Well Being Directory
Social Recreational and Cultural activities at no or very low cost available around Melbourne
In this most creative and friendly and community minded of cities with its wonderful multicultural and ethnic diversity, its abundance of beautiful natural precincts like parks reserves and waterways and its close proximity to beautiful beaches and lovely countryside in this city which has twice earned the title of Melbourne’s most livable city there are seemingly endless possibilities to engage in free and low cost activities and events for people to see do explore discover enjoy and create, the city of Melbourne can indeed be your oyster even when you have little or no money to spend .Some times it really is true that the best things in life can come free or at very affordable cost.
Here are some activities for you to consider .There is info about the more well known tourist attractions both in Melbourne and the regional areas ,I have tried to make everything listed here pretty well accessible by public transport .There is info about what local libraries have to offer , ideas for nature lovers to explore both within the city and accessible beach and country day trips out from Melbourne .There is information about free and low cost arts and music activities around Melbourne , Region specific information about the various community and neighbourhood houses offering a variety of courses and classes and more. There is info about community garden schemes and community kitchen cook ups like I said it seems the possibilities seem endless .I have also asked some members from different choirs to share information about their favorite freeby and low cost haunts as well .
Free travel across Metropolitan Melbourne
THE CITY CIRCLE TRAM FREE
The free city circle tram is a convenient way to see the sights of central Melbourne while experiencing a ride on one of the cities historical trams
The service operates from10am-6pm Sunday to Wednesday and 10am -9pm Thursday to Saturday excluding Good Friday and Christmas Day. Page
The Melbourne City Tourist Shuttle FREE
A free bus service stopping at key tourist destinations in and around the city .On board you can view the city while listening to an informative commentary about the cities attractions and you can hop on and off at any of the 13 stops
The shuttle runs daily every 30 minutes from 9.30 to 4.30 pm excluding Christmas day and the full journey takes 90 minutes
For more information visit ‘ The Melbourne Visitors information Centre at Federation Square.’
Or Ring City of Melbourne on ph 03 96589658 or visit www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/touristinformation.
You can also take an orientation of the city with the Melbourne Greeter Service.
Here is a description of what you can find at each stop.You could easily spend a day and very little cash enjoying the free and low cost attractions and getting to know your city a little better at each of these stops .
STOP 1 THE ARTS CENTRE ph 92818000 with its iconic spire is located around the St Kilda Road area across the bridge, and just down from Flinders Street Station. The Arts Centre houses the State Theatre, Playhouse, Fairfax Studio and George Adams Gallery. The Arts Precinct is the hub for Victorian arts organization offices,both large and small and houses a number of publically funded Arts Venues including the following :
The National Gallery of Victoria
www.ngv.vic.gov.au Ph: 86202222
One section is located on St Kilda Road is devoted to an international art collection and visiting international exhibitions and the other section is the Ian Potter Centre in Federation Square dedicated to Australian Art works .
The Australian Centre for Contemporary Art
See works by the best international and Australian contemporary artists and attend inspiring workshops and public talks.
The area is also home to Hamer Hall and the Malthouse Theatre .Just across the way in the Royal Botanical Gardens you can find the Sydney Myer Music Bowl which offers free concerts for Melbournians especially during the warmer months
The Arts precinct also houses the offices many of the well known and smaller Victorian arts organizations including our very own Creativity Australia office .
There is also the fabulous Arts Centre Sunday Markets PH: 92818581 selling an impressive array of locally made arts and crafts.
STOP 2 FEDERATION SQUARE www.fedsquare.com PH 96551900
Federation Square right in the centre of Melbourne is a public space the home of the Melbourne Visitors Centre. www thatsmelbourne.com.au 96551900 Here there are advisors on hand and an impressive array of maps and brochures to help provide you with information and bookings for just about anything and everything there is to do in Melbourne and regional areas of Victoria . Federation Square is Melbourne's most prominent meeting place and a unique cultural precinct which brings together a creative mix of attractions, museums and galleries, and the finest of dining with its many restaurants, cafes and bars.
Federation Square is also a hub of Melbourne activities with function centres, guided tours at 11am and 2pm Monday - Saturday and over 2000 events held annually,
including multicultural festivals, markets, film screenings, sporting events and much more.
Federation Square is also home to the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) www.acmi.net.au ph 86632227 which houses wonderful exhibitions which are a record and celebration of photographic arts and the craft of film making both nationally and internationally
Nearby is Melbourne’s contemporary riverside park Birrarung Marr www.melbourne.vic.gov.au with its fantastic kids playground and ArtPlay www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/artplay There are also free guided walking tours available from Monday to Saturday at 11 am one hours duration.
STOP 3 SPORTS PRECINCT
Melbourne is home to a fantastic array of local national and international sporting events Hop off at this stop to visit or take a tour of the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) www.mcg.org.au ph 96578888
and the
National Sports Museum www.nsm.org.au Ph 96578879
The Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Park Olympic Park and HiSense area and AAMI park are also situated in this area
From this stop it is only a short walk to the Fitzroy gardens with its many charms including Cooks Cottage, the Fairy Tree ,Model Tudor Village, Conservatory and more .
From the Lansdowne street side of the Fitzroy gardens you can walk through the treasury gardens to reach the Old Treasury Building Ph 96512233 Some consider this Australia’s most beautiful 19th century building designed by a 19 year old prodigy JJ Clarke .Explore its original gold vaults and its fascinating exhibitions on Gold and Governors , the gold rushes, Ned Kelly, Eureka etc etc.
STOP 4 CHINA TOWN PRECINCT www.chinatownmelbourne.com.au ph 0418589778
Here you can find Chinatown situated on Little Bourke Street with its arcades filled with Asian shops and eateries.Melbourne’s Chinatown is the oldest in the western world with its 160 year old heritage streetscape with over 200 asian eateries .There is a market day on the third friday of every month with hawker style dining in Heffernan Lane and celebratory events throughout the year including the Asian Food Festival (Sep) Chinese New Year (Jan/Feb)Winter in China town and Christmas in Chinatown .
Chinese Museum . www.chinesemuseum.com.au ph 96578879
You can also learn about the customs of Chinese Australians and see the worlds largest dragon at the Chinese Museum
STOP 5 MELBOURNE MUSEUM AND THE CARLTON GARDENS
www.museumvictoria.com.au/melbournemuseum ph 131102
Melbourne Museum's stunning modernist architecture is an Australian icon - and the world's first museum for the internet age is interactive, innovative and fun! .You could easily spend a whole day at the Melbourne museum with its wonderful collections and displays including the science and life gallery where you will find beautiful butterflies, amazing bugs and fauna from all over the world The Melbourne gallery documenting Melbourne social history Mind body gallery ,the evolution gallery ,the forest gallery and the Aboriginal Culture Centre. As well as much, much, more. You can also visit the nearby IMAX theatre and the world heritage listed
ROYAL EXHIBITION BUILDING
The Royal Exhibition Building is the only surviving Great Hall that once housed a 19th-century international exhibition and is still used for exhibitions When it was built, the Great Hall was the largest building in Australia, and the highest building in Melbourne.
In the surrounding Carlton Gardens are three important fountains the Hochgurtel Fountain, the French Fountain, and the Westgarth Fountain.
Stop 6 Lygon Street Precinct is the historic heartland of Melbourne’s Italian Community with many sidewalk cafes and restaurants offering delectable cakes and superb coffees.The area is also renowned for its links to Melbourne’s experimental and fringe theatre scene with La Mama and the Carlton Courthouse theatres close by.
Stop 7
University of Melbourne
www.unimelb.edu.au ph 83444000
University of Melbourne displays varied eclectic architectural styles houses its own museums galleries and special collections .It is also home to the Ian Potter Museum of Art
Grainger Museum www.grainger.unimelb.edu.au Ph: (03)8344 5270 The Grainger Museum is a repository of items documenting the life, career and music of the composer, folklorist, educator and pianist Percy Grainger, located in the grounds of the University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Wikipedia
Stop 8 Queen Victoria Market
Queen Victoria Market Is a historic landmark and a leading tourist attraction .Over 125 years old this vibrant centre serves over 200 shoppers a week .Here one can buy everything from gourmet foods from across the globe clothes and souvenirs.
From this stop you can also visit the Melbourne Zoo by taking Tram 55 from Peel Street . www.zoo.org.au Ph 92859300
Stop 9 Waterfront City Docklands www.waterfrontcity.com.au
From the intersection of Pearl River Road and Docklands Drive you are only minutes from a variety of waterfront attractions Medibank Icehouse for ice-skating www.icehouse.com.au Harbourtown www.harbourtown.com.au for shopping .The waterfront city marina offers swimming facilities and is a great place to check out the boats .At the New Quay Promenade ph 93288600 you’ll discover a host of different restaurants .
Stop 10 Etihad Stadium and Victoria Harbour www.etihadstadium .com.au ph 86257700
From Harbour Esplanade you’re in a great position to explore Docklands including Victoria Harbour and Yarra’s Edge with its eateries parks waterfront walks and more.Docklands park has free barbecues picnic areas an interactive play journey playground for the kids and three wetlands attracting many indigenous birds to the park .Etihad stadium also hosts many of the nations greatest sporting events ,concerts etc.
Stop 11 William Street
Discover the History of Melbourne’s multicultural society at the Immigration Museum www.museumvictoria.com.au ph 99272700 Discover the history of Melbourne’s Multicultural Society
Koorie Heritage Trust Cultural Centre .
www.koorieheritagetrust.com ph 86222600
William Street is also home to the Law Courts Supreme Courts and the County Court .Take in some impressive architecture at the ANZ Gothic Bank or wander down to the waterfront at Enterprise Wharf and explore the amazing underwater world at
Melbourne Aquarium www.melbourneaquarium.com.au ph 99235999
Here, be charmed by Fairy Penguins with their young, amazed by magical underwater creatures like weedy seahorses, and sea jellies while giant rays and hammer head sharks swim right overhead.
Stop 12 Southbank and Yarra River
The chic riverside strip of Southbank is home to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre www.mcec.com.au ph 99235999 and the South Wharf Promenade .Not far away is the glitz and glamour of the Crown Entertainment Complex www.crownmelbourne.com.au . ph 92928888. Heading east is Southgate, a popular shopping and restaurant complex on the banks of the Yarra River. The Eureka Skydeck 88 www.eurekaskydeck ph 96938888 is the Southern Hemisphere’s highest viewing platform, where you can be suspended in a glass cube 300
metres above the ground. Visit a tall ship the Pollywoodside and learn about maritime history at the Melbourne Maritime Museum.
