Jane Recommends - Victoria, Australia, hotels, tours, attractions

	Victoria
Melbourne	This is Victoria's cosmopolitan capital. This multi-cultural city has a reputation for wonderful restaurants, sophisticated nightlife, fashion, theatre, art and sport. I must admit my favourite pastime in Melbourne is dining. The city has a very European feel with outdoor cafes and restaurants all over the city. Lygon Street is particularly renowned as the restaurant hub but nowadays it seems that everywhere you go there are fantastic eateries. Before I change the subject away from food, I must tell you about a rather unusual dining experience that is a 'must do'. The Colonial Tramcar Restaurant runs lunchtime and evening meals aboard a fully restored vintage tramcar. The excellent meal is actually prepared and served whilst you cruise around the city. Out of all the dining experiences in Melbourne this was my most memorable. The food is sensational and accompanied by excellent local wines (included in the price). The service is friendly and atmosphere intimate - perfect for a romantic night out. In general the best way to see Melbourne is by tram. There is a free city circle service which allows you to get on and off as many times as you like. This is the best way to travel to the main attractions of Melbourne city. A must on your city itinerary is the Rialto Towers and Observation Deck. The views from the observation deck are sensational right over to Port Phillip Bay. Melbourne Accommodation 3 Star: Victoria Hotel - excellent location in the heart of the CBD. Good value for money. 4 Star: Somerset Gordon Place - Situated in the heart of Melbourne's business district, each apartment has a fully equipped kitchen. Recommended for extra space as well as self catering. 4 Star: Rydges Carlton - Located close to the central business district, overlooking Lincoln Square Gardens, convenient to all major attractions. Good value for money, lovely outlook over the park. 5 Star: Grand Hotel Melbourne (Managerd by Sofitel) - Built in 1893, and now fully restored, its elegance will take your breath away. Everything about this stately establishment is impeccable including its enviable position in the heart of Melbourne.
Phillip Island	A favourite place of mine to visit is Phillip Island and the Fairy Penguins. This is one of the most popular tours from Melbourne and if you like wildlife you will understand why. At dusk hundreds of Fairy Penguins appear out of the water and start marching up the beach to their burrows in the sand dunes. It is a remarkable ritual that never fails to occur each evening. These cute little birds are so entertaining the way they go about their domestic life seemingly oblivious to us curious onlookers. Phillip Island Fairy Penguin Touring - Australian Pacific Touring run luxury coaches to the Phillip Island Penguin Parade with expert commentary so you can learn about this unusual parade. I also recommend an organised tour as the return journey is late in the evening so you can sit back, relax and let someone else do the driving.
Ballarat and Sovereign Hill	Ballarat and Sovereign Hill is a fascinating place to learn about the history of the goldrush era. Here you can wander through a re-creation of a goldmining town. You have the opportunity to pan for gold (don't get your hopes up most people are lucky to find a spec!) and visit an old goldmine. The township shows life as it was in the 1800's with demonstrations by blacksmiths, confectionery and candle makers just to name a few. The climax of the day is the sound and light spectacular 'Blood on the Southern Cross'. Ballarat and Sovereign Hill Touring (Full Day) - Australian Pacific Touring is my recommended company again.
Port Campbell and the Great Ocean Road	Port Campbell and the Great Ocean Road have some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in Australia. The drive is windy and the coastline rugged and dangerous. It is worthwhile to hire a car and explore yourself if you have time, spend a night at one of the towns along the way such as Lorne or Apollo Bay . If time only permits a day trip then I really recommend an organised tour. As I mentioned the road is windy so you can forget about the driving and enjoy what you came for - the scenery. Australian Pacific Touring also offer an excellent Port Campbell & Great Ocean Road 1 Day Tour. If you would like to stay overnight, APT also offer the Overnight Great Ocean Road Tour. Recommended Accommodation 3 Star: Best Western Lorne Coachman Inn - Great value for money. In bushland setting close to the beach and shops. 4.5 Star: Erskine on the Beach - Lorne - This is the only accommodation in Lorne right on the beach. This historical home has been fully restored and you have a choice of accommodation in the original house or new apartments which have been added in the vast grounds of the property.
Other Attractions Places of interest around Melbourne	Puffing Billy, Yarra Valley and Healesville a visit here and you can travel on a traditional steam train called Puffing Billy through Victoria's beautiful Blue Dandenongs. Grampians National Park: the largest National Park in Victoria. There are many species of wildlife to be seen in the park and in summer the park is full of beautiful wildflowers. The park also displays original art work from the Aborigines and is an excellent area for bush walking.