SPG.com
There's nothing like a stroll through the local market to get a sense of a place. The sight of people buying and selling food for that evening's dinner provides one of the most authentic experiences you can have in a foreign land. But there are green markets, and then there are green markets. The Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne is one of the biggest and most extensive indoor/outdoor markets in the world, and it's definitely worth a stop for anybody looking for a souvenir from Australia and some of the freshest organic food and wine to be found anywhere. Dating back to 1878, the Queen Victoria Market has just about every kind of produce available in Victoria, including a variety of fruits and vegetables, meats, and freshly-caught seafood. On Sundays, the focus shifts to variety and specialty goods, making it a great time to find a one-of-a-kind Australian souvenir. If you don't know where to go first, why not start with the Foodies Dream Tour, which explores the three main produce sections of the market. When it's time to take a load off, relax with a snack at one of several open-air cafes. Now that's my kind of shopping. The market is convenient to the Westin Melbourne.
Recently in Melbourne Category
MoreMelbourne's Chinatown with a Feng Shui Master
Thursday January 3, 2008
A sweeping staircase rises from the lobby of the Westin Melbourne and curves gracefully through the expansive room to the floor above. The open space allows positive energy to flow freely, creating a harmonious atmosphere filled with chi, one of the basic principles of Feng Shui. A unique opportunity awaits visitors to Melbourne who are interested in this ancient science. Jodi Brunner has studied the practice extensively. She was awarded the title of Master of Feng Shui and now leads tours through Melbourne's Chinatown. During the two-hour stroll, Brunner points out aspects of Feng Shui featured in the buildings, parks, and public spaces along Little Bourke Street, Chinatown's main thoroughfare. She leads the group into small shops and big office buildings, where the principles of Feng Shui can be observed, and explains why for example, Chinatown Square, with its big arch, red phoenix, and black tortoise, is an advantageous location to set up shop.
Brunner leads tours on select Sundays throughout the year. The next scheduled outings occur January 13, and February 17, 2008. Reservations are compulsory, and group tours of ten or more can be arranged any time. Once you've had your fill of Feng Shui, you'll be lead to one of Chinatown's wonderful restaurants for a Yum Cha feast of Dim Sum and hot tea. Culinary perfection on tiny little plates and bowls.
Living it Up at the Melbourne Cup
Tuesday November 6, 2007
Australia's most famous horse race arrives today, November 6, and you had better believe it's a big deal Down Under. Billed as "the race that stops a nation," the Melbourne Cup is such an important event in Australia that a territorial holiday was recently declared in its honor so government workers wouldn't have to call in sick or otherwise avoid work to keep up with the action. Held at Flemington Racecourse on the first Tuesday in November, the race involves some of the world's finest thoroughbreds and best jockeys racing a 3,200-meter course to win a gold cup, millions in prize money, and the glory that comes with being the victor of the country's most important equestrian event. But it's not all about the horses. They serve as a great excuse for a series of parties, including a huge carnival with live music, plenty of food and drink, and rampant wagering. (Remember to bet with your head, not over it.) One of the non-racing highlights of the day is a fashion show and contest known as Fashions on the Field. Men and women don their finest classic racewear, including elaborate hats with bows, feathers, and other outlandish ornamentation, and strut their stuff for the honor of being the best dressed racing fan at the cup. Guests at the Westin Melbourne will want to plan ahead to take advantage of special ticket and dining packages, and then it's off to the races.
What Are You in the Mood For?
Looking for advice about SPG? Ask questions to our SPG insiders and other SPG members or answer the questions submitted by others.
submit your question or answer
