Trip Moments Recommendations
Great Ocean Road Highlights
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If you’re on the Great Ocean Road, it’s likely that you’re a big fan of nature. Good news is that there are tons of beautiful rocks and water sights to be seen. Beaches that seemingly never end, huge pillars of rocks that are slowly eroding at its base because of the ocean, and the best is definitely just the sound of crashing waves as you drive along the roads along the ocean.
There are plenty of other sights like the red forest, etc. But if you’re there during March, be mindful of when the sun sets because there is no light source in some areas along the Great Ocean Road.
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Farmer's Daughters
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Our experience was at their restaurant on level 2. Seated at the chef’s table.
Overall 4.2/5 A well thought out menu with a beautiful concept. Journeying through each dish, the ingredients blended well together however we felt there was no real stand out (apart from the soda bread which I personally enjoyed but my partner didn’t!).
The experience overall was lovely. I was able to appreciate ingredients I would not normally in my every day life.
The restaurant’s set menu “Gippsland Getaway” included:
• Beetroot & apple broth, root vegetable ‘tartare’, hazelnut, black garlic
• Soda bread and cultured cream + Baked Baw Baw alpine trout, mountain pepper cream, trout caviar
• Cheffields lamb, pine mushroom, Andean Sunrise potato
• Additional course: Yarragon rabbit, preserved carrot, winter brassicas
• Terramirra Park venison, mole, Jerusalem artichoke, braised chestnut
• Fig & almond tart, blueberry ganache, fig leaf gelato
Price: Set menu $125 + additional course $29 (price per person). Casual fine dining. A little on the pricey side but fair value.
Service: Friendly, courteous.
Venue: There are 3 levels, each with their own vibe and experience. Plenty of seating but book ahead of time.
Sezar Restaurant
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First time tried Armanian food. For the menu we choose four course, that chef decided what to bring us. We just told them no seafood and the rest we left it up for the chef to bring us. Each plate with unique outstanding flavor and we really enjoyed it. Dessert was to die for. 😋😋
I highly recommend this restaurant if you are in Melbourne. Worth a try.
Cumulus Inc.
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Tuna tartare, goat's curd, green pea, mint: the tuna is cut to much larger pieces that you would normally expect from a tartare, but this dish tasted super fresh! Great flavours 😍😍.
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Abrolhos Island scallop, yuzu kosho, cucumber: party in your mouth flavours here! The yuzu sauce gave the scallops a nice tangy taste ☺️☺️.
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Fremantle octopus, pink fir potato, chilli, olive: the octopus was nicely done - not chewy at all! Really yummy!
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Baker Bleu sourdough: can't go wrong with this sourdough 🤤🤤
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1.2kg Slow roasted lamb shoulder, almond, red pepper - half serve: we had to get a half serve because we wanted to try more dishes, and even this was huge! The lamb was so perfectly cooked that it just fell off the bone super easily 🤤🤤. Not gamey at all, and so delicious 😋😋.
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Grilled flounder with a buttery sauce on a bed of kale: the sauce was so buttery!! The fish was also super tender. Perfect flavours 😍😍.
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Side dish: Farm leaves, sherry vinaigrette.
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Chocolate pot, hazelnut praline, chantilly: nice and light, not too sweet - great way to end the me, especially after the heavier mains!
Maha Restaurant
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My first time dine in at Maha, and I enjoyed it so much. Located underground, we are welcomed warmly upon entering the restaurant. Decorated mostly in black and dark makes this place feels more luxurious.
One of the best restaurant experiences we ever had. Every dish was on point. Rich in flavour. Friendly staff. We will definitely be back...
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Brighton Bathing Boxes, Melbourne 🇦🇺
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One of the top must-see attractions in Melbourne is the Bathing Boxes in Brighton. A short walk from Brighton Beach Station, these boxes are accessible near the beach coast line.
These Bathing Boxes are colourful and cute. Kids and adults alike really enjoyed checking them out.
Highly recommend visiting these iconic quirky Melbourne boxes as you’ll not be disappointed!
