Bob Travel

“Here’s a good read, maybe next time we go we can stay at one of these. It’s called Luxury Hotels Melbourne Australia. Wow, they got some beauties,” said Caroline, practically whistling when she said ‘wow’. We had decided it would be easier to meet with the secondary school teachers we were interviewing for our video feature on education in Australia and the amazing new techniques developed Down Under to integrate the latest math and art studies into a program of study.

“Hmm, yeah, maybe. OK, those are nice. OK, now you’re killing me. Let’s go get something to eat,” I said. We had decided to venture out to the Melbourne Markets, full of open air shops and, hopefully, something to eat. Here we were at the Queen Victoria Market. Just like in the States, the Green movement has taken hold. At the market we saw solar panels that provide power for the Market, guides to water harvesting and how they do that to supply the buildings, and the general recycling program. Of course, the star of the show is the tremendous selection of fruits and vegetable and fresh meats and sea foods. We were hungry and popped in to Cafe Victoria and had a beautiful breakfast, a big free range organic egg omelet with bacon and mushrooms and tomatoes and nice toast. Fabulous. The whole experience was all so neat and tidy and fresh and friendly, we walked around the Melbourne and took it all in. It was like being back in the old world, dating back over one hundred forty years, and they once sold livestock back in the frontier days, and is considered a historic place by Heritage Victoria which administers and protects the historic buildings and archaeological sites of Victoria, Australia.

I’ve stayed in Melbourne and now I’m staying in one of the Luxury Hotels Sydney has to offer, and as far as walk-ability goes, Sydney has more highways, freeways and motorways which criss-cross both. I found it harder to walk around compared to Melbourne. Only because Sydney is busier and there is more traffic, but that’s because Sydney does offer so much more to do than Melbourne.

Like the beautiful Botanic Gardens or the Circular Qauy. Sydney has more of a ‘big city’ feel than Melbourne and they both have very distinctive inner city neighborhoods. Like in Sydney, the Rocks and Woollomoolo. Where as Melbourne has Carlton or St. Kilda. I must admit, though, they both offer top-notch restaurants. Melbourne is really good if you like Greek or Italian, and they have a genuine Chinatown for so authentic Chinese food.  All of Sydney’s restaurants are fabulous, maybe a bit more ritzier and pricier, but well worth the cost.

As far as the music goes, in both cities, I find the music scene a bit dull. If you’re really into the club scene or unique music venues, I recommend Brisbane. I know, it’s sad that Australia’s two biggest cities can’t get their acts together and bring in some decent music. Melbourne is okay for the pub rock scene, yawn. Sydney is good for dance, electro and hip-hop, but they are behind the times when it comes to bringing in what’s new and innovative.

So, as far as walking goes, Melbourne wins out with it’s cosier, more comfortable and safer walk sites that Sydney’s busier, hillier which makes walking almost a chore. I would choose Melbourne, if you’re looking for a walkable city. Plus, Melbourne has a better inner city public transport. Sydney is more geared as a car-oriented city.

When one leaves their hotel, Melbourne Australia excitement and diversity.  There are many different districts and neighborhoods offering everything that is high class and sophisticated to everything that is urban and bohemian.  From the only purified seawater spa in St. Kilda to the funky boutiques and shops in Fitzroy, the city is a mix of culture that blend to make one fine whole, one incredible destination for world travelers.

For example, if one is searching for the finest and most tasty cuisine of Vietnam or Greece, Richmond is the place to head to.  This is a vibrant area that hosts many restaurants wherein in an all day restaurant establishment is often time fused with an incredible live music scene.  There are discount fashion shops as well as some of the best vintage and second hand stores in the country.  This is one of the sites of the early settlement of Melbourne, and as such there are districts set up wherein discounts can be found in the realms of fashion to fresh flowers.  There are also many locations to find rare objects of art and fine furniture.

Little Saigon is located on Victoria Street.  This is the heart and the soul of the Vietnamese population in Melbourne.  The wet markets start at Hoddle Street, and offer everything from fresh meat and seafood, to fresh produce.  The restaurants appear simple no white linen nor fancy silver, but the meals prepared by the chefs are tasty and delicate, not found in many restaurants.  This is an area that serves, fresh and fast…and healthy, all at an inexpensive price.

And the music scene in Richmond, well live music has found its niche here.  No one knows why the scenes pop up where they do, and many cities try to figure that out and plan for it, but there just is no plan, it happens where it happens.  One of the most popular venues for live shows in the city is at the Corner Hotel.  Big time artists play there as well as the lesser known newcomers to the stage.  For jazz lovers, Dizzy’s the place to go for quality acts and a good vibe.  One should most certainly find the time to visit this district in Melbourne, especially of food, and atmosphere and live jams is their thing.

Walking through the streets of Melbourne is a fantastic way to soak in the charm and the vibrant edginess of this Australian city.  The diversity surrounds one as the neighborhoods and the architecture, from a pre-colonial Victorian era Melbourne luxury hotel, to the trendy punk rock club just next door.  One of the most trendy, alternative and artistic neighborhoods is Fitzroy.  Much as in the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago or the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood of San Francisco, Fitzroy is where the bohemian cultures live and work.  There are many theaters and galleries located along the streets and this section of Melbourne provides most of the venues for the Melbourne Fringe Festival each year.  The festival runs through the entire month of September with plays, art openings and musical shows happening throughout the days and nights.

One of the most happening streets in Fitzroy, is Brunswick Street.  There are many quirky second hand stores, antiques shops and book stores.  Murals decorate the walls of the buildings, and the street is home to many artists, who often have the doors of their studios open and welcome those coming through looking at their work.  There is an open air market that takes place each Saturday, the Rose Street Market of artists, wherein one can find treasures amongst the works of more than seventy of Melbourne’s artists and clothing designers.  And of course, there are many bars, pubs and coffee shops, that are busy just about every hour of the day, and night.  One may find an all day breakfast restaurant in the neighborhood, and the nightlife is hopping.  Gertrude Street is famous for retro-clothing stores and contemporary art galleries.  Many speciality book stores are located on Gertrude, and there is here as well, many choices in restaurants and cafes.  Smith and Johnston Streets are a haven for vegetarians, as the variety of cuisine ranges from whole foods, to Moroccan to Greek and Mid Eastern.  This is also the Spanish sector of Melbourne, so the tapas and the flamenco shows are abundant.  This is one neighborhood that has quite a bit to offer in such a small area.