A Rainy Weekend Away

Hubby has been stuck working in Melbourne for the past 4 weeks, which has been very draining on both our lives. He's been working long days down there and I have too up here, which also means our poor little dog has suffered. She's used to a regular routine and has unfortunately been acting out due to the change, to the point that we've had to get her a bark collar to train her not to bark (for the sake of complaining neighbours). It seems to be working but I feel so cruel putting it on her.

I luckily have a wonderful friend, who agreed to doggie-sit for me over the weekend, so I could see hubby. A big thanks to Qantas for a great flight down there and back. I can't believe it only took an hour and a half back! Melbourne was rainy and miserable but we still managed to enjoy our time together. I finally got my zoo date and I didn't even have to suggest it!!! Here's a few piccies of the short trip away.

 Dame Edna Elephant - one of many painted elephants

 Zebras and Giraffes

 Sleepy Koalas

 We were allowed to walk through an Emu enclosure
(a little freaky)

 The Kangaroos didn't want to play

The Boatbuilders Yard for breakfast Sunday morning

 Boatbuilders Yard breakfast at World Trade Centre Wharf

 Lunch at Richmond Hill on Bridge Road

 View from Crown Plaza of Crown's flame show

                              La Belle Miette - still the best Macaroons around on Hardware St.

                                              

  I love how they covered up the scaffolding

Melbourne in May

Day 1 - Yarra Wineries & the Dandenong Region

I was lucky enough to spent the long weekend in Melbourne and its beautiful surrounding countryside. Instead of my normal Melbourne shopping trip, I decided to do something a little different this time and hire a car to explore the Yarra and Dandenong Region, which turned out to be quite pretty in Autumn, as you will see from the photos below. I also learnt a lot about my independence on the Friday by myself and how determined and strong I can be...no matter how lost I get :).

 Kangaroo Grounds Memorial Tower Lookout

The Perfect Wedding Setting at the Fergusson Winery

Yering Station - the oldest winery in the area

 Domaine Chandon and its famous sparkling

 Skyhigh at the top of Mount Dandenong - well worth the $5 entry

Day 2- Brunswick Street, Chadstone & Carlton

With my sister meeting a friend for breakfast, I once again tested my independence and ordered breakfast for one at a restaurant. It actually didn't feel too bad and the meal was amazing. We then picked up my sister's other bridesmaids and explored Chadstone, where we saw George from Masterchef Australia whilst dining at Koko Black. Following our Chadstone outing, we had a nice Pasta meal in a restaurant off Lygon Street, followed by ordering takeaway desserts from Brunetti. 

 Green Eggs and Ham does exist on Brunswick Street

 One of my favourite haunts - Brunetti

Day 3 - City & Chapel Street

With no shopping success at Chadstone, we shopped for bridesmaid dresses in the city, followed by Chapel Street. This included stops along the way at Little Cupcakes and Ganache Chocolate. We managed to find the perfect dresses in a Chapel Street store, before going out to dinner at Cumulus but after a drink at the Sofitel's Atrium Bar.

 Little Cupcakes store, Degraves Street

 Street Art in the city

 Cocktails at the Atrium Bar, at the Sofitel

   Shared Plate at Cumulus

Magical Melbourne

It's not too often that I get the chance to travel outside my own state these days, so I must admit I am very thankful to my husband for giving me the heads up to visit Melbourne this weekend and go bridesmaid shopping with my sister (for her wedding). I am also secretly relishing the opportunity to explore the state.

  Photo courtesty of Wikipaedia

Melbourne has always been a sister city to Brisbane for me and I know if I were ever to move away from Brisbane, it would be to live and work in Melbourne. There's just something I like about its culture, arts and the people. Hubby was a Victorian too, maybe there's something in that. It reminds me a lot of London, where I have lived previously. You must admit their tourism ads are also quite intriguing and catchy, do you remember 'Run, Rabbit Run' or this ad....  

Places I intend to visit for the first time this trip:
- Brighton (always wanted to see the famous changing sheds)
- Some of the Yarra wineries e.g. Domaine Chandon, De Bartolini and The Yering
- A Dandenong garden or two e.g. Cloudehill and the National Rhododendron Garden
- The Prahan and Brunswick Markets (I've heard great things)
- Zara (yay for it coming to Melbourne)

My Favourite Haunts:
- Brunetti's in Croydon
- Chapel Street in South Yarra
- Docklands
- Southbank
- Acland Street in St. Kilda

Other possible places to visit:
- The Berlin Bar
- Laneways with graffiti art (always love the great photos they make)
- The Croft Institute
- Chadstone Shopping Centre
- Cheltenham DFO

Melbournites, do you have anymore suggestions? Is there anything in or around Melbourne that I should see this weekend?