Home Beyond the BorderAustralia My Melbourne Musings: Marvellous is the Word!

My Melbourne Musings: Marvellous is the Word!

by Ragini Puri
55 comments
What’s your reason for falling in love with Melbourne, the most livable city in the world?


Melbourne has been on my mind ever since Tourism Victoria posed this question to us bloggers. The city has been ranked the world’s most livable city since 2011, and that I believe gives a lot away about how marvellous a place it is. Also, my first cousin lives in Melbourne and every time we talk he cannot rave enough about the good life he’s living there. And since he knows about my passion for travel and travel writing, time and again I keep getting an invitation to visit him there and experience first-hand not just the popular and much talked about places, but also the hidden treasures that only the locals know about – buildings with gripping stories behind them, the many architectural marvels, the tram sessions, the many alleyways laden with intriguing street art, the quaint cafes and yes, the delightfully engaging street performers in the relatively less populated streets of the city!

The iconic Flinders Street Station


I had fallen in love with Melbourne long, long ago, with my cousin shifting base there and regaling me with engrossing titbits about the city, and with the passing of time, this one sided romance has only grown deeper. Hopefully someday I will be there and write first-hand stories about my experiences there. For now I can only write about all the enthralling delights that have made me fall in love with this marvellous city!

There’s so much to explore and experience in Melbourne that a history, architecture, culture, et al junkie like me is spoilt for choices! And the stunning landscape and the bountiful of wildlife! One would want to come back here again and again!

So here we go! Here are my REASONS for FALLING IN LOVE with Melbourne!
For you see, just one reason doesn’t cut it! 🙂
(And given my penchant for travel trivia, I am sharing some about Melbourne too!!)


1. The Spectacularly Splendid Landscape!

Ah, the abundant parks and gardens of Melbourne! No wonder the city is considered Australia’s Garden City! The world wide web is full of beautiful photos of the stunning landscaped gardens and parks that the city boasts of. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Flagstaff Gardens, the Fitzroy Gardens, the Carlton Gardens – oh, one can go on and on singing paeans about the incredible variety of plants and trees they boast of, the intricate fountains they are dotted with and the lovely buildings that so beautifully blend with the abundant greenery all around. And this is one reason why the outdoors-loving me cannot help but fall in the love with this city! I can imagine myself strolling around the cobbled pathways in the garden, marvelling at the well maintained extensive lawns, the trees, the flower-beds, the greenery! And a relaxed picnic lunch at any of these gardens would definitely figure in my itinerary whenever I land in this city!

The beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens
Park Trivia: The Flagstaff Park is the oldest and the most visited park in Melbourne,
while the Carlton Gardens is listed as World Heritage Site. 


2. The  Thriving Art Scene!

There’s another winner here! Guess what! Melbourne is known as one of the world’s great street art capitals! And indeed Melbourne’s street art is legendary. Stencils, sticker art, Wood-blocking, murals, paste-ups, poster art, graphs, street installations et al, you will find everything here! And street artists’ intriguing self expression has found place on many of city’s alleys and lane-ways! The art-lover me would be more than happy to gaze at all the wonderful depictions of the streets across the city, interpreting and re-interpreting them at length. And I’ve learnt that the best place in the city to do this is the famous Hosier Lane. This cobbled pedestrian lane-way is noted for complex street art and installations, and thanks to the internationally acclaimed art display here, it is one of the most photographed streets in Melbourne!

The artwork at Hosier Lane


And here’s a video of the famous street! When Tanmay and Rohan of Melbourne Escapade fame visited this landmark street, guess which Indian personality they found on the walls there! Guess, guess! Never mind if you fail, for the answer will cheer you up!

Street Art Trivia: Melbourne is named the stencil capital of the world
and the first stencil festival in the world was held here in 2004!

