Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Musing over Melbourne

When I was a little girl, whenever my dad asked me where outside of India I wanted to go, I'd always say "Australia". I don't know the reason myself. I might have seen glimpses of the country in some sitcom or maybe they did an episode on "Lonely Planet". We used to see Discovery a lot in my childhood.

It grew off somehow over the years and now, a couple of days back, when Indiblogger announced the "Fly to Melbourne" contest, I decided to go look up places in and around the city!

So here are a few places I'd like to check out if ever I get to visit the country's capital!

Royal Botanic Gardens

Have heard that these gardens provide an Alice in Wonderland sort-of experience which gives one enough reason for one to go and experience it. A walk in these gardens would be heavenly, if there indeed are naturally wondrous things to see and feel.



Not too fond of display gardens, I would like to spend most time in the nature sanctuaries. I would consider signing up for the Aboriginal Heritage walk though, if it means knowing more about these sanctuaries!!

The Shrine of Remembrance

The shrine is interesting, in it, it has stories of the war. Originally built to commemorate the men & women of Victoria who served in World War 1, it's now for all Australians who served in war.


They say that there is a marble stone inside on which is engraved "Greater love hath no man", which, quoted from the Bible is a version of "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends". On November 11, also called as Remembrance day, at 11 a.m., an opening in the roof lets out a ray of sunlight on the word "Love".

The Great Ocean Road

I'd like to go for a drive on the Great Ocean Road, stopping over to see the 12 Apostles, then maybe for a short walk, to see the Bay islands and experiencing the food culture in the many towns here.



Wouldn't want to miss out on seeing historic lighthouses, the ancient rainforests.. I think a good trip on this road would last atleast two days.

Brighton Beach

When I saw the picture of this beach, the bright houses immediately lit me up!!

I don't know if I can stay in one of them, but they sure look inviting..



Australian Centre of Contemporary Art

I think I'd like to make a trip to the ACCA to view international as well as Australian artwork.



I kind of like how oddly shaped the building is!!

Besides Melbourne, if I do get a chance, I'd like to go visit the Daintree Rainforest, in Queensland.

I looked at the pictures, and the lush green is too inviting!





I like green places.. and on a lighter note, this also reminds me of "Honey, I shrunk the kids" for some reason!

To be honest, I wouldn't say I love Melbourne but this just gives me a chance to go, explore!

And now for a small surprise - there's something in this post for all of  you readers. Aside from me taking part in a contest, you can also take part by telling me which of the places in Melbourne you'd like to visit from amongst the ones that I mentioned, along with a reason why!! The last date for doing so is the 4th of January, 2015 and you stand a chance to win a shopping voucher worth INR 500.

So, go on, tell me.. :)



8 comments:

cruxrebels said...

Great post! After reading your post & watching all the videos, I’d most like to visit the Dandenong Ranges for it’s scenic beauty, breathtaking view and cool breeze blowing through my hair. :P I’d give anything away for driving through the winding roads which are present throughout the ranges. I’d love to stay at one of the bed and breakfast cottages and go on frequent excursions in the forests with my camera which provides excellent views. And not to forget the famous ride in the Puffing Billy, a day reserved especially for that. To add to that, there are also several picnic spots for me and my friends to spend a fun-filled day and the ranges are a perfect spot for hiking and cycling.

Wish you and your blog a happy new year! :D

alok said...

Hi Anubha, From a little girl to a young adult the dream of Australia sure has persisted with you.
Interesting Post
After reading your post and watching all the videos
I feel I have stepped into a kaleidoscope called Melbourne
Where Vistas of experiences would unfold one after another
The nature lover in me is enticed by the thought of watching the penguin parade.
Traveling though the great ocean road, soaking up the freshness as the breeze ruffles my hair gets me in the mood to pack my bags for Melbourne.
But before I can move ,Puffing Billy whistles and invites me for a ride. The kid in me jumps with joy at the thought of visiting Pannys Phillip Island Chocolate Factory
Even before I can deside on the list of places that I would like to see in and around Melbourne.
What’s that noise that I hear ?
Oh its loud cheer from MCG as the cricket world cup 2015 is about to kick start.
So many plces to see and so much to do.
I am thetimetraveler ( http://goo.gl/wdXDzu ) and I have decided … Melbourne here I come ( http://goo.gl/RvUCQf ).

Unknown said...

Some of the most interesting places which I shortlisted to visit after watching Tanmay and Rohan's videos is here. This comment space would be very less in order to keep on giving the reasons to visit these places once in life, but I am trying to be as short and crisp as possible and these are the must visit places if at all I go to Melbourne in my life.