Stop 13 The Shrine and Royal Botanical gardens
The Royal Botanical Gardens is perfect for relaxing and and enjoying time out from the business of citylife Stroll through superb gardens and enjoy wonderful displays of natural fauna and spectacular plant life .Relax beside the lake and watch the black swans , or lay your picnic blanket on a spacious lawn under a tree and rel…aa…aa..ax.
Enjoy strolling through the formal parklands of nearby Kings Domain .There is a lovely café shop and visitors information centre beside the lake. You can also enjoy an Aboriginal Heritage Walk ph 92522429 at the Royal Botanical Gardens where you will explore the ancestral lands of the Wurundjeri people
You can also climb the steps of One of Melbourne most recognizable landmarks The Shrine of Remembrance is on one of the largest war memorials in the world and Victoria’s memorial to the service and sacrifices of men and women in the Great War of 1914-1918 .
The Ian Potter Children’s Garden The Sydney Myer Music Bowl ,Government House and La Trobe Cottage are also housed in the garden precincts .
THEATRE MUSIC FILMS AND MORE !!!!!!
If your’e up for a show but your short on the dough…… Hitting a High note… satisfying champagne musical and theatrical tastes on a modest budget…… You can still get your fill of the classy stuff if you know where to look
There are some wonderful live theatre venues in Melbourne sadly theatre ticket prices are often quite expensive but there could be a way …….
Why not give Half - tix a call ?
Half -tix Office Melbourne Town hall ph96509591 offers reduced ticket prices on selected theatre performances and concerts .
The School of Hard Knocks Institute is proud to announce the launch of the Melbourne International Singers Festival.
Australia's most exciting new Festival for singers of all styles and ages!
"I'm thrilled to announce the launch of Australia's most exciting new singing and choral event, Melbourne International Singers Festival in 2013!
The program will include an exciting and diverse new range of opportunities for singers of all ages that will encompass many diverse singing genres as well as the hugely successful Melbourne Festival of Choirs from 8-10 June.
Choirs from around the globe will have the opportunity to share their music, experience world class practitioners and workshops and perform in the best concert halls and venues right here in Melbourne.
In addition to the Melbourne International Singers Festival, a new opportunity for choirs to compete in the Melbourne Eisteddfod will be launched. The new choral competition will be announced in the coming weeks, along with exciting news of all the other workshops and performance opportunities for singing of all styles.
We can't wait to see you all here in Melbourne, the home of great music and the Arts in Australia, to share in Melbourne International Singers Festival in 2013!" - Jonathon Welch AM, Artistic Director In support of The School of Hard Knocks Institute.
Email to register your interest now and for more information and updates on the 2013 Festival program.
IF YOU LOVE ANIMALS
Volunteering at RSPCA BURWOOD
3 Burwood HWY
Burwood East VIC 3151
P: (03) 9224 2222.
If you want to exercise, socialise, care for animals or just do a bit of good for the state, then I would recommend signing up with RSPCA and jumping aboard their fantastic volunteer programs . RSPCA offers a comprehensive volunteer program that caters to animals and people alike. It gives animal-lovers an opportunity to participate in the rehabilitation of many creatures, as well as gain some perspective on the current climate of animal welfare in Melbourne.
Volunteering involves a five day induction period that included various paperwork, interviews, information seminars and tours of the grounds. As well as dog walking other areas of RSPCA volunteer program include administrative support, veterinary clinic assistance and event participation. You can choose between working the cattery, kennels, barn, rabbits/guinea pigs or the adoption clinic. If you want to exercise, socialise, care for animals then this could be for you
Whats On at the Local Library ?
If you are new in town ,feeling lonely or at a loose end and looking to connect and socialize and make new friends within your local community there is actually masses of opportunity in Melbourne to engage in many free and very low cost activities held regularly across Melbourne .This list includes just some of the free concerts, interest and recreational groups ,talks, classes etc you might find worth checking out.
Your local library can be a good starting point Quite apart from the free borrowing of books magazines CDs an DVDs and free internet opportunities , many libraries around Melbourne also provide regular activity programs , free talks, presentations and classes and social opportunities for its patrons Something to be aware of too is that in Melbourne as long as you have a Melbourne address you can actually join as many different library systems in Melbourne as you like offering you multiple opportunities to join in the various social and interest group
Page activities the various different library systems offer The wide variety of activities on offer might include activities for children such as free Story times, Art and Craft and Language groups ,School Holiday Programs etc ..Groups and classes for adults can include Meet the Author presentations , special events which celebrate multicultural diversity such as Foreign Language Classes and Multicultural Cooking Classes , special interest groups like Gardening,Genealogy , Numerology, Creative Writing ,Local History ,Chess, Scrabble, Photography, Computer Technology classes etc .
To find out what is on offer at any library ask the librarian for a brochure advertising their current activities programs or go online to the libraries website and click onto their activities program links
Here are contact details and addresses for regional libraries close to various choir venues
(1) Geelong Sings Geelong Library 49 Little Malop Street Geelong Vic 3220 PH: 52221212
www.geelonglibraries.vic.gov.au
(2) Our Community Sings Ashburton Library 154 High Street Ashburton Victoria 3147
PH 92784633 www.boroondarra.vic.gov.au/libraries
(3) Heidelberg Sings Yarra Plenty Regional Library 72 Turnham Avenue, Rosanna Victoria
PH 940878888 www.yprl.vic.gov.au/libraries
(4) Melbourne Sings City Library 253 Flinders lane Melbourne VIC 3000 96589500
www.citylibrary.org.au
(6 )Greater Dandenong Sings Dandenong Library Stuart Street Dandenong VIC 3175 www.greaterdandenong .com PH 92395100
(7)St Kilda Sings St Kilda Library 150 Carlisle Street St Kilda Victoria 3182
PH: 92096655 www.portphillip.vic.gov.au
(8 ) Frankston Sings Frankston City Library 60 Playne Street Frankston 3199 PH 97841020
www.library.frankston .vic.gov.au
(9) Footscray Sings 56 Paisley Street Footscray VIC 3011 PH 96880290
www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au
(10) Deakin Burwood Sings
State Library of Victoria
Location 328 Swanston Street Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: 8664 7000 www.slv.vic.gov.au
Pull up a chair in the stately reading room and delve into Victoria's rich history and cultural heritage at one of the world's great libraries. A Melbourne city landmark and cultural icon, the Library is a magnificent 19th-century building with some of the city’s most beautiful heritage interiors. The La Trobe Reading Room, with its majestic domed ceiling, is a highlight. Don’t miss the two free permanent exhibitions: see Ned Kelly’s Page 20armour in the changing face of Victoria, and trace the history of books in Mirror of the World. Free guided tours available.
Library's collections include over two million books, hundreds of thousands of pictures, newspapers, maps and manuscripts, and masses of audio, video and digital material – all reflecting the culture of Victoria over the past 150 years.
You can also enjoy fabulous artworks and exhibitions for free in one of our three galleries: the Keith Murdoch Gallery, Cowen Gallery and Dome Galleries. You can also see what's showing on the media wall in Experimedia.
The library also offers regular free presentations by curators and visiting artists and speakers , story times ,research and e resources skills workshops free films etc
ART FOR ARTS SAKE
If art appreciation is your thing here is a comprehensive listing of smaller art galleries throughout Melbourne’s CBD See Information about the National Gallery of Victoria and the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art in the Arts Precinct Information at the beginning of this Directory page 3 ( see Local Treasure Spots for info about other regional galleries as well)
Flinders Lane Gallery 137 Flinders Lane ph: 96543332
Exhibits a select group of contemporary Australian painters, sculptors and aboriginal artists
Gallery Funaki 4 Crossley Street Melbourne ph: 96629446
Australia’s only gallery specializing in the exhibition and sale of contemporary international jewelry
Block Projects Level 4 289 Flinders Lane ph 96629446
Wander down Flinders Lane and discover a staircase amidst the cafes leading to this hidden art gallery
Guildford Lane Gallery 20 Guildford Lane ph o422 442 363
Refurbished 100 year old furniture factory now dedicated to an innovative programme of exhibitions and performances.
Nicholas Building Corner of Swanston Street and Flinders Lane
Contains various artists studios and galleries including the Steven Mclaughlan Gallery ,Amaranth,Art Gallery ,Blindside and the Victorian Writers Centre. Also houses an ancient creaky and very unreliable old fashioned lift well worth a go if you like living dangerously, a Japanese kimono silk shop and a delightful old fashioned button shop which supplies buttons to costumiers in theatres across Australia.
City Gallery Melbourne Town Hall Swanston Street ph 96589658
Host free exhibitions created by specialist curators drawing of the city of Melbourne’s art and heritage
West Space Level 1 15-19 Anthony Street ph 93288712
An artist run initiative presenting innovative contemporary art
Aboriginal Galleries of Australia 35 Spring Street ph : 96542516
Exhibitors of fine art from Central Australia and the Tiwi islands
Gallery Gabrielle Pizzi Level 3 75-77 Flinders Lane ph 96542944
Exhibition of Contemporary Australian Aboriginal Art
Kirra Gallery Federation Square ph: 96396388
if you enjoy art glassware then this one will knock your socks off. Constantly changing exhibitions of stunning unbelievably beautiful contemporary glass wares, both functional and decorative from the very best of Australia’s glassware artists
Wonderkammer Chamber of wonders 439 Lonsdale Street Mel Vic 3000 ph: 96424694
Both a museum and a retail store this shop specializes in antique science and natural history objects such as antique scientific and medical instruments ,barometers and storm glasses fossils minerals butterflies insects and spiders and taxidermy etc
es.
Melbourne Street Art
Melbourne is known as one of the worlds great Street Art Capitals for its unique expressions of art displayed on approved outdoor locations throughout the city .One way to take in the displays of street art is through riding the Free Public Tram around Melbourne
ARTISTS TRAILS
The Heidelberg School Artists trail www.artist trail.com.au
Go to website for information and a map or phone Parks Victoria on 131963
If you like walking or cycling on a warm sunny Melbourne why not take yourself and a friend off to discover the natural beauty and cultural diversity of Melbourne’s North east region by following the Heidelberg School Artists Trail Celebrating the work of this famous school of Victorian Artists s some of them nationally recognised such as Arthur Streeton and Tom Roberts this can be either a self drive cycling or walking trail across several different shires including Parks Victoria, Banyule City Council, ,Manningham city council, Nillumbik Shire Council, and Shire of Yarra Ranges Council .Melbourne Follow a trail of artist sites where reproductions of famous paintings and information are erected especially to help visitors better understand how artists interpreted the landscapes in which they lived and worked The trail also covers art and craft shops antique galleries and a variety of cafes artists studios and local tourist attractions to explore and discover along the way .
Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery
Situated at 141 Queen Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Contact details Phone: 9642 2388
[email protected]
www.bliav.org.au/exhibition/galleryindex.html
Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery brings world class art works and collections rich with cultural and artistic value to the people of Melbourne. The art... Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery displays world class art works and collections rich with cultural and artistic value. The art gallery focuses on showcasing traditional and contemporary concepts of Eastern philosophy. View extensive and varied collections of painting, sculptures, calligraphy, embroidery, pottery, decorative arts and antiques from local and international artists and collectors.
Set in the heart of Melbourne, the gallery offers a tranquil oasis from the stress of today’s city environment. Apart from viewing the series of world-class exhibitions, one Page can also enjoy special blends of teas and vegetarian refreshments offered at the Tea House. You can also simply drop in to meditate or relax in the Meditation Hall. Admission is free, group bookings are available.
RMIT Gallery www.rmit.edu.au
344 Swanston Street ph: 99251717 Free Admission
Located diagonally opposite the Melbourne Central Railway Station
RMIT Gallery is Melbourne’s most vibrant public art and design gallery. It presents Melbourne’s broadest and most unique exhibition program, exploring all aspects of visual culture. It presents changing exhibitions of Australian and international design, including fashion, architecture, fine art, craft, new media and technology. RMIT Gallery presents regular floor talks, lectures, discussion, public events and publications to coincide with exhibitions.
The public program provides an enjoyable and social means of experiencing contemporary culture.
Subscribe to RMIT Gallery to learn more about our exhibition program and events.
RMIT Gallery is housed in Storey Hall, an internationally acclaimed example of architectural innovation. It is located on Swanston Street, at the centre of Melbourne’s key cultural tourism areas.
Let your fingers do the walking websites to help you locate things to do in your suburb
The shires and city council websites for your local city council can provide a wealth of information about free and low cost leisure activities in your area .
City Council websites
Melbourne Sings www.melbourne.vic.gov.au
Footscray SIngs www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au
Dandenong Sings www.greaterdandenong.com
Heidelberg Sings www.banyule.vic.gov.au
St Kilda Sings www.portphillip.vic.gov.au
Ashburton Sings www.booroondarra.vic.gov.au
Deakin Sings www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au
Frankston Sings www.frankston.vic.gov.au
Here are a few other website which can also give you plenty of info about free and low cost fun things to see do explore enjoy in your local region
www.around you.com.au and www. weekendnotes.com.au
Also your local Yellow Pages Directory will have a few pages of community information at the beginning of the directory telling you about local attractions and events and activities to tap into as well.
ARTS AND CRAFTS GROUPS AND OTHER SHARED LEISURE PLEASURES
There is nothing more satisfying and pleasurable both creatively and socially than the shared pleasures of sitting around with a group of people participating in shared art and craft activities .Whether it be a group of local ladies who gather weekly at the local neighbourhood house for a chat and a cuppa and bring their knitting and sewing along or a community college jewelry making course a shared interestin hpotpgraphy or writing oyur life story , Going along to a craft and leisure group is a way of
connecting socially with other people with shared interests,and and enjoying wonderful fulfillment and fun as you develop and explore your artistic and creative side There are community centres and neighbourhood houses and adult learning centres in every locality who run or coordinate art and craft classes as well as other classes and courses such as computer courses and cooking courses etc The following venues have been identified as providing either free or reasonable art and craft activity groups.
Here are other contact details for locating art and craft and leisure activities for each choir region
MELBOURNE SINGS
WIRES http://www.wire.org.au/ 372 Spencer Street West Melbourne 3003
The Women’s Information Resource Exchange sometimes holds free monthly craft classes .Usually on the last Friday of the month. The crafts change from month to month and include things like knitting, card making ,beaded jewelry PH: 1300 134 130
To find other venues in Melbourne who run art and craft groups check with your local Neighbourhood House or Community Centre ( Google or yellow pages )
ASHBURTON SINGS AND DEAKIN BURWOOD SINGS
There is a fantastic website www.burwoodbulletin.org/whatson/communitycentresandactivities.htm
This brings up an extensive list of all the community and neighbourhood centres in the region outlining what courses are currently on offer there at each centre and providing website details and contact phone numbers for each
Baolin Chan Zen Monastary www.chungtai.org.au
Offers FREE classes in Buddhist Meditation, Chinese Calligraphy, Tai Chi, Mandarin, Flower Arrangement, and Vegetarian Cooking.
Hawthorn Community Education Centres www.hcec.edu.au
A Learn Local centre which offers courses for older people in things like cooking computers , life drawing etc from as little as $6.00 a class or $15.00 a term .
FOOTSCRAY SINGS
Thinkwest www.thinkwest.org
Thinkwest is a cluster of 6 community centres comprising Angliss Neighbourhood House, Duke Street Community House, Laverton Community Centre, Wyndham Community & Education Centre, Williamstown Community & Education Centre and Yarraville Community Centre which are all located in the western suburbs of Melbourne. This collaboration makes them one of Victoria’s most innovative group of Adult Community Education providers. They deliver hundreds of programs and services designed to meet the needs of their communities including art and craft and other leisure activity groups.
The Thinkwest Office is located at 2/11 Vipont Street Footscray 3011
Ph: (03) 9687 9908
(Melways Reference Map 2S J6)
Ph: (03) 9687 9908
Footscray Community Arts centre
Moreland Street, Footscray Victoria 3011 Australia , Telephone: 9362 8888
HEIDELBERG SINGS Low cost art and craft classes
The Banyule City Council www.banyule.vic.gov.au/neighbourhood houses
PH : 94904222
Has lots of information about community centres and neighbourhood houses in this region which offer art and craft classes and a wide range of other classes such as writing photography chess etc some at very reasonable costs
Some of these neighbourhood centres offering art and craft are as follows
Greenhills Neighbourhood Centre www.greenhillsnc.org.au Ph 94359387
Livingstone Community Centre www.livingstone.org.au Ph 94972014
Olympic Adult Education www.oae.vic.edu.au Ph 94582710
Rosanna Fire Station Community House www.rfsch.org.au Ph 94581935
Diamond Valley Learning Centre www.dvlc.org.au Ph 94359060
Watsonia Neighbourhood House www.watsonia.org.au Ph 94346717
Bundoora Hall Noorong Avenue Ph 94676305
Contact Community Centre Bundoora
CONTACT Offers a wide range of really low cost art and craft classes Paper toile, scrap booking, porcelain doll making , knitting and crochet cake decorating, embroideryand knitting ,card making ,mosaics ,water colour painting are just some of the classes on offer some classes from as little as $5.00 a class
The story of how CONTACT began is a lovely heartwarming story .In 1975 a small group of people in the local Presbyterian/Methodist Church realized that a in a nearby newly opened housing estate, feelings of isolation were probably rife They envisioned for the residents a community group –a local centre of contact – a place to pursue interests develop skills and make new friends .they bought 50 new cups and put notices in letterboxes .The big day arrived and to their astonishment over 200 mothers and 150 children crowded into the hall and the rest they say is history …30 0dd years later and CONTACT is still going strong.
GREATER DANDENONG SINGS
Dandenong Neighbourhood House
34 King Street
Dandenong, VIC 3175
P: 9792 5298
E: [email protected]
Jan Wilson Community Centre
Halton Road
Noble Park North
Ph:97959279 VIC 3174
Keysborough Learning Centre
402 Corrigan Road
Keysborough, VIC 3173
P: 9798 7005
Noble Park Community Centre
Memorial Drive
Noble Park , VIC 3174
PO Box 33
Contact: Nina Springle
P: 9547 5801
Springvale Learning and Activity Centre
1 Osborne Avenue
Springvale, VIC 3171
PO Box 277
P: 9547 2647 F: 9574 9503
www.springvalelac.org.au
Springvale Neighbourhood House Wellsprings for Women
46-50 Queens Avenue 79 Langhorne Street
Springvale, VIC 3171 Dandenong VIC 3175
P: 9548 3972 F: 9574 0483 www.snh.org.au P: 9701 3740 F: 9793 9536
W: www.wellspringsforwomen.com
FRANKSTON SINGS.
Belvedere Community House
36 Belvedere Road
Seaford, VIC 3198
PO Box 1057
E: [email protected] W: www.belvedere.org.au
Karingal Community House
103 Ashleigh Ave
Frankston, VIC 3199
PO Box 8282 Carrum Downs 3201
P: 8786 6656 F:
E: [email protected] W: karingalneighbourhoodhouse.blogspot.com.au
Langwarrin Community Centre
2 Lang Road
Langwarrin, VIC 3910
P: 9789 7653 F: 9776 6938
E: [email protected] W: www.langwarrincc.org.au/
Lyrebird Community Centre
203-205 Lyrebird Drive
Carrum Downs, VIC 3201
P: 9782 0133 F: 9782 0379
E: [email protected] W: www.lyrebird.org.au
Mahogany Neighbourhood Centre
26 Mahogany Avenue
Frankston North, VIC 3200
P: 9786 1445 F: 9773 6757
E: [email protected] W: mahogany.org.au
Orwil Street Community House
6 Orwil Street
Frankston, VIC 3199
P: 9783 5073 F: 9770 0172
E: [email protected] W: www.orwilst.org.au
ST KILDA SINGS
Alma Road Community House
Alma Road
St Kilda East, VIC 3183
P: 9525 8746 F: 9525 8746
E: [email protected] W: ppcg.org.au/contact-us/alma-rd-community-house/
Elwood-St Kilda Neighbourhood
87 Tennyson Street
Elwood, VIC 3184
PO Box 57
P: 9531 1954 F: 9531 1754
E: [email protected] W: esnlc.com.au
Port Melbourne Neighbourhood Centre
Corner of tt St and Liardet St
Port Melbourne, VIC 3207
PO Box 721
P: 9645 1476 F:
E: [email protected] W: www.pmnh.org.au
Port Phillip Community Group
161 Chapel Street
St Kilda, VIC 3182
P: 9534 0777 F: 9525 5704
E: [email protected] W: ppcg.org.au
GEELONG SINGS
3. Bellarine Living & Learning Centre (Whittington)
20 Worden Court, Whittington 3219
Mon to Thurs: 9.00am - 3.30pm
Friday: 9am – 12 Noon
Ph: 5248 1926
E-mail: [email protected]
4. Cloverdale Community Centre Inc. (Corio)
167-169 Purnell Road Corio 3214
Mon to Fri - 9.00am - 3.30pm
Ph: 5275 4415
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.cloverdalecommunitycentre.com
9. Grovedale Community Centre (Grovedale)
45 Heyers Road, Grovedale VIC 3216
Ph: 5241 5717
Mob: 0458 415 717
E-mail: [email protected]
10. Lara Community Centre Inc. (Lara)
PO Box 49 Lara 3212 (9-11 Waverley Rd)
Mon- Fri: 9am-3pm
Ph: 5282 2725
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.laracommunitycentre.org.au
14. Norlane Community Centre Inc. (Corio)
PO Box 1067 Corio, 3214 (Windsor Park, Rose Ave, Norlane 3214)
Ph: 5275 8124
Web: www.nnh.com.au
Rosewalll Neighbourhood Centre Inc. (Corio)
PO Box 120 Corio 3214 (36 Sharland Rd)
Mon to Fri 9.00am - 3.00pm
Ph: 5275 7409
E-mail: [email protected]
19. South Barwon Community Centre (Belmont)
33 Mt Pleasant Rd Belmont 3216
Mon – Thurs: 9am - 5pm
Friday: 9am - 4pm
Ph: 5243 8388
21. Springdale Neighbourhood Centre (Drysdale)
PO Box 80 Drysdale 3222 (17-21 High St)
Mon to Fri: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Ph: 5253 1960
-Mail: [email protected] [email protected]
Web: www.springdale.org.au
22. Vines Road (Hamlyn Heights)
49 Vines Rd Hamlyn Heights 3215
Ph: 5277 9027
E-mail: [email protected]
23. West Geelong Neighbourhood House
PO Box 7085 Geelong West 3218
Ph: 0427703218
E-Mail: [email protected]
Web: www.gwnh.org.au
24. Winchelsea Neighbourhood House
PO Box 75 Winchelsea 3241 (28 Hesse St)
Ph: 5267 2028
E-mail: [email protected]
U3A Universities of the Third Age
Costs approx. $50.00 per annum.