3. The Culture Conscious Crowd!

Garden City. Art City. Culture City. Yes, you read the last one right. Melbourne is ALSO referred to as Australia’s cultural capital. With so much greenery, art and cultural happening, one can understand why the city has been ranked the ‘most livable city’ year after year after year! The city is home to world-class arts and cultural heritage institutions. National Gallery of Victoria, Australian Centre for the Moving Image, the Melbourne Museum, and the Royal Exhibition Building are just some of the contributors to it’s claim to cultural fame. Add to it the many theatrical performances, the art shows, the musicals, grand films, the themed performances…reason enough to make me fall deeper in love with the city! I will keep hopping from the museum to some gallery, and from gallery to some other exhibition, and from there to some theatre. Talk about idyllic life, ha!

The very striking Regent Theatre interior in Melbourne
Culture Trivia: Melbourne is the birthplace of two dance styles –  the New Vogue, that originated in the 1930s,
and the Melbourne Shuffle, that originated in late 1980s.


4. The Cafes and Coffee Shops!

Since this post has now turned into the many ‘CAPITALS’ that Melbourne is about, how can I miss coffee! We all know Melbourne is the Coffee Capital of Australia and now vying for the world title, if I may add so! So it’s no surprise that the city has a plethora of cafes and coffee shops doting its lanes and by-lanes. The coffee-lover-me will have a gala time here, discovering quaint cafes, sampling coffee across the many independent coffee shops and spending some quality laid-back time here. And adding some glamour to the coffee ritual would be checking out those very popular coffee shops listed in the guidebooks – the funky Baba Brother Budan and the historic Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar!

The famous Brother Baba Budan Coffee Shop!
Coffee Trivia: The coffee beans at the famous Brother Baba Budan Coffee Shop are sourced from Baba Budangiri,
a mountain range in the Chikkamagaluru district in Karanataka.


5. The Tram Rides & Tram Sessions!

Before I share the fun details about Melbourne tram sessions, let me not miss the chance to share the city’s another claim to fame – Melbourne has the world’s largest tram network! As of May 2014, this network consisted of 250 kms of track, 493 trams, 25 routes and 1763 tram stops. These are Wikipedia  figures and am sure this figure has only increased in the year gone by!
Now about the tram sessions! Tram sessions is basically a not-for-profit project that helps make commuting pleasurable, promoting locals artists and free live music on trams and later uploading the videos on YouTube. Now I am already imagining what fun it would be to be sitting on one of the trams there, and there starts an impromptu gig, making my journey musical! Imagine, the romance behind the idea!

And here’s another fun video of Tanmay and Rohan from the Melbourne Escapade tripping around Melbourne in the City Circle Tram! And that too, FOR FREEEEEE! 😀

Tram Trivia: Melbourne’s first tram was a horse tram from Fairfield Railway Station to a real estate development in Thornbury.
It opened on 20 December 1884, and was closed by 1890.


It’s these big and small things that make Melbourne beautiful for me. I have never been to this city, but the good word from my brother convinces me that the city indeed is one of the most coveted one to live in. And the many articulate pieces written about the city, both online and offline, only confirms it’s big claim to fame. While the reasons I have listed about are quintessential to Melbourne, the traveller in me cannot admire and appreciate enough the many travel delights around Melbourne.

 Panorama shot of Loch Ard Gorge Beach!


And topping the ‘Around/Beyond’ Melbourne must-do list are – 

  • Exploring the Great Ocean Road Take in the coastal scenery, walk the coastal route, marvel at the iconic 12 apostles, surf, scuba dive, explore the rugged beaches and the shipwrecks, spend some time at the Loch Ard Gorge Beach. basically do everything that is there to do!
  • Exploring the Yarra Valley – Live a life of indulgence! Basically eat, drink and be merry. Learn more about the regions art history, wander around the lush valley, savour the fine wines, and of course, take a balloon ride above the Yarra valley! Live the good life basically!
  • Exploring Phillip Island – Chocolate and Penguins, two things that can make any girl go mush! And this incredible island has both! The Chocolate Factory here is a must visit – for it celebrates chocolate! And then there are little penguins who parade, much to the visitors’ delight!
    Here’s a video of Tanmay and Rohan building houses for the little ones and having a fun time watch them race to the shore!

