stephen blyth’s blog

A few weeks ago Andrew asked if I could recommend a few cheap things to do in Melbourne. This is my preliminary, non-definitive list, not in order of priority. I could probably write a book. Without further ado, here goes:

1. Ceres. There’s plenty to see at the environmental education centre: displays, windmills and other renewable energy generators, gardens, a retro-fitted surburban house, water features, and animals. The best time to visit is Saturday morning when the weekly market is in full swing. Or try to catch a festival which happen frequently. Directions: Sign-posted from the final stop of the East Brunswick (96) tram which goes up Nicholson Street.
2. Biking. There are hundreds of kilometres of cycle trails in and around Melbourne, so it’s hard to recommend only one or two. My picks: Main Yarra Trail, which follows the Yarra River over 40km up stream. Along the way you pass sports grounds, Fairfield rowing club, wetlands, and display boards highlighting Heidleberg artists. It’s very green and wild, amazinlgy so in such a big city. Option two: hire a bike in St Kilda and ride along the coast either 5km south to Port Melbourne, or north to Brighton, Sandringham or Beumaris. There is a dedicated cycle track the whole way, and lots of cafes to stop at. Cycle hire is available at St Kilda (ph 9534 3074) or Yarra Bank (ph 0412 616 633).
3. Golden Mile Heritage Trail In the central city there are many historical and architectural gems, lots of them not obvious from to the passerby. The Trail is described in a pocket sized booklet ($4) complete with maps and discounted entry to musuems along the way.Directions: a copy of the trail booklet is available from the tourist information centre in Federation Square.
4. Aboringial culture and history. Colonisation has virtually removed all trace of the indigenous people from the streets of Melbourne. To learn some uncomfortable truths you need to visit the Koori Heritage Centre (free entry) which combines both art and history, along with a shop, and Bunjilaka, Melbourne Museum’s indigenous centre, which contains a series of moving displays, including a pictorial testimony to the stolen generations. A sensitive portrayal of the lot of later arrivals can be found at the Immigration Museum. Directions: the Koori Heritage Centre, 295 King Street (near La Trobe); Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson Street; and the Immigration Museum, 400 Flinders Street.
5. Williamstown to St Kilda ferry (or vice versa). The views back toward the skyline are striking, and both ends have plenty of character. It’s a pretty basic sort of trip, without any commentary, but excellent value at $6 per person. Directions: catch the Williamstown train from Flinders or Spencer Street Station, and return to the city on a tram from St Kilda. Both trips possible using a daily zone 1 public transport ticket.

A couple more things to do that didn’t make my top 5:

• Backstreet pubs, art galleries and in Fitzroy and Collingwood. On Saturday or Sunday afternoon you’ll find crooners and troubadours coming out to play at one of the many retro pubs within a five block radius of the Budoora RMIT (86) or West Preston (112) trams. There are little galleries in Gertrude Street, and gift shop galore in Brunswick Street. Top pubs include the Napier (210 Napier Street), Maquis of Lorne (411 George Street), and Lambsgo Bar (135 Greeves Street, off Smith Street).
• Queen Victoria Market. I really like the deli section but others have found cheap and colourful clothes. Don’t be afraid to haggle as prices are often open to negotiation. Hours: Tuesday, Thursday through Sunday.

And, I have yet to try the following, but I reckon they’ll be worth a go:

• Aboriginal Heritage Walk at the Royal Botanic Gardens is a guided 1.5 hour stroll. Topics covered include medicinal plants and plant foods. It costs approximately $15. Ph 9252 2429.
• Pipemakers Park is the home of the Living Museum of the West. It’s a free, open air museum detailing with a social history focus, sited on a former boiling down works established in 1847. Take Footscray-Moonee Ponds (82) tram from Footscray train station.

PS - for bus and tram timetable visit the Victrip website.