Green and majestic garden of the royal line! Breezy and peaceful here!…read more I can be here for a week as a retreat! They have a cafe, plenty of park scenes to take in, gardening green house and more! Lovely gardens and I couldn't get enough!

Beautiful, expansive park grounds, more like a collection of landscaped parks than pristinely…read moremanicured gardens. So many gardens and walks to visit, you can easily spend an entire afternoon exploring the paths or simply bring a book and blanket to enjoy the sun. Signage for all the paths and landmarks are clear and abundant. The Ornamental Lake is massive and offers a lovely stroll, the floating islands are pretty Don't miss Guilfoyle's Volcano at the south end of the Gardens, which is well-kept and tranquil.

We got a great view of the waterfront. There are plenty of places to eat nearby and also some…read morestores you can stop into while enjoying the view. My sister and I were staying near the area while in melbourne and we were able to enjoy the nice view. It was walking distance and there were plenty of nice things to see while we were roaming around. The sunset view is really nice and it was really close to the tram as well. There was a mall nearby and we were able to visit some local stores and buy some gifts. It's a nice place to stay and relax while enjoying the views of melbourne. I would definitely stay near here again next time.

Located amongst some of Melbourne's most beautiful gardens sits Government House, the official…read moreresidence of the Governor of Victoria. It is an incredibly peaceful place and it's luscious surroundings complement the grand architecture. There are often functions and events held at Government House as it has many private rooms and reception areas. If you are not lucky enough to attend one of these grand events there is one day a year that you may visit the house and wander through its amazing grounds. This day is Australia Day, on January 26th each year Government House is open to the public. Visitors are invited to picnic on the lawns and musicians perform for your entertainment throughout the day. The entry is free and there is also a selection of refreshments available for purchase.

The large parliament Is home to two houses. It was closed today for unable to walk inside…read more Protests and a strong police presence were evident. It wasn't clear what people were protesting, but they were more police officers and demonstrators.

Absolutely sign up for a guided tour to view this building. You start the tour at the museum next…read moredoor and then walk over to the Royal Exhibition Building. You get to walk in and take as many pics as you'd like. Then, you go down stairs into the basement. And then, on the way back you go up to the rooftop. The rooftop has great views of the city and surrounding areas. I took a ton of pics up there and we had a great time. After that, you'll walk back down to the 2nd floor and take more pics inside. I can't believe how much original stuff is still here. Great way to spend an hour.

Beautiful Heritage listed building that ins now over 140 years old. Great for photos. The…read moreMelbourne Museum is nearby, and there are many excellent cafes and restaurants just short walk away, Garry Image by Aspect Property Photography https://www.aspectpro.com.au/

Victorian Consumer and Business Centre is the place to go for information, help, and anything else…read moreyou could possibly need when it comes to setting up your own business or organisation. I went in when I first founded my group, hoping to pick up a pile of leaflets that would tell me, in detail, what it was I had to do to register and run (legally) my group. I got lots more - I got printouts of the details on their website, forms, advice, a tip on what to apply for and help with the process of application. When I came back a few weeks later, money in hand and name in mind, I found it really easy to register the group and to become incorporated. The lady behind the counter was patient as we dealt with the issue of the name I wanted being taken, she let me call my second in charge and talk it out without trying to send me away or make me feel small and disorganised. It was a really positive experience and I recommend going in person rather than doing the whole thing by post.

So I worked on this piece of writing recently whereby I interviewed a bunch of people from…read moreAbbotsford Convent about their ghost stories from the place. There are plenty. The main kind of repeated story (four people told me independently of a similar experience) is of a sudden rush of anxiety when climbing the eastern stair well in the main convent building. The anxiety builds to a kind of terror as the people enter the nuns quarters and has forced people to avoid this part of the building altogether. I can't say I experienced this myself, but there are certainly some spooky nooks and corridors in this complex. The convent conduct a walking tour of the place on weekends and though they won't highlight the 'haunted' spots, the place has such an amazing history (from Indigenous meeting place, through the convent and girls-home years, and into its existence today as a buzzing arts and social hub) that it's well worth the few dollars. Alternatively, you can pick up a brochure from the office and take yourself to the south eastern breezeway that cuts through the former laundries of the girls home. Stay after dark... I dare ya.

If you are in need of a weekend away but can't manage it then may I suggest a visit to Abbotsford…read moreConvent? The Convent feels world away from Melbourne despite its proximity to the CBD. There is something about the spacious grounds, historical buildings and range of eateries that promotes relaxation and escape. Maybe it's just after the battle to find a parking spot in nearby streets anything feels serene in comparison. When exploring the various buildings and grounds of the Convent you feel as though you are discovering something new. Whether it be a new favourite dish, a new piece of art in the gallery spaces or a new view of the Yarra. This space is very hospitable. It hosts markets, conferences, tours and you can also book various area's of the Convent for functions. On my last visit a wedding was underway and the happy couple appeared to be in love with the location, and hopefully each other. Grab a table at the Bakery or a spot on the lawn and write me a postcard!

Next to The Centre Ivanhoe is a large three story 1960's style building, home to the Ivanhoe…read moreLibrary. As part of the Yarra Plenty Regional Library Service Ivanhoe Library has an amazing range of books, DVDs, cds and magazines. Ivanhoe Library hosts a wide range of events and has all the services you expect from your local library plus all the extras that are available at a YPRL branch. The ground floor is home to the information desk while the first floor has a Wii room and Genealogy area, the top floor is a space for events and study. From the third floor the view of Melbourne's CBD is stunning, a total distraction from your study. Free wifi and CBD views. What more could you want? On a balmy summers evening my favourite way to take a study break is grabbing an ice cream from Cosi Duci and spend time catching up with friends at the courtyard outside the library. It may not be the most modern building or innovative space, but as far as a traditional library atmosphere, Ivanhoe has it!