A Brit and A Southerner

Best Travel Sim Card – How to Easily Share Your Amazing Travels?

Travel Tips

Feb 16, 2017

Best Travel Sim Card – How to Easily Share Your Amazing Travels?

Let’s face it, we all need to stay connected 24/7 wherever we are in the world! Whether you consider this to be a sad state of affairs or simply know nothing different, having the ability to update your Facebook status, share your latest tweet or snap a quick video is a critical component of today’s society. When you travel on vacation, your mentality is no different. However, there is frequently a problem – how do you stay connected without experiencing exorbitant roaming charges? We have the perfect solution with the best travel sim card on the market. Welcome to KnowRoaming!

If you read our review on KnowRoaming, you will know that we utilized this awesome service during our recent round the world adventure that saw us visit five different countries over a three week period. We want to share some of our amazing adventures and how KnowRoaming was the perfect solution to ensure all our readers kept updated with our journey around the world.

Best Travel Sim Card

So why do we think KnowRoaming is the best travel sim card on the market? I could write another post solely on this but I think it comes down to the following three components.

Affordability – For only $7.99 per day, you can remain connected with fast data speeds! It may seem like a substantial amount if you use this every day but the beauty of KnowRoaming is that you can select which days you want to use data packages.
Efficiency – Easy to use out of the box regardless of whether you are using the sim card or sticker option. The KnowRoaming app is user-friendly and customer service support is readily available.
Availability – KnowRoaming may not be available everywhere but it’s pretty close! On our recent trip, the UAE was the only country we couldn’t use this service but I’m convinced KnowRoaming will be continuing to expand its service around the globe.

Rather than elaborating too much on KnowRoaming’s service (you can read all about our review of the KnowRoaming product here), we want to share some of the highlights that we experienced and examples of how we shared them during our time on the road.

As I mentioned, our journey started in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, UAE but using KnowRoaming started the moment we landed at Changi International Airport in Singapore.

The majority of the images throughout this post are taken directly from our social media accounts where we shared them on our adventures around the world to emphasize the benefits of KnowRoaming while you are on the road.

KnowRoaming in Singapore

Our first visit to Singapore may have been short but it was certainly memorable. This is a beautiful city and although there is a very westernized feel to it, there is just enough local culture to make you appreciate the beauty throughout.

If you are considering a trip to Singapore, there are certain things you just have to experience. The Marina Bay Sands Hotel may be the most iconic of all hotels in Singapore primarily because of the architectural brilliance but we opted to stay at the Westin Singapore Hotel and were not disappointed.

We were well and truly treated like royalty and having the opportunity to share some of the amazing images of the breakfast buffet, the gorgeous lobby, and the infinity pool was certainly something that we enjoyed.

In terms of attractions, a trip to Sentosa Island is well worth your time. We took a trip to the summit of the Tiger Sky Tower which offers amazing views of the Singapore skyline and the South China Sea but if you have more time here, you may enjoy experiencing the main attractions of the Sentosa theme park.

Taking a Gardens by the Bay tour is well worth experiencing and this is way more than just your stereotypical botanical gardens. We had a great time exploring the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome but it’s perhaps those iconic “Supertrees” that make the visit truly memorable.

Using KnowRoaming was seamless and effective throughout our time in Singapore. We immediately connected to the local network and had 3G coverage everywhere we visited. Sharing local encounters at the Lau Pa Sat Festival Pavilion along with the Gardens by the Bay was certainly a great way to portray our experiences in Singapore.

I have to admit that we were excited but also a little skeptical about using KnowRoaming in Singapore. It was our first experience and we really thought there may be some major cons such as losing connectivity, poor roaming speeds etc. but all our fears soon disappeared once we realized how we could utilize this service to keep everyone updated on our travels.

We even had the opportunity to share a picture while waiting at the airport to board our “first-class” trip to Melbourne via Jetstar Airways!

