Discovery city

Melbourne is uniquely charming with its wondrous sights, sounds and folks, says Philip Lee

Each time I visit Melbourne and step out of my hotel into the street, a special feeling of anticipation envelops me.

I have no plan other than to walk aimlessly and chance udpon a nice restaurant, an inviting pub or come across an interesting street performer. Or I just watch people.

This is the special allure of Melbourne. It is full of many pleasant discoveries in its myriad lanes, Bohemian streets and arcades. There is always that feel-good air about this classy city. Even those who have lived there long still find it charming. In the official website for international travellers to Melbourne (www.
visitmelbourne.com), architect James Legge says: “Melbourne is a great city for moving around and seeing what you can find. I love the bike paths, walking tracks and parklands that follow many of the water courses. You see so much on the way — historic swimming holes, aboriginal meeting places, old boathouses...

“It is also great fun wandering the old strip-shopping streets. They are rich with the flavours of the different migrant groups that have set themselves up here. Acland Street, St Kilda; Sydney Road, Brunswick; Victoria Street, Richmond; Lygon Street, Carlton; Hopkins Street, Footscray — they showcase the multicultural side of Melbourne, great for shopping, cheap food, or just exploring.”

To see Melbourne from another perspective, take off on a seaplane (www.seaplane.com.au) from the historic port of Williamstown. Packages for a minimum of two persons are from 15-minute flights to marvel at the city skyline to the hour-long Ultimate Experience, which includes lunch and wine.

For a truly relaxing time, visit the Peninsula Hot Springs, which is world-famous for its mineral-rich geothermal waters at about 50 deg C. This sprawling complex also has private thermal pools and a host of other amenities, including the Bathe Cafe.

But the state of Victoria is, of course, more than just Melbourne. There are the other smaller cities and the breathtaking countryside.

One great way to enjoy its natural beauty is to go on a drive along the Great Ocean Road, which takes you past quaint fishing towns, rolling farmlands and beaches. This 300km stretch is among the most scenic in Australia. You would need a 4WD as the road takes you to cliff tops, headlands, across river estuaries and even through rainforests, one of which is the Great Otway National Park.

Since there are so many spots to visit, some might want to spend more than a day here. Pass the night in one of the few exclusive villas, such as the award-winning Chris’s Beacon Point Restaurant and Villas (www.chriss.com.au), and enjoy great ocean views and a sumptuous dinner of South European food. Owner Chris is reputed to be one of the most well–liked personalities in the area.

This great ocean edge is worthwhile to view from the air as well. The Edge Helicopters
(www.theedgehelicopters.com) will fly people for great aerial views of features such as the Twelve Apostles, a rock formation carved over the millennia by wind and sea.

Next, consider the Yarra Valley. It is an hour’s drive from Melbourne and is famous for its wine, fresh food and spectacular scenery. It is home to 55 wineries. Also visit the Healesville Sanctuary, a wildlife park.

And if you are in Victoria between November and April, visit the Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm and pick your selection of the succulent fruit. That should end your stay on a sweet note.

For more information, visit www.visitmelbourne.com/sg and www.australia.com