Ballarat

Gold has been bringing visitors to Ballarat since 1851. The first visitors here were miners in search of their fortune. Visit today and will have a golden experience of a different kind. Ballarat is located just over an hour from Melbourne and you will be delighted by its majestic architecture including baroque mansions and Georgian homes, wide tree lined streets, great restaurants, colourful gardens and art and craft galleries.

Start your discovery of Ballarat at its most famous landmark-Sovereign Hill. Built on a 25-hectare site, Sovereign Hill is receated township of the 1850's Gold Rush era. The emphasis of the township is on craftsmen in traditional costumes working machinery from the era, exhibitions and visitor participation.
Sovereign Hill is the place to go to find a special present, some great sweets and enjoy a good meal. On main street you will find numerous shops (there are over 60 shops throughout the entire site), two hotels plus a theatre and in the backstreets you will find houses, huts, small factories and paddocks full of livestock. You can watch carriage builders, furniture manufacturers, jewellers, tinsmiths, metal spinners, blacksmiths, candle makers and sweet makers in action. It does not stop there, you can alsosee muskets being fired, go bowling 1850's style and watch a $90.000 pure gold ingot being poured. Other great attractions at Sovereign Hill include the Red Hill Mine, which offers a seld guided underground adventure into the dark and dangerous world of deep lead mining, or try the guided Sovereign Quartz Mine Gold Tourwhich includes a thrilling train ride through the mine's darkened tunnels. Make sure you visit the Gold Museum entry to this included with your entry to Sovereign Hill.
If you want to take home a golden momento try your hand panning for gold at Red Hill Gully Creek. It's regularly salted with fine alluvial gold. The Red Hill Gully digginds capture the mad times of the 1850's when social values, work habits and family relationship were violently upturned. This period gave birth to the Eureka Rebellion, which is captured in the very popular evening sound and light show, Blood on the Southern Cross, Eureka was Australia's only armed uprising and totally automated show takes place across the entire museum with numerous fantastic special effects including the burning of Bentley's Eureka Hotel.
If you are interested in learning more about Eureka uprising consider a visit to Eureka Centre and then join the 3.5 km Eureka Trail which follows the mute Government forces took. It is the perfect way to end your day in Ballarat, a town steeped in history and beauty.

Labyrinth of Gold
Sovereign Hill celebrates these school holidays with a "Journey through the Labyrinth of Gold". Visitors are encouraged to go deep underground and experience life as an 1850's miner.
Ride their new inclined railway through mines and tunnels. The Gold Museum is joining in on the fun too with a special 'Passport to Treasure". Follow the clues for a golden surprise! There is a limited capacity for this tour so purchase your tickets fast. Phone +61 3 5337 1100

Getting there
Ballarat is located north-west of Melbourne and is easily eccessible by car, train or tour coach. If you are travelling by car, Ballarat is just over an hour's drive from Melbourne along the Western Highway.

(Where Melbourne)

Williamstown

Just 15 minutes from Melbourne's bustling CBD, Williamstown is a world away. Nestled between the Princess Freeway and the western curve of Port Philip Bay, Williamstown work its magic on visitors and a loyal locals alike with its beguiling blend of old and new; colourful maritime history, serene parkland and clean sandy beach, and a sophicated array of cafes and restaurants. Indeed, with some of the best views of the city skyline found along its waterfront cycle and footpaths, piers and picnic spots, it has the serene feel of an island, separated from the metropolis by a steady stream of yachts, container ships, ferries and pleasure boats.

despite its historic charms, Williamstown is no fussy relic. Just as many of the buildings and gorgeous heritage homes have been skillfully modernised, so has the entire area. A stroll down the hub Nelson Place takes you past an eclectic range of shopping possibilities, from antiques to souvenirs, clothing, artwork and unique gifts. The weekends in particular find the wide paths full of al fresco diners enjoying a meal and a bottle of wine at one of the cafes, restaurants and bars. And of course, there is no shortage of quality takeaways for that fish and chip picnic.
Hobsons Bay Visitor Information Centre in Williamstown offers a comprehensive selection of brochures and pamphlets detailing every aspect of the area. It is located in Commonwealth reserve (corner of Nelson Place and Syme Street) and is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Phone : +61 3 99324310.

Where to eat
The Anchorage restaurant (34 A The Strand, phone +61 3 9397 7799) is renowned for its superb seafood with magnificent views of the city center across Post Philip. Located on the water's edge the views are stunning by day and unforgetable by night.