KnowRoaming in Australia

Welcome to the Land of Oz! Having spent an amazing couple of weeks in Brisbane and the Gold Coast for our honeymoon in 2011, we were excited to head back to Australia and spend a week in Melbourne.

Dubbed as the “world’s most livable city,” we were ready to see if there was any truth behind this. It didn’t take us long to realize this was so very true! 48 hours in the Melbourne CBD and you will know that this is one epic city.

We really enjoyed the benefits of KnowRoaming on Christmas Day given that the majority of places were closed so trying to find free wi-fi was limited. For those of you that have never experienced Christmas in Australia, it’s completely different to the stereotypical White Christmas.

Relaxing in Carlton Gardens and admiring the impressive architectural design of the Royal Exhibition Building was the perfect tonic to start our Christmas morning before visiting the iconic landmarks of Flinders Street Station and St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Boxing Day in Australia…it can only mean one thing, at least if you are an Aussie! The Boxing Day Test is an annual cricket match where the Australian national team hosts an overseas nation.

We were fortunate to attend this match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and enjoyed conducting our very first Facebook Live video to share some of the highlights with our followers. Thanks to KnowRoaming’s awesome service for providing excellent coverage in Melbourne and allowing us to do this!

A day trip along the Great Ocean Road offered breathtaking panoramic landscapes of the untouched, rugged Victoria coastline. It’s no surprise to hear that this road trip is one of the most popular in Australia and after culminating at the infamous “12 Apostles”, we could certainly understand why this is so iconic.

If you are ready to experience Melbourne from a birds eye perspective or perhaps you have a fear of heights that you are ready to overcome, there is no better place than the Eureka Tower Skydeck. “The Edge Experience” is awesome and definitely ranks among the most exhilarating experiences throughout Melbourne.

KnowRoaming in New Zealand

Before planning our trip, we were particularly excited about visiting New Zealand.

It’s been towards the top of our bucket list for quite some time, so the moment we landed in Auckland on New Zealand’s North Island, we were raring to get out and explore.

We spent the first day downtown Auckland visiting the Sky Tower and War Memorial Museum among other things but our journey exploring what we consider to be the ‘real’ parts of New Zealand started after we hopped in our rental car and drove north in search of the Bay Islands.

The stretch of coastline from Auckland to the northernmost point of the North Island is spectacular and with natural attractions such as Whangarei Falls, there is plenty to keep you occupied as you head north.

Rotorua is a must-see location on the North Island, particularly if you are intrigued by geothermal activity.

We spent an afternoon walking around Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland which offers a stunning active example of geothermal activity in New Zealand. Be prepared for some pretty strong sulphuric smells but the landscapes are incredible. Our favorite was the final point on the trail – Lake Ngakoro!

One of the highlight attractions in the North Island is Hobbiton, the location where The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings movies were filmed.

We had a great time experiencing “Middle Earth” on our guided tour of the film set and it’s true that Sir Peter Jackson found an absolute gem when he stumbled across the Alexander family farm in the heart of New Zealand.

Our final day in New Zealand saw us head to Lake Taupo and experience the AMAZING Huka Falls. I can’t reiterate enough how amazing Huka Falls really was and we loved having the opportunity to share live video and pictures of this waterfall.

KnowRoaming in Hawaii

The journey home started after we left Auckland but not before we had the opportunity to visit our 50th and final US state! Even though we were back on US soil when we arrived in Honolulu on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, we completely forgot that we could use our own data plan from our cell phone provider. We had the opportunity to use KnowRoaming in the States and again we had zero issues.

Our first top was Iolani Palace, the former residence of the Hawaiian royal family. This is the only royal residence in the United States and the interior of the palace was certainly the epitome of grandeur. A hike to the top of Diamond Head State Monument was a rewarding experience especially with amazing views across Oahu and the Pacific Ocean from the summit.

Perhaps the most touching and rewarding experience was saved until last when we visited Pearl Harbor.

