Mini Travel Log: Melbourne, Australia (3)

Many tourists don't realize there are beaches in Melbourne. Port Phillip Bay is a large bay which is connected to the Southern Ocean through a small opening called "the Rip". Because of this, many people thought it is a lake instead. You'll be surprised to find the water salty and dolphins living here. If you are adventurous, don't spend too much time in the boring Melbourne CBD areas. Take a tram or a train to Brighton Beach or St. Kilda. Along Brighton Beach, you'll be able to see rows of colorful bathing boxes which are printed in postcards found all over the world. North of Brighton is St. Kilda. Spend your weekend here with your family in the classic amusement park, featuring the wooden roller coaster. Take a stroll down the historic pier which stretches about half a mile out to the bay and enjoy the sunset. If you are hungry, there are many restaurants serving international cuisines to satisfy your taste bud.

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Related link: Mini Travel Log: Melbourne, Australia (2)
Related link: Mini Travel Log: Melbourne, Australia (1)

Mini Travel Log: Melbourne, Australia (2)

It is the golden season Down Under. Everything is in golden color and you can feel autumn is here. While the northern hemisphere welcomes spring and the start of summer, Melbourne is turning cold and going into winter. Many other Australian cities don't really have significant autumn months. Melbourne, which is located closer to the southern tip, is enjoying more of the season change. I think this is the best city in Australia to visit during this time of the year, to be able to see the spectacular colors of autumn.

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Related link: Mini Travel Log: Melbourne, Australia (1)

Mini Travel Log: Melbourne, Australia

Want to experience four seasons in one day? Melbourne is the place. A day can start off with a wonderful hot summer day, but a sweeping cold front from the southern ocean brings down the temperature close to winter while bringing in heavy rains, gale, thunderstorms and even hail. I under-estimated the weather and was caught off guard on the day of arrival. It was a freezing cold night.

Weather was not really good the next day either. It was a morning of fog and cloudy day. Nevertheless I managed to explore the great city. Many buildings have heavy Victorian architecture influence. To my surprise, there is no bus service at the heart of the city itself. It is served by the world's largest tram network instead. The heritage trams are an iconic sight. South of the city across Yarra river houses new urban buildings like the Eureka Tower, hotels, entertainment and casino places. Further south is Albert Park where the annual Melbourne F1 race is held.

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