Pip Gerard

I wrote this in the forum of the Melbourne Victoria group and thought I’d add it as a journal entry in case it interests anyone else:

Places to visit in Victoria.

My parents were from Sydney… and moved down here before I was born. Because of this fact I grew up seeing so many incredible Victorian sites that I don’t think I would have seen if they’d not moved here from Sydney. Of course.. .now they’re loud and proud Victorianites. I have the most incredible memories of childhood and all the truly wonderful places we went to. Here’s a list of my most favourite memories (the places we’d been to many many times) that I love to reminice about often (I plan to take my son to all these places… in fact we’ve already been to many):

- William Ricketts Sanctuary (this is my top choice of places to send visitors especially overseas ones!! If you’re a Victorian and an artist…. you simply must see this place!!!) Brochure

- Puffing Billy and Emerald Park (was there just last week!) http://www.puffingbilly.com.au/

- The Dandenongs (when I was about 11 or 12 I seriously wanted to grow up to live in the Dandenongs!! I adored the place. The Black Spur especially!) http://www.bluedandenongs.com.au/sites/dr_alliance/content/pbr/drapbr21.html

- Hanging Rock (went there first time when I was quite young after watching the movie… I was scared out of my mind… I LOVED IT!!!) http://www.hangingrock.info

- Fairy Land – The Myer Windows ten fold built by one German man and his family!! (went there countless times growing up. We’d catch the Sorrento Fairy to Queenscliff and then drive from there… As a child this place was magical!! Took my son there last year and he had the most wonderful day!) http://www.fairypark.com/

- London Bridge Blairgowrie (looks small in the photo – great to climb and take photos) http://www.virtualsorrento.com.au/parks_walks/farnsworth_track/Slide4.htm

- Old Melbourne Gaol (another that scared the bejeebies out of me as a kid… LOVED IT). I’ve become a big Kelly fan the more I know about them so this place is very special to me. Have been to Glenrowen too where they have this cute and enjoyable little show on that re-enacts the Kelly Gang showdown (looks like it’s been upgraded alot since – KELLY LAND)... both very worthy visits… especially if a Ned fan. http://www.oldmelbournegaol.com.au/
Glenrowan

I could go on and on. If anyone’s interested I”d be happy to list more Victorian treasures that I’ve experienced.

I LOVE VICTORIA AND MELBOURNE!!!! For ever and ever :D

Pip