Visiting the USS Arizona Memorial was poignant but a memorable experience that will long live with us. It’s just one of those attractions that everyone has to see at least once in their lifetime.

A trip to Hawaii wouldn’t be the same without spending some time relaxing on Waikiki Beach and I think it’s fair to say sharing the below image made a lot of our followers pretty jealous, especially those struggling to stay warm in the frigid Winter weather!

Special Offer For You

If you didn’t read our other post about KnowRoaming, we have an AWESOME opportunity for you to save 50% on your purchase AND receive $5 free credit to set you on your way to staying connected around the world.

Use the following promo code at the time of purchase to save 50% – CHRBO69

***Don’t forget, enter the promo code CHRBO69 at checkout when ordering any of KnowRoaming’s products through their website.***

Summary

What a trip! Looking back on these three weeks, we accomplished a lot and had a myriad of amazing experiences. Trying to share everything is impossible and waiting until we returned from our trip to share our experiences was always going to be tough because there are only so many pictures you can take.

Thanks to KnowRoaming, we were able to share many of our adventures on the fly and I think this helped create a better story of our journey. We are excited about using KnowRoaming again in a few weeks when we head back to Europe and would 100% recommend this service to anyone looking for the best travel sim card on the market.

Disclaimer – KnowRoaming provided us with a Global SIM Card and data plan for our round the world trip for consideration of a blog post. The views contained within this post are entirely our personal opinion/experience and we received no final compensation for this.

Top Things to Do in Docklands, Melbourne in One Crazy Day

Australia

Chris Boothman

Feb 13, 2017

Top Things to Do in Docklands, Melbourne in One Crazy Day

After spending 48 hours in the heart of the Melbourne CBD exploring all of the historic and iconic attractions that we all associate with this beautiful city, we decided to spend a day in the recently regenerated Docklands neighborhood which is just a short tram ride from downtown Melbourne. Whether you are looking to entertain a little retail therapy or perhaps enjoy a romantic ride on a giant observation wheel, there are plenty of things to do in Docklands, Melbourne.

The Docklands suburb can easily be explored on foot but it is also conveniently accessed via Melbourne’s efficient public transportation network. We want to share a few of the best places worth experiencing along with a couple of recommended places to eat based on our experiences here.

Where is Docklands, Melbourne?

Located just over a mile west of Melbourne’s Central Business District, the Docklands can be easily reached by hopping on the free circular tram ride that will conveniently take you to a number of stops in this part of the city. There are a number of iconic attractions here that are worth exploring, all of which you can see in less than 24 hours.

Melbourne’s spectacular harbor can be accessed from the Docklands area while a stroll along the Yarra River from the downtown area will take you to the edge of this neighborhood.

The History of Docklands

If you have an appreciation of contemporary architecture, the Docklands area is certainly the epitome of urban renewal through the development of a number of trendy looking buildings and apartment complexes. However, the Docklands suburb hasn’t always been like this and it’s interesting to note the history behind this part of Melbourne.

Prior to the 20th century, much of the Docklands was swamp land and only in the 1880s were plans made to redevelop this area. A major engineering project began in the 1880s by a British engineer to reroute the course of the Yarra River and with this, the construction of a new Victoria dock was ultimately the start of the Docklands suburb. A number of wharfs and other interconnected industries started to prosper here in the early 20th century.

By the middle of the 20th century, however, the Docklands area was becoming less prevalent. Modern container ships were opting for alternative docks in Melbourne, particularly those that were close to the mouth of the Yarra River, leaving the Docklands relatively unused. It was only in the 1980s and 1990s that a task force was developed to create a new infrastructure strategy to regenerate the struggling suburb.

Today, the Docklands area is a much sought after location in Melbourne for businesses looking to establish their headquarters here. Corporate Australian names such as ANZ, National Australia Bank, and Medibank Private are all headquartered in the Docklands neighborhood while global brands such as Ericsson can also be found here.

