Things to do in and around Melbourne ..

A very common question I get asked is .. What are fun and interesting things to do in Melbourne?

"Love Never Dies" at Regent Theatre

Well, I could easily grab my latest Lonely Planet guide to Melbourne and shoot off a dozen of the top common attractions – like Crown Casino, Melbourne Zoo, Art Centre, Museums, Aquarium, etc. But let’s think a little bit out-of-the-box, shall we?

Here’s MY list of fun and interesting things to do in Melbourne that you may or may not find in your pocket travel guide:

• Watch football megastar Harry Kewell play for Melbourne Victory in the A-League football competition. The opening round of the 2011/2012 season starts on 8th Oct at the 50,000 capacity Etihad Stadium with a pulsating derby against rival city Sydney FC!
• Watch Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Love Never Dies" (sequel to "Phantom of the Opera") before it ends its Melbourne season in Dec!
• Enjoy the Hot air ballooning experience over the Yarra Valley or Melbourne City. Not cheap but an experience you will never forget.
• Have a walk along the Sunday market at St Kilda Beach and follow up with coffee/cake at the famous cafes along Acland St
• Go up the Eureka Tower Skydeck and admire the views from the tallest building in Melboure. If you are really brave, you can try The Edge where you stand in a glass box that slides out of the building!
• Take a boat ride from Southbank to Williamstown (a beautiful seaside village with fantastic restaurants and cafes)
• Visit picturesque Altona Beach and do some fishing on the historic pier. And on a sunny windy day, you can enjoy the passionate kite surfers perform their tricks.
• Take a walk along Little Vietnam (Victoria St in Richmond), soak in the South East Asian culture and try the best Pho in town!
• Hire a bicycle and cycle along the Yarra River. Alternatively, you can make your way to Fairfield Boathouse for a scenic breakfast followed by a relaxing rowboat ride on the river. The kids will absolutely love feeding (they sell feed there) the ducks!



Hot air ballooning over Yarra Valley



The Edge at Eureka Towers Skydeck

• If you do not have a fear of heights (like myself!), you can try rock wall climbing at Hardrock Climbing in the CBD. Personally not for me but rave reviews from all my mates!

Last but not least, don't forget to check out my brand NEW website - www.melbourneahoy.com.au - dedicated to all things about moving to Melbourne and life in general in the world's most liveable city !