After watching the video, I am so inspired to go to Phillip Island and try my hand at building little penguin nests!


And here’s another fun video where Rohan Joshi of the Rohan-Tanmay duo describes his Melbourne Escapade in one word. While his favourite word is ‘awesome’, for me, there’s only one word that sums up Melbourne – and that’s MARVELLOUS! 🙂



And now, time for a contest! Yes, you read that right! Answer the following question, and the best answer gets to win a gift voucher from Indiblogger and Tourism Victoria! Yay!! So here’s the question –

Which of these places would you want to visit in Melbourne and why?

Post your answers in the comment box and cross your fingers! Remember, the last date to answer the contest question is January 5!


Hope you enjoyed this post! Do share your thoughts on the post, and it would be a pleasure to listen to your Melbourne stories if you have visited this marvellous city already! 🙂

55 comments

Mridula December 31, 2014 - 8:06 am

Hope you do go soon!

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Uttpal K December 31, 2014 - 8:36 am

Even the most unromantic person would fall in love..:)

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Uttpal K December 31, 2014 - 8:39 am

My reason for falling in love with Panny's Amazing World of Chocolate is I can live on chocolates all my life..I can have them from breakfast to dessert post meals, presuming my meals are chocolates too…:) I love, love, LOVE chocolates… 🙂

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footlooseforever.com December 31, 2014 - 4:27 pm

Enough reasons to fall in love with the city. Nice post!

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Preethi Venugopal January 1, 2015 - 11:43 am

As I am an art lover and artist, I would love to visit Hosier lane. It intrigues me.
Very nice post Ragini. May you win.

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cruxrebels January 2, 2015 - 8:18 am

Great post! After reading your post & watching all the videos, I'd most like to visit the Dandenong Ranges for it's scenic beauty, breathtaking view and cool breeze blowing through my hair. 😛 I'd give anything away for driving through the winding roads which are present throughout the ranges. I'd love to stay at one of the bed and breakfast cottages and go on frequent excursions in the forests with my camera which provides excellent views. And not to forget the famous ride in the Puffing Billy, a day reserved especially for that. To add to that, there are also several picnic spots for me and my friends to spend a fun-filled day and the ranges are a perfect spot for hiking and cycling.

Wish you and your blog a happy new year! 😀

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Ragini Puri January 2, 2015 - 9:27 am

Thanks Mridula Ma'am! 🙂

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Ragini Puri January 2, 2015 - 9:28 am

You bet Uttpal! Melbourne is indeed mesmerising! 🙂

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Ragini Puri January 2, 2015 - 9:31 am

Chocolates!! I share your sentiments here, Uttpal! And the Chocolate Factory is the sweetest attraction on Phillip Island. Great choice! Best of luck for the contest!

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Ragini Puri January 2, 2015 - 10:12 am

Thank you! There's so much more to Melbourne than what's listed here!

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Nishtha Nayar January 2, 2015 - 11:57 am

Loved the post! 😀
There's no place that would be better for me to visit than The Thriving Art Scene!
Art is something I love and adore, be it of any kind. All artworks have a piece of the soul of the artist who created it with so much love! It's something which cannot be explained in words, but the whole feel and aura of such places is magical! The place looks so beautiful, bold and yet so peaceful. I mean isn't it amazing how you can turn old walls into something so flamboyant, vivid and stunning using just some colors and your own imagination? Such things are meant to be devoured by the eyes and soul.
I'd be delighted to travel to such a place if I ever get a chance! Well, you never know, anything can happen anytime! 🙂

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Pendown M Talks Here January 2, 2015 - 12:06 pm

I wanna go to the Phillip Island to meet the Penguins. What fun it would be to build little penguin nests!

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Poonam Pandey January 2, 2015 - 2:31 pm

Wow Ragini, your post has got me daydreaming about Melbourne now! The city definitely figures on the top of my 2015 travel wishlist! Best civic amenities, great people, cool atmosphere, greenery, the many architectural delights, the historical monuments…the city has so much to offer!
And of course its coffee houses!
Would love to spend some quality time exploring the city!