Things to do in Docklands, Melbourne

The Docklands suburb of Melbourne is a fun-filled destination if you are looking to explore outside of the downtown area. Let’s take a look at some of the best attractions worth experiencing during your 24 hours in this part of the city. Our highlight was undoubtedly the Melbourne Star but don’t worry, if gliding around a Ferris wheel isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other things to do in Docklands.

From arts to culture to sporting events, the Docklands is an area of Melbourne that should be on your radar.

Melbourne Star Observation Wheel

Before heading to the Docklands area, I heard about the Melbourne Star and honestly just thought it was going to be another Ferris wheel like anywhere else in the world.

What I didn’t realize was just how awesome the experience was going to be once we boarded our private cabin and started the 30-minute journey around the wheel.

21 spacious air-conditioned cabins are strategically positioned around the wheel and if you are fortunate to visit during a quiet time, the friendly Melbourne Star staff will give you a private cabin to enhance your experience.

Day or night, you’ll feel on top of the world as the Melbourne Star glides on its gentle arc through the sky.

Once the doors are closed, you are immediately engulfed in the breathtaking panoramic views of Melbourne. The reality is that the higher you get, the more spectacular the views…at least that was our impression.

A guided commentary highlights some of the iconic landmarks around Melbourne’s CBD and surrounding area, while you are also handed a map prior to boarding so you can pinpoint specific spots that you are eager to see from almost 400 feet in the sky.

Let’s take a moment to clarify the correct terminology for this attraction The Melbourne Star is technically NOT a Ferris wheel, rather it is a ‘Giant Observation Wheel’ and is one of only four existing around the world. The key differences between the two are related to size and the overall technical engineering of the structure.

Whereas a Ferris wheel may be renowned as a “rickety” structure, the Melbourne Star is a stereotypical example of a Giant Observation Wheel soundly constructed with modern design and engineering components.

The Sights and Lights package is definitely the best value ticket you can purchase. This ticket allows not one but two journeys around the Melbourne Star. The beauty of this ticket is that you can experience the amazing Melbourne skyline during the day and then appreciate the “glittering kaleidoscope of color” at night.

The Melbourne Star houses a spectacular LED display and transforms the wheel into a hub of color in the heart of the Docklands suburb.

Alternatively, if you experience your first ride in overcast or rainy conditions, you always have a second opportunity to return within 12 months of the first ride. This is exactly what we did and certainly appreciated the amazing weather on our second trip which helps capture some amazing shots of Melbourne.

Be sure to check out the Melbourne Star website for all the latest admission prices and packages that may be available during your visit.

Harbour Town Shopping Outlets

If you have never visited Australia and are planning an upcoming trip, it’s likely that you will be warned about how expensive this country is. This is true to an extent but for those of you that still cannot resist enjoying some retail therapy, the Harbour Town Shopping Outlets is the perfect place to visit and find some great prices on designer brands.

The open-air design of Harbour Town means that you can enjoy the gorgeous Melbourne weather while taking some time to hop in and out of your favorite stores. Not only can you find some great clothing options, there are plenty of souvenir shops at affordable prices to find that perfect gift for friends and family back home.

The beauty of Harbour Town is that it’s more than just a shopping experience. Conveniently accessible via the free circular tram network, visitors can also enjoy a selection of fine dining establishments and also an entertainment hub including mini golf and a variety of activities for the kids.

Webb Bridge

I mentioned earlier that the Docklands was a hub for trendy architecture. The ultimate example of architectural brilliance has to be the iconic Webb Bridge that crosses the Yarra River. Quirky, unorthodox, brilliant and eye-catching are all words that I would use to describe the appearance of the Webb Bridge.

A competition-winning design for a new pedestrian/cycle bridge, Webb Bridge was designed by Denton Corker Marshall in collaboration with artist Robert Owen. The distinctive appearance of this bridge is what makes this stand out from other bridges along the river.

