We're having a busy time here, but I've finally managed to get on GN's for an update.
We're now on our 3rd night at The Big 4 at Dandenong South. It's a good park, even though it's on a major road and at the edge of an industrial estate, it's been no problem.
On Saturday we caught the bus right out the front and changed to the train at Dandenong and into the city. Yes, Dandenong station was disgusting, as were the toilets, even at Flinders Street Station, but it got us to the city very cheaply.
We then got the free Shuttle bus to the Queen Victoria Markets. What a great time we had there. They're just as good as everyone says. We found lots of bargains, and had a great lunch. Before we knew it, 3 o'clock came around and they were closing up. Shuttle bus back to the station was standing room only for several stops. So with my dicky knee, I was ready to sit on the step when a couple got off and sis and I popped straight into their seats. But the damage was done and I was in agony for the rest of the day.
Refreshed this morning, we had a quick look at the Berwick Markets, then on to meet cousins we hardly know, and a couple we'd never met. But the genes were there, and we had a great time! Lot's of laughs! The eldest one, who is the eldest of we grandchildren, turned 80 so it was very timely to meet for a celebratory lunch.
Tomorrow, we're having another go at the city. Brave aren't we. I'm not sure what, bil does the organising for us. I just follow!
Then on Tuesday we'll drive up to the Dandenong Ranges for a look around. And Wednesday we head off again, to somewhere down towards Phillip Island.
Sounds like you are enjoying Melbourne, and I believe it is putting on good weather for you? Southbank is a great place, and Federation Square is worth a look, there used to be another railway station there - Princes Station - pretty grotty really, and just up further were two tall ugly buildings - the Gas and Fuel buildings i think they were - much nicer now, there is a really nice park there - can get a ferry up the river and have a look around it is a lovely trip.
Some of the small arcades are wonderful - and see if you can find "AC/DC Lane" - named after the band of course.
Can catch a tram out to Station Pier, where the Spirit of Tasmania leaves from, the beach around there is ok - and Bay Street Port Melbourne is a great shopping spot. Or catch a tram down to fitzroy Street, St Kilda - lots of cafes etc - down onto St Kilda beach - trams are everywhere.
Enjoy!!
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jules "Love is good for the human being!!" (Ben, aged 10)
Hi, may I make a suggestion when you go up the ranges.Olinda Up the in ranges from Ferntree Gully is a really nice drive and the Mountain Ash trees and the Agapanthas which seem to grow wild are a really nice sight.There are a few nice shops up there, ranging from homewares and gifts to some art shops.And a really nice bakery/cafe.
There is one shop/emporium up there who's name eludes me, where I could happily furnish a whole house with their stuff, ranging from clocks to vases,jewelry to glassware and furniture too.
Enjoy the Ranges wherever you go,a really nice part of the world.
Doug, we had difficulty getting into a CP. I rang several before getting into this one. Akoona Park, where we'd intended staying, was booked out. There's been no problem with this one, other than being a little too far out when getting into the city. (Should have packed a picnic lunch.)
Excuse me for just a minute while I vent...I had mentioned to sis&bil several times over the last couple of weeks, that I wanted to go to Williamstown. Every time I did, sis said where's that and what's there. So today at the info centre first thing, as bil was talking to the assistant I said, 'did you find out about Williamstown?' He said 'oh I wasn't even asking about that?' The lady said, 'you want to go there?' I said 'YES I do!' Apparently sis&bil had their own ideas of where we were going and it wasn't Williamstown! Vent over!
So we got the ferry to Williamstown and the train back and it was really good. The ferry captain gave us a good spiel along the way, and we ALL enjoyed it...and the fish & chips at the Fish & Chippery on Nelson Place.
So sorry folks, thanks for all the advise of where to go, but we then had to get on the train home, so that was all we did!
Thanks Trevor, I'll look for them.
Anyway, I've learnt a few things. Don't stay out so far if you want to see the city highlights, DON'T use the toilets at the train stations, they're disgusting, Melbourne has more graffiti along the lines than Brisbane does, and people don't queue for buses, they just push in.
But...I've really enjoyed seeing the historical buildings everywhere we've been, the beautiful gardens, especially the roses, and really just seeing new places.
