibition Street, 9209 9000.
Playbox Theatre Company, 113 Sturt Street, South Melbourne, 9685 5111.
Melbourne Theatre Company, 129 Ferrars Street, Southbank, 13 6166.
Her Majesty's Theatre, 219 Exhibition Street, 9663 3211.
Forum Theatre, 154 Flinders Street, 9299 9700.
Princes Theatre, 163 Spring Street, 9299 9800.
Regent Theatre, 191 Collins Street, 9299 9860.
Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Kings Domain, 9281 8360.

Nightclubs
Chevron, 519 St Kilda Road, 9510 1281. hOpen Thu 9pm-5am, Friday midnight-10am. Cover charge $12.
Melbourne Metro, 20-30 Bourke Street, 9663 4288. hOpen Thu-Sat. Cover charge $6 Thursday, $10 Friday & Saturday.
Revolver Upstairs, 229 Chapel Street, Prahran, 9521 5985. hOpen Mon-Thu midnight-3am, Fri-Sun 24hrs.
The Dome, 19 Commercial Road, Prahran, 9529 8966. hOpens daily from 10pm with a cover charge of $10.
Grainstore Tavern, 46 King Street, 9614 3570. Live acts upstairs, video dance club downstairs.
The Ivy, 145 Flinders Lane, 9650 1855. Open Thurs-Sat, four  floors, dance, bar, band and VIP Bar upstairs.
Club V, 371 Chapel Street, South Yarra, 9827 1771. $10 cover charge.
Salt, 14a Claremont Street, South Yarra, 9827 8333. Melbourne's newest and most sophisticated nightclub.
Billboard, 170 Russell Street, 9639 4000. hOpen Mon, Thurs-Sat 9pm-7am.
Club UK, 169 Exhibition Street, 9663 2075. Geared towards the backpacker sector - perhaps those who are feeling a little homesick. hOpen Wed-Sun 5pm-3am and there is no cover charge.
Monsoon's, in the Grand Hyatt Melbourne, 123 Collins Street, 9653 4516.
P O D, 241 King Street, 9642 8100. As the name indicates, this venue is quite simply a 'Place Of Dance'.
Chaise Lounge, 105 Queen Street, Melbourne, 9670 6120. Good music, plenty of seating, vibrant atmosphere and post-modern decor. hOpen from 4pm Tue, Wed & Fri and from 9am on Saturday, closing at 3am.

Bars & Pubs
Up Top Bar, First Floor, 163 Russell Street, 9663 8990. hOpen from 4pm until late the following morning Wed-Sun. Nostalgic '50s decor revised in trendy style. Impressive list of alcoholic beverages. Entry is free.
Gin Palace, 191 Little Collins Street, 9654 0533. Characterised by an eclectic mix of furniture fashions and cocktail concoctions (try an 'Industrial Revolution', for example!). hOpen daily 4pm-3am.
Hairy Canary, 212 Little Collins Street, 9654 2471. An inviting complement of food is on offer for those who feel that they need something to wash down with their drink. hOpen 7.30am-3am 7 days.
The Bullring, 95 Johnston Street, Fitzroy, 9416 0022. Lively atmosphere with music and dance of Latin American derivation. hOpen from 6pm-late, entertainment begins at 10.30pm. $5 cover charge.
Walters Wine Bar, Upper Level, Southgate, Southbank, 9690 1211. Popular after-dark venue with stunning city views across the Yarra River. Good meals also available. hOpen midday every day and closes Sun-Thu at 1am and Fri-Sat at 3am.
Bell's Hotel, 157 Moray Street, South Melbourne, 9690 4511. Meals from 6pm.
Redback Brewery, 75 Flemington Road, North Melbourne, 9329 9400. hOpen Mon-Thurs 11am-midnight, Fri-Sat 11am-1am, Sun 11am-11.30pm. Meals Mon-Sun noon-3pm and 6-10pm.
Edward's Tavern, 221 High Street, Prahran, 9510 9897. 3 main bars and live entertainment. hOpen from 7pm Fri-Sun & Tues, 9pm Mon & Thurs, closed Wednesdays.

Music Venues
Rock
Wayside Inn, 466 City Road, South Melbourne, 9699 8469.
Central Club Hotel, 246 Victoria Street, North Melbourne, 9329 7482.

