Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
bridge. It offers large, modern and gently masculine rooms with luxurious bathrooms, big
windows and flat-screen TVs.
Docklands Apartments Grand Mercure
( 03-9641 7503;
www.docklandsservicedapartments.com.au
;
23 Saint Mangos Lane, New Quay, Docklands; apt
from $245; ; 35, 70)
Spectacular floor-to-ceiling windows make the most of the
water and city views. Apartments have balconies, full kitchens with stainless steel appli-
ances and are furnished in a pleasing contemporary style. Free parking is a plus. There's a
minimum two-night stay.
APARTMENT
$$$
FREE FOR ALL
»
Throw a Frisbee, read a book, sprawl on the lawn or smell the flowers at one of Melbourne's parks and gardens.
Try the Royal Botanic Gardens (
Click here
), St Kilda Botanical Gardens (
Click here
) and Birrarung Marr (
Click
here
).
»
Catch a free ride on the City Circle tram (
Click here
)
. The wine-coloured tram, with recorded commentary,
loops along Flinders St, Harbour Esplanade (Docklands), La Trobe and Spring Sts before heading back along
Flinders St. It runs every 10 minutes or so between 10am and 6pm (to 9pm Thursday to Saturday during sum-
mer), and you can jump on and off at any of the frequent stops.
»
Gallery hop: start with some conceptual art at the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (
Click here
), Aus-
tralian works at the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia (
Click here
) or the varied permanent collection of the NGV
International (
Click here
). Then browse the laneway galleries of street art in Hosier Lane (
Click here
).
»
Browse the Queen Victoria Market (
Click here
)
and soak up the atmosphere.
»
Watch a 'movie on demand' at ACMI's (
Click here
) Mediatheque.
»
Read to your heart's content at the State Library of Victoria (
Click here
)
, see Ned Kelly's armour or attend one
of the fascinating free talks at the nearby Wheeler Centre (
Click here
)
.
East Melbourne
East Melbourne takes you out of the action, yet is still walking distance from the city and
offers ready access to the MCG.
Knightsbridge Apartments
APARTMENT
$$
(
03-9470 9100;
www.knightsbridgeapartments.com.au
;
101 George St; apt from $125;
;
48,
75, Jolimont)
Rejuvenated studio apartments over three floors each feature a well-
equipped kitchen, plus furniture and accessories that suggest a higher price bracket.