Once again, congratulations on writing such a detailed piece on Melbourne! Marvellous indeed!

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Poonam Pandey January 2, 2015 - 2:32 pm

Once I am in Melbourne, I will make sure that I explore every nook and corner of the city, but if paucity of time plays spoilsport and I have to pick from amongst the many touristy delights in and around Melbourne, then I will make sure that I explore the Great Ocean Road! A visit to Melbourne would be incomplete without exploring this famous coastal road and marvelling at the iconic 12 apostles!

Thanks for the contest! Fingers crossed! 🙂

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Kritika 19 January 2, 2015 - 2:52 pm

This post has left me awestruck. Added it to the 'to-travel' list.
The most interesting part is the coffee trivia that you shared. What fin would it be to sip desi coffee with an international touch at such a pretty place. Talk to new people and find about their life, this can surely be an inspiration for my next book.

Daydreaming already! Books, great coffee and the backdrop of such a beautiful location – what else can we ask for! 😀

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Kalpanaa Misra January 2, 2015 - 7:00 pm

Good luck for the contest and Happy New Year. I'm most inspired by the hot air balloon rides. Floating along above the vineyards, the photo ops would be fabulous.

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Santosh Kumar January 2, 2015 - 11:28 pm

all or none !!
if to believe Ragini ,Tanmay.Rohan and finally to my eyes
'Melbourne ' the fine blend of nature's splendid beauty and human aestheticism ,can't be left unexplored !
Serenity of Loch Ard Gorge Beach , thrill in Great Ocean Road ,spell of Regent Theatre , taste of Brother Baba Budan Coffee Shop, art of Hosier Lane..nothing can be left unattended .
Lastly how can one forget to enjoy the ride of tram and parade of penguins ?
But in order to have elysian enjoyment one great thing is missing …. 'Mate'
Ragini इफ i डिडन्ट गेट चांस टू विज़िट मेलबोर्न देअर वॉन्ट बि एनी रिग्रेट .. बिकॉज़ ऑफ़ डा विविड पिक्चर यु प्रोड्यूस्ड ;-))

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alok January 3, 2015 - 12:41 pm

Interesting Post
After reading your post and watching all the videos
I feel I have stepped into a kaleidoscope called Melbourne
Where Vistas of experiences would unfold one after another
The nature lover in me is enticed by the thought of watching the penguin parade.
Traveling though the great ocean road, soaking up the freshness as the breeze ruffles my hair gets me in the mood to pack my bags for Melbourne.
But before I can move ,Puffing Billy whistles and invites me for a ride. The kid in me jumps with joy at the thought of visiting Pannys Phillip Island Chocolate Factory
Even before I can deside on the list of places that I would like to see in and around Melbourne.
What’s that noise that I hear ?
Oh its loud cheer from MCG as the cricket world cup 2015 is about to kick start.
So many plces to see and so much to do.
I am thetimetraveler ( http://goo.gl/wdXDzu ) and I have decided … Melbourne here I come ( http://goo.gl/RvUCQf ).

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Hemaaa January 3, 2015 - 1:07 pm

Wonderful post and interesting videos that make me feel that
Melbourne invites the eternal romantic in me to hold hands with my beloved and go see the Twelve Apostles .Go on long drives on the great ocean road. In the middle of nowhere in a vineyard spread a table and enjoy a meal and a glass of wine with my dear one. Enjoy the sunsets holding hands and do lots of shopping at the Queen Victoria Market and see all the graffiti being created at the hosier lane.
Great Post and interesting videos watching them I am sure to visit Sovereign Hill for spending some time in the era gone by. The lure of gold and panning for some nuggets is a temptation that is too much to resist. After I have found the gold I am bound to celebrate it with some wine so I will visit the vineyards and enjoy some great wine from the Yarra region .Visit the Pannys Phillip Island Chocolate Factory and have my fill with this yummy delight.
therisingstarz.blogspot.in/2014/12/melbourne-selfie-capital-of-australia.html
http://goo.gl/ByJqvP
therisingstarz.blogspot.in
http://goo.gl/59Omjz

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Ragini Puri January 3, 2015 - 2:20 pm

Thanks for your good wishes Preethi. 🙂
And Hosier Lane is an interesting choice! It figures in my Melbourne must-see list too.

