Melbourne, Victoria

[wiLLy-LucifeR]

Hi guys,

I will be heading down to Melbourne with my fiancee for a short getaway (~6 days) and will be planning a 2-day city tour, in addition to the usual GOR and Philip Island tours. So I'd like to ask for any highly recommended pictureque places for phototaking? It doesn't have to be limited to just outdoor places.

Many thanks in advance! Cheers.

 

[kuantoh]

I did a loop in Victoria from Melbourne - Yarra Valley/Dandenong Ranges - Otways - Port Campbell - Grampians - Melbourne last year. Had a thread on it HERE.

GOR offers lots of opportunities for phototaking. Need no further introduction on this scenic drive.

I gave up on Phillip Island to opt for Yarra Valley and the Dandenongs for the beauty spring. The flowers were in full bloom in September when I went. The gardens were well maintained and a sight to see.

6 days = 5 nights IMO will be a bit rush to cover that many places. GOR deserves 3 nights at least. Melbourne city 1-2nights. Unless you are planning Phillip Island as a day trip and not staying over, this itinerary would be fine. Got to factor in return journey from GOR from Port Campbell which effectively will take up half a day or more including stopovers.

Some noticeable sights for photography would be:

GOR: 12 Apostles Marine National Park, Great Otways National Park (Lots of different waterfalls but need not visit all), Apollo Bay (Mariners lookout)
Yarra Valley & Dandenongs: National Rhododendron Gardens, Cloudehill Gardens, Yarra Valley Wine Region.
Melbourne City: Eureka Skydeck88, Southbank Promenade, Queen Victoria Market, Flinders Street Station & St Pauls Cathedral, Federation Square

 

[nemesis32]

I think GOR may not need 3 days la.. but if you wanna visit other sites then will be difficult.

 

[kuantoh]

I think GOR may not need 3 days la.. but if you wanna visit other sites then will be difficult.

Indeed, it can actually be done over 2D1N. That is if skip Otways, and heading straight for port campbell. The tight driving schedule may kill the relaxing pace that one may prefer to have. It really depends on TS pace of sightseeing.

 

[sinned79]

if possible, please self drive... dun go for tour group...

 

[nemesis32]

Indeed, it can actually be done over 2D1N. That is if skip Otways, and heading straight for port campbell. The tight driving schedule may kill the relaxing pace that one may prefer to have. It really depends on TS pace of sightseeing.

yeah.. that's why i think it's really up to TS... there's still Grampians... if he's interested

 

[harnamsc]

Or you could try posting in the ClubSnappers in Melbourne thread and see if any others have suggestions? I'm keen to go GOR and Mount Gambier/Blue Lake in a few weeks as I'm changing jobs. You could join me and I'll drive?

As for driving, I would STRONGLY suggest following kuantoh's advice cos the West Gate Freeway is infamous for having massive traffic jams, especially during rush hours. Hate to say it but the traffic situation in Melbourne is just as bad as Singapore if not worse. When travelling around Victoria its always better to cater extra time for travelling.

In addition to kuantoh's suggestions around Dandenong there is a lookout that is only 3 hours drive away from Melbourne CBD. The view there is supposedly nice, especially at night? You might wanna include that.