Older people have so many wonderful opportunities through U3At o have so much fun socially and creatively to expand their skills and contribute to their local communities in an ongoing way
U3A is worldwide and translates as University of the third age that is the age by which people have reached retirement or those not engaged in full time employment .U3As in different localities vary in terms of their joining ages so if you are an older person not engaged in full time employment and keen to join up just ring your local branch to discuss
The word University in this case does not mean studying for four years to earn a Degree but rather the term is used in its medieval sense of a community united in the pursuit of stimulating activities knowledge and ideas .U3A network Victoria has something close to 100 Victorian U3As with some 26000 members
Each U3A runs a variety of educational and recreational activities and classes which may be weekly fortnightly or monthly over the year or perhaps as a series of short courses. Special events ,seminars ,general meetings and social gatherings are arranged regularly. The members themselves are encouraged to offer tutoring and expertise in conducting classes in their special skill areas and there are U3A courses in everything under the sun from bush walking to chess to painting and drawing to computer courses to yoga from cooking to aromatherapy to genealogy
The wonderful thing about U3A is that it only costs 50 dollars a year, which enables a member to then go along to any of the classes, that their particular chapter offers throughout that year. Opportunities galore then for socialising, networking, skill sharing, volunteering in a variety of capacities, and learning new skills.
The U3A for each of the choir regions are as follows.
Melbourne Sings www.u3amelbcity.org.au
Office : Room 2.19 ,Level 2, Ross House 247-251 Flinders Lane ,Melb 3000
Geelong Sings www.u3ageelong.org.au Ph: 03 52445114
Office : Cobbin Farm 231 Grove Road ,Grovedale
St Kilda Sings Office: Mary Kehoe Centre, 224 Danks Street, Albert Park ph: 96963495
Ashburton Sings www.u3ahawthorn.org.au ph: 98210282
Office: 26 Sinclair Ave, Glen Iris , Victoria 3146
Deakin Sings
Footscray Sings http://scottoates/u3afootscray/index.php
Office: 22 Geelong Road Footscray, VIC 3011 Ph : 93961792
Greater Dandenong Sings : www.dandenongu3a.com Ph : 95462997
Frankston Sings www.u3af.org.au Ph: 97701042
Office: Stella Maris Centre, Gate 7, John Paul College
McMahons Road, Frankston, Victoria, 3199
.
Local Treasure Spots in the different choir regions
I asked members from different choir regions who might like to share with one another information about their favorite free and low cost things to see do enjoy create explore etc in their local region here perhaps itmight be a favorite nature trail or river walk .Here are some of their suggestions plus a few of my own for each of the different choir districts .
MELBOURNE SINGS
The Melbourne City Baths www.melbourne.vic.gov.au
Melbourne City Baths 420 Swanston Street Melbourne Vic 3000
Ph: 96635888. Prices from $2.80 concession for a swim and $5.60 for a swim spa and sauna
The Melbourne City baths was first opened in 1860 .Gracious and elegant in design,
this facility has continued to provide health and fitness services to the community for more than 140 years .
As well as swimming and sauna and spa facilities one can also access private swim lessons personal training massage and Squash Court Hire
The Abbotsford Convent www.abbotsfordconvent.com.au
1 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford
Abbotsford Convent, just 4kms from central Melbourne, is an extraordinary place and an important arts, cultural and learning precinct. Its eleven magnificent buildings, courtyards and gardens are spread over 6.8 hectares on a sweeping bend of the Yarra river surrounded by the Collingwood Children's Farm and Yarra Bend Park. It is an invaluable community resource and incubator for creativity, the sharing of ideas and a place of enjoyment.
The Abbotsford Convent is Australia's unique arts, culture and learning project and is a lot of things to a lot of people a destination for art, culture learning, nurturing and shopping. .Within the Precincts of the convent’s buildings and grounds are offered the following :
Arts: Visual, performing and written arts in studios, rehearsal and performance spaces with display areas such as galleries, exhibition, theatre and retail space
Culture: Creative expression of contemporary Australian culture, including culinary arts with an emphasis on Slow Food, garden design, fine craftsmanship etc
Learning: Educational activities with a preference for those which relate closely to the arts and cultural activities, including training in cooking, art, health and well-being, and fine crafts with a priority on activities of adult learning, short workshops and courses
Well-being: health and life-education activities such as preventative, remedial and curative services, including conventional medical services, massage therapists, alternative therapies, community support and personal development services.
Merri Creek Trail and Ceres
From Dight Falls, the walk starts out along a wide gushing creek. The path criss-crosses the creek and goes under several road bridges dating from different eras .There are sheltered picnic areas along the way. Cross the steel bridge at Rushall station and follow the signs straight and then left to re-join the creek. Cross the bridge at St George’s Road and then continue on to Ceres, an environmental park and farm with an organic market every Saturday
CERES is a wonderful environmental farm with all sorts of ecologically focused goodies. There is a collection of the most wonderful varieties of hens from all over the world, vegetables growing to sizes that have to be seen to be believed, and interesting building and village structures from different nations. There is an organic cafe that bustles with life on the weekends, complete sometimes with live music, various workshops on anything and everything to do with sustainable living, a fantastic bike building compound, where there is a big pile of bikes, and people assemble their own bikes from a huge pile of parts .. Map ref 20 FGC UBD 15 page11
Getting there
You can walk to Ceres via the creek side walk, or you can catch the East Brunswick tram (Route 96).
HEIDELBERG SINGS
The Bundoora Homestead Art Centre www.bundarra homestead.com COST FREE
Gallery Opening Hours Wed-Fri 11am – 4.30 pm Sat-Sun 12 noon - 5pm
Address: 7-27 Snake Gully Dr, Bundoora VIC 3083
Phone:(03) 9496 1060
This historic house gallery is one of the Bundoora regions best kept secrets and is easily accessible form Central Melbourne. This beautiful stately mansion is now home to a public art gallery which offers a program of contemporary visiting art and craft exhibitions featuring local national and international artists and a public education workshop including talks, workshops events artist in residence programs and the Darebin Art show.
As well as browsing The Art Gallery visitors are welcome to explore the stately home, enjoy historical photographs and read up on the Smith family the former owners and residents who used to breed race horses including some Melbourne Cup winners. Also there is a great little café where you can purchase freshly prepared tasty meals at a very reasonable cost and enjoy these in stately splendour in the homes original dining room
The Melbourne Magic Festival www.melbournemagicfestival.com
July 1-13 at the Northcote Town Hall Phone : 94819500
Costs Shows range from free to between $5.00 and $ 20 per show
They are back for their 6th year in a row and what an amazing festival they have planned for you! Magic classes for kids and adults, magicians from all over Australia, and sometimes special guests . Plus, they have brand new
events including a panel session, a launch extravaganza show, Move Monkeys, a dinner show, a death defying stunt, and an entire new studio dedicated to parlour magic
Page 39
Hurstbridge Line
The Hurstbridge Line holds some lovely day trip possibilities. There are many beautiful river walks besides the Diamond Creek and Plenty Rivers, accessible from various train stations along the line, viz. Greensborough, Montmorency, Eltham Montmorency and Eltham are picturesque little townships abounding with eateries galleries and interesting shops .Eltham has a splendid library complex with an adjoining café and a community gallery set in lovely parkland right near the Diamond creek which has great walking trails and can make for an interesting day trip as well
More information about these walking trails parks and reserves in the Banyule shire can be obtained through studying the walking trails on your Melways street directory or ringing the Banyule Visitors Information Centre .Phone
St Andrews Market
When : Every Saturday all year round 8am-2pm
Where Corner of Kangaroo Ground /St Andrews and Heidelberg King Lake Road .Located across the road from the landmark St Andrews pub.
St Andrews is situated in the lower Yarra Hills to the North East of Melbourne
Getting there on Public transport .Catch the train from anywhere in the city loop to Hurstbridge Station .A free shuttle bus operates on Saturdays to and from Hurstbridge Railway Station runs between 9.30am and 4.30pm.
St Andrews marketis set in a leafy Eucalyptus bush setting and has a long history of alternative culture craft and art ,jewellry and plants clothing and accessories ,fresh produce ,personal gifts ,healthy foods ,natural products healing services such as massage and shiatsu, music,food and drinks .There is also a music program on at 2.00pm at the St Andrews Hotel opposite.
For inquiries phone Market Mobile 9.30am -5.00pm 0467 535 341
Heide Museum of Modern Art
www.heide.com.au ph 98501500
Located at 7 Templestowe Road, Bulleen VIC 3105 The Heide Museum of Modern Art began life in 1935, as the home of John and Sunday Reed - two important art benefactors. Through their support of artists, such as Sydney Nolan, Albert Tucker, Joy Hester and Arthur Boyd, Heide became the birthplace of modernism in Australia. It is set in 15 acres of lovely parkland, with three separate gallery spaces, a sculpture park and a heritage listed kitchen garden to explore, as well as Café Vue, which offers a menu inspired by the original owner’s kitchen garden. Heide offers an inspiring, educational, thought provoking, experience of modern and contemporary art, rchitecture, and landscape.