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Ragini Puri January 3, 2015 - 2:21 pm

Thanks for your good wishes Preethi. 🙂
And Hosier Lane is an interesting choice! It figures in my Melbourne must-see list too.

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Ranjith January 4, 2015 - 4:04 am

Nice post. And pretty well explained. I absolutely loved the way you described the places in detail. Your post gives me a feeling that I've been there in Australia for myself. Of all, I would like to go and experience the hot air balloon ride. Would be an awesome experience, that too one, memorable for an entire lifetime.
– Ranjith (http://www.alightheartedtalk.com)

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Suji January 4, 2015 - 10:30 am

Great post! After reading your post & watching all the videos, I would definitely want to visit all those amazing places when I get to visit Melbourne 🙂 But of all, my top pick would be a visit to Yarra valley for a beautiful sunrise balloon flight. After seeing the video, I can't stop myself from dreaming a romantic magical flight above the scenic vineyards and watching the sunrise from up above! Throw in my favorite wine, I will doubly enjoy the ride sipping my glass and taking sensational selfies all the way 🙂 Now I can't think of a better way of spending a vacation!!

Next of course, cruising through the great ocean road in a open-top car to enjoy the coastal scenery and the iconic 12 apostles for the nature's amazing work at play. Then a ride around the city in the vintage trams to enjoy its urban splendor and the legendary puffing billy to enjoy its natural splendor. Finally a day at the hot springs to unwind and totally rejuvenate myself 🙂

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Ragini Puri January 4, 2015 - 2:39 pm

Thanks cruxrebels! Dandenong Ranges is a great choice indeed – lush forests, quaint villages, and the icing on the cake, a ride on the historic Puffing Billy! Wish we all get to live this dream sometime soon!
Best wishes. 🙂

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Bhawna January 4, 2015 - 3:07 pm

Hi!
We know beauty never need words but without words it cannot be explained and when you get wordless after seeing it… your mouth still get open wide and WOW comes out. Dear! Your explanation about Melbourne is wonderful and picturesque description. I am a person who always attracted to nature first of any place so I would love to see the Melbourne Nature & Wildlife. The 12 Apostles rock formations is world famous rocks which changes its color in sunrise and sun set. And then I will see the Phillip Island Nature Park where I want to see the animals which I hardly see in India. I never saw Penguins, Koala and other animals.
Driving on a smooth road with natural beauty around you, it always gives you a feeling of heaven on Earth. I would love to drive on Great Ocean Road which is also famous in world to give you a scenic experience and the pleasure of that driving is amazing.

Bhawna

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Rutavi Mehta January 4, 2015 - 3:08 pm

Great read !I must say..Melbourne is place of food, adventure , surf, water, kangaroo,etc. I love this place to the most 🙂

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Farah January 4, 2015 - 5:41 pm

I think the attractions put together by you in Melbourne are distinctive in their own terms.
I would like to plan a trip to Grampians as I did not know this place has eye catching sights to offer.
Also,I am always fascinated by captivating and unified waterfalls and what better than visiting one of the state's largest waterfalls here.
http://i-pari.blogspot.in/2014/12/reasons-to-see-melbourne-contest.html?m=1

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Ragini Puri January 4, 2015 - 9:33 pm

Thanks Nishtha.

The street art in Melbourne is indeed a must-visit for budding artists like you. Good choice, you will come back inspired! 🙂

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Ragini Puri January 4, 2015 - 9:35 pm

Manjulika, I am sure it would be fun! Let's plan a trip together! We'll watch the penguin parades and then volunteer to make little nests for them. 🙂

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Ragini Puri January 4, 2015 - 9:38 pm

Thanks Poonam. Glad you enjoyed the post. Melbourne has everything to keep us wanderers and wonderes occupied.

