If you're visiting Melbourne, do this tour! If you've lived in Melbourne ALL your life, do this tour! You'll be so glad you did...
The Melbourne by Bike experience was a complete revelation to me. I finished the tour exhilarated and quite thrilled. Why? Well it was everything I wanted, and more...
I was hosting a first time business guest from Holland. We'd never met in person and I thought it would be a great ice-breaker, and it was. Our guide Michelle, was so warm, encouraging, knowledgeable and generous of spirit that we immediately felt comfortable and engaged, and became completely absorbed in her stories and anecdotes. I happen to be an experienced rider, but I needn't have been. The comfortable and modern bike was simply a way to get around, covering an enormous amount of Melbourne in a short time, and the exercise was refreshing but very relaxing and moderate.
And so we criss-crossed Melbourne from Federation Square, past the magnificent Royal Botanic Gardens, to the Tennis Centre, to the MCG - being the most iconic Sports Facility in Melbourne and probably Australia, then back to the city via the Yarra River. We rode to the landing site of the first European settlers in Melbourne adjoining a new park that pays tribute to the indigenous inhabitants of Australia which Michelle explained with great passion and sensitivity. This was followed by an intimate and magical tour of all the secret lanes, and food outlets, quirky shops, and the famous arcades where Melbourne by Bike has secured "access all areas" for their guests. We gently meandered North through the City via the Queen Victoria Market and then onto "Little Italy" in Lygon Street including a quick look through Melbourne's most famous Café Brunetti's. Then onto Fitzroy for a yummy and generous informal lunch where we also enjoyed more snippets about Australia and Australians, including quirky customs and many humorous idiosyncrasies; and culminating in a breathtaking 360 degree view of the City and Inner Suburbs from a wonderful rooftop vantage point. After lunch we returned to the City itself via colourful Brunswick Street, past the gorgeous Melbourne Exhibition Buildings and Melbourne Museum, the wonderful theatres on Exhibition Street and Parliament House. A final colourful tour through China Town and fun ride along Swanston Street back to Flinders Street Station marked the end of an incredible and fulfilling experience.
But why was I so exhilarated and thrilled? Because I HAVE LIVED IN MELBOURNE ALL MY LIFE, and I never knew about so very many special places that Melbourne by Bike took us too. My worldly Dutch guest and I were so inspired by the discovery of one hidden waterfront venue, we went back for drinks that same evening at sunset, and then to another restaurant Michelle introduced us to the next night for Dinner, followed by a drink on a trendy secret rooftop night club that MBB had also showed us during the tour. Talk about a win-win for me as well as my guest! read more