Polly Woodside

As the ACEC2010 Conference is being held at the new Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre then a visit to the the tall ship, the Polly Woodside is a must. The ship was moved by the Maritime Museum and is berthed alongside the convention centre.

Here is a video of the Polly Woodside being berthed beside the convention centre:

Great place for a drink

BLUE DIAMOND

"Conveniently located in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, nestled between Bourke and Lt Collins Street, this unique venue is perched 15 levels high, taking in Melbourne’s breathtaking city skyline.

This penthouse location is embraced by a meandering balcony offering glorious panoramic views making it one of the city’s most picturesque function venues.

The Blue Diamond’s sophistication is further enhanced by an opulent art deco-inspired interior, adding a touch of old world Manhattan glamour, coupled with the best of contemporary hospitality service."

Check out their website, they have a huge selection of drinks and even cigars! Have a look at the menu and the range of entertainment on offer!

Day Trip - Soveriegn Hill

If you are spending some time in Melbourne and want a great place to visit for a day trip, then Sovereign Hill in Ballarat is a great place to spend the day.

"Sovereign Hill has been wowing audiences for almost 38 years. Generations of Australians and overseas visitors have experienced our recreated 1850s Goldfields Township where real gold flows in the creek and history comes alive."

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It is winter in Melbourne and report writing time for us teachers, so apologies for the lack of posts recently. So to celebrate our cold weather I thought I would suggest an ice cold venue for our delegates for ACEC2010. Melbourne's premier Ice Bar, "Chill on" could be a great idea for an evening of fun and frostility!

Great Internet Cafe

"Horse Bazaar is a unique fusion of art, music, technology and alcohol. The bar contains a 20m continuous digital canvas on which new media artworks are projected, and the worlds first Rear Projection Urinal (RPU). Horse Bazaar music is an eclectic mix of sounds unbound by genre or period. A kitchen provides light tasty meals into the night, and free wireless internet is available. The bar features an extensive selection of quality alcohol, classic cocktails, and an Australian focused wine list."

From the "That's Melbourne" website - a great resource for finding about things to do in Melbourne.

Harley Rides in Melbourne

If you are looking for something quite different, then go for a ride on a Harley Davidson through the city or even along the Great Ocean Road! Check out these different websites offering a range of experiences:

www.phoenixrisingharley.com.au

"Phoenix Rising Motorcycle Tours provide Chauffeured Harley Davidson Motorcycles solo passengers, or in our Double Sidecars and Harley Davidson Trikes and for large groups for Tours. We cover Melbourne, Mornington Peninsula, Great Ocean Road and the Yarra Valley. Winery Tours are one of our specialties."

Harley Davidson Joyride Sightseeing Tour Melbourne Australia @ Yahoo!7 Video

www.harleydavidsonridestours.com.au

www.andysharleyrides.com.au

Shopping at Queen Victoria Market

Just south of the city, Queen Victoria Market is Melbourne's most famous market. There is a vast food hall and plenty of tasty places to eat. A stroll through the rest of the market takes some time, but there are plenty of bargains to find!

Wanna get high?

If you want a fabulous view of the city or to enjoy a high-class meal, then a visit to Eureka Tower or The Rialto is just for you. The Eureka skydeck website is well worth a visit, and for those feeling really brave - check out the "The Edge".

Check out the SketchUp 3D image of Eureka Tower, click on the "3D View" option and check it out on Google Earth.

Shrine of Remembrance

Today in Australia and New Zealand it is ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) Day. ANZAC Day marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War.

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"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them."

Each year a dawn service is held at the Shrine of Remembrance in the Royal Botanic Gardens. A short stroll from the city, a wander through the gardens to the Shrine is a great way to see a wonderful part of Melbourne.
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The Casino

I must confess, I do enjoy the occasional punt. The Casino is a great place to visit even if you do not even place a bet. One of the great highlights is the gas towers that shoot fire every hour on the hour. There are also a great range of restaurants and shops in the vicinity.


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Scienceworks

Scienceworks is an interactive museum about science and is a great place to visit with your kids or with your 'inner' child. It has some fascinating hands-on experiences and plenty of exciting areas to explore.

Just over the Westgate Bridge, Scienceworks is well worth a visit.

The Melbourne Planetarium is also located at Scienceworks. 

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Eating Places - Part 1

Lygon Street, just north of the city, is one of Melbourne's most famous restaurant strips. It's all about Italian cuisine and there is no shortage of places to choose from. Take a stroll and check out the menus, prices do vary.

 

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Shopping Precinct - Part 1

Chapel Street is just south-east of the city and is well worth a visit if you are into fashion. There are also a great range of eateries and places to have a drink.

Here is a precinct map with directory to have a look at.

Have a virual tour...



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The Melbourne Aquarium

As a venue for our cocktail parties for the conference, the Melbourne Aquarium is definately worth a visit.


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St Kilda Beach

Make sure include a trip to St Kilda. It is one of Melbourne's best seaside attractions and there is so much to do. It is not far from the city and is close and easy to get to.


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Just take the 96 tram from Bourke Street in the city


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ACMI - Australia Centre for the Moving Image

As previously mentioned, one of my passions is animation and in a broader scope, media. Next term I have arranged a unit of work for our grade 3/4 unit on media, incorporating animation. We are having an excursion to ACMI in a couple of weeks to a see a presentation on the history of animation. Check out this amazing animation...



Watch more cool animation and creative cartoons at aniBoom


I think it would a great destination for delegates at ACEC2010 who have an interest in animation, especially as Adam Elliot, one of our keynote speakers is one of Australian's most famous animators. So slot it into your itinerary!


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Melbourne Videos

I have been looking for some videos about Melbourne. I found this amatuer production on Youtube and thought it was quite good.




If you want to see more videos about Melbourne here is a website from the UK with a great selection.

Footy!

If you are a sports fan then this one is for you. When the conference is on the Australian Rules Football will be in full swing as well. Check out their website and watch some recent games or just check up on what it is all about. The MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground) is one of the main stadiums and the other is Etihad Stadium (formerly Telstra Dome).

Ghost Tours

Here is a rather obscure idea for social Melbourne, but some might find it interesting!


The Haunted Melbourne Ghost Tour


"Tour starts 8.30 pm Saturdays at The Haunted Bookshop, 15 McKillop St, City, & covers old & new accounts. Cost is $20 per person or $18 concession. Book through The Haunted Bookshop on 03 9670 2585. Please note that this presentation is aimed at adults therefore it may be unsuitable for children."
Courtesy The Haunted Melbourne Ghost Tour website.

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Melbourne Comedy Festival

Well, the Comedy Festival in full swing here in Melbourne. It will also be running during our conference in 2010, so to get a taster of what's it all about check out their website.

Shaun Micallef was the host for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Gala for Oxfam Australia. Here is a short video...


Leave a message about your favourite act!

The Victorian Arts Centre

One place you should visit, check their website for details, is the Victorian Arts Centre - just a short stroll from Flinders Street Station. The spire is well worth a look at night!

Tag C is the Victorian Arts Centre


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Welcome to the party!

Welcome to a new blog dedicated to showcasing the variety of social activities that are available in Melbourne. This blog was created for participants of the ACEC2010 conference for ICT teachers around world. So kick back (there is still quite some time to go!) and keep up to date with the social opportunities you will experience when you come to Melbourne in 2010!