Looking forward to seeing more of you here! 🙂

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Ragini Puri January 4, 2015 - 9:40 pm

Thanks for your comment Poonam! And once again, thank you so much for appreciating this post on Melbourne.
Best wishes!

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Ragini Puri January 4, 2015 - 9:43 pm

Thanks for the appreciation Kritika! Glad you enjoyed the post and I can see that the writer in you is super thrilled at the idea of lounging around Melbourne's many famous coffee shops! 🙂

Best of luck for the contest! 🙂

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Ragini Puri January 4, 2015 - 9:51 pm

Thanks Kalpanaa! And a very happy and fulfilling 2015 to you too! Hot Air Balloon ride sounds like a romantic idea to me too! Best wishes for the contest! 🙂

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Manu Khandelwal January 4, 2015 - 11:39 pm

Amazing Article.
If I get a chance to visit Melbourne then
I would like to spend my time in the Great Otway National Park, because I love watching animals. I would love to take a city tour by travelling on the Tram's of Melbourne. By travelling in tram's I want to explore every nook & corner of Melbourne. Besides this I would love to watch the amazing architectures of Melbourne like Eureka Tower, Royal Exhibition Building, etc. And without enjoying festivals, my journey would be incomplete so I will celebrate Australian Festivals.
And how can I forget The MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground). As cricket is my favourite sport I would love to watch the Cricket world cup final which will take place at the largest stadium of Australia, that is, MCG.

– Manu
Harstuff Travel – http://goo.gl/6t4oZy

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Uttpal K January 5, 2015 - 7:57 am

Yarra Valley Wineyard of course. Since 1992 Yarra winery tours are being organized in a professional way. Loads of wine tastings and the best food. The winery makes you fall in love with the beautiful way of stacking the wine bottles. I would want to visit this because of my love for old wine and also because the best of the wine is served here. The whole of Melbourne has adorable places but this one would surely attract me more than once in my visit and after seeing Tanmay and Rohans visit I am eager to go there soon…. 🙂

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jhilmilbhansali January 5, 2015 - 10:56 am

Hey ,Superb post ,so all set to pack bags to have a thrill at Melbourne…Now being high on my wish list:)U’ve very well covered "the best of Melbourne" & for the entry in contest ,there cannot ever be a single place for me..It has to be a bouquet of places to feel calm down my zest to explore it..So naming ,first comes the Great Ocean road not just to linger or have a decent walk but to amaze myself with Jetskiing ,Scuba diving & to try swim with Dolphins & seal! Yay ! these b’ful creatures would be lucky to share a swim with me;) .Then it would be "Eureka Sky deck, to have an awe inspiring experience to be closest to sky & get the sky deck view of this liveable city & MCG to watch & cheer the players on one of the worlds best cricket ground!

Wishing u Best of Luck & a great year ahead!!

Visit my blog@http://jhilmilbhansali.wordpress.com/2014/12/30/a-date-for-life-timea-date-with-nature-wildlife-art-cuisine-ah-melbourne/

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Ruby Singh January 5, 2015 - 12:22 pm

I am an adventurous soul so it would be a thrilling ride on the Great Ocean Road. I want to witness all the natural and lush green beauty along the drive. After the drive I would like to soar high on the hot Balloon and want to experience the holistic view of Melbourne from the balloon.

Visit my entry for the same on
http://rubysingh147.wordpress.com/2014/12/17/mesmerizing-melbourne/

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Nikhil Chaudhari January 5, 2015 - 5:17 pm

Melbourne have my mama & his family..So my first reason would be to see my lil cousin who is so pretty i have to meet her soon…Secondly i would be excited to beautiful landscape that is Melbourne city go & see the victorian style buildings while also enjoying beautiful gardens and sipping coffee in the famous melbourne cafes…Send time with my cousin at her favourite place Melbourne zoo and experience the "Tram Experience in real life"…it would be awesome experience for a Mumbaiite like me.
I would certainly visit the yarra valley that is an hour east of the city. With 70 wineries and 160 yr history in wine making..The Sommelier in me would go crazy in the super wines…The wineries are an experience in itself is what the word goes by. A sommeliers dream come true so close to the city…Wow…
Taking a roadtrip on the Great ocean road if missed then my aussie journey would be incomplete..its perfect…Travelling along this route to go for scuba diving would make my travelling experience perfect!!

