Melbourne, VIC
Airing Date: May 17th, 2008
See Melbourne's Chinatown through "Feng Shui" eyesMelbourne's Chinatown is the oldest Chinatown in Australia. Situated between Swanston and Spring streets, Chinatown fills Little Bourke Street with spicy and aromatic scents and the sound of rattling woks. Two grand red arches herald your arrival at either end of this fascinating street. At night when the decorative streetlights are illuminated and restaurant windows are ablaze with lanterns, wind chimes and neon lights.
The rich cultural heritage that is Melbourne's Chinatown exposes a wealth of Feng Shui examples to observe. Feng Shui Master Jodi Brunner runs two hour Feng Shui tours through Chinatown, highlighting how Feng Shui is used by the local traders and businesses. Discover how Feng Shui is used and how Feng Shui and Chinese symbolism invite harmony, prosperity, health and luck to home, business and garden.
Tours run on selected Sundays from 10am - 12pm or by appointment for your group or organisation. Tour costs $25pp, bookings essential. Tours meet at Chinatown Square on Little Bourke Street halfway between Russell and Exhibition Streets.
Group bookings may also be arranged at any time with an optional Chinese luncheon or Yum Cha afterwards (minimum 10 people, average $15 pp).
Be a good sport and head to one of Melbourne's newest attractions.
We all know that we Aussies love our sport. It's the essence of our country and generates pride from within and respect from around the world. Melbourne is often called Australia's "sporting and cultural capital" and is home to many of Australia's biggest sports events.
The new National Sports Museum at Melbourne's MCG opened in March 2008, with many sporting greats attending the launch including Ron Barassi, James Hird, Liz Ellis, Cathy Freeman and Shane Warne. Australia's greatest showcase of sport is housed here in a range of different exhibitions, one of which is interactive.
Some of the most well-known items on display include:
- Don Bradman's baggy-green cap
- Australia's first ever Olympic gold medal
- Ian Thorpe's swimsuit
- Catherine Freeman's swift suit from the Sydney 2000 Olympics
- The inaugural Brownlow medal which is awarded to the "best and fairest" player in the Australian Football League (AFL)
- The Malvern Star bicycle that Hubert Opperman rode in his record-breaking 24-hour cycling marathon in Sydney 1940
- Sir Jack Brabham's world conquering Formula One car, the Repco Brabham BT19 in which he won the World Drivers' and Constructors' Championship titles in 1966.
This new museum brings renewed energy to the MCG's traditional role as the spiritual home of Australian sport, re-establishing the stadium's renowned heritage facilities within a new, modern museum and entertainment precinct.
Venice on the YarraMelbourne's lower Yarra River is Melbourne's tourism and recreation heart. It hums with activity, on land and water. River boats link the vibrancy of Federation Square, Southgate and Crown Entertainment Complex.
A luxurious way to explore this area is in a unique Venetian style gondola with Venice on the Yarra. Each Gondola takes up to four passengers and is opulently appointed with upholstered velvet seats, plush cushions, warm rugs and a fold over canopy to keep customers warm and dry if the weather is cool. A cosy romantic ambience is created with soft music and gentle lighting.
When you step into the boat a bottle of quality champagne will be ready on ice. You can now just relax back with a glass of champagne and take in the sights and sounds of Melbourne's Yarra river.
"In a certain light and with a lot of imagination you could visualise parts of Venice. I know Southbank is not the Grand Canal, but the experience can be similar. We've had a guy propose to his girlfriend on the boat while a violinist serenaded them from the river bank." Paul Sullivan, Venice on the Yarra Proprietor
Contrary to popular myth, gondoliers on the Yarra and in Venice propel their craft with a paddle - in each case the water is too deep and muddy to use a pole.
Further Information:Melbourne, VICHilton on the Park192 Wellington Parade
Melbourne, VIC 3002
Rooms from $225 per night
Email: melbourne.reservations@hilton.com
www.hilton.com
Feng Shui ToursFrom $25 per person
Optional Yum Cha lunch at the end of the tour from $15pp
T: 03 9662 1011
www.fengshuitours.info
www.fengshuimaster.com.au
For more information go to: www.visitvictoria.com
National Sports Museumwww.nsm.org.au
Open 10am - 5pm daily. Check out website for opening times on match days & entry prices for National Sports Museum and/or MCG Tour Admission. Combination packages are available.
Prices from: Adults: $15
Kids: $8
Venice on the YarraChampagne Cruise
From $195 for a one hour gondola ride
Seats up to 4 people
T: 03 9399 1991
www.veniceontheyarra.com.au
