2020 has been a very strange year, for Australia and for the rest of the world. This global pandemic has changed our way of life collectively in many ways and yet experiences within countries, states, cities and even at an individual level are very unique.
Carlton has Italian history embedded in every corner of its trattoria-lined streets. Also known as ‘Little Italy’, this cultural precinct of Melbourne came to life with the first wave of Italian immigration in the 1950s. These days it’s part nostalgia and part new world charm.
Sydney has the ‘wow factor’ for visitors. It’s intrinsically linked to Australian tourism and is undoubtably the first place that comes to mind, summoning images of the Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and Bondi Beach.
The hippie origins of Byron Bay have been given a good buff – these days it’s a shinier, fancier version of its former self. The influx of mass tourism surely makes a local shudder, but there is no doubt there is many a gem to treasure.
The Dandenong Ranges is at its very best, when the weather is at it’s very worst. It’s the kind of place where the rain adds atmosphere – everything is just a little bit greener, the mist hangs low amongst the trees and woodfire smoke tinges the fresh mountain air.
When writing about the Yarra Valley, it’s hard not to start with the wineries. The Yarra Valley was Victoria’s first wine region with the earliest vines planted there in 1838. Today it is a world renowned producer of cool climate wines, known for its sparkling, chardonnay and pinot noir. Another time we’ll cover off some of the lesser knowns, but this is all about the classics – an essential guide for the first timer.
The Mornington Peninsula has the best parts of a Victorian day trip, all bundled up into the one convenient archipelago. Within 90 minutes drive of Melbourne, you’ll find yourself spoilt for choice with a scattering of seaside towns, coastal walks and cool climate wineries.
A typical day trip from Melbourne might take you to the Dandenong Ranges, the Yarra Valley or even Daylesford. Castlemaine probably isn’t one of the first destinations that come to mind, but I have a feeling that might change in the near future. Something is brewing over there.
There was a time when Melbourne was the richest city in the world. With the discovery of gold in the 1850s, Collins Street became a hub of development and the end result is many of the beautiful and historic buildings that line the street today. My friends have poked fun at my tendency to post ‘yet another photo of Collins St’, but it’s hard not to admire.
