Experience the Yarra Valley

By Jenny Brewer

Under an hours drive from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is perfect for a getaway to recharge the batteries and enjoy breathtaking scenery. There is so much to do in this beautiful region of Victoria, also known as one of the world great wine growing regions, and famous for its pinot noir and sparkling champagne.

There are plenty of locals who also flock to this area to enjoy a weekend away. The blue ranges, massive trees, rivers and valleys all combine to create an irresistible escape from the frantic city life. Set aside at least a minimum of two days here to take in the scenery and enjoy the countryside. There are pretty towns nestled in the rolling hills of the valley waiting to be explored, and so many fine foods and wines to sample.

With incredible accommodation choices, the Yarra Valley is ideal for the driving holiday, with a vast choice of cosy bed and breakfasts, self-contained cottages through to five star hotels. You will not want to leave once you have settled in.

Follow the Mt Dandenong Tourist Road and you will arrive at one of the most sought after regions in Victoria, the Dandenong Ranges. Ideal for a weekend retreat, the majestic forests, amazing gardens and panoramic views of the Yarra Valley are the most distinct drawcards for tourists. Home of the Rhododendron, the gardens go on and on and will lead you to art galleries and cosy cafés. There is even a local Puffing Billy which will take you through old villages and through incredible scenery. There are kilometres of walking tracks also featuring the Thousand Steps and The Sherbrooke Forest.

Further down the range is the town of Healesville, which is known for its extensive Sanctuary wildlife park. It is home to a myriad of birdlife, and boasts over 200 species of animals such as the platypus, Tasmanian devil, dingos, echidnas, koalas, emus and wombats. There is also a fascinating 'Birds of Prey' presentation that will give you a greater insight into the peregrine falcon and the wedge tailed eagle. Healesville is also known for its yearly Grape Grazing Festival and Yarra Valley Tourist Railway.

Yarra Glen is located in the heart of the Valley and hosts many award winning wineries. There is plenty to do here, such as walk the eighteen kilometre Sugarloaf Reservoir Park, relax at the Immerse Spa and Winery or even enjoy a balloon flight over the valley to enjoy the sunrise.

Not far away is Marysville. This is a beautiful town also known as the gateway to Lake Mountain. It comes alive in every season, especially spring with its picturesque cottage gardens and oak trees lining the streets, and winter when the snowfields beckon avid skiers to enjoy the slopes. Steavenson Falls is a magnificent attraction, known as one of the highest waterfalls in Victoria. Lady Talbot Drive is perfect for a picnic lunch surrounded by eucalyptus forest followed by a rainforest walk. The Cumberland Scenic Reserve features the tallest tree known in Victoria, known as 'The Big Tree', and the Cora Lynn Falls are also worth a visit.

Warburton is one of the most attractive towns in the entire valley. It is also known as a health retreat and welcoming for all desiring a complete break from the pressures of life. With forests, rivers, wineries and plenty of activities and attractions, make sure this is on your list of places to see.

The Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail is popular for cycling or walking enthusiasts, and there is a shorter walk to Lala falls. The Mt Donna Buang Rainforest Gallery offers a fantastic treetop skywalk which is a great way for all ages to see the beautiful rainforest. There is even a night tour to the Upper Yarra Reservoir Park. There are plenty of walks which begin close to town and into the Mountain Ash forests. You will certainly leave here feeling fit and rejuvenated.

For some it would be enough to enjoy the views of the sun setting accompanied with a glass of local wine, browsing the boutiques and enjoying a visit to the wildlife sanctuary. Others seeking outdoor adventure will love the treetop skywalk, cross country skiing at Lake Mountain or abundance of cycling and bushwalking tracks. For whoever is blessed to visit this abundant region, the outcome is still the same. They will return home relaxed and more than likely planning a return trip.

Jenny Brewer is a travel agent whose passion is writing. After spending her leisure time writing time writing childrens stories, she now enjoys writing about travel destinations. For more of her articles visit Car Hire Australia

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Tips on How to Go about Photography Melbourne?