Yarra River Walk Bulleen
Sweeping river walk through Bulleen, Viewbank, and Lower Plenty .In late August when the wattles are in bloom, the riverside parklands come alive .Begin at Banksia Park near the Heide Museum of Modern Art at 7 Templestowe Road .The walk follows the Yarra through wetlands and eucalyptus bush - home to kookaburras cockatoos waterbirds wombats and eastern grey kangaroos. From Heide, cross the Yarra on the Manningham Rd bridge and turn right .Follow the path and signs around to Westerfolds Park, where you can find a good picnic spot .Mia Mia Gallery in Fitzimmons Lane houses a unique collection of aboriginal art. There is a cafe there also. Melways 32 D5 UBD 226 A7 distance 15 kms return
FRANKSTON SINGS TREASURE SPOTS
MeClelland Gallery and Sculpture Park Entry by Donation
390 McClelland Drive Langwarrin Victoria 3910 www.mcclellandgallery.com
Ph 59902200
72 sculptures on 16 Hectares of landscaped gardens and bush land, art gallery and licensed café .
Australian Garden www.australiangarden.com.au ph 59902200
Corner of Ballarto Road and Botanic Drive Cranbourne
Located 45 minutes from Melbourne in the stunning surrounds of the Royal Botanical Gardens, Cranbourne, Tthe Australian Garden is a unique garden that reveals the astonishing beauty of Australian plants .
Sandcastles Frankston Waterfront Nepean Highway
Mon-Thurs 10 am - 4-pm (a ten minute walk from Frankston station)
Fri-Sun 10am - 6pm Cost Adults $12.50 Children $9.00
Late last year 3500 tonnes of sand were trucked onto frankstons recently redeveloped waterfront .A team of sand sculptors spent hundreds of hours creating ‘Under the Sea’a cartoonish undersea fantasy world of castles ,sea gods and anthropomorphic sea creatures.Over summer activities for the family and children include sandsculpting workshops and sand art
Frankston beach and Kananook Creek Maps avail from the Frankston visitors information centre……..7N Pier Promenade ph 1300322842
Frankston beach is a safe family friendly swimming area with life guards and playground.The pier is a united nations of fishers with people from around the globe casting their lines .its also worth exploring the banks of Kananook creek .A walking track runs along the banks from its mouth 7.5 kilometres to Eel Race Road.Remnant bushland of Banksia forest and tea tree lines the creek bank and is home to egrets herons and honey eaters.
FOOTSCRAY SINGS
If you need a break form the hustle and bustle like something nice to do to chill out and smell the roses or the ocean consider the following
PIPEMAKERS PARK
Pipemakers Park is part of the Maribyrnong River valley and is one of Melbourne's oldest industrial sites. Pipemakers Park is a historic pipemaking industrial site which has been transformed into a park and wetlands. Historic bluestone factories have been e recycled for community use. A wharf has been built, wetlands created, barbecues and picnic tables installed and an important link formed in the Maribyrnong River trail. Page 42
The multi-use trail leads 15 kilometres upstream to Brimbank Park, East Keilor, and four kilometres downstream to the Stock Bridge at Kensington. Three bluestone buildings and chimney remains survive from the days when this was Australia's largest meat cannery. The large bluestone building was the preserving department , including cooking, filling of the tins, heat processing, final sealing and cooling. The building next door was the tinsmiths' workshop and machinery room. The third bluestone building, now the Visitor Centre, was the boiling-down department and store, where tins were painted, labelled and packed ready for shipment down the river to the port for export overseas. The meat cannery closed in 1886.
Hume Park .In 1912, Walter Hume took over the bluestone buildings, establishing a concrete pipe factory. In the 1920s-1940s additional sheds were added. The Hume firm became the largest concrete pipe firm in Australia, exporting its pipe technology across the world. The Maribyrnong factory moved to Laverton in 1978Birdlife abounds in Pipemakers Park and along the Maribyrnong River. White-faced Herons, Black Ducks and Swamp Hens wade and feed on the banks of the river and in heavily wooded sections of the park. Between September and January, you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of Sacred Ibis as they nest and feed in the shallows. Pipemakers is also home to the Growling Grass Frog
How to Get There
Pipemakers Park is situated in Maribyrnong. Cars enter from Gordon Street near Highpoint Shopping Centre entrance. 1 Gordon St, Maribyrnong 3032, Victoria,
Opening Hours 24/7 access
Maribyrnong River Inner city walk
Following the river through a series of parks rich with flora fauna and local history Start at Start at Pipe makers point where you can visit the 1840s bluestone buildings once Australia’s largest meat carvery. On of the buiildings is now home to the vistor centre and Melbourne’s Living museum displaying local history red river gums wattles and many species of waterbird are spread across these wetlands and parklands which retain traces of Melbourne’s industrial past .Walk up the river crossing the bridge at Raleigh road The boat house ( 7 The Boulevard ) is a good spot for coffee in a warm contemporary setting .Walk along the Boulevard past Maribyrnong Park, and continue past Canning Reserve and Cranwell Park reserve to Thompson Street Reserve. 10 km north west form Melbourne 14 km return easy grade Melways 28 B10 UBD 21P17 .
Williamstown Beach and Altona
Only a short train trip from Footscray is Williamstown beach .Situated only a short walk from the station, the beach is ideal for a swim in the summer although it is quite popular with families and does get rather crowded …Enjoy a picnic and a swim walk along the promenade, have a coffee stop in the Art Deco café overlooking the ocean, and then go across the road and stroll thorough the tranquil and lovely Williamstown Botanical Gardens .
Getting there: Catch the Werribee Train from the Flinders Street.
Footscray choir member Ray McAlary also recommends the following: Thanks Ray for these great suggestions.
Williamstown
Turn left off the Westgate Bridge if coming from the City and follow Williamstown Road towards the Coast. Turn left at Ferguson Street (Williamstown RSL) and then turn right at the big roundabout.
On the right are many eateries including Ice Cream Shops. Our favourite is ‘Hobsons Choice’, opposite the Tennis Courts. Eat inside or out. Quality and service are first class. On the left in Nelson Place, at Commonwealth Place, turn left towards Gem Pier and park. On the right is a great Fish and Chip Shop, and Sam’s Boat Shed. Good food and coffee.
Browse the ‘Olde Wares’ shops and clothing shops. The kids can burn off energy over the road at Commonwealth Place, a beautiful tree-dotted parkland. Walk out on Gem Pier. At weekends you can take a guided tour over HMAS Castlemaine, a World War 2 frigate that is being restored by volunteers. Gold coin donation. From there you will see HMAS Canberra, the Navy’s new Helicopter Landing Ship. It is being fitted out for service. Take a launch trip up the Yarra River, a different way to see Melbourne.
Further down, in the Rifle Range Estate, off Kororoit Creek Road, is Jawbone Marine Park, with walking tracks through protected Wetlands. The birdlife at Sundown is amazing.
Altona
Next spot is Altona. From Williamstown, drive along Kororoit Creek Road to the Mobil Refinery, turn left into Millers Road and keep going until you reach the water. Turn right. When you get to the beautiful sandy beach, just before the Pier, there is a Fish Shop on the corner, with an Ice Cream Shop behind. This is run by Kiwis, with Kiwi specialties in both shops. Try Pumpkin Cakes, Kumara chips, Hokey Pokey Ice Cream. Good coffee around the corner on the Esplanade, just before the Parkland. After a swim, take a walk on the Pier, (a favourite place of William McInnes and his family), watch the Kite Surfers, or let the kids play over the road in the park.
Our favourite place to eat ‘Crème’ , with the bakery, ‘Holy Bread’ down the back. Try the Marinated Lamb Pizza – to die for.
Lots of interesting shops with good quality Interior Decoration ideas.
Before you head home, drive South along Queen Street to Merton Street, Altona Meadows, Central Square Shopping Centre. Go to the Nut Shop opposite Coles for a good coffee from Zoran and Mary, and a good selection of nuts to take home.
Point Cook
Turn off the Princes Freeway at Point Cook Road and head down several kilometres to the Point Cook Homestead. On the way down you can turn off to the left to the Sanctuary Lakes Golf Club, along Sanctuary Lakes Blvd, into Greg Norman Drive. Good Restaurant, and great Golf Course. On the Lake is another Eatery. You can sit on the deck and watch the birdlife on the water.
The Point Cook Homestead is on the left about 5 minutes after you continue left back on Point Cook Road. You can look over the Homestead, and there is a good Restaurant. It is right on the Bay. The kids can chase the Geese around the lawns.
Back on Point Cook Road; turn left again until you see the RAAF. This is the birthplace of the RAAF. There is a Museum open to the Public on Weekends. You can take a sightseeing plane ride, or try some aerobatics. There are some good old planes including a MIG Fighter.
From there you can continue South to Duncan’s Road. To the left is Werribee South Beach and the Werribee River mouth. Not a great beach. To the right is the road to Werribee through the biggest vegetable farming area in Victoria, and one of the biggest in Australia .
Just before crossing the Freeway, on the left, is K Road. This will bring you to Werribee Open Range Zoo, the State Equestrian Centre, Werribee Mansion (you can stay at the Hotel attached), and the State Rose Gardens. This is an amazing area. There is a Winery on the grounds. Jazz played Sunday afternoons.
Werribee
Try the shows at the Civic Centre. Some great productions there. Contact through Wyndham City Council.
Bird watching
If you are into bird watching, you probably know about the Western wonderlands.
Werribee Water treatment Plant. This is in the top 10 bird watching sites IN THE WORLD. Contact Western Water. They arrange visits. We have membership which gives us a key to the gates (for a refundable deposit). We just ring the working day before and give our car rego and number of visitors, then follow the maps supplied. Winter is the best time. There are birds from Siberia that nest here. Some of the roads are a bit rough, but we have done it in a small sedan.
Cheetham Salt Flats
This is near Point Cook Homestead. Turn off to the Salt Flats parking area. Plenty of walking. There is a bird watching platform a few kilometres from the parking area.
Skeleton Creek
This is in Altona Meadows. Turn off the Freeway at Newlands Street, right into Merton Street, past our favourite coffee shop at Central Square and right to the end. Turn left into Victoria Street, right into Featherby Way, right into Sommers Drive. Park near where the road bends, take the walking/bike track. When you see the creek, turn left, then right at the next junction. Walk to the bridge to Point Cook (5 minutes from the car) and start watching Black Swans, Pelicans, Diver Ducks, Wading birds including Spoonbills, and many other species. This is a good one for the kids.
