Melbourne, Australia: Art, Wine & A River Cruise

Melbourne, Australia:
Adventure, Art, Food, and Little Penguins

Today, we will focus on the best way to embrace the cultural vibe of Melbourne. This is a little bit of a big task because Melbourne has a thriving art & culture scene, with temporary installations constantly changing.

Tomorrow, we will take a deep breathe and enjoy the ultimate Relaxation itinerary. These tables are handy to keep - a blister or torn muscle may convert your Cultural plans into Relaxation plans. Let’s go check out the latest graffiti.
- Cris

Day 1: Outdoor and Indoor Art

Walking Tour of Street Art

When we mentioned ‘street art,’ did you imagine someone in a hoodie with a can of spray paint? You’re close…and really, really far. The street art in Melbourne is part of the appeal of the city. Police protect the artists and their creations - this isn’t a crime! Above, you can see one piece of “graffiti” (street art) that I found mesmerizing for the high level of detail. To me, this looks like a billboard but it’s created with spray paint. These are the streets that produce the best art and are super safe. Go ahead and have your photo taken with the art, although it’s polite to tip the artist if you take her/his picture with the art. The art changes whenever the artist wishes and so it’s a different walk every time but still completely safe.

The Ian Potter Center, National Gallery of Victoria

20 galleries across three floors of the Ian Potter Center provide a visual history of Australia from European settlement to the Colonial period to the Heidelberg School, and on through contemporary times. Did you learn in school that Australia was settled by convicts? This museum tells their complete history (including the scandalous bits).

Day 2: Immigration (hint: FOOD!)

Food and History Tour

Did someone say food? Oh my gosh. Do yourself a favor and skip food for an entire day prior to the Secret Tours Melbourne so you can actually taste everything. By the time we ‘started’ the chocolate portion of the tour, I had jumped into a convenience store to buy a plastic container to save them for later.

The Immigration Museum

Sometimes, the bubble we live in is more fun when popped. The Immigration Museum is a fascinating collection of ideas and stories that represent humanity. This is a fun ‘bubble popping’ experience. You will find yourself smiling and having fun as you explore new ways of living.

Day 3: Strolling on Land and Water

Aboriginal Heritage Walk at the Royal Botanic Gardens

Did you think of a ‘Walkabout’ when this popped on the itinerary? You can blame thank Crocodile Dundee for that branding. The Aboriginal Heritage Walk is a fascinating peek into the rich history and thriving culture of the First Peoples of Australia through identification of significant native plants within the Gardens.

Someday, I will return to these Gardens for two weeks in order to experience more of their programs. For example, everyone walking out of the Forest Therapy experience appears calm and happy. I want that too! When planning your trip, remember to consider the difference in weather compared to your home because it’s flipped. For example, if you plan to visit Melbourne from the US when the kids are out of school for the Summer, then it will be Winter in Melbourne. I think I’ll book a two week trip in January when it gets a bit chilly in the US.

Yarra River Cruise

$ option: Rest your feet for two hours while you see and hear all about Melbourne and (some of) its history.

$$ option: You can book your own private cruise for 90 minutes. If you have a group of 6, it’s actually less expensive per person to rent a private cruise. Are your teenagers acting their age? Stick them on this cruise and watch them sail away. You’ll smile for 90 minutes.

Day 4: Modern Art With A Glass of Wine

Heide Museum of Modern Art

With both an art museum and a sculpture garden, this is one of the creative hubs of Melbourne. Located near Bolin Bolin Billabong, this museum started as a ‘modest’ family home…where poets, artists, and sculptors crashed on the couch after a evening of eating out of the garden and debating if poems have merit. It now draws artists (and those of us who failed art) to explore and create the next generation of art.

Wine & Art Experience in the Yarra Valley

“Should we check out art or wine today?”

Why choose? You can see art from private collections, outdoor sculpture gardens, and selfie-worthy architecture all while debating which glass of wine was your favorite. We recommend hiring a driver for this one because each of the wineries has their best varietals available for tasting.

Are you schmick? Test your knowledge of Australian slang.

Tomorrow, we will explore the Relaxation appeal of Melbourne. I have a firm rule that each international trip must begin and end with a massage and so the research for this agenda was…heavenly.

See you tomorrow.

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