Author: Jack Wilson

Photographing Melbourne is a shutter bug's delight. Being one of the most important cities in the Southern hemisphere of the globe, Melbourne photographer finds the city that radiates an aura like no other city. Melbourne derives its beauty from the well maintained river front, the landscaped and manicured parks and the towering buildings that dominate its skyline. The planning of the city is so eloquent that there is perfect harmony between concrete and green, thereby rendering city photography Melbourne all the more soothing and delicate.
The typical Melbourne photographer abounds in the city. Melbourne is just too compelling for photographers to give it a miss. And with the advent of digital cameras, more photographers indulge in shooting the various hues and colors of Melbourne. Melbourne is typically known for its lanes and by-lanes. Even though these lanes haven't resulted in formation of different cults across Melbourne, they are often credited with what is known as the birth of the laneway culture in Melbourne. These lanes and alleys are vibrant and active and offer immense variety and subjects to a budding as well as a professional photographer.
The liveliness of Melbourne is felt in these lanes; it is felt within the people doing business in these lanes and it is imbibed by people who come down to these lanes. And this liveliness finds myriad expressions through the Melbourne photographer's lenses – be it a tourist or a local resident – who is constantly striving to express the colors and feelings so vivid on these lanes.
The Melbourne photographer easily gets his contrast amidst the towering eloquent concrete that is so elegantly juxtaposed with parks, verdant gardens and broad avenues. The sky is almost always crisp – thereby enhancing the photography Melbourne. Melbourne offers immensely varied opportunity to its photographers – and professionals who want to experiment have no dearth of choice or subject. Melbourne perhaps offers every single conceivable color. Inside the lanes, it is almost preposterous to use color filters while shooting in natural light. The riot of colors inside these lanes makes are too compelling for Melbourne photographers to look elsewhere.
When it comes to architecture, Melbourne doesn't lack far behind. Filled to the gills with classic Victorian architecture, Melbourne poses enormous challenges to it photographers to capture the city in its true grandeur. Being the most important British settlement in the Southern hemisphere, Melbourne stands testimony to some classic Victorian buildings. And student and professionals alike shoot these building in their real splendor, capturing the intricate carvings, the intimate sculptures and the sheer size of the century old buildings. Whereas Victorian architecture in Melbourne provides the nostalgic feel, the modernity in the city is captured through its eloquently designed steel and concrete towers. The Melbourne photographer will mix all these architectural beauties with the verdant greens and walkways and the effect is sheer magic. The contrasting effect of buildings and trees through a photographer's eyes has always set the tone for visitors to this sprawling metropolis.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/photography-articles/tips-on-how-to-go-about-photography-melbourne-5496167.html
About the Author

Jack Wilson is a well-known Product Photography Melbournehaving more than a decade long experience. His writings on photography have trained many learners knowing more about studio photography Melbourne. His website http://www.lensartphotography.com.au/ tells you the best about his profile.

Melbourne Shopping Trip

Melbourne Shopping Trip

By Tracey L Christensen

Whatever your shopping desires, it's a good idea to do some pre-trip planning. If you're just in the city for a weekend, make up a rough itinerary based on the type of shopping you're thinking about and check Melbourne hotels for those which are convenient to your plans. Make sure you leave plenty of room in your suitcase, or bring an empty one! You'll find plenty of information online about Melbourne accommodation and retail precincts; you'll even find suggested shopping itineraries.

Melbourne Shopping Tours

If you're new to Melbourne, check out the shopping tours available. You can select your tour from a range of preferences depending on whether you're looking for factory warehouses, high fashion or vintage. Tours include options like a stay in hotels in Melbourne CBD, lunch and a guide.

Melbourne Designer Shopping

Melbourne is home to some of the country's best fashion designers, from well-known names through to cutting edge newcomers. For high fashion, head to Collins Street for chic designer shopping, exclusive Melbourne hotels and beauty salons. If your credit card can't take the heat, head a little further west to Swanston Street where you'll find retail centres bustling with designer chain stores. Or, head over to South Wharf to the DFO Shopping Centre for designer wear at discounted prices.

Melbourne Vintage Shopping

Delightful vintage shops are scattered all over Melbourne and these hidden treasures offer up classic fashion, fabric, furniture and more. Brunswick Street Fitzroy is a good place to start, with an eclectic mixture of shops from high fashion vintage to junky gems spilling onto the pavement. Fitzroy is also home to galleries, quirky bars and excellent Melbourne accommodation.

Chapel Street Precinct

A shopping trip to Melbourne isn't complete without a trip to Chapel Street. You can easily spend a couple of days shopping here; whether you're looking for clothing, accessories or art galleries, the street is jam-packed with retailers of every style. Chapel Street's diverse neighbourhoods offer fantastic cafes and nightlife and of course some of the best Melbourne CBD hotels.

For international fashion, vintage items and furniture, head to the Windsor Quarter. Try Prahran for a bohemian flavour, containing fashion emporiums, galleries and markets. Greville Village is a great neighbourhood for a wander, with its hub of independent designers, second-hand books, records and so much more. Down the South Yarra end, don't miss the historic Jam Factory building, now a modern shopping complex with retailers and cinemas.