My rating: 4 ⭐️ out of 5!
Titanic: The Artefact Exhibition 🚢⚓️
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This is the only exhibition in Melbourne Museum to feature more than 200 real artefacts, recovered directly from the wreck site.
It was so well done, informative and quite sad. The boarding pass you received stated the name of the actual passenger who embarked on the Titanic journey.
You get to experience the haunting allure of Titanic's forgotten treasures, thoughtfully displayed to commemorate the enduring legacy of this maritime tragedy.
A Very moving experience recommended to everyone.
The famous street arts at Hosier Lane
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An integral part of Melbourne’s cultural scene, Hosier Lane is home to some of the city’s best street art. The laneway, which cuts between Flinders Street and Flinders Lane, exhibits regularly changing graffiti.
Hosier Lane in Melbourne is a vibrant tapestry of urban artistry, captivating visitors with its dynamic display of street art. This iconic laneway, tucked away in the heart of the city, serves as a testament to Melbourne's thriving street art culture. Every inch of the walls is adorned with a kaleidoscope of colors, styles, and messages, showcasing the creativity and expression of local and international artists alike. Walking through Hosier Lane is a sensory delight, with each corner offering a new masterpiece to admire and interpret. It's a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts and a testament to Melbourne's artistic soul.
St. Patrick's Cathedral’s ⛪️🔔
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St. Patrick's Cathedral in Melbourne is a majestic architectural marvel that commands attention with its grandeur and spiritual significance. As the tallest and largest church in Australia, it stands as a testament to the city's rich Catholic heritage and religious devotion. The Gothic Revival-style façade, adorned with intricate stone carvings and towering spires, captivates visitors from afar. Inside, the soaring ceilings, stained glass windows, and ornate decorations create a serene atmosphere for reflection and prayer. Whether admired from the outside or experienced within its sacred walls, St. Patrick's Cathedral leaves a lasting impression, inviting all to marvel at its timeless beauty and spiritual significance.
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Australian Wildlife at Healesville Sanctuary🦘
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Healesville Sanctuary, nestled in the picturesque Yarra Valley near Melbourne, offers an immersive wildlife experience like no other.
As one of Australia's most iconic wildlife sanctuaries, it provides a haven for native animals in their natural habitat. Visitors can wander through lush bushland, encountering koalas, kangaroos, wombats, and a diverse array of bird species along the way.
Educational presentations and interactive experiences provide insight into conservation efforts and the importance of protecting Australia's unique fauna. With its commitment to conservation, captivating animal encounters, and stunning surroundings, Healesville Sanctuary promises a memorable day out for nature enthusiasts of all ages.
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A heritage : The Block Arcade
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The Block Arcade was built in 1892 and is a perfect example of Victorian architecture.
More than 125 years old. The Block Arcade is a heritage shopping arcade in the central business district of Melbourne, Melbourne's Golden Mile heritage walk runs through the arcade.
The arcade offers a boutique shopping experience that’s enhanced by carved-stone ceilings, a glass canopy, and mosaic-tile flooring. Highlights include Haigh’s Chocolates and Hopetoun Tearooms, renowned for its window display.
The arcade which was erected between 1891 and 1893 was designed by architect David C. Askew whose brief was to produce something similar to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele in Milan. The result was one of Melbourne's most richly decorated interior spaces, replete with mosaic tiled flooring, glass canopy, wrought iron and carved stone finishings.
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Natural Beauty of Twelve Apostles 🇦🇺
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📍Twelve Apostles
Visited this natural beauty in Melbourne, the Twelve Apostles! We rented a car from Melbourne city and drove to the Twelve Apostles. It was a 4 hour drive from the city centre, and the road along the way which is Great Ocean Road is stunning and beautiful! The sea views along the way was such a sight to behold! The sight seeing points are well maintained and ample of parking spots were available. It was really windy and chilly when we visited during July, so do wear extra layers to keep yourself warm. Besides the Twelve Apostles, we drove to see Loch Ard Gorge, which is also another viewpoint that was nearby! Would love to revisit!
