Editing Melbourne (section)

=== '''What are the areas of Melbourne?''' ===

[[File:IMG_1001.jpg|thumb|right|Melbourne by Night ...]]

Greater Melbourne covers an area in excess of 8,800 square km and is comprised of a number of regions. Each region contains a number of suburbs, each with its own cultural and historical identity.

But be warned it does matter what side of the river you live on, as this rather cheeky [http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/about-town/a-city-divided-20120202-1quub.html Sydney Morning Herald] article writes.

'''[[Melbourne Regions - CBD|CBD (Downtown for the North Americans out there)]]'''
* Includes Melbourne, Docklands, Southbank, North Melbourne, East Melbourne, West Melbourne, Central Business District (CBD). 

North, East and West Melbourne are on the perimeter of the CDB, which made a lot more sense when the city was first founded and the CBD was the port. Thanks to massive reclamation of the sea it is now some distance from the water. The Old Customs House - now [http://museumvictoria.com.au/immigrationmuseum/ Immigration Museum] - in Flinders street was once on the sea front. 

A glance at a map and it’s obvious that Melbourne is a planned colonial city: a tidy, balanced grid of neatly angled streets laid out by Robert Hoddle supposedly one afternoon in 1837, however, beneath this sense of everything in its place restraint lies a restless creative energy constantly pushing back at the city’s seeming conservatism. The CBD is made up of precincts – distinct enclaves each with its own flavour and charm. Some are just a lane or two, while others cover the banks of the Yarra River or a busy CBD street.

Melbourne's street names have quite a history to them thanks to Mr Hoddle, which you can read about on [http://www.onlymelbourne.com.au/melbourne_details.php?id=7228 Only Melbourne] or [http://www.whitehat.com.au/melbourne/History/StreetNames.asp Whitehat].

Some of Melbourne’s most interesting hidden gems crop up on old industrial land. By the late 19th century, the lower reaches of the Yarra and the Maribyrnong were lined with a number of smelly polluting industries. Perhaps none were as smelly as the glue factories near the abattoirs, where animal carcases were rendered down to make glue. It therefore comes as a shock to round the corner on the cycle path through this semi-derelict area and come face to face with a giant gold statue. Meet the [http://www.heavenlyqueentemple.com/ Heavenly Queen – Mazu] was a much revered Queen during the Sung Dynasty (10th century) who watched over and protected her people. Had she been constructed in the early days of Melbourne she would from her lofty elevation been able to see not only the Maribyrnong at her feet but the nearby Yarra River before it was filled in and a new channel dug miles away. Apart from the statue, the complex is planned to contain a temple (now well advanced), other buildings and a garden in the Chinese style. Take the pedestrian and bicycle path or Joseph Road. There are workmen from China who probably don’t have any English but plenty of goodwill in the Taoist tradition who are turning an ugly bend in the river into a beautiful place of quiet contemplation. You can see some photographs at [http://www.whitehat.com.au/Melbourne/Buildings/HeavenlyQueen.asp Heavenly Queen]

Victoria Market on Elizabeth St, just outside of the CBD in North Melbourne is a CouchSurfers food heaven! Bananas are often sold for under $1.00 a kilo and there are bargains galore. Closed Monday and Wednesday. Also good for dumpster diving, but be aware to stay outside the stall boundary lines because it's considered private property, and also stay clear of the forklift drivers who get antsy if you get in their way.

Melbourne lanes and arcades are part of the inner city culture of this city. Two great sites for more information are:
* [http://www.we-love-melbourne.net/melbourne-lanes.html We Love Melbourne- Melbourne Lanes]
* The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lanes_and_arcades_of_Melbourne Lanes and Arcades of Melbourne] wiki

'''[[Melbourne Regions - Inner North|Inner North]]'''
* Includes Carlton, Brunswick, Fitzroy, Collingwood, Coburg, Northcote

Considered to be Melbourne's more bohemian, environmentally-conscientious communities, they are firmly rooted in their mediterranean history. From Lygon Street's Italian community, to Northcote's Greek, Lebanese and Turkish, and while Fitzroy is home to the ''rich hippies'' of Melbourne, the more ecclectic can now be found alongside African, and meditteranean communities in Brunswick.

'''[[Melbourne Regions - Inner South|Inner South & Bayside]]'''
* Includes St Kilda, South Melbourne, Port Melbourne, Albert Park, Elwood

St Kilda is an inner city suburb of Melbourne, 6 km south from the city centre. Shortly after the turn of the 20th century, St Kilda served a similar function for Melburnians as did Coney Island to the residents of New York City and its history draws an interesting parallel. Densely populated postwar St Kilda became Melbourne's red-light district, home to low-cost rooming houses. Since the late 1960s, St Kilda was a bohemian area of Melbourne, home to artists, musicians and many of the city's subcultures, including the punks, Les-Gay-Bi-Trans groups and was the birthplace of Melbourne's Techno scene at The Pure, at the rear of the Palace nightclub. While some of these groups still maintain a presence in St Kilda, in recent years the district has experienced rapid gentrification pushing many lower socio-economic groups out to other areas. St Kilda is home to many of Melbourne's famous visitor attractions including Luna Park, the Esplanade Hotel, Acland Street and Fitzroy Street. It is home to St Kilda Beach, Melbourne's most famous beach, several renowned theatres and several of Melbourne's big events and festivals.