As an object, it appears as a delineated structure, a sensuous volume, light and linear. Space is seen as atmospheric, dynamic and transitional.

However, it’s perhaps the location in the Docklands suburb that helps transform this structure into an integral part of Melbourne’s modernistic approach to regeneration.

Etihad Stadium

The impressive Etihad Stadium is the focal point of this suburb with the likes of the Melbourne Renegades (20/20 Big Bash League cricket team), Melbourne Victory (Australian soccer team) and five local AFL teams calling this their home stadium. Combine this with a number of concerts that have taken place here with world-famous artists such as George Michael, Bon Jovi, and Coldplay all performing here.

If you are not fortunate enough to see a live event inside the Etihad Stadium, perhaps a “behind the scenes” tour of the stadium will be an intriguing prospect. For only $15 (adults), visitors can take a tour of the changing rooms, media center, coaches box and even walk out of the tunnel at this impressive arena.

Where to Eat in Docklands?

After exploring the Docklands, it’s likely you will want to find a place to grab a bite to eat. Don’t worry, there are plenty of awesome choices just like everywhere else in Melbourne.

We enjoyed a delicious late lunch at The Fish Dept in the Harbour Town Shopping Outlets and we can both attest to this being one of our favorite meals throughout our time in Melbourne.

Burger Monster offers a specialized array of home-made burgers and given that these are freshly made to your order, you can be sure you are getting one of the finest burgers in Melbourne. If you are looking for a little more international cuisine, why not sample Gold Leaf Chinese Restaurant for a more upscale experience or perhaps Old Man Pho for a plethora of delicious Asian & Vietnamese dishes.

Looking for something with a waterfront view? Why not take a short walk from Harbour Town and experience Renzo’s Bar Cafe Italiano and enjoy amazing views across the water from the terrace.

Regardless of your preference, you can be sure that the Docklands will have something to entice your taste buds. In our opinion, you can’t beat a good old traditional Aussie Fish and Chips so be sure to sample this before you leave Melbourne!

Summary

If you are looking for a plethora of things to do in Docklands, Melbourne, you certainly won’t be disappointed. We are sharing our 24-hour guide to this Melbourne suburb but the reality is that you could visit here multiple times during your stay in the city, given that it is only a short tram ride over from the central business district.

We were understandably impressed by the Melbourne Star and I think it’s fair to say that Heather was impressed by the Harbour Town Shopping Outlets (ok, I was too!). The history of the Docklands suburb is intriguing and it’s amazing to see how an area has been regenerated so quickly and successfully. Our final tip…do not forget the Fish and Chips, you won’t be disappointed!

Disclaimer – We received two complimentary tickets to experience the Melbourne Star in exchange for consideration of a blog post. The views contained within this post are entirely our personal opinion/experience and we received no final compensation for this.

Eureka Tower Skydeck – How to Enjoy This Amazing Experience?

Australia

Chris Boothman

Feb 9, 2017

Eureka Tower Skydeck – How to Enjoy This Amazing Experience?

Melbourne is home to a myriad of awesome attractions, fine dining establishments and an array of cultural experiences that will make you realize why this is classified as the world’s most livable city. If you are visiting Melbourne for the first time, we urge you to consider taking a step back (or a “step up”) for a moment and admire an epic birds-eye view of the city. There is no better spot to accomplish this than the Eureka Tower Skydeck!

Incredible views, a delicious dining venue and an opportunity to overcome a lifelong fear for those that suffer from acrophobia. The Eureka Tower is the second tallest building in Australia after the Q1 tower on the Gold Coast, so be prepared for some pretty epic scenery once you reach the summit. But don’t worry, the views are not the only pull factor that makes the Skydeck such an attractive tourist spot in Melbourne…wait until you hear about “The Edge!”

Whether you are inspired to appreciate the beauty of Melbourne’s sprawling CBD or perhaps enjoy the distant Dandenong mountain range, the unequivocally breathtaking panoramic scenes from the summit of the Skydeck are unlike anywhere else.

