This article is designed to give you some ideas about getting out and about from the Melbourne CBD. You may be visiting on holidays or business and may be wanting to get out of the hussle and bustle of the city. Routes can easily be varied and can generally be achieved on foot, bicycle or Public Transport. If you don’t have a bike there are several bicycle hire stations throughout the CBD
From Collins St in the CBD follow or take the 109 Tram to Port Melbourne.
You can get off early at Bridge St and walk the 250m to Bay St Port Melbourne and sample the various cafe’s and restaurants or continue to the end of the line to sample fish and chips or fine dining at the heritage listed Station Pier with one of the most picturesque dining experiences. You may also be lucky to see one of the 50 or more cruise ships that visit each year.
You can now start to burn of the Calories by following the 5k beach to St Kilda. This is a popular stretch of beach all year round with paths on the fore shore for bicycles and roller blades, etc.
Pleasantly located at regular intervals are again various cafe’s and refreshment kiosks to either quench your thirst or hunger.
This beach is great for kids on a hot day with a couple of patrolled areas in summer or the kiddies’ playground at the junction of Kerferd Rd. There is also a new better playground just 150m off the beach at the junction of Kerferd and Danks St.
Heading on to St Kilda you may want to think about what to do next as there are various options.
On Sundays the Esplanade market is a must with over 150 stalls of Artisans wares open 10am to 5pm. If a little pampering is what you need right now try the St Kilda Sea Baths and Spa on Jacka Blv’d. If its time for afternoon Tea then head for slightly bohemian Acland street where there are several fantastic cake shops to sample the delights such as a Rum Baba or Black Forest Gateaux.
Fitsroy St is all about wining, dining and the night life, there is a diverse range of restaurant cuisines and places to see and be seen.
To head back to the CBD you can take the 16 or 96 Tram and if on foot or bike you can take a short cut through Albert Park or head up the fantastic tree lined Boulevarde St Kilda Rd.
Roger G is a travel writer who lives in Australia and his site Australian Tour is dedicated to Traveling around Australia and features reviews and articles. CBD Drops UK