The former home of one of the wealthiest pioneer couples in Melbourne, Como House is a beautiful example of colonial Australian architecture. A visit to the house and gardens is an excellent introduction into colonial life in Australia, especially amongst the upper classes.
Built in 1847 by Edward Eyre Williams for his new wife Jessie Gibbon, the house changed hands several times during its early history. The third owners, John and Helen Brown, developed the beautiful gardens that can now be seen today. When the Armytage family purchased the house in 1864 the property moved into a period of stability that lasted almost one hundred years. Charles and Caroline Armytage raised their ten children at the house, and in 1906 their daughter, Constance, was married there in what was then coined as the “social event of the year.” In 1959 the Armytage family gave the house to the National Trust so that it could be forever preserved as a heritage site. The house remains fully decorated with Artymage family heirlooms, and is known for its collection of antique furniture. The gardens have been meticulously restored, right down the vegetable gardens that once fed the household. A popular place for both casual picnics and upscale weddings, the gardens are a beautiful spot not to be missed.
Visits to the house and gardens are by guided tour only, so be sure to call ahead. The house is a convenient seven minute walk from the South Yarra train station. Onsite is the well-regarded Bursaria Café where visitors can get a bite to eat or simply enjoy a cup of coffee as they look out onto the gardens. The Café is family friendly, and even allows dogs. Entrance into the house and gardens is free when visiting the café.
As the shopping mecca of Australia, Melbourne is a must see city for any serious shoppers traveling through the area. With countless pedestrian malls and lanes each with its own personality and distinctive shops, Melbourne is a true joy to explore.
If you enjoy outdoor markets, be sure to visit the Sunday Market at the Arts Center on Southgate Road. Many talented artists and craftsmen gather here to sell their wares, but the market is diverse enough that you can also find inexpensive souvenirs. The Queen Victoria Markets are the largest open-air markets in the southern hemisphere, and with over one thousand merchants selling their products there truly is something for everyone. Melbourne is home to many shopping arcades, some with true historical significance. The Royal Arcade is the oldest of them all, having been built in 1869, and contains the famous Gaunt clock and its statues of Gog and Magog. The Block Arcade is even more elegant, with murals on the ceilings and mosaics on the floor. Built in 1891, this continues to be Melbourne’s premier shopping arcade and a popular place for tourists.
Bourke Street is another popular shopping destination since it is home to both the Bourke Street Mall as well as Melbourne’s Chinatown district. Melbourne’s major department stores are located on Burke Street, and if that wasn’t enough to draw in visitors, the area abounds in street entertainment and buskers. Finally, the Southgate area is another prime shopping and leisure area. The neighborhood underwent a revitalization project and reopened in 1992, and has been popular ever since. Southgate has a fantastic food court located right on the river, and is home to many unique stores, restaurants and bars. As a popular walking place, visitors can also enjoy the many street performers that liven up the area.
As the world’s largest exporter of coal, it may be somewhat surprising that this cozy little Australian city is such a favorite with tourists. Located in the Port Stephens region, Newcastle is only a two-and-a-half hour drive north from Sydney. If you prefer, a train also connects Sydney and Newcastle and can be a great way to travel. A ferry takes visitors from Newcastle to the very popular Stockton Beach, located just across the harbor.
With five beaches as well as its famed Ocean Baths, Newcastle is a swimmer’s paradise. The Ocean Baths were created in 1922 in the art deco style, and remain very popular to this day. Canoe pool is appropriate for young swimmers, and was once decorated on the bottom with a relief map of the world. Bathers Way is a five kilometer walking track that connects the lighthouse at Nobby’s Headland to the Merewether Ocean Baths.
Perhaps the area’s most significant landmark, Nobby’s Headland was at one time an island. Now, however, it has been connected to the mainland via a breakwall that today can be traversed to reach the lighthouse on the island. The Foreshore promenade extends from the Nobby’s Headland and is a popular coastal walk. Inside the city, you can choose from a variety of experiences. The Beaumont Street area is upscale and trendy, while the Darby street area has funky pubs and an innercity vibe. The city is home to the Civic Theatre, built in the 1920s, as well as the Newcastle Region Art Gallery. The Honeysuckle Market is a popular shopping destination. If you are looking to see signature Australian wildlife such as kangaroos, wombats, or koala bears, try visiting the Blackbutt Reserve, where you can enjoy many walking tracks and picnic sites.