Jazz
Dizzy's Jazz Bar, 90 Swan Street, Richmond, 9428 1233. A deservedly famous centre for jazz lovers. hOpen Thu-Sat 8pm-1am.  Cover charges are $8 on Thursday and $10 on Friday & Saturday.
Moylans, 384 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, 9629 1030. Smoke-free environment, and a magnet for talented jazz musicians.
Ozcat, at the Parkview, cnr Scotchmer Street & Georges Road, Fitzroy North, 9489 8811. This venue will be used only for special concerts, while the main features of the Australian Catalog of Independent Artists will be played at Moylans (see above).

Rhythm & Blues
The Next Blue, at the Crown Casino, 8 Whiteman Street, South-bank, 9292 7007.

Shopping
Melbourne is Australia's fashion capital, and has an enormous selection of clothes and accessories boutiques.

Collins Street has many designer label boutiques, and is linked to Bourke Street by a network of arcades and alleys with boutiques and specialty shops. Explore the sidewalks along Collins Street between Swanston and Spring Streets for some exclusive up-market clothing stores. 234 Collins, located at that address, is a complex dedicated to fashion.
Australia on Collins is another fashion mecca. It joins Collins and Little Collins Streets and boasts an elaborate food court.

The 19th century Block Arcade, with its high domed ceiling and mosaic tiled floor, runs from 282 Collins Street to Little Collins Street, or you can enter from Elizabeth Street.

The Royal Arcade, the oldest arcade in Melbourne, links Little Collins Street and Bourke Street Mall, and also has an entrance in Elizabeth Street.

The Galleria Plaza is a centre for fashion and also a good place to find gifts. It is on the corner of Elizabeth and Little Collins Streets.

The Bourke Street Mall in the heart of the city, between Swanston and Elizabeth Streets, offers very good shopping, and is dominated by David Jones and Myer Department Stores. Other arcades running off the Mall are the Centrepoint Mall and The Walk. Although the Mall is classed as a pedestrian area, trams do run through its centre.
Midtown Plaza is on the corner of Bourke & Swanston Streets.

If you are searching for duty free shopping, head to the stretch of Elizabeth Street between Bourke and Lonsdale Streets.
The bazaar-like character of: the Queen Victoria Market, cnr Victoria and Elizabeth Streets; the Prahran Markets, Commercial Road, just off Chapel Street; South Melbourne Markets, York Street, off Ferrars Street; and the Victorian Arts Centre Sunday Markets, 100 St Kilda Road, South Melbourne, each offer an alternative and entertaining shopping experience.

Toorak Village, in Toorak Road from Punt Road to Williams Road has restaurants, boutiques and expensive furniture stores.

A little further out in Campbellfield at 400 Mahoneys Road, just off the Hume Highway, is the Pipeworks Fun Market, 9357 1155, with 600 shopping stalls, fun rides, live entertainment, mini-golf and bungee jumping.

Many shopping tours are available to factory outlets. Here are a few of the options:
Shopping Spree Tours, 2/77 Asling Street, Gardenvale, 9596 6600. 8.30am-5pm daily, $50 a head.
Special Buying Tours, 198 Cotham Road, Kew, 9817 5985. 9am-5pm Mon-Sat, $15-40 a head.
Melbourne Shopping Tours, 7 Almeida Crescent, South Yarra, 9826 3722.

Points of Interest
City Explorer Bus. Taking a tour on the City Explorer Bus is a good way to get your bearings. This red and white double-decker leaves from Swanston Street, just outside the Visitor Information Centre, on the hour between h10am-4pm and visits most of the main city attractions with its 16 stops. There are discounts on entry into nominated venues and other perks that might appeal. The costs are $22 adults, $10 children and $50 for families. For additional infor-mation, 9650 7000. Enquire also about the evening City Lights Tour or the Half-Day Tours which include Australian Wildlife, Shrine of Remembrance & Botanical Gardens and All Around Melbourne.

Melbourne Museum. The Melbourne Museum  replaced the Museum of Victoria, formerly in Swanston Street, which is now closed as a result. This $263 million project places Victoria's newest museum to the north of the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton Gardens, off Nicholson Street. Its exhibits focus on the natural environment and new technologies. Among the many facilities are an Aboriginal Centre, a Forest Gallery, a Mind and Body Gallery, Technology Exhibitions and a Science Gallery, 8341 7777. Adults $12, children $5, families $30. Apart from the attractive garden surrounds, an IMAX Theatre, off Rathdowne Street, opened on the site in 1998, 9663 5454. The nearby Royal Exhibition Building, built in 1880, is itself worth a visit for its history and architecture, 9270 5000 for enquiries.

