In March alone .. here are just some of the events on … and on top of the below, there is still all the normal attractions and things to do …. (I should work for tourism Melbourne) …
Grand Prix: yep at Albert Park lake about a 20-30 min stroll from the CBD, go Webber, go Webber, vrroommmmm the track and grounds are spectacular, a lake in the middle, overlooking the beaches and bay, and the city behind you....
L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Week: now you may think that this does not come close to London but I would like to say .. think again .. in fact dare I be so bold and say that Melbournians turn this not just into an event about fashion but it becomes a whole cultural experience. So not only do you get to say great Aussie designers (and there are quite a few) Yeojin Bae, Alex Perry, Carla Zampatti, Kuwaii, Obus, and Jayson Brunsdon to name a few .. you can also attend lectures, classes and demonstrations attend film screenings like the ‘Hermes hearts and crafts screening’. Or why not attend a photography exhibition or take a walking tour to understand Melbourne and Australia fashion history … Melbourne Autumn Racing Carnival: for those that like gee gees ... neeeiigghhh not the main big racing event or carnival of the year (i.e Melbourne Cup), but there are some big races and big prize money. The $1,000,000 Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield, the $500k William Reid Stakes at Mooney Valley, and then the two biggies at Flemington including the $1,000,000 Australia Cup. (Melbourne is a sporting mecca, not only does it have multiple stadiums i.e the MCG, and host the Grand Prix, AFL, Cricket, Rugby, Melbourne Open to name a few .. it is also home to a number of horseracing tracks .. big ones too Flemington for example has capacity for 130k folk ... true stories ...
Moomba: WT!? not WT! Moomba .. a free annual event that includes (through the centre of Melbourne) artists, opera singers, carnival, floats and parades, fireworks, water-skiing displays, music programme, stage performance and various artists, and of course the famous birdman rally (look it up, hilarious)
Ironman: Asia Pacific Ironman championships are held in March in this great city … ooohh gosh thinking about that brings back memories of Nutri-grain … mmm I could have a bowl now …
Melbourne International Flower and Garden show: The largest in the southern hemisphere and again pardon my boldness, but me thinks this easily beats Chelsea.. (OMG I hear you flora lovers cry) .. sorry it is true, Chelsea is great for nostalgia and to say you went, Melbourne’s is a much greater spectacle.
Ripcurl pro: For those that have seen Point Break .. the worlds best come to Bells Beach to battle the waves … ooooh I hope Kelly Slater is in town (a bit like Becks but on a board) he just gets better as he ages ..
Brunswick music festival: 10 days of free Indie, underground, some signed but mainly unsigned bands, it has been going for over 20 years now, and has become really multi-cultural so as well as the local Aussie acts mentioned above also expect to see international acts such as Lebanese dancers for peace, Kolo Serbian folk group … and that is not all … the streets are full of art / crafts and food stalls …
Melbourne food and wine festival: Now as most of you know, I like a good meal, and am a bit of a foodie … I may be biased towards Australia, but I have long thought that Australia produces some of the freshest and most interesting food in the world. The food and wine festival showcases the best that Melbourne has to offer … I am soooo looking forward to munching my way through the many restaurants that have opened since I have been away that I have heard so much about.
Melbourne Comedy Festival: 3 weeks of guffaws … literally thousands of shows held at venues all over Melbourne including home grown and international artists !! Some big funny guns attend this, although sadly it seems Tim Minchin is not on the agenda this year L
I am looking forward to falling back in love with a truly wonderful city …
CBT - x
Weirder
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