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Mentone Beach
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One of the better beaches in Melbourne, popular with locals but much quieter than others. The sand is generally nice and soft until you get to the dog’s beach. Even on hot busy days you can generally find a nice quiet spot. Parking is handy & convenient as you can park on Beach Rd for free.
It's a wide open sandy beach to go with family and friends. It's also a dog-friendly beach.
Moondah Beach
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Loved it here!! I parked up in the court and took the steps down to the beach through the bush path, it was gorgeous, I could see a few other people stopping in just to see the view while I was there.
No amenities around so you want to come prepared.
I could see why some other people don't like the beach all that much it is a bit rocky for swimming.
Recommend.
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Edward Street Beach
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This beach has limited parking on street and nearby Red Bluff St for busy beach days. There is a fresh water tap for washing your feet after your swim and a medium grade descent 50m footpath to the beach with handrail.
The sand for this beach is medium coarse but consistent colour. This beach is a great little beach tucked between Sandringham beach and Half moon bay.
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Hampton Beach
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This is another wonderful city beach. There is a wide, paved walk along the beach, and a gravel path up higher along Beach Road. That one has some steps, so is not idea if you have limited mobility. There is also a basic loo at the surf lifesaving club, up the back, if you need one.
Apart from that, this is an ideal beach for families with lots of sand when the tide is out and barely any waves unless the wind is up. There's space for kids to run around...and dogs as well, check the signs...and significant line of sight for parents to let them. There are also a couple of breaker walls poking out. They are made of rocks and offer some texture for anyone keen for a little adventure.
Definitely recommended, and now's a lovely time of year to visit.
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Mordialloc Beach
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Superbly clean and beautiful bayside beach. My favourite one in Melbourne. The Bayside trail runs parallel to a shared cycling trail along Beach Road or you can walk along the beach on the sand stretching from Mordialloc to Parkdale on clean soft sand.
Easily accessible via train (Mordialloc Station) or parking is available at a premium via Easypark.
Toilets, outdoor showers and bins are dotted along the foreshore.
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Sandringham Beach
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One of many bayside beaches in Melbourne. Only a half-hour trip on the train from the city, it offers calm swimming conditions and excellent sunsets. Very similar to other beaches nearby.
Beautiful, quiet beach with aesthetic rocky formations.
Plenty of cafés and free local street parking nearby.
Shore-adjacent nearby paid parking is available.
Bathrooms are at the entrance tracks to the beach.
The bay water is good for swimming. Comfortably shallow, but also murky.
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Half Moon Bay
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A large sandy beach with clear shallow water and some spots with small interesting rocks and shells and occasionally some pretty seaglass. The lovely cliffs frame the beach with views of the shipwreck and a pier. Access down a very long ramp path or from a carpark at the vary end where there is a cafe and a lifesaving club which has unisex toilets and outdoor cold rinse shower. Recommend.
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Chelsea Beach
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Wonderful beach with pristine blue waters, white sandy shores, and impeccable cleanliness. However, it tends to get quite crowded. Additionally, there's a convenient pier for visitors to enjoy. Paid parking is available near the playground area, while free parking can be found near Woolworth, or along the roadside with just a 5-minute walk.
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Bonbeach Beach
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This place perfect... It's the best suburb along the Bayside region. Located in a quiet area with no car thoroughfare and surrounded by the Edithvale wetlands, Patterson River and the bay... HEAPS of development/infrastructure happening and improvements to public transport facilities underway. It also sits in a perfect position where you have the choice of the Nepean hwy, Thompson road, peninsula/Frankston freeways and Eastlink... ALL with a beautiful feeling that you are living in a quiet beach community... Everyone is open to say hello and they All love to walk or ride their bikes... Again, the luckiest place to live...
Altona Beach
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Altona Beach is great for a family day out. It is clean and has public bins, change shower rooms available. The beach has ramp and access for wheelchairs and strollers. Altona Pier is good for a stroll. Park your car near Logan Reserve and Pier St and the kids can also have a play at the playground there and a bite to eat at the many cafes available. There are ice-cream and fish and chip shops nearby.
