Hotels By City: Cheap Hotels, Hotel Guides & Hotel Blogs

The Melbourne Cemetery is more than a place filled with historic tombstones.  Some people may be turned off by the prospect of visiting such a place.  Yet, a self-tour offers a worthwhile glimpse into local history.  You can explore alone or take an organized one during daytime or night time. The Cemetery Historic Society published a book about people buried in this cemetery and the unusual circumstances surrounding certain deaths. This book makes a great keepsake after a visit and ...

Lately, the temperatures in Melbourne have been skyrocketing to 36 and 38 degrees Celcius. The hottest temperature in the recent past was actually 44. In light of this, you might wonder why the local residents aren't simply melting? And the poor tourists! They don't usually come to evaporate off the ground.

You may not realize that Melbournites don't all live next to a beach. All the hotels aren't next to beaches or swimming pools either.  ...

Now, I've taken advantage of travel promotions before, but Melbourne's February Adventure Travel Expo was the most memorable experience yet.  This event took place at the Royal Exhibition Building across form the National Melbourne Museum.  Over 150 travel, accommodation and adventure companies offered ideas about where to go and what to do, around Australia and overseas.  I learned that the Grampian mountain areas still offer wonderful views, even after the recent forest fires.  I spoke to hotel owners ...

Ever wonder what you'd find as you strolled down narrow alleys of a new place? Sure, you may imagine "hole-in-the-wall" restaurants worth taking in with the locals, and perhaps vendors with trinkets laid out on folding tables, but did you ever imagine 'inner city installations?'

You may be thinking, "what the heck are they?"  No, they aren't some whacky wizardry contraption from Harry Potter. 

You may describe some of them as metal platforms ...

If you're willing to sign a waiver, you're relatively fit, and your mind is up for adventure, sea kyaking off Port Melbourne may be just for you. You will be given the chance to paddle across during half or full day tours.  Among appealing choices, you may choose to cross the harbor to Williamstown, to make your way to St. Kilda or go from Sorrento as far as Point Nepean National Park.  If you choose a longer, six hour ...

When you arrive in a new city, your curiousity may perk up about what stands out to make it truly unique.  You may not be searching out the McDonald's or other familiar venues you can find now in almost any place.  Rest assured, unusual talent will pop up in Melbourne when and where you least expect.  Just keep your eyes open wide.

Street artists and buskers can themselves be quite appealing. Maybe you've seen that ...

Colin and Glynnis Spencer are friendly, down-to-earth people who like challenges.  Some couples take on a vineyard as a retirement project in order to relax.  Yet, Glynnis will readily tell you, "It's really a lot of work!" She'll point out how birds eat holes in nets that cover the vines and test their patience.  Kangaroos will also come by at their leisure to enjoy the view.

The Spencers sensed Yarra Valley visitors were ready for a new kind of rustic ...

Day trips enable you to experience memorable coastal gems just outside Melbourne.  Among your choices, you can make your way to historic Queenscliff near Port Phillip Bay. Queenscliff is 103km (or ~1.5 hours) from Melbourne by road.  The Maritime Museum itself is located on Weeroona Parade and open 10:30-4:30 Monday to Friday.

The Queenscliff Maritime Centre and Museum offers 100 small exhibitions, 600 large exhibits and over 1000 photographs to raise awareness of historic events.  It offers unique perspectives on the heritage of the ...

As a child, I read the Thomas the Tank Engine story books by Rev. W. Awdry. My dad sparked my interest in trains and quite honestly, this interest has simply grown.  When I first saw the Puffing Billy Railway, it reminded me of Thomas the Tank Engine. Imagine my susprise when I learned Thomas the Tank himself comes to life in the Dandenong Ranges periodically as a replacement engine! He originated ...

The Australian International Aishow at Avalon Airport is an event worth checking out. I can say this from my experience being involved in Le Bourget Airshows in Paris, France, on a few occasions. Indoor sights and outdoor demonstrations of high technology planes and helicopters blew me away! I mean, standing beside and learning about state-of-the-art flying machines aren't things we all have chances to do every day. I encourage you to take advantage when ...