The historic grand dam of...
by Ronald_T
The historic grand dam of Melbourne's Victorian architectural heritage, the
Melbourne Town Hall is a magnificent example of the City in the 19th century. It was built in several stages from the 1860s to the 1920s. The majestic portico and adjacent Council chambers and Admission block were added from 1887 to 1909. Free tours of the Melbourne Town Hall are available every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 10.30 am and 2.30 pm, and on the third Saturday of each month.
Victorian style/era 2 storied terraced houses
by Kate-Me
Melbourne is one of the world's best preserved cities of Victorian architecture (if not THE best) and this is especially evident in its Victorian terraced housing, which I was surprised to see recently still remains quite prominent and is more widespread through Melbourne than even I had realized. Grouped together in rows of 4 or 5, with some often identical, these terraced houses look so charming and historic to me.
come at Christmas time!
by Krystynn
There are just so many things to see, do, taste and smell during this festive season. You will never, ever feel bored when these ultra-sociable Melbourne folks welcome you into their arms... as you go shopping and merry-making with them.
That's Australian hospitality for you!
Photo Below: Beautiful decors at MELBOURNE CENTRAL. I just couldn't resist taking this pic!
Layers - layers!
by BeverlyTyler
PHOTO: WATSON'S BAY SYDNEY. A HAT, LONGSLEEVE SWEATSHIRT, SUNGLASSES AND BACKPACK ARE ESSENTIAL ITEMS, BUT DON'T BRING THEM BUY THEM IN AUSTRALIA AND YOU HAVE SOUVENIRS AS WELL.
Like every place you visit, pack for the trip then cut in half and then take at least 10% more out. Remember with the good valve of the british pound and US dollar in Australia you may want to buy items here from jackets to shoes to gloves and hats . Wear one color and wear it every day. Dress for comfort. I don't like sneakers, prefer walking shoes or walking boots (helps the ankles) but if the drought continues you could probably get away with sandals. Sneakers do label you as a tourist but what the heck. It's a great way to get an Australian to say, "Righto, can I help you mate?" Then not just point to where you need to go, but take you there as well. "No worry mate!" My main suggestion: ALWAYS WEAR A HAT AND LONG SLEEVE SHIRTS AND/OR THE HIGHEST RATED SUN SCREEN. SUNSCREEN, SUNGLASSES, SUNSCREEN. Buy what you need when you get here in the way of Toiletries. There is a photo developing shop in almost every block and they are reasonable. Buy your film here too and have it developed as you travel along (never get double prints). Then send the prints home with other things you buy and take the negatives home with you. All can be bought or rented here. ALL THROUGH AUSTRALIA THERE ARE INTERNET SHOPS IN EVERY CITY, TOWN & VILLAGE AND CHEAP TOO, ABOUT $5-6 per Hour AU.
For other helpful advise check out the web sites and handbooks of all the major companies such as Lonely Planet, Fodor's, Frommers, etc.
The story of The Dive
by iandsmith
Sometimes the seemingly banal can turn out to be quite interesting. Such is the case with a pond of discoloured water and a crumbling ruin behind an adjacent fence.
The suburb is Box Hill and, were you to turn back the clock, you might see hundreds of people here with some launching themselves off the edge into the murky water below. According to legend, the pit was bottomless. There was even a story that there was plant at the bottom and one day a spring sprung and flooded the entire hole.
The reality is that, at the deepest point, it measures 24 metres, still a substantial drop.
The clay used by the Haughton Park Brick Company to fire the bricks that built the nearby suburbs came from here. In the depression of the late 19th century, the works closed and 100 staff were laid off; a severe blow to the community as many of the workers lived with walking distance.
In 1907 the Shire of Nunawading imaginatively added a diving board, ramp and bathing sheds. Imagine, there were brass bands, crowds cheering swimmers on in the races, picnics everywhere. It was known as Surrey Dive.
Time moved on and just six years later another brickworks opened, the Box Hill Brickworks with its dominating red brick Hoffman Kiln that broods over the park today, having closed in the 1980s.
The pool's history was also chequered. Water was scarce during drought years in the 1960 and the council had a ready resource here but its ultimate demise came with chlorinated swimming pools and by 1976 it was decided to close it as a swimming hole. It had been the first in Australia, in 1933, to have marked 100 metre lanes, 10 to be exact.
Today it has become a facility for model boats and there's a designated walk around the area and, should you want a swim, there's another pool just 50 metres away. Somehow, it just lacks the atmosphere.
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The famous Twelve Apostles!
Melbourne city sky line
ToastWithCapsicum&Mushrooms
Chadstone
