I’m flying to Melbourne today (SIA flight at 945pm tonight) and I’m thrilled beyond words (or any other form of expression for that matter!). This is going to be my first time EVER stepping on Australia’s soil. I can’t thank Tourism Australia & Tourism Victoria enough for this opportunity. 😉
This is Day 1 of my 10 days non-stop, packed, and fully pre-planned itinerary for the SOUTH EAST TOURING TRIANGLE, covering Melbourne CBD, Yarra Valley and the Dandenong Ranges, Phillip Island & Mornington Peninsular.
I will be updating my blog with short & concise posts with some pictures (hopefully on a nightly basis); as Internet connection is provided in the hotel. So do visit my blog & leave me a comment or two! Any recommendations, feedback or query is welcomed! Seriously! 😉
FRIDAY 18 FEBRUARY
1010
Arrive
Onboard flight SQ5329. To meet Tourism Victoria guide Reiner Aderhold and transfer to accommodation.
Check in
To the Causeway 353
Melbourne’s newest 4 star boutique hotel located in the heart of the CBD. The Causeway 353 Hotels offers you modern hotel facilities, comfortable and fashionable rooms with LCD TV’s, King Size Beds and large bathrooms.
353 Little Collins St
Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 9668 1888
Visit
Federation Square
Federation Square is a complete inner city block, the first ever to physically connect the central business district with the Yarra River in Melbourne. Situated at the heart of central Melbourne, Federation Square is a fusion of arts and events, leisure, hospitality and promenading.
Federation Square
Corner of Flinders Street and Swanston Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 9639 2800
Fax: (03) 9663 3652
www.federationsquare.com.au
Visit
Chinatown
(Lt Bourke St, & the laneways bordered by Spring, Lonsdale & Swanston Streets).
Visit the Chinese Dragon at the Chinese Museum and learn about the early gold mining days in Victoria. Take part in a Feng Shui tour or enjoy Yum Cha on Sunday. Eye-catching architecture, numerous restaurants, Chinese lanterns and wind chimes in Little Bourke Street make Chinatown an indulgence of the senses.
Tram
Catch the free City Circle Tram
The City Circle Tram service provides a free and convenient way to get around central Melbourne. Tourists, shoppers, office workers and families can use the City Circle Tram to travel to major attractions, shops and city events.
Visit
Southbank, the southern side of the Yarra River, has undergone an incredible transformation in the last decade. It now houses the Southgate Arts and Leisure Precinct, Crown Entertainment Complex, many multinational companies’ offices, the Langham and Crown Towers hotels and the Victorian Arts Centre. The precinct lines a kilometre stretch of the river looking across to Melbourne’s central business district. Although offering cafes and takeaway outlets, Southbank is more famous for its large array of five-star restaurants, where those with money still to burn after shopping at Armani and Prada at Crown, come to re-energise.
1700
Visit
Eureka Skydeck
Eureka Skydeck on Level 88 is the highest public vantage point in Melbourne, Australia and the Southern Hemisphere. Level 88 is the home to a state of the art Observation Deck offering unparalleled views of the city and surrounds. Visitors are able to take in the magnificent 360 degree views through floor to ceiling glass windows, from the CBD to the Dandenong Ranges and across Port Phillip Bay.
Eureka Skydeck 88
Riverside Quay
Southbank VIC 3006
Tel: (03) 9693 8888
Fax: (03) 9693 8899
www.eurekaskydeck.com.au
1830
Dinner
Tutto Bene
Tutto Bene is an Italian restaurant that specialises in risotto, with the El Presidente taking pride of place – a delicious blend of two-year-old parmesan and balsamic vinegar made from a 1912 must, swirled into the best Arborio for a taste sensation. Other simple dishes made from the finest quality ingredients round out the menu, and the view to the city will make you feel a million dollars – though you won’t have to spend that for a great night out at this budget friendly location.
Tutto Bene
Mid-level Southgate
Melbourne VIC 3006
Tel: (03) 9696 3334
Fax: (03) 9417 4445
2030
Explore
Crown
Melbourne’s Crown Entertainment Complex at Southbank on the Yarra River is one of the world’s largest gambling complexes, with 2500 gaming machines, more than 50 restaurants and bars, three nightclubs, a virtual reality centre and cinemas. Crown also features a world-class shopping promenade.
Crown Entertainment Complex
8 Whiteman Street
Southbank VIC 3006
Tel: (03) 9292 7614
Fax: (03) 9292 5246
www.crownltd.com.au
Overnight
Causeway 353
Whew!!!!! Touchdown & whisked to the CBD district immediately. Melbourne is actually 3Â hours earlier than Malaysia, so 8am in the morning in Melbourne is actually 5am Malaysian time!
I’m sure the adrenaline will keep me going for the 1st day, and then I would definitely need a good night’s rest in preparation for the other days ahead! Wish me luck!! 😉
DAy 2 coming up….later today! Got to pack now!!
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2030 |
Explore |
Crown |
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Melbourne’s Crown Entertainment Complex at Southbank on the Yarra River is one of the world’s largest gambling complexes, with 2500 gaming machines, more than 50 restaurants and bars, three nightclubs, a virtual reality centre and cinemas. Crown also features a world-class shopping promenade.
Crown Entertainment Complex 8 Whiteman Street Southbank VIC 3006 Tel: (03) 9292 7614 Fax: (03) 9292 5246 www.crownltd.com.au |
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Overnight |
Causeway 353 |
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SATURDAY 19 FEBRUARY |
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Breakfast |
In hotel. Please check out and pay for any incidentals |
Have a great trip. I will keep track of your posting.
Yes! pls do!! TQ!! 😉
wheee! have a safe flight! 😀
Hahaha.. as of now I can tell you I had a safe but turbulent flight ;p
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Love love love your adventures 🙂 Thanks for letting us see the world through your eyes!