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Ragini Puri January 5, 2015 - 7:51 pm

Wow, that's a pretty warm and hear-warming comment Nikhil! Loved it.
You have so beautifully put your Melbourne itinerary together! May you get to visit this marvellous city and your little cousin soon!
Thank you so much for appreciating the post and taking out time to participate in the contest here. 🙂

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Ragini Puri January 5, 2015 - 7:57 pm

Ruby, a drive down the Great Ocean Road would be, I am sure, one adventure ride! And this stretch indeed has so much to offer to adventure loving souls! I can imagine the adrenaline rush already! And why just adventure, a leisurely walk along the coastline too would delight anyone!

Thanks for sharing your love for Melbourne here! 🙂

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Ragini Puri January 5, 2015 - 8:05 pm

Thanks for stopping by Jhilmil!
Thanks for appreciating the post. Am glad that you found it interesting and enlightening enough to wish for a Melbourne trip!
And yes indeed, Melbourne is such a treasure trove that it's very difficult to pin-point or mark just a few places as 'must-see'. Every nook and corner of this marvellous city has something to entice the visitors to explore more and to reach out to grasp all that it has to offer!

Thank you for the good wishes and a very happy 2015 to you too. 🙂

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Ragini Puri January 5, 2015 - 8:21 pm

Thanks for stopping by Uttpal! And I see that you are a wine lover! 🙂

Indeed you will have a wonderful time at the Yarra Valley, exploring not just the wine-yard but also hot air ballooning and nature trailing too! Hope your wish of travelling to this marvellous city gets fulfilled soon! 🙂

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Ragini Puri January 5, 2015 - 8:29 pm

Thanks for the appreciation Manu! Glad you enjoyed the post. 🙂

Great Otway National Park is a wonderful place for camping! My cousin visited the park last year and he had an exciting time exploring the flora and fauna there. There are lots of fancy birds there too!
And sightseeing tour of the city would indeed be fun! I have heard so much about the tram sessions there! 🙂

Thanks for taking out time and sharing your Melbourne must-see wish list here 🙂

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Ragini Puri January 5, 2015 - 8:55 pm

Grampians is listed on the Australian National Heritage List, Farah! 🙂

And besides its captivating natural beauty, the park is also has rich indigenous rock art sites! Also I read somewhere that the park is home to one of Australia's longest running food and wine festivals – Grampians Grape Escape – so many reasons to visit this park now! 🙂

Thank you so much for taking out time to share you Melborne musing here! 🙂

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Ragini Puri January 5, 2015 - 8:57 pm

Thanks Rutavi! Glad you enjoyed the post! Melbourne indeed has lots to boast about!

The city has been ranked the world's most livable city since 2011, and that I believe gives a lot away about how marvellous a place it is. 🙂

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Ragini Puri January 6, 2015 - 9:29 am

Dear readers, the comment contest on this post is now closed. Thank you all for participating.
The winner announcement coming up soon. Stay tuned. 🙂

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Ragini Puri January 6, 2015 - 8:36 pm

Thanks for appreciating the write-up, Bhawna!

