Day trip from Melbourne – Visit Dandenong Ranges National Park and ride through the forest on Puffing Billy steam train

Why you should go

If you have a half day to spare while you are in Melbourne, this tour is a great way to relax and soak up some of Victoria’s beautiful scenery.

Puffing Billy

Puffing Billy

This century-old steam train still runs on its original mountain track from Belgrave to Gembrook, in the Dandenong Ranges. It was one of the lines built to open up remote areas of Victoria in the early 1900s.

Puffing Billy is loved by tourists and locals alike

All aboard

Before boarding the train you get to take a walk through the Dandenong Ranges National Park, enjoy morning coffee and warm scones with jam as well as having the opportunity to feed cockatoos.

The journey

The short ride takes you through Sherbrooke Forest. The towering mountain ash trees, said to be the tallest flowering trees in the world, and gullies are simply stunning.

Puffing Billy is loved by tourists and locals, many of whom come out to see the train go by and wave hello.

Sassafras

Sassafras

Stopping at Sassafras, a charming picturesque village known for its antiques and local crafts, was a lovely end to the tour.

By Daralyn Danns

Melbourne, Australia

Why you should go. 

It's modern and edgy

Glamorous yet gritty and quirky. Urban, but green and beautiful.  Laid-back Melbourne, the state capital of Victoria, has a winning combination that makes it a rather special city. Built on a coastal plain at the top of Port Philip Bay, it is easy to see why people love living here. 

Melbourne Central Business District

Easy to get around
The centre is built on a grid system so it is easy to navigate the wide leafy streets. Travel around on the city’s superb trams. Within the free zone in the Central Business District, you do not have to pay. This also includes the City Circle Tram (number 35), with automated audio commentary, that goes around the perimeter of the CBD taking in many of the city’s sights.

Melbourne as seen from the Yarra River

Architecture
Old England meets modern New York, Melbourne has some lovely Victorian buildings to see as well as stunning contemporary structures.

Here is where to meet

Legendary Flinders Street

Not to be missed is the city’s legendary train station and the oldest in Australia, Flinders Street. Finished in 1910, its green copper dome is stunning and catches the eye amidst the contemporary glass and steel skyscrapers that are its neighbours. Under the station clocks is a favourite meeting place for Melburnians.

Federation Square
Packed with restaurants, galleries and museums, this piazza is a hub for both visitors and locals. It also plays host to many crowd-pulling events.

Queen Victoria Market

Caffeine hit
Renowned for serving some of the best coffee in the world, Melbourne is awash with cafés. Each place has its own unique character. They claim to have perfected the flat white here.

Magnet for foodies
Melbourne has a reputation for being the country’s culinary capital. Bursting with creativity from its multi-ethnic population including Italians, Greeks and Chinese, the city offers everything from hip bars to world-class restaurants. Chin Chin, an Australian restaurant with a take on South East Asian cuisine, is a favourite with locals and tourists. You cannot book so be prepared to for a long wait.

Gog and Magog keeping guard over the Gaunt clock, Royal Arcade

Laneways and arcades
You can spend hours strolling around Melbourne’s cobbled alleys. Discover places such as the buzzy Hardware Lane where restaurants spill out on to the pavement and Hosier Lane, which has gained fame as a gallery of street art.

Royal Arcade, constructed in 1870, is the oldest arcade in Melbourne and Australia. Check out Gog and Magog keeping guard over the Gaunt clock at the Little Collins Street entrance. 

Fitzroy Gardens

A Melbourne Institution
The 140-year-old Queen Victoria Market claims to be the largest open-air market in the world. You can find everything here from food to clothing as well as great eateries and of course good coffee shops. It is not hard to see why this is a magnet for locals and tourists.

Shopping
Melbourne Central Shopping Centre will get you taking your credit card out of your bag. Check out the Coop’s Shot Tower, a former bullet factory which is now one of the city's most beloved landmarks.

Take a stroll down Collins Street, a mix of beautiful architecture international and local brands housed in old buildings. This is the city’s most prestigious address. 

The Shrine of Remembrance

Take a break in beautiful gardens
Melbourne is a city filled with parks. Walk round the Fitzroy Gardens on the southeastern edge of the CBD.

The Royal Botanical Gardens is a great place to spend a leisurely few hours. Founded in 1846, this once swampy site has now become one of the best in the world.

A street in South Melbourne

Pay a visit to the Shrine of Remembrance

Built in 1934, this is the state memorial to Australians who have served in war and peacekeeping operation. Located at Birdwood Avenue, Royal Botanic Gardens.

A spot of culture
Home to the National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne and more. Take a cruise along the Yarra River. Visit the Crown Melbourne, a one-stop destination. From hotels to spas to luxury shopping and good eateries, you will find plenty to do. It is also home to a casino if you fancy your luck.

Day trips galore
There are so many great day trips to take from here that I will be doing a separate post.

By Daralyn Danns

Getting there
Cathay Pacific is one of the better airlines for flying long-haul. For best fares visit cathaypacific.com

Stay
Radisson on Flagstaff Gardens Melbourne. Amazing service. Has the feel of a boutique hotel. For best rates visit radisson.com/melbourne-hotel