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 bussle 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 96 tram to South Melbourne Market, which operates on every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. South Melbourne Market is the oldest continuing market operating in Melbourne – the Crown Grant was made in 1867 when the Market started operating. It is still worth visiting even when closed as there are a few kiosks on the outside, including the famous South Melbourne Dim edibles Sim shop and there a few delightful cafes across the road.
By Taking a short stroll along Coventry or York Streets you can get to Clarendon St, which is the main shopping and thorough fare for South Melbourne again some window shopping and a snack may be the way to go as you head south to Albert Park about 500m away.
Albert Park contains 225-hectares of beautiful parkland, which includes a picturesque lake and trails. It is the venue for many of Victoria’s popular public events, including the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix. The park is a host to sporting and recreation enthusiasts with a superb 18 hole golf course, golf driving range, walking and cycling tracks and on-water activities. Other facilities include picnic tables, barbecue areas, playgrounds, restaurants and toilets. Albert park is also an important sanctuary for wildlife and vegetation.
You can now start to burn of the Calories by following the trail around the lake’s edge if you have kids in tow a short diversion to a fantastic adventure playground located next to the Middle Park Light Rail stop and bowls clubs on the south western side of the park. Refreshments can be purchased from the cafe in the Light Rail station.
At the southern end of the park is the time for some decision making, your choices are to complete the circum navigation of the lake or head a little further to The Juction Oval and if lucky watch the cricket or some Aussie Rules depending on the time of the year.
Your choices from here are plentiful you can head on to St Kilda or grab a tram back to the CBD.
Tram 96 from the junction of Canterbury Rd and Fitzroy St or head to St Kilda Rd where again you can take the Tram 16 back to the CBD and if on foot or bike you can head up the fantastic tree lined Boulevard St Kilda Rd.