Am glad you enjoyed the post. And it was fun virtually exploring Melbourne to put it all here on the blog. And I see that the iconic 12 Apostles and Phillip Nature Island figures in your Melbourne wish-list too! Great choice!
Thanks for participating in the contest! 🙂

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Ragini Puri January 6, 2015 - 8:38 pm

Thank Suji! And I see that you are a wine lover! 🙂

Indeed you will have a wonderful time at the Yarra Valley, exploring not just the wine-yard but also hot air ballooning and nature trailing too! And of course the iconic 12 Apostles too are a must-see! Great choices! Hope your wish of travelling to this marvellous city gets fulfilled soon! 🙂

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Ragini Puri January 6, 2015 - 8:58 pm

Thanks Ranjith! Glad that my post gave you the feeling of being on a virtual tour of Melbourne! 🙂

And your choice of Hot air ballooning over the Yarra Valley is fantastic! Hope you get to live this wish sometime soon. Thanks for participating in the contest here. 🙂

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Ragini Puri January 10, 2015 - 1:15 am

Thanks Hemaaa, and I must say a visit to the Sovereign Hill indeed sounds too big a temptation to resist. And of course Pannys Phillip Island Chocolate Factory too – everyone wants to go there! 😀

Best of luck for the contest! 🙂

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Ragini Puri January 10, 2015 - 1:47 am

Thanks for stopping by Alok, and thank you so much for appreciating the post. Am glad that you found it interesting and enlightening enough to wish for a Melbourne trip!

And yes indeed, Melbourne is such a treasure trove that it's very difficult to pin-point or mark just a few places as 'must-see'. Every nook and corner of this marvellous city has something to entice the visitors to explore more and to reach out to grasp all that it has to offer!

Thank you for the good wishes and a very happy 2015 to you too. 🙂

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Ragini Puri January 10, 2015 - 1:53 am

All or none…well that's greedy Santosh! 🙂

But I really like the spirit with which you have expressed your appreciation for Melbourne, the marvellous city! And this – Ragini इफ i डिडन्ट गेट चांस टू विज़िट मेलबोर्न देअर वॉन्ट बि एनी रिग्रेट .. बिकॉज़ ऑफ़ डा विविड पिक्चर यु प्रोड्यूस्ड ;-)) has left me in a laughing fit!

Thank you so much for participating in the contest here. Hope you get to visit Melbourne soon, and of course with your mate!

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Ragini Puri January 13, 2015 - 7:07 am

Okay dear readers, it's time to announce the winner of the Melbourne Jao Comment contest.

And the winner is…drumroll please…

SANTOSH KUMAR

While all your comments were lovely, Santosh summed up his wishlist in a few words – 'all or none'. And that's what won me over.
And then there was his witty justification of why 'all or none'. I am sure you all will agree that his comment is fun – just what Melbourne is all about.

Thank you. Keep travelling! 🙂

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Santosh Kumar January 13, 2015 - 3:59 pm

अरररर…रे …..its Me !! How it could be ^_?
Yap
'All or None'
Kaleidoscope Melbourne mesmerizes 'even The most Unromantic person' to shed 'Un' and enter in 'Eternal Romance' : Uttapl n Hemaa
The artist colouring their Fantasies in Hoiser lane ,Street art Trivia : Preethi ,Nistha
'Rebel' to meet the 'Crux' of scenic beauty Dandenong range , great ocean road thrill of scuba dive :Jhilmil,Ruby
ascending to your rainbow and introducing your self to colossal clouds in hot balloon lift :Suji,Ranjith,Ruby
'Pen down' to shake hand with Penguins
Exploring your inner 'Symonds' and excavating your own 'Helicopter shots' : Alok , Manu
Ragini you penned in way to struck awe and induce daydreams in all of us beside Kritika and Poonam
without doing much बला बला n blaaa..
Melbourne is definitely a different ..'Alok'…. where the… 'Bhawna's of yours .. meet .. the 'Kalpna'
lastly every things revolves round a Romantic Romance in one hand and with a glass of Wine in others..

Sorry friends if i hurt u all by using ur words n ur names

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Miranda May 2, 2017 - 9:13 pm

I’ve definitely fallen in love with Melbourne now after reading this! I’ve always wanted to go to Australia, but narrowing down cities is so hard when visiting a new country. I’m huge on nature, so #1 sounds the most exciting to me! (Possibly followed by a visit to the coffee shop 🙂 )

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