Great Places To Visit.

Southgate Friday night. What to do for something different for date night? Ok. So maybe a train trip into the city. Get off at Flinders Street station and walk across the road to Birrarung marr. Take a leisurely walk along the Yarra and check out the Noodle Markets. We're early, so no crowds yet. Had a look about and then we decided we rather sit at one of the pub/restaurants on the river, enjoy an ale and some tapas. It's Melbourne right? We have multiple choices. So we wandered back from the Noodle Markets, left those to the rest of Melbourne and went to Pilgrams, found an indoor seat (the outdoor ones were already full) facing the gorgeous brick archway, made ourselves comfortable, and our waitress magically appeared with menus and took our drinks order while we were deciding what to eat.  Sat back in our comfy soft chairs we managed to snaffle, sipped on our icy cold Carlton Draught and watched the city, the people, and the Yarra in front of us.   Nice way to...

Spent a lovely day wandering around beautiful Ballarat.  The Archibald Art Exhibition was held in the Ballarat Art Gallery again this year....it's last one in Ballarat, Vic. A small group of friends and I travelled by train from Melbourne to view the exhibition and spend a day out of the city. The train trip from Melb to Ballarat was relaxing. We passed the time with chit chat and scenery watching or snoozing. Walked from the train station up to the exhibition, which was a short easy walk, browsed around the gallery, then selected a spot for lunch, enjoyed a nice glass of wine with lunch, then a gentle stroll back to the train station to catch the 2.20pm train back to Melb.  Back in time to catch the local train home before peak hour rush. A tired but happy bunch of Archibald wanders! Recommend a train trip to Ballarat even without the Archibald Art Exhibition. The Art Gallery itself is worth a trip to visit and then wander around the town.  Nice area of the c...

Melbourne is a very diverse city. Being a country girl at heart I never thought I would be able to live happily in a city. Melbourne has proved to me that I can with its many park lands and reserves.  Having purchased a black miniature poodle to save my sanity, and make me walk more, I have begun to seek out areas where I can take her that are dog friendly. Right on my doorstep is a bike path that winds its way along Darebin Creek and onwards. I enjoy taking Miss Lily along the many pathways within the Darebin Parklands, as they have sections which are dog friendly and clearly marked  "off lead" areas where your dog can run free, chase a ball etc. Of course you are expected to be considerate of other people and their dogs in these areas and it is your responsibility to ensure your dog is obedient even off lead and friendly towards other dogs and people. Miss Lily is very friendly, and mostly obedient. Occasionally she might see another dog her size and run to say "he...