Getting there
Williamstown is 13 km from central business district, by train take the Williamstown line from the city. Drivers can survey the view of Williamstown as they travel over the Westgate Bridge before taking the first exit, Williamstown road. The Williamstown ferry operates daily from Berth 1, Southgate. For 24 hours recorded information on the Williamstown Ferry service call +61 3 9517 9444.

(Where Magazine)

Philip Island

While Philip Island is best known for its amazingly cute little penguins that each night come ashore from a days fishing and waddle to their sand dune burrows, there's so much more to this island than just penguins.
Unfortunately many visitor don't allow enough time to discover its many other delights such as the Koala Conservation Centre and the Churchill Island.
The Koala Conservation Centre offers the perfect environment to see Koala's close up and importantly, in their natural environment. The centre features 35 Koalas, located in two broadwalk areas and in surrounding bushland. All are wild.
Centre rangers conduct tours each day although the signage, especially in the broadwalk areas, is so good it doesnt really matter when you visit.
While wildlife isnt the main attraction of Churchill Island there's still plenty to see including Hilgland cattle, Clydesdale horses, sheep, ducks, chicken and peacocks. The 57 hectare island holds an important place in the history of Victoria's European settlement being the site of the first agricultural pursuits. It has been farmed sine the 1850s. In 1872 it was purchased by a former Mayour of melbourne, samuel Amess, who built a substantial house and outbuildings which still stand today.
A walk arounf these historical buildings, complete with old farming equipment and through the surrounding grounds provides the perfect introduction to the early days of farming in Victoria.
Moonah trees, which are thought to be at least 500 years old, are another highlight. A walk to these tress is one of several marked around the island.
The moonah Forest and Monument loop is the shortest walk and provides a good introduction. The around the island walk is about 5 kilometres and its great for anyone interested in birdlife.
An entry fee applies to both the Churchill Island and Koala Conversation Centre, however those who purchase a Three parks Pass can visit both attractions together with the Penguins for one discount rate. Tickets can be purchased at any of the attractions.
A number of the island's other natural attractions dont have entry visa. These include Rhyll Inlet and Observation Point, a great place to see the birds from all around the world insluding migratory shorebirds which come from Arctic Siberia. A broadwalk meanders through the mangroves allowing you to discover the wetlands without disturbing the environment.
Seal lovers flock to Seal Rocks where there's an Australian fur seal colony shich is thought to be one of the largest in Australia.
A new attraction has recently opened here, the Nobbies Centre on Philip Island. In an Australias tourism first, cameras using defence technology allow visitors to zoom in to view the seals as they frolic above and below the water. The cameras also zoom up to the birdlife nesting in the cliffs.
Other facilities include large plasma screens which run mini-presentations on the native marine and bird life. There's a cafe on site, while for kids there's the themed area "Just for Pups".
Of course no visit to Philip Island is complete without visit to the Penguin Parade. You can watch the Penguins from viewing stands and broadwalks or pay more to watch them from an exclusive broadwalk limited to fewer people. You can go behind the scenes with a ranger and learn how rangers and researchers are protecting the penguins, watch the penguins on your own secluded beach or enjoy the parade from an exclusive elevated viewing tower with a renger.
Whichover option you choose, ensure you allow time to see the many other natural attractions of the fascinating island.

Philip Island is around 90 minutes from Melbourne. There are numerous accommodation options on the island. While tour bus companies run daily tours.
for more information ring +61 3 5951 2800 or visit : www.penguins.org.au.

(Where Magazine)

EVENTS

Australian Grand Prix

Get ready to fire up when Hamilton, Massa, Raikkonen and the rest of the F1 elite battle it out against Australia's own Mark Webber, at speeds in excess of 300 kilometres per hour. The superstars of the V8 Supercars will also be there. With a completely revamped format, the 2009 FORMULA 1 ING Australian Grand Prix will see all on track action start later in the day and finish in the twilight hours. Following on immediately after the racing will be a host of live music and bands featuring The Who's only Melbourne performance. Race-goers will be entertained well into the evening, making this Grand Prix the biggest four day party Melbourne has ever seen. With free admission for kids 12 and under, make sure you bring the whole family!

Call Ticketex on 131 931 or visit : www.grandprix.com.au



Australian Open
In 2009 Tennis Australia will be offering fans an enhanced festival experience with a sensational program of live entertainment every day from january 19 to February 1, 2009.