ST KILDA SINGS
St Kilda to Port Melbourne Walk
Start by enjoying a coffee at the kiosk (St Kilda Pier ) is surrounded by the glassy waters of Port Phillip .You may even see little penguins swimming below .The pier is an integral part of St Kilda’s interesting past, from luxury resort town to wartime playground and urban ghetto. It is now a thriving cosmopolitan community. Follow Beaconsfield Parade in the direction of Port Melbourne .The long stretches of sandy beach continue on to the Boulevard turning right at Todd road to Westgate park for a picnic .With successful native regeneration the park is thriving with birdlife including stilts and pelicans
Jewish Museum of Australia www.jewish museum.com.au 26 Alma Road St Kilda Victoria 3182 ph 85343600
The Jewish Museum of Australia is an award winning cultural institution that explores The Jewish experience in Australia through a comprehensive experience bringing to life stories of Jewish immigration diversity ritual and contemporary life .Visitors will be intrigued and fascinated by the insights into the multifaceted Jewish community
Open Tues-Thurs 10am - 4pm Sun 10am-5pm
The Sunday Esplanade Markets at St Kilda beach
Located at Upper Esplanade St Kilda Getting there Tram 16 or 96 from city
Melway reference 57K10
Every Sunday since 1970, The Esplanade Market St Kilda has been the destination for those searching for something special, somewhere special.
Established as an outlet for local artists, there are now nearly 200 of Victoria’s best artists and craftspeople displaying and selling their work direct to the public.
One former Esplanade market artist is Academy Award ® winning director and animator, Adam Elliot. Adam sold his hand-painted t-shirts here for five years before embarking on his celebrated film career, and in 2003 won an Oscar for his short film “Harvie Krumpet”.
A favourite destination with locals and tourists alike who appreciate the diverse and unique range of quality handmade artworks made from wood, glass, paper, resin, recycled materials and so much more. The various styles and types of art are collectable, functional, beautiful, original, and make great gifts.
The Esplanade Market St Kilda is where you have the opportunity to meet and chat directly with the makers.
GEELONG SINGS
GEELONG BOTANICAL GARDENS Ph. 03 5272 4379 www.geelongaustralia.com
Easter park 7.30am-5pm (closes 7pm during daylight savings)
Geelong Botanic Gardens Uniquely combining innovation and tradition, the Geelong Botanic Gardens is one of Australia’s finest regional botanic gardens. An estimated 6000 different species of native and exotic plants are cultivated at the Gardens. The magnificent 21st Century Garden, opened in 2002, contrasts strikingly with the heritage and history of the original gardens.
NATIONAL WOOL MUSEUM
26 Moorabool Street Ph. 03 5272 4701 www.nwm.vic.gov.au
Geelong
National Wool Museum This is Australia’s only comprehensive museum to detail the story of wool~from the birth of the industry in Geelong in the 1840’s to its place in the world today. Located in a century-old bluestone wool store (1872), the Museum also presents an exciting annual
calendar of contemporary exhibitions, public programs and events. The wool museum also offers craft classes in wool related crafts such as knotting weaving and felting
William Buckley Discovery Trail ( Trail maps available at the Geelong Visitors information centre )
The Central Geelong Arts & Culture Walking Trails intersect with the William Buckley Discovery Trail at this point. Buckley was an escaped convict who lived with the local Indigenous people for thirty-two years until 1835 when he joined John Batman's camp at Beangala, now St Leonards. Much of the information we have of the Wathaurong people has been gleaned from the accounts of William Buckley.
Art Unlimited Art Unlimited Cnr Myers & Swanston Streets ,Geelong
www.artunlimited.org.au
Is a professional access studio for artists with intellectual disabilities or special support needs.Professional artists are employed to assist these artists to create their work. The
artists’ unique way of seeing provides the viewer with a window into a magical realm. Art Unlimited is a department of St. Laurence Community Services. Old Geelong Gaol
GREATER DANDENONG SINGS
1) Dandenong Police Paddocks Reserve http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/parks/danenong-police-paddocks-reserve Parks Victoria Information Centre on 13 1963 Located near Stud Road and Monash freeway Dandenong North With its diverse combination of bushland, cultural heritage and sporting areas, Dandenong Police Paddocks is a good spot for walkers (with or without their dogs), cyclists, birdwatchers and sporting enthusiasts. Things to see and do- The Dandenong Police Paddocks has a diverse combination of rural bushland, cultural heritage and sporting areas.- There are recreational opportunities for walkers, cyclists, bird watchers, dog owners, golfers, athletes and many more.
Nerre Nerre Warren Picnic Area, at the end of Brady Road, is a newly developed picnic area that caters for a range of visitors.- Stroll along one of the many trails in the area that form a network in the Dandenong Police Paddocks Reserve. There is a short 700 metre walk to the rear of the picnic area that is suitable for visitors with limited mobility.
An information shelter in the picnic area provides history and reports on future developments.- For a more hands-on approach, consider joining the Friends of Dandenong Police Paddocks Group, the group has planted thousands of native plants, rehabilitated a wetland area, constructed and installed nestboxes and participated in many Clean Up Australia days. The regular planned activities are designed to allow people of all ages to enjoy and participate in the protection of the reserve.
Before you go conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website.
(2) Walker Street Gallery Phone: 9706 8441
Corner of Walker and Robinson Streets Dandenong VIC 3175
Free Entry The City of Greater Dandenong’s vision is to create a thriving arts precinct that is nationally recognised for the opportunities it offers to all artists and visitors.
The Walker St Gallery and arts Centre - our home of the visual arts, celebrates and enhances our great city with it’s diverse range of exhibitions, artist talks and monthly openings.
We bringing energy and vibrancy to the arts with a contemporary flavor.
The Walker St Gallery and Arts Centre hosts an exciting range of high quality and diverse exhibitions from leading Australian artists to internationally acclaimed children’s book illustrators.
With new exhibitions every month we invite you to come and enjoy the warm and welcoming environment of the Gallery.
The Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre is funded by the City of Greater Dandenong and is open free to public s.
The Centre also consists of a studio performing arts theatre, and meeting rooms. These spaces can be hired by the public.
The Dandenong Markets Corner Clow & Cleeland Streets, Dandenong
Website: www.dandenongmarket.com.au
Phone: Market office (Tuesday to Saturday) 9701 3850
Situated in the heart of Dandenong, the market embraces many cultures and provides a vibrant, cosmopolitan atmosphere. It has been operating since 1866 and is one of Victoria's oldest markets.
Following a $26 million redevelopment, the market now has an exciting new Meat, Fish and Deli Hall, a refurbished and expanded fruit and vegetable section, new Produce Hall and a bustling General Merchandise Hall.
With friendly service, an amazing range of fresh produce and general merchandise items, the market has something for everyone
Cooking every Tuesday lunchtime!
Once a week, chef Russell Bald will demonstrate quick, cheap and healthy recipes prepared with simple ingredients from Dandenong Market
ASHBURTON AND DEAKIN SINGS
Wattle Park
www.melbourne playgrounds.com.au Riversdale Road Burwood 3125 VIC
Wattle Park's appeal comes from a delicate balance between historic buildings, man-made landscape and natural bush. Opened in 1917, the park was modelled on the American trolley parks, designed to draw customers to the end of new tram lines.
Heritage
In 1915, the Hawthorn Tramways Trust purchased the then rural land from Mrs Eliza Welch for £9,000 on the condition that it was to be used as a public park.
The Field Naturalists Club of Victoria and the Wattle League were influential in the planting of 12,000 wattles, natives and ornamental trees between 1926 and 1928.
Fauna
Birds commonly seen include the wattlebirds, kookaburras, rosellas, rainbow lorikeets, galahs, noisy mynahs and gang-gang cockatoos during the breeding season. Less common are the grey currawong (this is their closest breeding site to the city), musk lorikeets and white-browed scrub-wren. Other types of bird life include waterbirds (wood duck and little pied cormorant), birds of prey (brown goshawk and Australian hobby) and nocturnal birds (tawny frogmouth).Native fauna includes, 20 species of butterfly, at least 60 species of beetle, 3 species of frogs, bats, skinks, ringtail and brushtail possums.
Vegetation
Remnants of many indigenous trees can be seen - manna gum, yellow box, common peppermint, swamp gum, black wattle, blackwood, sweet bursaria and swamp paper-bark. Native grasses and wildflowers such as kangaroo and wallaby grass, chocolate lilies and milkmaids bring the eastern slope alive with colour and insect activity during spring. Orchids and butterfly populations are also a special feature of the park. The lone pine overlooking the oval was sown from seed collected at Gallipoli in memory of soldiers from the 24th Battalion who were killed during World War One.
Things to Do in Wattle Park
- Relax under a tree and enjoy the birdlife.
- Invite friends and family to meet you for a picnic or a barbecue.
- Listen to the Melbourne Tramways Band play once a month during spring and autumn (weather permitting).
- Play tennis or golf. Golf clubs and buggies are available for hire.
- Fly a kite, jog, walk or play cricket on the sporting oval.
- Visit the ponds along the eastern creek and look for the ducks and frogs amongst the native rushes.
// Deakin University Art Gallery
221 Burwood Highway, Burwood 3125
T: (03) 9244 5344
E: [email protected]
www.deakin.edu.au/art-collection
Special focus:. Located on the Melbourne Burwood Campus. Established in 2003, the Deakin University Art Gallery aims to foster a general awareness and understanding of the visual arts amongst the University community and the general public, through a vibrant exhibition program
The Art Collection and Galleries Unit provides professional management for the University’s Art Collection consisting of more than 1600 diverse artworks. This collection is a rich cultural and educational resource by Australian contemporary artists, displayed on four University campuses as well as temporary exhibitions .see website for current exhibition programs
Ashburton Pool And Recreation Centre
www.ashburton.boroondaraleisure.com.au
8 Warner Ave, Ashburton VIC 3147, Australia
Phone : 03 9885 0333
The Centre offers a wide range of sports and fitness opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. The state of the art facilities at Ashburton Pool & Recreation Centre include:
- Fully equipped Health Club/Gymnasium
- Air conditioned Cardiovascular Room
- Cycling and Boxing Studio
- 25 metre Indoor Heated Pool
- 25 metre Outdoor Heated Pool
- Hydrotherapy pool
- Two Spas
- Sauna
- Toddler playground and waterslide
- Creche Facilities
- Two court stadium facilities
- Group Fitness Studio
- Massage
WALKING TRACKS IN MELBOURNES NORTH EAST
Welcome to the most comprehensive list of bush walking tracks in Melbourne East. The following list gives you a good comparison of the bush walking tracks in Melbourne East. Sort the bush walking tracks by difficulty, time, distance, starting and finish point, and pick the bush walking tracks which are suitable for you.