Why Visit the Eureka Tower Skydeck?

So why do we think the Skydeck is the best place to start your adventure in Melbourne? Well, as we have already established, the city is full of things to do and unless you are well prepared, it can be a daunting task trying to figure out where to go, what to see and how to get from one place to the next.

If you visit the Eureka Tower Skydeck (officially known as Eureka Skydeck 88), you can spend some time planning an itinerary and getting a conceptual grasp as to the proximity of one attraction to another. For those that only have a short amount of time in Melbourne, I am sure our 48-hour guide to the city will give you a few ideas of where to start!

Every great city has its icon, its point of recognition, the gem in its urban skyline.

Before visiting the Eureka Tower Skydeck, I hopped on their website and after reading a little about their history I stumbled across the above quote which I think epitomizes the focal point of the Melbourne skyline.

Not only is it a stunning observation deck, it’s a well-recognized symbolic attraction that everyone visiting Melbourne should be aware of. Did you also know it’s home to Australia’s highest postbox? If you are not familiar with the Eureka Tower before heading to Melbourne, you sure will be after you leave!

Eureka Tower Skydeck Information

Let’s take care of some of the all important information such as admission prices and opening hours before we show you exactly what you will be missing should you opt out of a visit to the Eureka Tower.

Location

Located on the Riverside Quay in the heart of the Melbourne CBD directly by the Yarra River, the Eureka Tower Skydeck is conveniently situated to a bunch of other iconic Melbourne attractions such as Flinders Street Station, Federation Square, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.

7 Riverside Quay
Southbank, Melbourne, 3006
Tel: +61 3 9693 8888

Website

Eureka Skydeck 88

Opening Hours

The Eureka Skydeck 88 is open all year round at the following times:

Open Daily 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM (Last Entry is 9:30 PM) – Limited Hours on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve (10:00 AM to 5:30 PM)

We recommend checking the website above to be aware of any changes to these opening times.

Admission Prices

Tickets are available for the Skydeck and also additional costs for “The Edge” experience. Here is a breakdown of the current prices at the time of this post being published.

Adults (Skydeck) – $20 (Approximately 15 USD)
Concessions – Students, Seniors (Skydeck) – $15.50 (Approximately 12 USD)
Children 4-16 (Skydeck) – $11.50 (Approximately 9 USD)
Children Under 4 Years (Skydeck) – FREE ENTRY

Additional surcharge for “The Edge” are as follows:

Adults (The Edge) – $12
Concessions – Students, Seniors (The Edge) – $10
Children 4-16 (The Edge) – $8
Children Under 4 Years (The Edge) – FREE ENTRY

Adults can experience all of this for $32 which is a great bargain! If you are planning a trip with all the family, you can SAVE by purchasing one of the awesome package deals that will help you save up to $17. Check out the website for more details on these options.

You can expedite your visit to the Eureka Tower Skydeck by purchasing all your tickets online, dramatically reducing the amount of time required at the ticket counter.

Journey to the Top of Melbourne

After effortlessly passing through security, our journey to the top of Melbourne started as we entered the elevator for a short trip to the observation deck. The moment the doors opened and we were greeted at the summit, our eyes were immediately focused on the breathtaking views.

360-degree panoramic views are just the start of your experience once you arrive at the top.

We probably walked around the observation deck two or three times before focusing our attention on certain parts of Melbourne and trying to pinpoint some of the infamous attractions that we couldn’t wait to explore during the rest of our time in the city.

The Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne Tennis Centre, Royal Botanic Gardens and AAMI Park were all venues and attractions that we focused on to the east/southeast of the Skydeck.

Meanwhile, the winding Yarra River is another intriguing prospect as your eyes are drawn to the meandering flow while at the same time capturing some other iconic attractions along the path of the river.