Many of the live entertainment events will be available at no extra cost to anyone attending the Australian Open with a Series Package, Single Session Ticket or Ground Pass, Patrons can also purchase tickets for various premium shows and concerts as an add-on their tennis ticket.

One of the major highlights of Australian Open 2009 will be the Australian premiere appearance of Spiegelworld direct from New York City. At the heart of Spiegelworld is a beautiful, historic European spiegeltent. This fully air-conditioned, 300 seat venue will host a brilliant program of cabaret, circus and concerts throughout the Australian Open and wonderful acts from around the world.

Once all the tennis is over the for day, the "open Late" concert series will allow music fans to experince Australia's most popular artists up close and up late in the intimate atmosphere of the spiegeltent.
Give the kids a break from the afternoon sun on courtside, the spiegeltent will present a gravity-defying family circus each day featuring Dislocate.

There will also be a huge amount of free entertainment across different areas that include Spiegelworld Garden, SpiegleBall and the Heineken Beer Garden.

The final weekend of the 2009 Australian Open will culminate in an exciting new way to experience the final atmosphere. "A Day on the Baseline" features two double bill concerts featuring Pete Murray and Evermore on January 31 and Gabriella Cilmi and The Cat Empire on February 1.

For all information and tickets, go to : www.australianopen.com



MELBOURNE EVENTS

January 2009
12/01/2009 to 01/02/2009
Mr. Sandman - Sand Sculpture Display, Free Event
International artists have sculpture 20 tonnes of golden sand into an extraordinary and eye-catching sand installation in the heart of Docklands.

18/01/2009 10.30 am - 12.30 pm
Birrarung Yarn - Free Event
Bring Indigenous culture to children at this hands on workshop.

19/01/2009 to 01/02/2009
Australian Open 2009
International stars of tennis battle it out for top honours on famous Rod Laver Arena and surrounding show courts. International hits from Spiegelworld will ensure festivities continue around the clock. Night-time pop and rock concerts, high-energy family concerts and world class burlesque direct from New York will propel this sensational event to a new level. Melbourne Park, Tel : +61 3 99144000, or visit : www.australianopen.com.

19/01/2009
ACMI Cinemas - The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (PG)
A young school girl discovers she has the ability to traverse space and time.
Federation Square, Tel : +61 386632200, or visit : www.acmi.net.au.

20/01/2009 12.00 AM
Angelina Ballerina - For the Kids
Performed by English National Ballet, Angelina's Star Performance is the perfect introduction for the children to the magical world of Ballet. Victorian Art Centre, Tel : +61 3 92818000, or visit : www.theatrecentre.com.au.

25/01/2009 8.00 PM - 10.30 PM
Matthew herbert Big Band
One of the electronic music's most versatile and prolific figureheads, Hamer Hall, South Bank, Tel : +61 3 92818000, or visit : www.theatrecentre.com.au.

25/01/2009
Sunset Dance
Afro Funk with the King - Free dance lessons and demonstrations from friendly instructors in a relaxed environment, Fitzroy Gardens, East Melbourne, Tel : +61 3 96589658

up to 29/01/2009
Greenhouse by Joost
Melbourne will witness an Australian first greenhouse by Joost - a self sustaining temporary even venue at Federation Square that will engage and inspire. Federation Square : www.greenhousebyjoost.com.

(Hello Melbourne)

ENTERTAINMENT

Melbourne boats a wide variety of both light and serious entertainment to suit all tastes from unique bars to bowling alleys. The city is renowned for the diversity and depth of its art and culture, great sporting traditions, major festivals and international events.

Ballet, Symphony & Opera
Melbourne is home to the international acclaimed Australian Ballet as well as the countrys major opera company, Opera Australia, with the State Orchestra of Victoria the musical force behind them both. Along with the Ballet and Opera the Victorian Arts Centre is also home to Melbourne Symphony Orchestra who are renown for their diversity in style, performing both classical masterpieces as well as a more contemporary style of music. The Victoria Arts Centre is host to many other nationally and internationally acclaimed performances. Victoria Art Centre +61 3 92818000

