Blue Mountains at Sunset

Federation Square,

Melbourne

Melbourne, Victoria &the Blue Mountains, NSW

I stayed at the Melbourne Cup Bed and Breakfast at the AltoHotel, located in the center of the city and a short stroll to Southern Cross for quick connection to Flemington  and Caulfield. I woke up to a full, delicious breakfast cooked to order!

Alto Hotel

Bed and Breakfast

Burke Steet

Afterwards, I stopped by the beautiful Fitzroy Gardens to see the reconstructed Cook's Cottage – the childhood home of Captain James Cook, one of the first European navigators to chart the east coast of Australia.

I began my trip by learning about the history of Melbourne. I jumped on the City Circle Tram and visited the Old Melbourne Gaol, Victoria’s oldest prison (it even housed the Infamous bushranger, Ned Kelly!)

Afterwards, I stopped by one of Melbourne’s many coffee shops in

search of a caffeine buzz. Melbourne is the coffee capital of

Australia and the cobblestoned laneways are filled with the aroma

of espresso. Further afield, Richmond, St Kilda, Fitzroy,

South Melbourne and Prahran also offer great cafe

strips, with a more laid-back feel.

In the afternoon, I visited the Melbourne Museum which showcases Australian social history, Indigenous cultures, science and the environment. It is located adjacent to the World Heritage listed Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens, and home to IMAX Theatre Melbourne. Major features of Melbourne Museum include “Celebrate Victoria's local Koorie culture in Bunjilaka” and the Aboriginal Cultural Centre.

Dinner time… there seems to be more restaurants in Melbourne  than days of the year. It was difficult to choose between the dizzying array of world-class chefs, creative world cuisine, and ethnic eateries.

Melbourne has a very eclectic spirit and many unique bars pepper the city’s streets and laneways. Nightspots can be found up a flight up stars, down a laneway, on a rooftop, or in an orchestra pit.

I even learned how to do the Melbourne shuffle…

I even had the chance to go to the Melbourne Festival, one of the world's leading arts festivals and Australia's premier celebration of art and culture from around the world held each. Each Festival brings an unparalleled feast of theatre, dance, music, visual arts, film and outdoor events to Melbourne each October.

Melbourne Festival

Festival of sails

is Australia's largest

keel boat regatta. First

held in 1844, it's also the

oldest sporting event in

Victoria.

The traditional Boxing Day Test at the MCG is the most anticipated cricket match each year in world cricket.

The Spring Racing Carnival is a world class event showcasing thoroughbred racing and entertainment at its finest during three months across Victoria.

More events…

The Three Sisters, sandstone rock formations – one of the best-known attractions in the region!

The Blue Mountains is a mountainousregion located inNew South Wales and bordering on Sydney’s metro area. The area begins on the west side of the Nepean River and extends Westward as far as Coxs River.

The Blue Mountains

A bushwalking, wilderness expedition complete with camping, canyoning, rock climbing, mountain biking, photographic safari, and four wheel drive experience…

Eco Adventure TourJamison Valley

Katoomba Falls

The Blue Mountains

Festival of Walking

The Blue Mountains Lithgow and Oberon TourismFestival of Walking, October 8th-15th, located throughout the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage area, was a celebration of the beauty of nature, the health and well being benefits of walking, acknowledgement of Aboriginal custodianship and culture and homage to the history, heritage and conservation of the region.

Unfortunately, my vacation was coming to an

end… but I did buy this really cool shirt…