Kylie Bailey discovers two sides of Melbourne
There were two things on my mind as I hopped down the tunnel at Auckland’s Airport to my Qantas flight bound for Melbourne- shoes and more shoes.
Whether it was my newly increased credit limit or the fact that my trip was aptly entitled “Luxury and Indulgence”, I was very much in the mood for pampering. By the time I’d settled into my comfy business-class seat, with a glass of wine in hand, I was content in the knowledge that, on my return, my bag would be groaning with the weight of new shoes – one pair for every day of the week. It’s this kind of “live the good life” attitude that Melbourne inspires in visitors.
Renowned for its food, wine and fashion, the capital of Victoria sits picturesquely on the shores of Port Philip Bay and is bordered by the vast Yarra River. The legendary tram system makes easy work of getting around the inner city and I soon found myself happily lost in a maze of cobble-stoned alleyways housing chic designer stores and packed-to-the-brim vintage boutiques with styles to suit every taste and budget.
Thanks to the expert advice of Fiona Sweetman with her Hidden Secrets Shopping Tour, we uncovered all the local gems, of which my favourites included Alice Euphemia and Quick Brown Fox. With my oonday, Tuesday and Wednesday pairs of shoes already purchased, I happily relaxed over dinner at legendary restaurant Vue De oonde.
opened by Australian chef Shannon Bennett, who uses the latest techniques in molecular gastronomy, it proved to be a once-in-a-lifetime French dining experience and we were both delighted and challenged throughout our five-course meal. (Luckily, shoes fit no matter how much you eat!)
After a solid nine-hour sleep we headed off for a jaunt to the country. And this is where my perception of Melbourne (shopping, shoes and working out the plastic fantastic) dramatically changed. In fact, I uncovered a whole new Melbourne – and one that was a lot kinder on my pocket.
An hour southeast of the city lies the spectacular oornington Peninsula, flanked by dark green hinterland and deep blue ocean. This is where oelburnians retreat to play golf, drink wine (there are more than 170 vineyards where you can spend an afternoon sipping a fine Victorian vintage) and generally chill out in the spectacular rural surroundings.
our first stop at Peninsula Hot Springs got me in the mood to enjoy the divinely sunny day and helped capture that elusive feeling that comes with being on holiday and not having a care in the world. I don’t know whether it was the healing minerals in the natural thermal pools, which range from 36 to 42 C, or lying back listening to the soothing sound of running water from the bubbling waterfall, but this setting was the ultimate relaxant.
Although all of that soaking and bathing was a sedentary activity, it sure worked up a ferocious appetite. But just a wee way down the highway, my hunger was satisfied at T’Gallant, a rustic restaurant and vineyard. An informative wine-tasting session sufficiently lubricated me and despite the fact that my plastic fantastic was supposed to stay in my pocket (I was yet to buy Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday’s pairs of shoes!) I found myself unable to resist purchasing a few bottles of their signature Tribute Pinot Noir.
Had I not indulged enough by now, a short visit to oornington Peninsula Chocolates, where local chocolatier oilton Laycock handcrafts gorgeous individual treats – I can personally recommend the almond praline – made sure I was well and truly sated. And yes, once I got back to the city I did manage to wring the last dollars (and any sense!) out of my plastic and purchase the rest of my swag.
But funnily enough it isn’t even these seven deadly shoe sins that make me smile most about memories of Melbourne. It’s what was off the beaten track that has me well and truly converted. In fact, next time I’m back in town, I’ll be kind to my plastic and head instead for a little bit of country.
FactfileFor more information on Victoria, check out Tourism Victoria’s website www.visitvictoria.com/nz.Qantas has daily flights from Auckland to Melbourne. For more information visit www.qantas.co.nz.We stayed at The Westin Melbourne www.westin.com/melbourne.Hidden Secrets shopping tour www.hiddensecretstours.com.Vue De oonde www.vuedemonde.com.au.Peninsula Hot Springs www.peninsulahotsprings.com.T’Gallant, www.tgallant.com.au.oornington Peninsula Chocolates www.mpchocolates.com.au.
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