Track
Starting
Ending
Type
Distance
Time
Difficulty
1880s Hawthorn Walk
City of Boroondara, Hawthorn Office,360 Burwood Road, Hawthorn
City of Boroondara, Hawthorn Office,360 Burwood Road, Hawthorn
Loop
4km
1:00 h.
Easy
Alto Heritage Walk
the northern side of Croydon Railway Station
the northern side of Croydon Railway Station
Circuit
2.8km
1:00 h.
Moderate
Ashburton Three-Creeks Walk
Ashburton Railway Station
Ashburton Railway Station
Loop
5km
1:30 h.
Easy
Balwyn Celtic Walk
Beckett Park car park, Parring Rd, Balwyn
Beckett Park car park, Parring Rd, Balwyn
Loop
4km
1:00 h.
Easy
Bellbird Dell Walk
Southern entrance to Bellbird Dell George Rd, Vermont South
Southern entrance to Bellbird Dell George Rd, Vermont South
Circuit
3.4km
1:00 h.
Moderate
Blackburn Lake Bushland Trail
Blackburn Lake car park Central Road, Blackburn
Blackburn Lake car park Central Road, Blackburn
Circuit
1.7km
0:25 h.
Easy
City of Churches,Horses and Heroes
Box Hill Town Hall Whitehorse Road, Box Hill
Box Hill Town Hall Whitehorse Road, Box Hill
Circuit
2.1km
0:45 h.
Easy
Croydon Central Heritage Walk
the south side of Croydon Railway Station
the south side of Croydon Railway Station
Circuit
2.7km
0:45 h.
Easy
Croydon Hills Walk
Yarrunga Community Centre
Yarrunga Community Centre
Circuit
3.1km
0:50 h.
Moderate
Dandenong Creek Trail
Marlborough Road car park
Colchester Road
One Way
7km
1:30 h.
Easy-Moderate
Dorset Recreation Trail
Car park off Dorset Road
Car park off Dorset Road
Circuit
3.8km
0:45 h.
Easy
East Burwood Circuit
Rear of Fullife Pharmacy East Burwood Shopping Centre
Rear of Fullife Pharmacy East Burwood Shopping Centre
Circuit
3km
0:30 h.
Easy
Gardiners Creek Trail
Bennettswood Bowling Club Station Street, Burwood
Bennettswood Bowling Club Station Street, Burwood
Return
3.1km
0:45 h.
Easy
Hawthorn to Camberwell Stations
Hawthorn Railway Station;
Camberwell Railway Station
One Way
5.5km
1:24 h.
Easy
Hays Paddock Walk
car-park corner Lister St and Keystone Cres, Kew East
car-park corner Lister St and Keystone Cres, Kew East
Loop
3.5km
1:00 h.
Easy
Hidden Valley Secrets Walk
corner of Riversdale and Warrigal Roads, Burwood
corner of Riversdale and Warrigal Roads, Burwood
Loop
4km
1:15 h.
Medium
Hochkins Ridge Flora Walk
Manuela Street entrance
Manuela Street entrance
Circuit
3km
0:45 h.
Hard
Kew Billabong Walk
car-park, Victoria Park
car-park, Victoria Park
Loop
4.5km
1:00 h.
Medium
Kew Studley Park Walk
Kew Junction
Kew Junction
Loop
6.5km
2:00 h.
Medium
Koonung Creek Reserve – North Balwyn
Eastern Freeway
Eastern Freeway
One Way
km
0:15 h.
Easy
Koonung Trail
Miniature Steam Railway Belmore Road, Box Hill North
Miniature Steam Railway Belmore Road, Box Hill North
Circuit
4.5km
1:00 h.
Moderate
Leafy Camberwell Walk
corner Burke and Mont Albert Rds, Camberwell
corner Burke and Mont Albert Rds, Camberwell
Loop
5km
1:30 h.
Easy
Maroondah Lakes Scenic Walk
Croydon Lake
Croydon Lake
Return
12km
2:00 h.
Moderate
Modern Architecture Walk
car park outside Hawthorn South Bowling Club, Anderson Rd, Hawthorn
car park outside Hawthorn South Bowling Club, Anderson Rd, Hawthorn
Loop
6.5km
1:48 h.
Easy
Mont Albert Houses and History Walk
Mont Albert Railway Station Churchill Street, Mont Albert
Mont Albert Railway Station Churchill Street, Mont Albert
Circuit
4.8km
1:00 h.
Moderate
Mullum Mullum Creek Trail
Warrandyte Road
Highland Avenue
One Way
5.8km
1:30 h.
Easy
Nth Balwyn Paperbark Walk
corner of Gardenia Rd and Wandeen St, North Balwyn
corner of Gardenia Rd and Wandeen St, North Balwyn
Loop
5.5km
1:30 h.
Easy
Pound Bend – Warrandyte
Warrandyte
Warrandyte
Circular
km
0:30 h.
Hard
Ringwood Central Historic Walk
Ringwood Railway Station
Ringwood Railway Station
Return
3.5km
1:00 h.
Easy
Ringwood Lake Circuit Walk
the car park
the car park
Circuit
1.2km
0:20 h.
Easy
Riverside Walk – Warrandyte
the Yarra River
the Yarra River
One Way
km
0:20 h.
Easy
Schwerkolt Cottage Nature Trail
Schwerkolt Cottage Deep Creek Road, Mitcham
Schwerkolt Cottage Deep Creek Road, Mitcham
Circuit
2.7km
1:00 h.
Moderate
Scotch Hill Walk
Hawthorn Library 584 Glenferrie Rd, Hawthorn
Hawthorn Library 584 Glenferrie Rd, Hawthorn
Loop
4.5km
1:24 h.
Easy
Tarralla Creek Trail
Civic Square or Town Park, off Norton Road car parks.
Civic Square or Town Park, off Norton Road car parks.
Return
8.5km
2:00 h.
Easy
The Bow-Tie Walk
The Camberwell Centre, Camberwell Rd, Camberwell
The Camberwell Centre, Camberwell Rd, Camberwell
Loop
3km
1:00 h.
Easy
The East Walk
East Camberwell Railway Station, platform 3
East Camberwell Railway Station, platform 3
Loop
7km
1:24 h.
Easy
Three Suburbs Walk
the corner Barkers and Burke Rds,on the North West (Shell) corner, Kew
the corner Barkers and Burke Rds,on the North West (Shell) corner, Kew
Loop
6km
1:24 h.
Easy
Wombolano Park & Sensory Trail
Wombolano Park
Wombolano Park
Circuit
1.2km
0:20 h.
Moderate
Wurundjeri Walk
Orchard Grove Reserve Orchard Grove, Blackburn South
Orchard Grove Reserve Orchard Grove, Blackburn South
Circuit
3.9km
0:45 h.
Easy
Yarra Bend Cliff Walk
corner of Walmer and Young Sts, Kew
corner of Walmer and Young Sts, Kew
Loop
3.5km
1:15 h.
Difficult
Yarraleen Reserve – Bulleen
Yarrale
AFFORDABLE DAY TRIPS TO BEACH AND COUNTRY
Day trips to the beach is affordable and accessible by public transport.
For people living in Melbourne there is nothing like escaping the city for the day reconnecting and walking in nature ,breathing in the fresh air ,enjoying new scenery and surrounds to brush away the cobwebs lift the spirits and return home with renewed zest for life
The following day trips are mostly ones I myself have done personally which cost little more than the train and bus fares to get there and turned out to be really well worth the effort
The Sandringham, Hampton Brighton Beach Trail
Ideal for summer, if swimming and walking are your thing. Brighton Beach, Hampton and Sandringham are only about 30 minutes out from the city on the Sandringham train, which departs from Flinders street station. After the train reaches Brighton Beach, it veers left and runs along beside the ocean, passing through the interesting suburb of Hampton, before terminating at Sandringham.
You can alight at Sandringham, and take a short walk of less than 10 minutes through the village . This will bring you to lovely Sandringham Beach, where the water is usually calm, clear and just right for swimming. There is also some decent snorkelling to be had, in some of the rock pools here too .
If you enjoy walking, then you might enjoy the Sandringham to Brighton Beach walk. This naturally lovely walk abounds with interesting native beach flora and bird life (I have seen blue fairy wrens here). You walk along the beach path at Sandringham towards Melbourne, and on to the impressive Marina at Hampton. Here you can stroll along the jetties, and enjoy the many fine yachts moored here. From here you can follow the beach around to the shallow wading beach in Hampton, or instead follow the higher beach trail, which takes you right above the beach, and along the ridge top looking down across Hampton and along the beach up to Brighton and beyond . This walk is ideally done at Sunset. The Brighton Beach walk affords one of the most amazing Sunset experiences in the summer .The sun setting into the sea sets the sky ablaze with pink, red, orange and gold, and is visible right along this sweeping, impressive coastline . Sea kayaks can be hired at Hampton Marina from $20.00 an hour.
You can culminate your walk at Hampton, and enjoy a coffee or a meal in one of the many eateries in this scenic village . Another option is to continue your walk onto Brighton, which affords you a chance to see the famous Victorian bathing boxes -many of which have been restored. I have heard that these humble little wooden shacks are now worth a cool half a million each (due to their scarcity and heritage status). You can also enjoy a chance to sit on the hill overlooking the beach, and look at the most amazing views back to Melbourne .
The Sandringham, Black Rock, Beaumaris Trail
A gentle picturesque coastal walk, which passes rock pools and tree ferns, and has views of the bay. Start with coffee at the kiosk at the end of jetty road, and then follow the long sandy coastline to Red Bluff , Half Moon Bay and Beaumaris. Black Rock Fish and Chippery, which serves excellent fish and chips is at 27 Bluff Road, Black Rock. The path weaves in and out of coastal vegetation, before returning to the beach. This stretch is part of the Coastal Art Trail, celebrating the works of the Heidelberg artists like Arthur Streeton and Tom Roberts Further on the Ricketts Point marine sanctuary is a great place to explore coastal marine life. Worn sandstone cliffs are also visible.
Getting there :Take the Sandringham train from Flinders Street station .The trip takes approximately 30 minutes .
There are some wonderful, easily doable day trips to the following interesting and historically significant, country towns - all within about 2-2 ½ hours train and bus travel from Melbourne, which makes for a great day out away from the city. Here are four suggestions for you.
