Southern_Hemisphere travel tips and stories. Vacations ideas, cruises spa and resorts

Melbourne is Australia’s second-largest city, trailing only Sydney. Over three million people call Melbourne home, and the city’s welcoming climate has attracted people from all over the world to this city on the southeast coast of Australia. This combined Scenic River Gardens and The Port and Docklands cruise allows you to discover the whole Melbourne City region by taking the complete river cruise. The routes of the early settlers with this historical look at the city’s famous Yarra River and surrounds. Experience the history of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest port and relive its involvement in Melbourne’s settlement. Cruising up river is a rare chance to view wonderful, scenic river gardens and Herring Island. Within moments of departing the city and its Arts Precinct, the cruise enters Melbourne’s scenic gardens, parklands and famous sporting arenas.

Melbourne is a city of casual elegance. Cosmopolitan and confident yet graciously relaxed, Melbourne is renowned for its shopping and cafe society. Enjoy sea life and wild life. Relax and let Gray line show you the way around Melbourne and Victoria. Highlights include the Italian Quarter, the Shrine of Remembrance, and the Botanic Gardens where you may enjoy magnificent views of the city. At dusk witness the penguin parade on Philip Island when all the penguins return home from the sea or take a cruise on the Yarra River to get a glimpse of the Melbourne skyline and visit the Blue Dandenong National Park. See the Port of Melbourne and the Docklands area, the 19th century sailing ship – Polly Woodside, the Crown Casino Complex, Westgate Bridge and much more. Book now and discover Melbourne on the Yarra River. The temperate climate of this city is yet another reason to book a South Pacific cruise. The greater Melbourne area is home to literally hundreds of golf courses allowing you to enjoy the weather and play a few rounds. Indoor activities are just as popular, the elaborate Crown Casino houses a variety of activities including nightclubs, restaurants and of course gambling, one of Melbourne’s most popular activities.

The Spirit of Melbourne Cruising Restaurant offers a romantic experience, right in the heart of Melbourne. Indulge in an extensive six-course meal, prepared freshly onboard by gourmet chefs, in a relaxed and intimate setting, with personalized service and attention to detail. Enjoy a luxurious dining experience whilst cruising the twinkling Yarra River.

Rialto Tower is situated in the heart of Melbourne city. It offers fantastic views across the city and surrounding landscape, and is a must do when visiting Melbourne.The building was officially opened in October 1986 and has retained an equally appealing status with more-recently completed landmark buildings. Rialto Tower is the tallest office building in the Southern Hemisphere, and also boasts numerous other amazing facts:
* The tallest office building in the Southern Hemisphere, 66 levels and 253 metres (830ft)
* 38 lifts and 706 lift door openings
* 95 kilometres (59 miles) of lift cables
* 70 kilometres (43.5 metres) of fire hydrant and sprinkler piping
* 9 hectares (22.2 acres) of quality carpet
* 1.8 hectares (4.5 acres) of glass windows
* 228,000 tonnes (224,399 tons) of materials used in construction
* It was built in the mid-1980’s and is the third highest reinforced concrete building in the World

Fish River Canyon is the largest canyon in the Southern Hemisphere, second only in the world to the Grand Canyon. The whole gorge measures 160km (99 miles) in length and is 127km (79 miles) wide, whilst its impressive inner canyon is an amazing 550m (1804ft) deep. The gorge which has formed over hundreds of millions of years, winds through the arrid desert landscape, cutting through the great plateau and surrounded by imposing cliffs and large boulders. The site is the main tourist attraction in the far south of Namibia, popular with hikers who set out on the testing trail through the canyon. At the southern end of the canyon, after a long hike through the desert terrain, weary walkers arrive at Ai-Ais (meaning Burning Water in the local Nama language), a hot water spring which wells from the earth and is believed to cure rheumatism.