Immigration Museum. The museum is located in Old Customs House, on the corner of 400 Flinders Street and William Street, 9927 2700. This musuem takes visitors through a cultural tour using interactive computer displays and permanent physical exhibits. Personal stories are recounted by immigrants themselves, providing insights into the emotions and memories of immigration experiences. The museum is open between 10am and 5pm and admission is $7 adults, $5.50 concession, $3.50 children and $20 for families. The best method of transport is the Free City Circle tram, which passes nearby on Flinders Street between 10am and 6pm.

Hellenic Antiquities Museum. Located on the second floor of Old Customs House, this museum is designed to host periodical exhibits of ancient Grecian and Byzantine treasures, and is a joint venture of the Victorian and Greek governments. It shares opening times and entry fees with the Immigration Museum on the ground floor, 9927 2700 for current and upcoming showcases.

Scienceworks Museum. Science-works is a short 10 minute drive from the city centre, and occupies the futuristic cylindrical building in 2 Booker Street, Spots-wood, which cannot be missed. Exhibitions include a detailed exploration of the human body and its mechanics (Stayin' Alive), and a 'behind-the-scenes' look at producing special effects for movies and television (The Sequel). Also included in the complex is the fascinating Melbourne Planetarium. Admission is $8 adults, $6 concession and $4 children, and the museum is open 10am-4.30pm, 9392 4800 for more details.

State Library. The oldest public library in Australia, established in 1856, is on the corner of Swanston and La Trobe Streets. It contains over one million books and periodicals, as well as overseas manuscripts, maps, microfilms, a multimedia catalogue, paintings and photographs. The La Trobe Library is located in a special wing opened in 1965. It is open Mon-Thurs 10am-9pm, Fri-Sun 10am-6pm, 9669 9888.

Rialto Towers. An excursion to the top of Rialto Towers, 525 Collins Street, 9629 8222, is absolutely imperative for any visitor. The magnificent panoramic vista, completely unobstructed from mountain to ocean and everything in between, is undoubtedly the best way to see Melbourne and its surrounds. At 253m in height, it is the tallest office building in the Southern hemisphere. The Observation Deck is accessible Sun-Thu 10am-10pm and Fri-Sat 10am-11pm, adults $7, children $5.

Old Melbourne Gaol. The National Trust has preserved one remaining cell block as a penal museum, which has a unique collection tracing the story of transportation, convicts, and the development of Victoria's penal system. It is believed that 104 hangings were carried out at the gaol, including that of Ned Kelly on November 11, 1880. The gaol is located in Russell Street, near Victoria Street, and opens daily 9.30am-4.30pm, with admission $9 adults, $6 children and $25 for families, 9663 7228. For $15 adults, $8 children and $39 families, shows are conducted on Wednesday and Sunday nights - but some may consider them to be suggestively violent in nature, so be warned if you plan to take young children.

Chinatown. Chinatown is in Little Bourke Street, and extends from Exhibition Street to Swanston Street. It contains many restaurants from the most economical to the extremely expensive. The Chinese Museum is in 22 Cohen Place, and is one of the best small museums in Melbourne. It is open Sat midday-4.30pm, Sun-Fri 10am-4.30pm, and entry fees are $5 adult and $3 concession, 9662 2888.

Fire Services Museum Victoria. The museum, on the corner of 39 Gisborne Street and Victoria Parade, East Melbourne, was once the Eastern Hill Fire Station. Now it has displays of restored fire fighting equipment used by fire brigades throughout the city. The museum is open Fri 9am-3pm, Sun 10am-4pm, with admission $5 adults, $2 children and $10 for families, 9662 2907.

Parliament House. The State Houses of Parliament in Spring Street, at the top of Bourke Street, were built in stages between 1856 and 1930, and have never actually been finished as the dome and facades to the side and rear were never added. Guided tours of this Victorian construction are available at 10am, 2pm and 3pm Mon-Fri when Parliament is in recess, 9651 8911.

The Old Treasury. This fine public building was restored, converted to a museum and re-opened in 1994. It is situated in Spring Street, at the top of Collins Street, 9651 2233. There are three permanent exhibitions which encompass the past history and contemporary life of the city, its art, culture and architecture. The layout of the museum is designed for self-guiding, but guided tours are offered at 1pm and 3pm. The Treasury is open 9am-5pm Mon-Fri and 10am-4pm on weekends and public holidays. Admission is $5 adults, $3 children and $13 for families.