'''[[Melbourne Regions - Inner East|Inner East]]'''
* Includes Richmond, Hawthorn, South Yarra, Prahran, Windsor

This region is divided by the river and is remarkably different on both sides. If you're looking for the best Vietnamese restaurants, look no further than Victoria Street, Richmond but for the upper class definitely visit [http://www.chapelstreet.com.au/ Chapel Street], which runs through South Yarra, Prahan and Windsor. It's home to the most expensive clothing brands in the world and to the [http://www.thejamfactory.com.au/ Jam Factory], an iconic shopping centre and cinema complex. In the lower end of Chapel Street, you'll find the wonderfully ecclectic [http://http://www.onlymelbourne.com.au/melbourne_details.php?id=14850 Chapel St Bazaar], worth a visit, just for it's randomness.

'''[[Melbourne Regions - Inner West|Inner West]]'''
* Includes Kensington, Footscray, Flemington, Yarraville

Footscray, usually said by Melburnian's with an old Greek woman's accent as "Foot-es-cray" from it's Greek history, it is now home to many Asian and African communities. While it used to have a bad reputation for a strong drug dealing and do-not-go-to after dark culture, it is now getting much safer thanks to vamped police patrols and security enhancements from the local council.

'''[[Melbourne Regions - North West|North West]]'''
* Includes Tullamarine ([[Melbourne Airport]]), St Albans, Keilor, Essendon, Sunbury, Broadmeadows, Craigieburn

Ahhh the western suburbs... how they cop a bad rap, perhaps quite deservably, for being a bit rough around the edges, which may only be so because of their proximity to the airport and lower socio-economic areas of Melbourne surrounds, and not actually the people therein (many of whom I know to be lovely).

'''[[Melbourne Regions - North East|North East]]'''
* Includes Epping, Eltham, Heidelberg, Greensborough, Bundoora, Reservoir, Preston

Bundoora is host to La Trobe university and the area surrounding it is home to many students. Other areas are typical family suburbs, all with their own shopping complexes, schools and limited reasons for actually going to the CBD.

'''[[Melbourne Regions - East|East]]'''
* Includes Glen Waverley, Lilydale, Box Hill, Doncaster, Blackburn, Camberwell, Wantirna

Camberwell is quite interesting for its [https://www.sundaymarket.com.au/Default.aspx?p=5 Sunday Market], which has been running since 1976.

Lilydale hosts the $3.10 wine tasting round trip. To go, get a Sunday Saver ticket for $3.10 (or use your myki). Take train to Lilydale Station from Melbourne CBD. Get off at Lilydale Station. Take the 685 Bus from the station to Healesville. Look at [http://www.mckenzies.com.au/ McKenzie Bus] website to find bus schedule. Tell bus driver to drop you off at Yerring Station Vineyard. They have about 12 wines you can taste, from white to red, for free. Bring a packed lunch and sit out on the deck enjoying magnificent view of the vineyards and valley. There are also some art works to check out too.

'''[[Melbourne Regions - West|West]]'''
* Includes Werribee, Hoppers Crossing, Sunshine

Little can be said about these areas, except that if you can find a reason to go, you can find a better reason not to. That said, CSers have cycled from Werribee to Williamstown along the partially completed bike trail, it's a long ride through some smelly but interesting countryside, do not attempt it without a GPS-enabled smartphone.

'''[[Melbourne Regions - Dandenong Ranges|Dandenong Ranges]]'''
* Includes Mt Dandenong, Mount Evelyn, Olinda, Sassafras, Belgrave, Monbulk, Silvan

The [http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/1park_display.cfm?park=216 William Ricketts Sanctuary] is situated in cool a ferny glade, it is a place of beauty and tranquility. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Ricketts William Ricketts (1898–1993)] was a self-taught Australian potter and sculptor. From 1934, until his death in 1993, he built a sculpture park as his major artistic work - over some fifty years. In doing so, he expressed his deeply felt connections to the earthly mother and the spirit of the land. The sculptures are mystical in intention, reflecting an eclectic mix of the classical sculpture, medieval Hieronymus Bosch like fantastic imagery, that illustrates moral and religious concepts, the English pre-Raphaelite movement is reflected along with a cloying sentimentality that romanticizes the Aboriginal. Yet, William Ricketts' obvious sincerity leaves the sanctuary as a place for quiet reflection and for contemplation of the essence of his vision. It's free and well worth the visit.

The Annual [http://www.tulipfestival.com.au/ Tesselaar Tulip Festival] is held in October, what should be a great event is in reality a tawdry and over-priced ($18 entry) tourist trap. Overall a great disappointment. Best avoided.

'''[[Melbourne Regions - South East|South East]]'''
* Includes Clayton, Dandenong, Narre Warren, Cranbourne, Noble Park, Berwick, Hampton Park

The [http://www.rbg.vic.gov.au/rbg-cranbourne Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne] is one of Victoria's most precious areas of native bushland and offers nature-lovers the chance to explore 363 hectares of untouched heathland, wetlands and woodlands. These expansive natural gardens are also home to thriving bird and animal life, including several rare endangered species.

The [http://www.dandenongrangespoint.com.au Dandenong Ranges Point] website has a lot of information about how to get around this stunning part of Victoria. One of the best (& free), not to forget ''challenging'' things to do is the [http://www.dandenongrangespoint.com.au/attractions/1000-steps/ 1000 Steps Kokoda Walk], which commemorates the sacrifices made by Australian soldiers during the Second World War along the Kokoda trail in Papua New Guinea.

'''[[Melbourne Regions - Mornington Peninsula|Mornington Peninsula]]'''
* Includes Frankston, Seaford, Dromana, Portsea, Rosebud, Rye, Cape Schanck

Along the Mornington Peninsula is some of the most beautiful scenery of Victoria. You can take the [http://www.searoad.com.au/ Queenscliff-Sorrento ferry] from Sorrento to Queenscliff on the Bellarine Peninsula (other side of Geelong towards the Great Ocean Road). A great way to start your GOR trip!