Yarra Valley for Great Day out and Excellent Wine Tasting tour which seems totally magical. Driving around Yarra Valley in a beautiful and breathtaking places seems like a great country getaway from Melbourne city and so much to see, visit and taste.

Going for a Seal Watching Cruise and Observing those inquisitive & graceful creatures close up, is a trip one will not forget I guess. It seems to be a totally a worthy place for young and old too. So many seals getting close to them could be an absolutely thrilling experience.

Another place I wouldn't want to miss is Sunny Ridge Strawberry farm for some AMAZING Strawberry ice cream and strawberries, it seems like a strawberry heaven with delicious, succulent and mouth watering strawberries ever. I am sure this place visit would be a great experience for the kids too.

Have you watched Penguins parade ? If not, I guess this is the place to visit which is Phillip Island Nature Park. The experience to watch these penguins is Out of this world, a must see for great experience and its awesome

for Animal lovers too. Its like cute litte faires coming in from Ocean. I guess, this is a MUST do experience when I am in Melbourne.

Are you a chocolate lover ? I guess Pannys Amazing World of Chocolate is a must visit place for enjoying some mouth watering chocolates. Also, just watching the huge waterfall of chocolate cascade down is breath taking. And watching the live chocolate making is fun.

If you are a drive freak and love to drive around in some scenic spots, this is the place to visit which is "The Great Ocean Road". Seems like it would be a Great tour, great food and fantastic view.

Some more places which I love to visit is Montalto Vineyard & Olive Grove, Loch Ard Gorge beach, Chateau Yering BBQ for some amazing Australian BBQ and definitely a hot air balloon ride for spectacular sightseeing and experience in life.

Unknown said...

Some of the most interesting places which I shortlisted to visit after watching Tanmay and Rohan's videos is here. This comment space would be very less in order to keep on giving the reasons to visit these places once in life, but I am trying to be as short and crisp as possible and these are the must visit places if at all I go to Melbourne in my life.

Yarra Valley for Great Day out and Excellent Wine Tasting tour which seems totally magical. Driving around Yarra Valley in a beautiful and breathtaking places seems like a great country getaway from Melbourne city and so much to see, visit and taste.

Going for a Seal Watching Cruise and Observing those inquisitive & graceful creatures close up, is a trip one will not forget I guess. It seems to be a totally a worthy place for young and old too. So many seals getting close to them could be an absolutely thrilling experience.

Another place I wouldn't want to miss is Sunny Ridge Strawberry farm for some AMAZING Strawberry ice cream and strawberries, it seems like a strawberry heaven with delicious, succulent and mouth watering strawberries ever. I am sure this place visit would be a great experience for the kids too.

Have you watched Penguins parade ? If not, I guess this is the place to visit which is Phillip Island Nature Park. The experience to watch these penguins is Out of this world, a must see for great experience and its awesome

for Animal lovers too. Its like cute litte faires coming in from Ocean. I guess, this is a MUST do experience when I am in Melbourne.

Are you a chocolate lover ? I guess Pannys Amazing World of Chocolate is a must visit place for enjoying some mouth watering chocolates. Also, just watching the huge waterfall of chocolate cascade down is breath taking. And watching the live chocolate making is fun.

If you are a drive freak and love to drive around in some scenic spots, this is the place to visit which is "The Great Ocean Road". Seems like it would be a Great tour, great food and fantastic view.

Some more places which I love to visit is Montalto Vineyard & Olive Grove, Loch Ard Gorge beach, Chateau Yering BBQ for some amazing Australian BBQ and definitely a hot air balloon ride for spectacular sightseeing and experience in life.

StyleOnStreets said...

Great post.Just loved your blog post. I am in love with driving and road trips, The Great Ocean Road is the ideal place for the people like me. I will surely visit that place in Melbourne and enjoy the sea shore, sunrise and gorgeous mesmerizing view.

Unknown said...


Being a person who loves to travel this place has struck my eye.
And here, Eureka Skydeck 88 is going to be first on my list.. i can just imagine the view after reading about it and i feel its going to be awesome.
Then the St. Kilda Beach,the long walk on the beach during the sunset will be just perfect.. And finding gold is also there.. :D
why not get my pockets filled with some tresure hunt..Laneways and Arcades is going to be the place to explore my "Lara croft" skills.. :D :D
Melbourne is going to be a great place to visit and enjoy a holiday..

Manjulika Pramod said...

For me it would be the Daintree Rainforest... wow I am lured by the awesome greenary..

Hemaaa said...

Hi
My email id is hemmma09@gmail.com
in case you decide me as a winner