St Patrick's Cathedral. This Gothic Revival cathedral is in 1 Cathedral Place, which runs off Lansdowne Street, East Melbourne, and is constructed of Footscray bluestone. It was completed in 1897, except for the spires, which were added in 1936. There is a statue in the churchyard of the great Irish liberator, Daniel O'Connell, which is a replica of that which stands in O'Connell Street, Dublin. The Cathedral contains many beautiful works of art and is open 9am-5pm Mon-Fri, 9662 2233.

Fitzroy Gardens. Bounded by Albert, Clarendon, Lansdowne Streets and Wellington Parade in East Melbourne, Fitzroy Gardens are delightful nineteenth century gardens. The gardens contain Cooks' Cottage, 9419 4677, which was transported to Australia in 1934 and rebuilt block by block. It was originally built in the mid-eighteenth century by Captain James Cook's father. The cottage is open daily 9am-5pm. Also in the garden are the famous Fairy Tree and the miniature Tudor Village replica. Next to Fitzroy Gardens are the Treasury Gardens containing the John F Kennedy Memorial.

Australian Gallery of Sport & Olympic Museum. The museum is outside the member's entrance to the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Yarra Park, Jolimont, and is Australia's first multi-sport museum. The three level building has priceless collections of memorabilia, which are displayed graphically in exhibitions aimed at entertaining and educating. The Australian Gallery of Sport now incorporates the Olympic Museum, which traces the history of the Olympics, from the ancient Greek games to the Modern Summer Olympics from 1896-1992. The museum is open daily 10am-4pm, 9657 8879. For tours of the adjoining MCG, which depart every day on the hour between 10am and 3pm, 9657 8879.

Queen Victoria Gardens and Kings Domain. These were originally the site of a gold-rush shanty-town, and were proclaimed public parkland in 1854. The area contains Australian and English trees, and one of the most attractive sections of the Kings Domain is a garden of rockeries, tiny paths and waterfalls which commemorate the Pioneer Women of Victoria. The Myer Music Bowl, 9281 8360, venue for many of Melbourne's most popular entertainment events, is in the Kings Domain.

The Shrine of Remembrance, also in Kings Domain, is dedi-cated to the sacrifice made by Victorian men and women in the two World Wars. A feature is the Stone of Remembrance, the centre of which is illuminated by a shaft of sunlight at exactly 11am on Armistice Day, November 11 each year. It is open every day between 10am and 5pm. There is no charge, but a donation box is located out the front if you wish to support the volunteers who give their time to conduct tours and answer your questions. For more information, 9654 8415.

The well-known Floral Clock, whose floral design is changed four times a year requiring the planting of over 30,000 flowers, is in the Queen Victoria Gardens.

La Trobe's Cottage. The Cottage, on the corner of Birdwood Road and Dallas Brooks Drive, in the Domain, South Yarra, was the colony's first Government House. La Trobe brought the house with him in the ship Fergusson, along with his family and possessions. The National Trust supervised the re-creation of the buildings, and they contain many of the original furnishings. The Cottage is open 11am-4pm Mon, Wed, Sat & Sun,  9654 4711.

Victorian Arts Centre Complex. On the banks of the Yarra River, at 100 St Kilda Road, the Centre comprises the theatres, the Melbourne Concert Hall, the Performing Arts Museum and the National Gallery of Victoria. As well as the performance and exhibition spaces, the Victorian Arts Centre has several restaurants. The George Adams Gallery has an extensive collection and is hopen Mon-Sat 9am-11pm, and Sun 10am-5pm, 9281 8194. The Performing Arts Museum has regularly changing exhibitions, free entry and is open Mon-Sat 9am-11pm, Sun 10am-5pm, 9281 8000. Guided tours of the Centre are available at limited times, 9281 8198.

Princes Bridge. The bridge is Melbourne's oldest and grandest, and is located at the point where Swanston Street becomes St Kilda Road. It was built around 1886, replacing a wooden bridge that had been opened by La Trobe in 1850.

Young & Jackson's Hotel. Also known as Princes Bridge Hotel, the pub is at 1 Swanston Street, 9650 3884. Its claim to fame is that the upstairs lounge is home to the infamous painting 'Chloe' which caused a scandalized public outcry when it was first hung in the Melbourne Art Gallery in the 1880s. She may have caused a stir then, but now she hardly manages to raise an eyebrow.