Bridge Road Richmond

Cosmopolitan Bridge Road is renowned for its shopping, superb multicultural dining and excellent Melbourne hotels. Prepare yourself for a marathon shopping spree on Bridge Road; you just won't be able to resist the factory outlets, delightful little boutiques and markets.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tracey_L_Christensen

Lillydale Lake

Lillydale Lake Park

Swansea Rd.

Melway Map 38 G7

If you are stuck in the inner city and wish to take a trip to the open outer suburbs it would be hard to find somewhere more accessible than Lillydale Lake is at the end of the Lilldale Railway line so is easy to get to from just about anywhere in Melbourne.
A short walk from Lillydale railway station along the Olinda Creek which runs down the side of the Taco Bill restaurant will see you in the park in no time.
Lillydale Lake is open 24hrs and has a range of facilities and activities to suit everyone, outdoor fitness station, walking tracks, fishing jetties, BBQs, including an all-abilities playground, picnic shelters, sandy beach areas and public toilets.You can and have a picnic or barbecue, take a 2. 5K walk around the 28 hectare lake, or enjoy the sandy beaches and the children's playground.
10 k's of shared trails, and off-leash areas allow for plenty of exercise for yourself and four-legged friends in the park.




This area is a great starting point to head off on bicycles along the Warburton Rail Trail which starts close by and runs for some 39k's through the Yarra Valley to Warburton. As the trail follows the line of the railway it provides an easy ride as the inclines are nice and gentle for the inexperienced.

Holiday Accommodation in Melbourne

Best Holiday Accommodation in Melbourne

By Anne Nicole Brooke

Being one of the major cities of Australia, Melbourne never runs out of visitors. Even during off-peak seasons, Melbourne is frequented by travelers from all around the world. If you plan to visit this beautiful city, you need to book your accommodation well in advance. Fortunately, you should not worry about checking in to a low-standard hotel that lacks even the basic amenities. Melbourne is famous for its luxury and budget accommodation that please many travelers. Of course, because no hotel can ever suit every traveler, you need to study your options more carefully.

Hotels in the Central Business District of Melbourne
If you need to stay in the central business district of Sydney, there are several hotels that you can choose from. These include the Windsor Hotel, All Seasons Kingsgate Melbourne, Citigate Melbourne, BreakFree Heritage on Little Bourke, uCrown Metropol, Crown Promenade, Fraser Place Melbourne, Crowne Plaza Melbourne, Grand Hotel Melbourne MGallery, The Sofitel, Harbourview Apartment, Grand nmChancellor Melbourne, Lindrum, Ibis Melbourne, Mantra Southbank Melbourne and several others. You can choose from many other hotels that surround the Central Business District of the city.

Hotels in the Inner Suburbs of Melbourne
If you are staying outside the Central Business District of Melbourne, you need to look for an accommodation that will give you a comfortable stay in the city. Many decent hotels are found in the inner suburbs of Melbourne, which include Citigate Albert Park Melbourne, Charsfield, Mantra on Jolimont, Medina Executive South Yarra, Park Regis Griffin Suites, Parkview - St Kilda Road, Punthill South Yarra Grand Apartment, The Como Melbourne, The Sebel Albert Park and Vibe Hotel Carlton. These hotels are affordable for travelers like you, although some may be quite expensive depending on the place. Do your research and choose a hotel that will meet your needs and your budget.

Hotels in the Outer Suburbs of Melbourne
If you are staying in the outer suburbs of the city, there are budget and luxury place available for you. These include the Cosmopolitan Hotel, Medina Executive St Kilda, Novotel Melbourne Glen Waverley, Novotel Melbourne St Kilda and The Prince. There is obviously fewer choices of accommodation compared to the inner suburbs and Central Business District of Melbourne. However, many budget hotels in the outer suburbs are comfortable and affordable at the same time. If you are planning to visit this side of Melbourne, you may book your accommodations with a travel agency to make it easier for you.

Headed to Australia? Check out the best Surfers Paradise Apartments and Surfers Paradise Hotels by simply clicking the links.

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Top Rated B and B's In Melbourne

By Jim J Thomas

Melbourne is the capital city of Victoria and is internationally renowned for its style and sophistication as well as its history and architecture. It's also home to the Melbourne Cup the horse race that stops a nation. It is also home to some top rated B and B's which are perfect as a base to set yourself up at during your stay in this incredible city.

If you are looking for a B and B in Melbourne that is packed with character set in a quaint village and also has some interesting history then Captains Retreat B and B will suit you down the to the ground. Located in Williamstown, which was founded in 1835, this Victorian B and B has recently been renovated and features stained glass windows, sumptuous bedroom suites, well appointed bathrooms, some with spa baths, and stunning views over the water. There has been a lot of attention to detail during the renovations and the exterior belies the large spacious interior.