Warburton Day Trip
Situated out of Melbourne in the Yarra Valley, wonderful Warburton is where the Yarra River presents as a beautiful, crystal clear, sparkling stream. This magical little town is something of a special surprise, and is very accessible by public transport and do-able as a day trip
The bus trip to Warburton is rather special, of itself, as the bus travels along the Warburton Highway, which takes you through lush, rural countryside, and through the little townships of Wandin ,Seville, Woori Yallock, Yarra Junction and Millgrove before reaching Warburton, as its final destination. The latter part of the journey, actually follows the course of the Yarra.
Warburton is something of an alternative enclave, surrounded by lush green rural landscape and temperate rainforest. The township is relaxed and laid back, with many Bohemian style cafes and eateries, new age bookshops, crystal shops, alternative therapy clinics and antique shops.
Flowing right the way through Warburton is the magical Yarra River. To drink in the wonderful pristine energies of this special place, and to spend a day near the divinely lovely Yarra River, flanked by rich luxuriant foliage of giant ferns and dotted with Christmas bells is guaranteed to sooth the senses and lift the spirits. There are beautiful walking trails on both sides of the river, with many lovely picnic spots and places to swim.
Once in town, there is a Visitor Information Centre to help with more detailed information about local tourist attractions .
Getting there Catch the Lilydale train from the City Loop to Lilydale ( Trip takes approx. 60 minutes) and change to the 684 Martyrs Bus Service, which leaves nearby. ( Bus trip takes approx. 60 mins.) Phone 59 66 20 35 for timetable info.
Healesville Day Trip
Another day trip destination, which you can reach easily by public transport via Lilydale is Healesville. Healesville is a beautiful country township in the Yarra Valley .The bus from Lilydale winds its way through idyllic countryside, with mountains, forests, and rolling hills, passing through the township of Yarra Glen on its way to Healesville.
Both townships sport leafy parkland settings to picnic or walk in, loads of cafes and eateries, and interesting shops to browse in .The Maroondah Reservoir, which supplies Melbourne with water, is only 3 kms out of Healesville .
Below the dam is an exceptionally lovely picnic and walking spot . This lush nature reserve is filled with an amazing array, and variety of well-established European trees, together with a lily pond and rose gardens. One is rewarded by the 300 metre walk up the rose steps to the top of the Maroondah dam, with sweeping views across a wide expanse of tranquil water and surrounding forest .
Also worth a visit is the Healesville Wild Life Sanctuary, which houses native fauna and the most amazing birdlife. The not to be missed ‘Birds In Flight’ display will leave you breathless with awe and wonder, as an assortment of birds – viz owls, eagles, parrots etc appear on cue with an ability to dazzle and delight the audience with their special feats of skill and ingenuity .
Getting there Pick up the Lilydale train from the City Loop (Trip takes approximately 60 minutes)
At Lilydale catch the Martyrs Bus Serivce from Lllydale to Healesville. The bus trip takes approximately 50 minutes.
Day Trip to Daylesford.
Daylesford The beautiful township of Daylesford is 115 kms North West of Melbourne set in the hills of the Great Dividing Range .
This unique and charming town set in idyllic rural scenery boasts the highest concentration of Mineral Springs in Victoria, and enjoys a reputation as a prominent healing and spa town offering a wide array of holistic healing modalities, and spa retreats. It also draws a vibrant alternative community, and offers some unique galleries, quirky interesting shops and loads of cafes and eateries ….
Some of its main tourist attractions include :
Lake Daylesford is about 10 minutes’ walk from town . A beautiful expansive lake, perfect for picnics and walking ,paddle boating in the summer .Nearby Wombat Forest also offers many walking tracks and trails. There is also a café overlooking the lake
Jubilee Lake is further out - perhaps 3kms from the township, but well worth the walk through idyllic country scenery. There is also a reasonably priced cabin and camping ground at Lake Jubilee
Also 10 minutes walk form the Centre of Daylesford is the lovely Convent Gallery and Wombat Hill Botanical Gardens.
Hepburn Mineral Springs Bathhouse and Spa .Explore the curative effects of mineral water, salt water and steam in their facilities which include an aroma steam room, salt therapy pool, relaxation pool, and spa couches submerged in mineral water complemented by extensive relaxation decks.
For more information about these and many other tourist attractions and wonderful things to see and do in Daylesford visit the Daylesford Visitor Information Centre
Getting there :Catch the Vline train from Southern Cross Station to Woodend and then pick up the connecting Little’s Bus which takes you to Daylesford .
For Train Timetable ring Public Transport Victoria, ph 1800800007
Day Trip to Ballarat
Ballarat is situated 90minutes by train from Melbourne. As well as being one of Australia’s largest inland provincial cities, Ballarat used to be home to the richest alluvial goldfield in the world. Here in Ballarat, you can explore the legacy of the gold rush, still evident in the magnificent architecture and tree-lined streets of the town today. The scenic train trip passes through some lush rural countryside, some sheep pastures, as well as some forests. Once you arrive in Ballarat some of the main attractions to enjoy include :
Art Gallery of Ballarat which is Australia’s finest regional art gallery.
Ballarat Botanical Gardens on the edge of Lake Wendouree. Relax in these lovely tranquil gardens, where begonias are a specialty. One can also enjoy a stroll down the Avenue of Prime Ministers, which includes a bust of every Australian Prime Minister – even the ten day ones!.
Lake Wendouree Enjoy beautiful scenic walks around the lake, through wetlands filled with native bird life etc.
Soak up the history Admire the city's Victorian and Edwardian buildings, parks, gardens, statues, and churches by following one of the Visitor Information Centre's self-guided heritage walks .
For more information about other tourist attractions and wonderful things to see and do in Ballarat, go to the Ballarat Visitor Information Centre in Lydiard Street
Getting there. Vline train from Southern Cross Station takes you to Ballarat Station phone Public Transport Victoria on ph 1800800007 .
Other recommended day trips by train include trips to Castlemaine and Bendigo
Call Vline for transport details on 1800800007
ST KILDA SINGS
St Kilda to Port Melbourne Walk
Start by enjoying a coffee at the kiosk (St Kilda Pier ) is surrounded by the glassy waters of Port Phillip .You may even see little penguins swimming below .The pier is an integral part of St Kilda’s interesting past, from luxury resort town to wartime playground and urban ghetto. It is now a thriving cosmopolitan community. Follow Beaconsfield Parade in the direction of Port Melbourne .The long stretches of sandy beach continue on to the Boulevard turning right at Todd road to Westgate park for a picnic .With successful native regeneration the park is thriving with birdlife including stilts and pelicans
Jewish Museum of Australia www.jewish museum.com.au 26 Alma Road St Kilda Victoria 3182 ph 85343600
The Jewish Museum of Australia is an award winning cultural institution that explores The Jewish experience in Australia through a comprehensive experience bringing to life stories of Jewish immigration diversity ritual and contemporary life .Visitors will be intrigued and fascinated by the insights into the multifaceted Jewish community
Open Tues-Thurs 10am - 4pm Sun 10am-5pm
The Sunday Esplanade Markets at St Kilda beach
Located at Upper Esplanade St Kilda Getting there Tram 16 or 96 from city
Melway reference 57K10
Every Sunday since 1970, The Esplanade Market St Kilda has been the destination for those searching for something special, somewhere special.
Established as an outlet for local artists, there are now nearly 200 of Victoria’s best artists and craftspeople displaying and selling their work direct to the public.
One former Esplanade market artist is Academy Award ® winning director and animator, Adam Elliot. Adam sold his hand-painted t-shirts here for five years before embarking on his celebrated film career, and in 2003 won an Oscar for his short film “Harvie Krumpet”.
A favourite destination with locals and tourists alike who appreciate the diverse and unique range of quality handmade artworks made from wood, glass, paper, resin, recycled materials and so much more. The various styles and types of art are collectable, functional, beautiful, original, and make great gifts.
The Esplanade Market St Kilda is where you have the opportunity to meet and chat directly with the makers.
GEELONG SINGS
GEELONG BOTANICAL GARDENS Ph. 03 5272 4379 www.geelongaustralia.com
Easter park 7.30am-5pm (closes 7pm during daylight savings)
Geelong Botanic Gardens Uniquely combining innovation and tradition, the Geelong Botanic Gardens is one of Australia’s finest regional botanic gardens. An estimated 6000 different species of native and exotic plants are cultivated at the Gardens. The magnificent 21st Century Garden, opened in 2002, contrasts strikingly with the heritage and history of the original gardens.
NATIONAL WOOL MUSEUM
26 Moorabool Street Ph. 03 5272 4701 www.nwm.vic.gov.au
Geelong
National Wool Museum This is Australia’s only comprehensive museum to detail the story of wool~from the birth of the industry in Geelong in the 1840’s to its place in the world today. Located in a century-old bluestone wool store (1872), the Museum also presents an exciting annual
calendar of contemporary exhibitions, public programs and events. The wool museum also offers craft classes in wool related crafts such as knotting weaving and felting
William Buckley Discovery Trail ( Trail maps available at the Geelong Visitors information centre )
The Central Geelong Arts & Culture Walking Trails intersect with the William Buckley Discovery Trail at this point. Buckley was an escaped convict who lived with the local Indigenous people for thirty-two years until 1835 when he joined John Batman's camp at Beangala, now St Leonards. Much of the information we have of the Wathaurong people has been gleaned from the accounts of William Buckley.
Art Unlimited Art Unlimited Cnr Myers & Swanston Streets ,Geelong
www.artunlimited.org.au
Is a professional access studio for artists with intellectual disabilities or special support needs.Professional artists are employed to assist these artists to create their work. The
artists’ unique way of seeing provides the viewer with a window into a magical realm. Art Unlimited is a department of St. Laurence Community Services. Old Geelong Gaol
Ballarat Botanical Gardens on the edge of Lake Wendouree. Relax in these lovely tranquil gardens, where begonias are a specialty. One can also enjoy a stroll down the Avenue of Prime Ministers, which includes a bust of every Australian Prime Minister – even the ten day ones!.
Lake Wendouree Enjoy beautiful scenic walks around the lake, through wetlands filled with native bird life etc.
Soak up the history Admire the city's Victorian and Edwardian buildings, parks, gardens, statues, and churches by following one of the Visitor Information Centre's self-guided heritage walks .
For more information about other tourist attractions and wonderful things to see and do in Ballarat, go to the Ballarat Visitor Information Centre in Lydiard Street
Getting there. Vline train from Southern Cross Station takes you to Ballarat Station phone Public Transport Victoria on ph 1800800007 .
Other recommended day trips by train include trips to Castlemaine and Bendigo
Call Vline for transport details on 1800800007