St Paul's Cathedral. This Gothic Revival Anglican cathedral is on the corner of Swanston and Flinders Streets, on the site of the first official church service in Melbourne. The Cathedral was completed in 1891, and the spires added between 1926 and 1931. The doors are hopen Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, 9650 3791.

Capitol Theatre. The astonishing ceiling of the theatre, at 113 Swanston Street, was designed by Walter Burley Griffin, the architect of the city of Canberra. Entry is $8 adults, $4 children, 9654 4422.

Melbourne Town Hall. The Town Hall, in Swanston Street Walk, 9658 9779, was built between 1867 and 1870, and the portico added in 1887. It is worth going inside the main hall to see the chandeliers, murals and organ and the rest of its recenty restored interior. The Town Hall was one of the main venues for concerts before the advent of the Concert Hall in St Kilda Road.

Polly Woodside Maritime Museum. The barque Polly Woodside, in Lorimer Street East, Southbank, is a deepwater, square-rigged, commercial sailing ship built of riveted iron in 1885. Seventy years ago, she was one of the fast fleet of windjammers, today she is fully restored and is the centrepiece of a display of Australia's maritime history. Open 7 days 10am-4pm, admission $7 adults, $4 concession and $15 for families, 9699 9760.

Melbourne Exhibition and Events Centre. At 28 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne, 9205 6400, this complex is the largest and most modern of its kind that Australia has to offer, and plays host to a wide range of exhibitions throughout the year. Its unique exterior design is worth a glance.

Crown Entertainment Complex. The complex is often described as 'the city under one roof', and indeed its restaurants, theatres, cinemas, Crown Towers Hotel, bars, nightclubs, showrooms, cocktail lounges, cafes, ballrooms, shopping boutiques and unabated gambling opportunities at the Crown Casino, do give the impression of a mini metropolis. The complex is in Southbank, and the Casino is at 8 Whiteman Street, 9292 8888.

Melbourne Aquarium. This Aquarium, situated on the corner of King Street and Queenswharf Road, City, 9620 0999, is a very sophisticated and impressive way to view ocean creatures. It has the enormous Oceanarium viewing tank, modern computer interactions, aquatic feeding facilities and a simulator. The complex is open daily 9am-6pm (until 9pm during summer), and costs adults $17.50, concession $12.50 and children $8.50.

Suburban Attractions
Royal Botanic Gardens. The Royal Botanic Gardens are in Birdwood Avenue, South Yarra, and have 41ha (101 acres) of lawns, gardens and ornamental lakes. The Gardens are regarded as one of the finest examples of landscape gardening in the world. Their development commenced in 1846 under the direction of the then Superintendent of the Colony, Charles Joseph La Trobe, and now features 12,000 plant species. Brochures are available on special seasonal walks through the Gardens. Como House, Como Park, is an elegant colonial mansion, built in 1847, which has been classified by the National Trust and is hopen for inspection daily 10am-5pm, 9827 2500.

St Kilda
St Kilda is Melbourne's equivalent of Sydney's Kings Cross, only more so. Developers would like to move in and restore the area to the fashionable and wealthy resort it once was, but they are meeting resistance from long-established residents. From Swanston Street, there are many trams that run to St Kilda, including Tram 16 from Swanston Street, and from Bourke Street, Tram 96 goes through South Melbourne to St Kilda. From Richmond, take Tram 79, which travels along Church Street, and Chapel Street in Prahran, then continues on to St Kilda Esplanade. By road, St Kilda is reached by the West Gate Freeway from the west, Punt Road from the north.

The Esplanade runs along the beach, which is not very inviting, and leads to the St Kilda Pier, which has a kiosk built in 1904 at the corner. The St Kilda hot sea baths are nearby, and are very popular. Luna Park is in 18 Lower Esplanade, next door to the Palais Theatre, and has been run as a fun palace since the 1920s. There is a restaurant behind the Palais that was originally a bathing shed. Rides such as the Mad Mouse, the Ghost Train and the Scenic Railway have been entertaining young ones for years. Entry is free into the Park but rides are priced at around $2 or $3. It opens 11am daily and closes at 5pm Mon-Thu & Sun and 11pm Fri-Sat. Rippon Lea, 192 Hotham Street, Elsternwick, is a brick mansion built between 1868 and 1887, and has 33 rooms, iron carriage gates and a conservatory. It is set in a beautiful garden with a lake, and is one of the National Trust's pride and joys. It is open Tues-Sun 10am-5pm, 9523 6095. Ripponlea Railway Station is a fine example of early twentieth century architectural style.

