Melbourne found it soul way back in the 1850’s on the back of strong gold deposits in surrounding areas such as Ballarat and Bendigo.

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Our aim is to discover great places to travel and stay, all in easy driving distance from Melbourne.

First stop the vibrant city itself. Melbourne is renowned for many things, restaurants, shopping, the arts, the gardens, festivals and of course sport.

Shopping is a great pastime for the people of Melbourne and if it’s the fashion you are after, then there are several shopping hubs to choose from, if you are in the market for bargains, then a popular haunt is Bridge Road in Richmond, with its factory outlets offering great deals.

Puckle Street in Moonee Ponds, famous for being the home of Dame Edna Everidge, keeps up with the latest trends in fashion and is always alive with shoppers searching for a bargain.

There are of course the large shopping malls, which offer the convenience of everything in one place.

And after you’ve shopped till you have dropped, why not take your new clothes out for the night?

When it comes to food, Melbourne has it covered with every possible cuisine available, from the very finest of eateries to the small cafes and markets, there’s something to tempt every palate.

For opera lovers to rock and rollers the music scene is second to none in Melbourne, so take in a concert or visit a pub for some live music.

Those of you with a taste for the arts, the Victorian Art Centre hosts some of the greatest performers from overseas and Australia and has an every changing programme of events.

And if it’s art of the hanging type you are looking for then take the time to go the National Gallery of Victoria.

This grand building is a landmark on St Kilda Road and houses a fantastic collection of international and national artwork.

Melbourne is also known for its landmarks, and none more recognisable than Flinders Street Station.

The station was completed in 1899 and ever since has been a favourite for Melbournians and tourist alike, “meet you under the clocks”

Once you have taken in all the tourist haunts of Melbourne, why not take a day trip, there are a great number of destinations which can be easily reached in around a half an hour.

The Dandenong Ranges National Park is one of those places and the perfect setting with its ancient tree ferns and mountain ash it is the ideal spot bushwalking, picnicking and soft off-wheel driving.

The ranges is a haven for wildlife attracting lyre birds, cockatoos, galahs, wallabies, wombats and echidnas to name but just a few.

And if you don’t feel like a barbeque or picnic, some of the best eateries are dotted throughout the ranges.

Always a few degrees cooler than Melbourne, the ranges has an alpine feel to it, and in summer it is favourite destination for those who wish to escape the Melbourne heat.

There are many very pretty villages in the Dandenong’s and Olinda is one of them. Its charm lies in the cafes and cosy, inviting shops that line well beaten tourist paths.

Sunday’s are always popular for Melbournians, who traditionally take a drive through the Dandenongs for the views and a traditional Devonshire tea.

Next stop Warrandyte around 30 minutes from Melbourne. Its’ stunning natural beauty is a great draw, with the river at its’ heart.

In the height of summer it is a bustling but casual atmosphere with families picnicking and swimming in the river.

Warrandyte is beautiful any time of the year, with cafe's, restaurants, antique shops and boutiques there is plenty here to please everyone. The artistic have always been attracted to this area and add to the eclectic mix that makes this laid back river town such a drawcard, there are many galleries showcasing local artists work.

On next week’s Discover Downunder we take a closer look at the caravan industry from the inside out.

And celebrations for our 75^th show. See you then and Happy Trails!

PRODUCTS AND CONTACTS

1. RV SHOWCASE: ULTIMATE CAMPERS
   
   39-41 Shelley Road
   Moruya NSW 2537
   
   Ph: (02) 4474 4410
   Fax: (02) 4474 4710
   
   www.ultimatecampers.com.au
   
   
2. GOLDSTREAM RV
   
   75 Bald Hill Road
   Pakenham
   Victoria 3810
   
   Ph: (03) 5941 5571
   Fax: (03) 5841 5572
   
   www.goldstreamrv.com.au
   
   
3. KIMBERLEY KAMPERS
   
   Cnr Boeing Avenue and Piper Drive
   Ballina
   NSW 2478
   
   Ph: (02) 6681 6994
   Fax: (02) 6681 3680
   
   www.kimberleykampers.com
   
   
4. ADVENTURE OFF ROAD CAMPERS
   
   100 Daws Road
   Edwardstown
   South Australia 5039
   
   Freecall 1800 353 561
   
   www.adventureoffroadcampers.com.au
   
   
5. GARY KRATZMANN
   
   Ph: (07) 3265 2477
   Fax: (07) 3865 2477
   
   www.kratzamann.com.au
   
   
6. JEEP AUSTRALIA
   
   www.jeep.com.au
   
   
7. ASHLEY GARDENS HOLIDAY VILLAGE
   
   29 Ashley Street
   Braybrook
   Victoria 3019
   
   Ph: (03) 9318 6866
   
   
8. CRYSTAL BROOK HOLIDAY CENTRE
   
   182 Heidelberg-Warrandyte Road
   Doncaster East
   Victoria 3109
   
   Ph: (03) 9844 3637