Oh, and tomorrow is the Dandenong Ranges. Really looking forward to getting away from the city.
-- Edited by Beth54 on Monday 12th of November 2012 06:31:23 PM
Glad you are all enjoying Melbourne Beth. Interesting your choice of CV park, it used to be a bit rough in there many moons back but things must have changed, good to see too.
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Live Life On Your Terms
DOUGChief One Feather (Losing feathers with age)
TUG.......2014 Holden LT Colorado Twin Cab Ute with Canopy
DEN....... 2014 "Chief" Arrow CV (with some changes)
Well Beth, the ferry trip to Williamstown would have given you a terrific view of the city from the water - and williamstown is such a lovely place - so close to the city, yet seems like a country town almost.
Dandenong Ranges are wonderful - make sure you get to the cafe at the top the view is pretty good, specially if it is a clear day. Heaps of little towns and shops, from where you are - head out - away from the City - the Princes Highway to Hallam, turn left towards Belgrave - pretty straight run up to the Ranges, a good place to start exploring up there.
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jules "Love is good for the human being!!" (Ben, aged 10)
Yes, Marj, I've managed to put my foot down a couple of times.
We move on on Wednesday, down towards Phillip Island I think. I haven't had a good look at the 'bible' yet, but hoping for a free or cheap camp.
Okay, Jules got that. As for Williamstown, we reckoned it would have been a good place to stay, as it was fairly close to the city, but nice and quiet. I felt like I'd stepped back in time.
Look around Corinella Beth - or Grantville - if you go on the Island the parks are pretty pricy, and it is not far to the Island from either of those places. A few of the small towns on the way have little parks with reasonable rates. Even Tooradin is ok -
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jules "Love is good for the human being!!" (Ben, aged 10)
Beth, tuck away in the "next time" file..........there is an ok caravan park at Werribee South, which could be a good base to explore the city some more, Williamstown again. I tend to think that for someone wanting to see a lot of Melbourne and surrounds, it is better to be one side of the city for some, and then move to the other side for rest. And maybe to Mornington Peninsula for that area!
My home town of Wonthaggi is a good base camp Beth. Coalfields Caravan Park is great 03 5672 1798, mention my name if you like. DON'T go to Minors Rest CV Park.
You won't find free camps in Bass Coast Shire. Have fun in that area and check out the penguins. The coal mine in Wonthaggi is a good visit too.
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Live Life On Your Terms
DOUGChief One Feather (Losing feathers with age)
TUG.......2014 Holden LT Colorado Twin Cab Ute with Canopy
DEN....... 2014 "Chief" Arrow CV (with some changes)
We've decided to skip Phillip Island this time Doug, but we will go through Wonthaggi and Inverloch on our way to Wilson's Prom. We're going to aim for the Shallow Inlet Campground west of Yanakie, CAW 6 #93. Then we'll spend the next day looking around the Prom.
Thanks Wendy, yes, we think that now too. Actually, even though it was good to see some of the sights in the city, I'm over it and ready to move on. And time is marching on too.
As we headed through Dandy today for the Mountains, we noticed the markets were on. We'd been told by a couple of people that they were good, so popped in for a look. They are excellant! And much easier to get to than the Queen Vic markets. They have a huge variety of stuff, particularly food. But they're only on Tusday, Friday and Saturday.
Then we headed up the mountains via Ferntree Gully...just because we like the name! Lunch was in a nice little place at Sassafras, where we also browsed the little shops. (It was also bils birthday, so he got to choose places all day.)
The scenery of the mountains was just lovely. Alas there weren't many places where we could stop and take photos. We didn't go to the lookout at the very top because they want money for it! Never heard of a place where they charge for a lookout! We did see the city from the road though. And further along, we found a lookout over Silvan Reservoir. I didn't know where we were half the time as bil was driving, but I did take note of Monbulk Road because it was so beautiful through there.
So tomorrow we leave Melbourne behind. The penguins will have to wait for another time.
as were the toilets, even at Flinders Street Station, but it got us to the city very cheaply.
I'm not sure what, bil does the organising for us. I just follow! 