Parkville
Parkville is a student area with colleges, halls of residence and student flats set amidst fashionable homes, office buildings and Victorian terraces. Its main attractions are the Melbourne Zoo and the nearby University of Melbourne.

The Melbourne Zoo is in Elliot Park, 9285 9300. It has a lion park, walk-through aviary and native fauna park, and a butterfly enclosure. More than 350 species are represented here in Australia's longest-standing zoo (since 1862). The Lakeside Restaurant serves 'meals with a view', looking out to Gibbon Island. Standard opening times are hdaily 9am-5pm, but some exhibits and special events have alternative times. It is recommended that you allow at least four hours to fully appreciate this attraction, and you can phone the above number for feeding times and other points of interest to better plan your visit. Admission is adults $14.50, children $7.20 and $39.30 for families.

The University of Melbourne, Gratton Street, 9344 4000, dates back to the 1850s, and contains, among other interesting buildings, The Grainger Museum, Gate 13, Royal Parade, 9344 4270, which is open Mon 10am-1pm, Tue 10am-4pm and Wed-Fri 10am-4pm.

Flemington
Flemington Racecourse is one of the most beautiful courses in the world, and is worth a visit even if you are not into betting. Unfortunately, it is only open to the public on race days, but the crowds add to the atmosphere anyway. The daily papers have details of race meetings in the sports pages. The famous Melbourne Cup is run here on the first Tuesday of November.

Tours
The Visitor Information Centre has details of all tours that are available in and around Melbourne. Here are some examples.

Melbourne Discovery Pass
Duration: 12pm-5pm daily.
Attractions: Lunch at Rialto Towers, cruise on the Melba Star past Southbank and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Como Historic House, afternoon tea and return.
Cost: $45

Operator: Rialto Towers Observation Deck, 9629 8222.
City Tour
Duration: 9am-12pm daily.
Attractions: City, Chinatown, Parliament House, Fitzroy Gardens, Captain Cook's Cottage, Melbourne Cricket Ground, National Tennis Centre, Albert Park, Westgate Bridge, Botanic Gardens, Shrine of Remembrance and return.
Cost: $45.

Operator: Gray Line, 9663 4455.
Melbourne Highlights
Duration: 1.30pm-5.30pm daily
Attractions: City, Chinatown, Shrine of Remembrance, South Yarra, Toorak, Dandenong Ranges, Sher-brooke Forest, Mt Dandenong and return.
Cost: $46.

Operator: Gray Line, 9663 4455.
Best of Melbourne
Duration: 12.15pm-7.15pm daily
Attractions: Same as Melbourne Highlights but with the addition of dinner on the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant, which tours Melbourne streets at night while you eat.
Cost: $122.

Operator: Gray Line, 966 3 4455.
Penguin Parade and Seal Rocks
Duration: Fluctuates with season, daily.
Attractions: Phillip Island by coach, Koala Conservation Centre, dinner at Cowes (price not included), viewing of Penguin Parade, Seal Rocks Seal Life Centre and return.
Cost: $106.

Operator: Gray Line, 9663 4455.
Penguin Express
Duration: 5.30-11.30 daily between March and November.
Attractions: Express coach to penguin viewing on Phillip Island then return.
Cost: $72.

Operator: Gray Line, 9663 4455.
Melbourne's Best Tours
Duration: Seasonal (late afternoon until late)
Attractions: Hotel pick-up in Melbourne, South Gippsland, Western Port Bay, Australian Wildlife, San Remo, tour of Phillip Island, Seal Rocks, Mutton Bird, Penguin Parade and return.
Cost: $75.

Operator: Melbourne's Best Tours, 1300 130 550.
Blue Dandenongs
Duration: 8.40am-5.30pm daily.
Attractions: Dandenong Ranges, Puffing Billy train ride, lunch at Fergusson's Winery, Healsville Sanctuary and return.
Cost: $112

Operator: Gray Line, 9663 4455.
Sovereign Hill
Duration: 9am-5.30pm daily.
Attractions: Coach to Ballarat, Sovereign Hill Historical Park, gold panning, provincial town tour and return.
Cost: $90

Operator: Gray Line, 9663 4455.
Winery Tour - Yarra Valley
Duration: 8.30am-5pm daily.
Attractions: 3-6 wineries, lunch, Badger Weir Park and return.
Cost: $118
Operator: Victorian Winery Tours, 9653 9749.