You can find more character and historical significance at Villa Donati in Richmond. A mere 3km from Melbourne's central business district Richmond is one of the places 'to be seen' and boasts an eclectic mix of housing from Victorian terrace houses to modern warehouse conversions, and is home to Bridge Road shopping strip where you will find cafes and restaurants, high end fashion, home decor, and health & well being stores.

You may prefer a location out of the hustle and bustle of the city then Hut On The Hill In Heathcote, about a 90 minute drive from Melbourne will be perfect. Perched on the top of a hill you not only have exclusive use of this luxury property you have million dollar views, and open spaces for miles, however if you are looking for things to do in the area you can choose from walking and hiking trails, visiting one of the budding vineyards in this new wine region, or pack a picnic to enjoy at Valley of the Liquidambars or Pink Cliffs.

A complete 180 to Heathcote must be Apartment 401 situated on the corner of Flinders Lane with the entrance to this apartment building is in Centre Place. If you enjoy right in the middle of the action then you can't get more central Melbourne that this. Majora Apartment is stylish, modern and best suited to those who want to be right in the middle of this bustling city. Cafes, restaurants and arts thrive in this area as do boutiques and retail shops or perhaps take the one block walk to the Yarra River.

The Australian Bed & Breakfast Book is Australia's most popular B and B accommodation guide. It lists more B and B accommodation than any other publication in Australia (AU). Whether you choose to stay at a homestay, farmstay, cottage, holiday home or small luxury hotel accommodation you will find our hosts offer superior hospitality. Bed & Breakfast Australia.

Find a bed and breakfast in Melbourne here.

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Must-See Melbourne

Must-See Melbourne Tourist Attractions For Your Holiday

By Jim J Thomas

Melbourne is full of great tourist destinations that you should make a point of visiting during your stay. One such example is the 19th Century Portable Iron Houses of Melbourne City. They are among the few remaining prefabricated iron buildings left in the world. Those who are interested in architecture and industrial archaeology will truly appreciate these buildings. An audiovisual tour gives you a thorough account of the history of the early settlement of Australia.

Dining in the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant is a great way to spend an evening. The converted 1927 tram has a glossy, burgundy interior and the experience of eating on wheels is like none other. As the tram glides through the scenic streets of Melbourne city, fine cuisine and the greatest Australian wines will be at your disposal.

Captain Cook's Cottage is a cottage rebuilt in the Fitzroy Gardens to commemorate the travels of Captain James Cook. If your bed and breakfast is in Melbourne then don't miss out on the opportunity to discover what life was like in the 1700's.

Find out how gold shaped the city of Melbourne on the Golden Mile Heritage Trail. The majestic architecture will take your breath away and you'll see the city in whole new way.

Federation Square is the meeting place for all those who visit and dwell in Melbourne. So if you're visiting the city check out the multitude of cafes, bars and restaurants and experience the diversity of cultures that this square brings together. The stunning view of Melbourne's riverside and cityscape will only enhance this experience.

Museum Victoria is an establishment that operates three major museums in Melbourne. These are the Melbourne Museum, the Immigration Museum and Scienceworks. They are well stocked with priceless artefacts and historical back stories to match. These museums are a great way to discover the history of Victoria.

The Arts Centre in Melbourne is the heart of the performing arts in Victoria; it also serves as the city's cultural precinct. An exceptional array of arts and entertainment are available all year round. There are four separate theatres that host these spectacular shows. Alongside this, if you don't see a show you can tour the complex and get the feel of the theatres and experience the backstage atmosphere.

The Royal Botanic Gardens is a great place to visit if you're staying in a bed and breakfast in Melbourne. The wonderful scenic gardens and parklands make Melbourne one of the greenest cities in the world. There is an abundance of native wildlife and the presence of over 12,000 species of plants provides a natural habitat for them.

Built between 1891 and 1893, The Block Arcade plays a large part in the history of the city of Melbourne. Formerly the centre of shopping, it now stands as an icon of the Victorian Mannerist architecture in Melbourne. With mosaic tiled flooring, glass canopy, and wrought iron and carved stone finishing's, this is a piece of Melbourne that must be explored.

The mansion of Labassa is an extraordinary 19th century building with amazing architecture. Featuring Corinthian columns, arcaded verandahs, classical decorations and inset Italian marble panels on the exterior this is an opulent building worth taking the time to explore.

The Australian Bed & Breakfast Book is Australia's most popular B and B accommodation guide. It lists more B & B accommodation than any other publication in Australia (AU). Whether you choose to stay at a homestay, farmstay, cottage, holiday home or small luxury hotel accommodation you will find our hosts offer superior hospitality. Bed & Breakfast Australia.

Find a bed and breakfast in Melbourne for your holiday accommodation.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_J_Thomas