Comedy & Theatre
Melbourne is a hot spot for comedy. This is evident with it hosting one of the worlds three largest comedy festivals. The Melbourne Comedy Festival, where comedians, both local and international meet and make Melbourne meet and make Melbourne laugh for three weeks. Melbourne's spectacular theater venues are the perfect place for local and internationally acclaimed stage shows to come and perform for enthusiastic Melburnians. Listed here are the details of Melbournes major theater :
* Comedy Theatre : +61 3 92994950
* National Theatre : +61 3 95340221
* Forum Theatre : +61 3 92999700
* Princess Theatre : +61 3 92999800
* Regent Theatre : +61 3 92999500
* Atheneom Theatre : +61 3 96501500

Half tix offers discount theatre tickets for same day performances. Whilst there are some great deals to be found, make sure you find out where you will be sitting as the best tickets do not sell for half price. Located at the Melbourne Town Hall in Swanston Street entrance. Tel +61 3 96509420

Night Clubs
If you want to dance the night away then experience Melbourne's exciting nightlife. Dress codes vary from club to club, but generally it is at the discrestion of the doorman. At most clubs, there is a cover charge between $5 to $15. Here is a list of nightclubs you might want to try :
* Metro : +61 3 96634288
* Heist : +61 3 98637488
* Zealous : +61 3 96700980
* Inflation : +61 3 96146122


Pubs & Bars
Melbourne has a Pub or many Bar to suite everyone. Many traditional style pubs can be found in the heart of the city. A recent exciting addition to the Melbourne bar scene is Chill On. This unique concept bar is made completely of ice. Operating is a sub zero temperatures, guess are confronted by decor made entirely of ice. The bar, chairs, tables and even the drinking glasses are made of ice. Guests are surrounded by exquisitely carved ice sculptures. Dont worry you wont freeze up as you are provided by the management with 'coats' to keep you warm while you groove to funky music.

(Hello Melbourne)

Chapel Street

Melbournian’s have a soft spot for Chapel Street. While the rest of the city goes about its business, here is a place known for the good things in life- fashion, food, entertainment and style.

The Precinct is also made for walking and can keep you occupied for hours, even days, which is lucky because you’ll need it to fully appreciate Chapel Streets unique Style, Personality and Diversity.

CHAPEL ST SOUTH YARRA

A “fashion, dining and lifestyle” strip with a multicultural flavour. This precinct has inspired a large number of stunning young designers to international acclaim and is home to Melbourne’s cutting edge fashion and designer gift wear stores, much loved by super-models and celebrities. You will also discover lounge bars, clubs, lively cafes and great restaurants that make for a great place to visit, day or night, any time of the week.

GREVILLE STREET

The “cool alternative” area for shopping, dining, joining the café set, or being entertained. This small cosmopolitan strip would sit easily in any one of the great cities of the world and exhibits a veritable gallery of amazing shops that offer something for everyone. Rich, colourful fashions, eclectic gifts, books and jewellery shops, stylish salons, and music stores open their doors seven days a week.

COMMERCIAL ROAD

With a reputation for its “diversity and nightlife” Commercial Road is peppered with a range of fabulous gay operated and owned businesses including some of the best dining in Melbourne, late night bars and nightclubs. Commercial Road’s retail environment is also complemented by the bustling Prahran Market and other specialised businesses such as music, fashion, homewares and specialty food shops.

CHAPEL ST PRAHRAN

A “technology and multi-media precinct” renowned for innovative and creative design, information technology, communications and multi media companies. This vital hub also caters for local needs including supermarkets, banks and post offices.

Pran Central community shopping centre is also located in the heart of Prahran and is anchored by Strike Bowling Bar, Fernwood Gym and 45 specialty retailers over three levels.

WINDSOR QUARTER

An “arts, culture, dining and music precinct”, with alternative young fashion retailers, vintage and recycled boutiques, antique and second-hand shops and convenience goods and services catering for the locals.

JAM FACTORY

The famous Jam Factory in the heart of fashionable Chapel Street in South Yarra offers a relaxed, cosmopolitan environment. Home to Village Cinemas and a wide selection of places to eat, this exciting complex will also reward you with great places to shop like Borders, the giant book and music store and many, many more cutting edge retailers.

PRAHRAN MARKET

The Prahran Market on Commercial Road is one of Melbourne's premier fresh food markets and is a must for tourists. Reminiscent of the traditional produce markets of Europe, It has existed for over 100 years and has a great variety of stalls and shops offering fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, fish, deli foods, cafes, variety shops, and clothing.
You can also enjoy a shopping break in the Prahran Market square and experience the ambience of the surrounding cafes.