Additional tours of the Great Ocean Road, Grampians, Murray River and extended trips to Phillip Island are also available, and the Visitor Information Centre will supply you with details of all of them.

The National Trust (Victoria) produces a brochure which you can pick up at the Visitor Information Centre. It outlines buildings of particular historical significance and includes all the relevant details for visiting them.
Apart from their regular city service, the City Explorer Bus offers a number of different tours in the Melbourne area and to outlying regions, 9650 7000 to enquire further.

Cruises on the Yarra are also available. Here are a few companies which operate such services:
Melbourne River Cruises, Vault 18, Banana Alley Jetty, 9614 1215.
City River Cruises, 3 Princes Walk, Melbourne, 9650 2214.
Southgate River Tours, Southgate, Southbank, 9682 5711.

Festivals
The Moomba Festival is held in March each year.
A parade is held before the Grand Final of the AFL competition in September.
The Melbourne Cup is held on the first Tuesday in November each year.

Sporting Facilities
Melbourne has four venues for horseracing - Flemington, 9258 4666; Caulfield in Station Street, 9257 7200; Moonee Valley in McPherson Street, Moonee Ponds, 9373 2222; and Sandown in Racecourse Drive, Springvale, 9546 9511.

In summer, many International Tests, one day International and Sheffield Shield Cricket matches are played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Yarra Park, Jolimont.

There are two major venues for greyhound racing - Melbourne Park on Monday nights and Sandown Park on Thursday nights.

Harness Racing's main venue is Moonee Valley in Moonee Ponds, and races are held every Saturday and some Mondays.

Australian Rules Football (AFL) is played every Saturday during the season (March to September) at various grounds around the city, including the MCG.

Soccer's main venue is Melbourne Park, Swan Street, Melbourne, 9286 1600.

The Australian Tennis Open is held each year at the National Tennis Centre in Batman Avenue, East Melbourne, 9286 1600.

Calder Park Thunderdome, Calder Highway, Keilor, is Australia's only super speedway. For information on race meetings, 9217 8800.

The Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix is held at the Phillip Island Motor Racing Circuit, Back Beach Road, 5952 9400.

The Formula One Grand Prix is held at Albert Park in March, 9258 7100 for more information.
Melbourne has facilities for every type of sport, and venues and clubs are listed in the Yellow Pages telephone directory.

Outlying Attractions
Phillip Island
Phillip Island is 129km (80 miles) from Melbourne, and is the home of the fairy penguins. At dusk, the famous penguins emerge from the surf, completely ignoring the thousands of curious onlookers. The Island has a Phillip Island Nature Park, which is divided into a number of outlets for wildlife viewing and information, including koalas, fur seals, pelicans, mutton birds, and the famous fairy penguins.

There are more than fifty places to stay in Cowes alone, the main tourist centre of Phillip Island. The districts of  Newhaven, Rhyll and San Remo offer several alternatives. All types of accommodation are available.

The Penguin Parade Visitors Centre, off Ventnor Road, 5956 8300, is open daily from 10am and you can view the seasonal nightly pilgrimage of the cute creatures as they waddle their way onto the beach and up the sand dunes. It costs adults $11.50, children $6 and families $29.

The Koala Conservation Centre is located at Fiveways on Phillip Island Road, 5952 1307. It opens at 10am 7 days a week and costs $5 adults, $2 children and $12 families.

Churchill Island, accessed via Newhaven, off Phillip Island Road, is popular for its tranquil gardens and stunning array of bird life. Costs are $5 adults, $2 children and $12 for families.

The Seal Rocks Life Centre, Penguin Reserve, The Nobbies, 9793 6767, has amazing educational displays and panoramic views. Entry is $10 adults, $5 children and $28 for families.

A Four Park Pass gives access to all four attractions listed above for the one price: $25 adults, $12 children and $65 for families.

At the Australian Dairy Centre, Phillip Island Road, Newhaven, there is a museum explaining the history of the dairying industry, and a cheese factory with sales section and tastings. The cafeteria sells dairy-based light meals and snacks, 5956 7583.

