MY MYSTERY MAN
by BerniShand
thanks to Laurie, VT member australia2, for going to look at this statue so that he could tell me who it is, as my journal was in parts illegible after an unexpected dip in a Queensland lake
my mystery man is John Hope[1860-1908] 1st Marquis of Linlithgow, 7th Earl of Hopetown, and 1st Governor General of Australia
Born in Scotland and educated at Eton and the Royal Militart Academy Sandhurst he did not join the army but concentrated on his family estate, following his move to Australia he was Governor of Victoria from 1889-95, and was appointed Governer General of Australia taking ofice on the 1st of January 1901 when the Commonwealth of Australia was formed
his time as Governor General was not without controversy, he first appointed Sir William Lyre as Prime Minister, an odd choice as he was opposed to federalisation and many representatives refused to serve under him, after his resignation the federationist Edmund Barton was appoointed.
Australians resented John Hope, he was considered to be too regalistic, and incurred great expense, finally after disputes about allowances he resigned in May 1902, leaving Australia in July of that year
He had hopes to be appointed Viceroy of India, but was made Secretary of State for Scotland, he died suddenly in 1908 John Hope is largely forgotten today, you can see his statue in the Kings Domain
St Kilda Beach
by eviltooth
Go to St. Kilda, take tram no. 16 from Swanston St and ask the friendly driver where to get off.
St. Kilda is famous for it's magnificient bay vistas, The Esplanade, and the Sunday Craft Market. Acland St is synonymous with cakes, Fitzroy St also has many cafés and restaurants and is always bustling with activity at night. Unfortunately, crime rate has increased in this area so just be careful like you would in any other place. Don't let this warning stop you from going there though.
If you like shells, there're plenty on the beach too, just make sure you don't take the life ones. :)
The Sunday Craft Market starts from 9am to 5pm every Sunday. It's where local artists come to sell their stuff, ranging from paintings, ceramics to hand made soaps and other knick knacks. If you like talking to locals, this is a good place to be. :) That's my dog Chub and my friend's cat Tonkie, aren't they cute? :)
I bring them to the beach whenever the weather's nice and not too windy.
Melbourne: Arts and Culture Pt 1
by Intrepidduck
Melbourne has several hundred private and public art galleries and spaces located mostly through out the inner city area. The largest collection of international art is at the NGV (National Gallery of Victoria) which contains the Ian Potter Centre, located also in a number of spaces such as at Federation Square. Some of Melbourne's other major public art spaces include ACCA (Australian Centre for Contemporary Art), Heide Museum of Modern Art, and 200 Gertrude Street.
Australian Formula One Grand Prix
by Diceman_
I specifically went to Melbourne to see the Grand Prix, overall it was a pretty good event. Nothing beats actually being there next to the track where the cars are racing, you just can't really connect the same way watching it through the TV.
In my opinion the Melbourne Grand Prix as an event wasn't as good as it's predecessor the Adelaide Grand Prix, the biggest difference being no after-race concert. The after-race entertainment consists of being able to walk along the track and check out pit lane through the wire fences. Also there aren't many parts of the track where the cars go slow. Albert Park is a picturesque setting though, with it's lake, palm trees and green grass.
A General Admission ticket on race day was $95, for the money it's probably better to invest in a grandstand ticket for around $350 which covers all four days and guarantees a decent view.
I recommend getting to the track at least three hours before the race starts. I got there an hour before and all the good spots I came across were jam-packed. If possible, find out from someone in the know where the best areas are.
If played right the Grand Prix can be a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Ear plugs, hat, beverage, sunglasses, emergency poncho (foldable plastic raincoat), and lightweight chair if going early.
Melbourne's Golden Mile
by ATXtraveler
If you are looking for a little historical information on some of Melbourne's more famous buildings, then the Golden Mile tour is the one for you.
Head over to 114 Flinders and pick up the information on this walk from the Convention and Marketing Bureau and set off!
This mile should take you about half a day if you really enjoy all of the landmarks. Some of these include the Rialto Observation Deck, Immigration Museum, Old Treasury Building, St. Michaels and a few others!
Sign in with Facebook
Outdoor area.
Meeting Karl Kennedy
Enjoy a bubbly at the Domaine Chandon
ViewFromTheRialto