The Prahran Market is open on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from dawn to 6 p.m.

Melbourne Aquarium

Melbourne Aquarium is an underwater wonderland that seduces the senses with an experience that is engaging, educative and entertaining.

Located on the banks of the Yarra River, Melbourne Aquarium is home to thousands of aquatic animals and is the world’s foremost exhibit of the Southern Ocean. The journey takes you over four thrilling and interactive levels, where you will meet a whole host of weird and wonderful marine life.

The most spectacular feature of the aquarium is the 2.2 million litre Oceanarium, which you can experience from below, above – and if you dare – from inside!

The 100 square metre ‘Fish Bowl’ viewing area allows you to see from underneath the wonderful marine creatures swimming overhead, such as sharks, stingrays, turtles, eels, snapper, salmon and many other species of fish.

The Glass Bottom Boat Tour takes you above the surface of the water - allowing you to experience the wonders from a different angle. While looking down on the Oceanarium visitors will receive an educational exploration of the behind-the-scenes action and the chance to talk to divers and marine biologists.

Those feeling brave can experience the huge adrenaline rush of coming face-to-face with a shark by taking the plunge inside the Oceanarium. Diving in at the deep end for the ultimate challenge and is an experience you will never forget. The dive is suitable for both qualified and new divers, as a dive training session is included. Friends and family will watch in amazement as they see you swim past.

Other highlights include

• Daily animal feeds and diver presentations

• The interactivity of the Creepy Creatures and Rockpools exhibits

• A 60,000 litre exhibit housing a Shark Conversation Project and marine animal nursery

• The stunning Sea Jellies room.

St. Kilda

With a colorful history St. Kilda is now one of Melbourne's trendiest destinations, with seaside location, artistic flare, and fabulous array of restaurants, bars, and cafes. St Kilda is a food lovers delight with the section of Acland Street between Carlisie Street and Barkly Street famous for its continental cake shops, delicateness, and trendy cafes and restaurants. Another popular place to eat and drink is Fitzroy street. Fitztroy street is a short walk down Acland street or along The Esplanade. Here you will find some of Melbourne's most popular bars, restaurants, and cafes.

Luna Park is the symbol of St. Kilda, with its famous laughing face. This historic amusement park has many great attractions including the heritage-listed roller coaster and the beautifully crafted carousel. Admission is free although rides do cost.

Each Sunday on the Upper Esplanade the street is lined with may arts and crafts. All the products at The Esplanade Market St. Kilda are made by artists who sell them. You can find photography, paintings, artworks made from recycled materials and resin, creative miniature sculptures, jewellery, mosaics and mony other skilled arts.

Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI)

Explore the world of the moving image in all its forms at ACMI. Experience inspirational exhibitions in the world's largest screen gallery and catch classic movies in Australian's best cinemas. Chat whit TV and film personalities at a live panel discussion or even create your own short film in a hands-on workshop program. Featured in Lonely Planet as one of Melbourne's 'top five' experiences.

Open daily
Federation Square, Melbourne
www.acmi.net.au

History of Melbourne

The city's origin lie in a surge in nineteenth century urbanisation which ringed the Pacific with a network of bustling commercial cities: Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Auckland, San Fransisco, Seattle and Vancouver. They grew as gateways to their expansive hinterlands, facilitating European settlement and the harnessing of their developing regional economics to world money and produce markets.

They were cities of the nineteenth century, built from scratch, their spatial from shaped by the latest technological innovations and their social economic structures mirroring the logic of modern capitalist market place. Melbourne - fittingly dubbed "Marvellous Melbourne" by George sala in 1888, encapsulates this remarkable city's building progress. Melbourne was for most of the nineteenth century the most remarkable of these Pacific Rim cities, and the largest in both population and in physical extent.

The growth of this city is often taken for granted, but Melbourne was not predetermined or inevitable. It was established by speculators technically in breach of the law. The hinterland was not given out to capitalists but licensed, leased and purchased by investors and speculators.

The entrepreneurial quality was reinforced by the gold discoveries which attracted settlers who were young, enterprising and independent. These were the people who opposed the state aid to religion, fought for the eight hour day, pressed for land to be opened up to the small settler and most dramatically espoused the protection of local industry ~ inverting the orthodoxies of Great Britain.

A strong imprint remains of the industries established between 1860 and 1890, especially in areas like clothing and footwear establishing Marvellous Melbourne as the shopping capital of Australia even today.