The Southeast - Audley Travel

Exploring MelbourneSt KildaMelbourne is a vibrant city, full of life andactivity, but with plenty of places to relax andenjoy the scenery as well. Here are a few ofour favourite things to see and do.The lanewaysTaking a walk through any city is often thebest way of getting under its skin, and exploringMelbourne’s network of laneways and arcadeson foot is one of the best ways of experiencinglife like a local. Quirky art, trendy graffiti and flyposters advertising the latest gig or concerthave brightened up previously drab walls acrossthe city centre, while independent eateries andpop-up coffee stalls jostle for space alongsideboho boutiques and the galleries of young andemerging designers.The Yarra RiverPerhaps Melbourne’s best asset is the YarraRiver and we can arrange a kayak tour along itto see the city from a different perspective.Look up at the skyline from the water andpaddle past the docklands, buzzing restaurantsof Southbank and the famous FlindersStreet Station.Melbourne from the airAn alternative way to explore the city is fromthe air. We can arrange an early-morning hotair balloon trip that drifts right over the citycentre, past skyscrapers and above many of thecity’s great attractions. Melbourne is one of thefew cities in the world where this is possible.Hot air balloons over MelbourneThe Lyall Hotel, South YarraGraffiti in the lanewaysMelbourne’s suburbsTake the tram or a leisurely walk across theriver to South Yarra and you will enter one ofMelbourne’s most affluent inner-city suburbs.Shopping, fashion and entertainment convergeon busy Chapel Street, which is lined withexclusive retail outlets, cafés, and the popularJam Factory shopping and entertainmentcomplex. Around the corner on CommercialRoad is Prahran Market, one of Melbourne’soldest. Boasting a large selection of gourmetfoods and fresh produce it’s a great place topick up a picnic. Exclusive residences andhistoric homes sit along South Yarra’s networkof tree-lined streets but one of the area’sgreatest assets is its green space, with plentyof parks and gardens giving it a wonderfullytranquil atmosphere. The extensive FawknerPark has several sporting ovals, tennis courtsand a network of shady pathways perfect foran afternoon stroll.The Lyall Hotel,South YarraSituated in the heart of fashionable SouthYarra close to boutiques, independent barsand restaurants, the Lyall Hotel is a localfavourite and just a short distance from the citycentre. Privately owned and renowned forexcellent, personal service, the hotel has 40well-appointed suites that each have a privateterrace. The restaurant is a relaxed setting fordining while the champagne bar is a nice spotto sit back with a drink after a day’s sightseeing.SportsThe self-proclaimed capital of sports, Melbournecertainly has its fair share of top sporting eventsthroughout the year and there is a goodchance that something will be on during yourvisit. International events are held across thecity including the Australian Open tennistournament at Melbourne Park, the MelbourneCup horse race at Flemington Racecourse andthe F1 Grand Prix around Albert Park, butunquestionably the best-known venue is theenormous MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground),home to both cricket and ‘Aussie Rules’. On amore local level, stroll along the Yarra River atany time of day and you’ll see walkers andjoggers exercising, and rowing crews gliding past.Melbourne Cricket Groundwww.audleytravel.com/australia l 01993 838 810 l Southeast 21