Other attractions include great surfing beaches and restaurants.
French Island National Park, which can be reached by ferry either from Cowes at Phillip Island or from Stoney Point on the Mornington Peninsula, is larger than Phillip Island although less developed.

In Korumburra, on the South Gippsland Highway east of Phillip Island, is Coal Creek Heritage Village, a re-creation of an 1890s coal mining/railway town, with 40 buildings, including a mine, blacksmith, printer, stores, and a saw mill, 5655 1811.

For more information on Phillip Island attractions, contact the Phillip Island Information Centre, 5956 7447, or drop into their outlet at Newhaven on Phillip Island Tourist Road. It is open 7 days a week, 9am-5pm.

You can take advantage of the comprehensive web page at www.phillipisland.net.au, or the Centre's accommodation booking service on 1300 366 422. Contact them via email at info@ phillipisland.net.au
Another good website for planning and attractions details is www.penguins.org.au which includes an email form at www. penguins.org.au/trip/index.html

Tynong
Tynong is a town on the Princes Highway, and can be visited on the way to Melbourne from Sale.
Here you will find Victoria's Farm Shed, Australia's leading farm animal theatre featuring parades, milking, shearing and sheep dog displays. Show times are 10.30am and 2pm daily. For more information, 5629 2840.
Also at Tynong is Gumbuya Recreation and Leisure Park, a 174ha (430 acres) recreation park with toboggan slide, minicars, pony coach and trail rides, mini golf, adventure playground, water slide, half court tennis, barbecue and picnic areas, and a restaurant, 5629 2613. The park is open every day 10am-6pm (rides in operation 11am-4pm) and admission is $6 adults, $3.50 children and $19 for families.

Bass
Bass is located on the Bass Highway and can be visited on the way to Phillip Island from Melbourne.
The Giant Worm Museum, on the Bass Highway, is a unique attraction and education facility. They do actually have giant worms (including one you can walk through!), and many other historical and hands-on displays, 5678 2222.

Mornington Peninsula
The Nepean Highway follows the eastern shore of Port Phillip Bay for 97km (60 miles) to the seaside resort of Portsea. On the way it passes picturesque peninsula beaches such as Dromana, Rosebud and Sorrento.
At Dromana, the Arthur's Seat Scenic Chairlift ride offers great views of Melbourne, Port Phillip Bay and the Mornington Peninsula. It opens at 11am daily September-April, and only on weekends and holidays during winter, 5987 2565.

The MV Peninsula Princess, a car assenger ferry, operates every day linking the Mornington and Bellarine Peninsulas, from Queens-cliff to Sorrento.

Ashcombe Maze, Red Hill Road, Shoreham, 5989 8387, is a large hedge maze believed to be the only significant one of its type in Australia. There are tea rooms surrounded by extensive gardens. It is hopen from 10 am every day and costs $6 adults, $4 children.

The Visitor Information Centre for Peninsula Tourism is at 359B Point Nepean Road, Dromana,  5978 3078. For web information www. melbourne.citysearch.com.au includes the Mornington Peninsula region.

Dandenong Ranges
The Dandenongs are only 35km (22 miles) east of Melbourne, and  the area is ideal for picnics, bushwalks and wildlife observation. It is an extremely popular destination with Melbournians and tourists for both daytrips and weekend escapes. Mt Dandenong (630m - 2067 ft) offers a panoramic view of Melbourne from its strategic lookout points.

One of the most popular attractions is Puffing Billy, Old Monbulk Road, Belgrave, 9754 6800, an historic narrow gauge train that runs through 13km (8 miles) of mountain scenery between Belgrave and Lakeside (Emerald Lake) in the Dandenong Ranges every day of the year, except Christmas Day. Return fares are adults $17.50, children $9 and $49 for families. The line opened in 1900, and it is the ideal way to view the Dandenongs at close range. The suburban trains from all stations connect with Puffing Billy at Belgrave, one hour's easy drive from Melbourne.

The famous William Ricketts Sanctuary, Mt Dandenong Tourist Road, 13 1963, is set in the lush surrounds of the Dandenong Ranges and comprises the inspired sculptures of one artist. Encap-sulating the spirituality of Aboriginal culture and expressing an affinity with nature, these startling images bear a powerful mystique. The Sanctuary is open daily 10am-4pm and entry is $5 adults, $2 children and $12 for families.

The Dandenongs are covered in www.melbourne.citysearch.com.au