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Brighton Beach
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Also known as "Little Odessa" due its tight-knit Russian and Eastern European communities, Brooklyn's Brighton Beach is a lively neighborhood with many high-rise residential buildings. Traditional ethnic restaurants and food markets line Brighton Beach Avenue. The beach and boardwalk here are more laid-back than nearby Coney Island, catering largely to locals. Splashy nightclubs attract partiers in the evenings.
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Elwood Beach
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Well maintained beach which makes it ideal for families. The waves aren't too big at Elwood beach which again makes it ideal for families with kids.
There is a walkway all along the beach front, you can also water out onto the warfs. Not much in the way of food at the beach. But there are plenty of cafes within a 5-10mins drive of the beach..........
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Williamstown beach
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One of the nicer beaches in the western suburbs of Melbourne where it is definitely better than Werribee South and is even better than Altona beach. Parking is expensive though where you need to either pay by phone or with coin at a maximum of $17 a day or $5 an hour.
I'm pretty sure from memory you could park at Altona beach for free so if you find Altona beach as good as Williamstown, go to Altona instead but its worth the extra drive and the extra 700 metre walk for next time I head off to Williamstown beach.
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St Kilda Beach
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St Kilda Beach has a certain undeniable charm. The sand is soft, the water is clear (well, clearer than most city beaches), and there's a real buzz in the air. It's clear why it's such a popular spot.
The beach itself is pretty small, and on a sunny day, it gets absolutely packed. Finding a spot to lay down your towel can be a bit of a mission, and forget about having any personal space.
If you're looking for a lively beach scene, with entertainment and people-watching galore, then St Kilda is fantastic. But if you're after a serene escape to soak up the sun and listen to the waves, there might be better options around.
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Port Melbourne Beach
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Port Melbourne Beach is a safe and clean beach, popular with locals and tourists alike. It is sandwiched between New Beach and South Melbourne Beach. The Port Of Melbourne can be seen from here as well as the West Gate Bridge. Station and Princes Piers are within walking distance, and the Spirit of Tasmania docks in this area too. Recommend!!!
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Melbourne🇦🇺 St. Paul's Cathedral ⛪
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St. Paul's Cathedral in Melbourne stands as a majestic symbol of faith and architectural splendor. With its neo-Gothic facade and towering spires, the cathedral commands attention in the heart of the city.
St. Paul's is also a cultural landmark, hosting a myriad of events and concerts. Its ornate interior features intricate stained glass windows, grand arches, and a magnificent organ, creating an atmosphere of reverence and awe.
Surrounded by bustling streets and modern skyscrapers, St. Paul's Cathedral stands as a timeless testament to Melbourne's spiritual and historical heritage.
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Alexandra Gardens
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Its the perfect environment that mixes all the right kind of vibes in a cozy surrounding. Garden runs along with the beautiful Yarra river with some splendid restaurants.
And of course the festivities accompany the gardens is quite quit amazing.
Beautiful garden in the centre of the city. Just go there for a walk.. sit peaceful n enjoy nature. If you want to read a book n sleep for some time this is ideal.
The Fairies Tree
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The Fairies Tree, sculpted by author Ola Cohn between 1931 and 1934, is loved by children. The carvings, on the stump of one of the original Red Gum trees in the Fitzroy Gardens, well over 300 years in age, feature a series of Australian animals, birds and bush spirits.
Her intentions are best described in the foreword to her book, "The Fairies Tree", inscribed on the tree's plaque: "I have carved in a tree in the Fitzroy Gardens for you, and the fairies, but mostly for the fairies and those who believe in them, for they will understand how necessary it is to have a fairy sanctuary - a place that is sacred and safe as a home should be to all living creatures."
The carvings were done years after the death of the tree and so the problem of the trunk's preservation presented a problem. In 1977, the trunk was extracted from the ground for chemical treatment and the removal of rotted wood, and during the process, a mummified brush tail possum over 40 years old was found perfectly preserved within the trunk. The tree was remounted on a concrete base to prolong its life.
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