The Docklands area of Melbourne is another aesthetically appealing neighborhood and looks even more beautiful from almost 1,000 feet. You don’t appreciate how spectacular the makeup of a city really is until you are stood 88 floors up peering over the complexities of urban sprawl.

The sight of the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel and the impressive Etihad Stadium are just a couple of examples of how the Docklands area has thrived since the regeneration of this district in recent years.

Take a step outside on the outdoor terrace to enjoy gorgeous views, this time without the constraints of the glass windows that frequently hinder taking quality pictures.

The terrace also gives you an opportunity to catch a glance at The Edge as you mentally prepare yourselves if you are planning on experiencing this later in your visit.

The Edge Experience

If you love the rush of adrenaline or perhaps you have a burning desire to overcome your fear of heights, The Edge is an experience you cannot afford to miss while at the top of the Eureka Tower.

Unlike anywhere else in the world, The Edge is a glass cube that extends out from the 88th floor of the Eureka Tower and allows visitors the opportunity to be suspended 300 meters above the ground with only glass walls, ceiling, and FLOOR around them.

We have experienced several other observation decks around the world that offer something similar but this is a completely different experience given that you start out by walking into the cube and all the windows are clouded over.

You also start out with the cube being inside the building and the adventure begins once the cube literally goes “over the edge” and protrudes about 3 meters.

Feel the rush inside one of Melbourne’s most unforgettable tourist attractions

Once the glass cube reaches full extension, the clouded windows quickly turn clear and you have the opportunity to admire the amazing panoramic views surrounding you. There certainly is a “rush” as the Eureka Tower Skydeck advertise the moment the windows become clear.

No cameras or cell phones are allowed on The Edge but it’s the memories that will long live with you after this epic experience. The Eureka Tower Skydeck staff will take a couple of pictures for you and an opportunity to purchase these later will be available.

Summary

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the Eureka Tower Skydeck and would go back in a heartbeat the next time we are in Melbourne. You have probably realized by now that I am a bit of an aspiring skyscraper cognoscente and love this contemporary style of architecture in cities around the world.

Although the Eureka Tower may not compete in terms of height with the likes of Burj Khalifa and the One World Trade Center, it certainly competes in terms of breathtaking views once you reach the summit. We both agreed that our time at the summit wasn’t enough and time can quickly get away from you as you admire the beauty throughout Melbourne.

If you have any plans on visiting Melbourne in the near future, take our advice and head to the Eureka Tower Skydeck before exploring anywhere else. Don’t forget to live on “The Edge” while you are in Melbourne!

Disclaimer – We received two complimentary tickets to visit the Eureka Tower Skydeck and The Edge Experience for consideration of a blog post. The views contained within this post are entirely our personal opinion/experience and we received no final compensation for this.

Pullman Melbourne on the Park – Why Should You Stay Here?

Australia

Chris Boothman

Feb 6, 2017

Pullman Melbourne on the Park – Why Should You Stay Here?

Visiting the world’s most livable city, it’s inevitable that you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to accommodation options. We want to make this choice much easier for you if you are planning a trip to Melbourne. We strongly recommend considering the Pullman Melbourne on the Park and hopefully, after reading this post, you will understand exactly why we are so passionate about this amazing hotel in the heart of the Melbourne CBD.

Why are we so confident that the Pullman Melbourne on the Park is the ultimate choice? Whether you consider location, price, amenities or overall comfort to be the key selling point in a hotel, we believe the Pullman brand have created a perfect combination of all these with their location near the beautiful Fitzroy Gardens.

Pullman Melbourne on the Park Information

When you have the opportunity to stay at a variety of hotels around the world, it’s understandable that you will be super critical about every hotel experience you have. This was no different as we entered the lobby area at the Pullman Melbourne on the Park after taking a short stroll from the free tram stop by Fitzroy Gardens.

Before arriving at the hotel, I noticed on the hotel’s website the following statement:

Modern architecture merges with upscale décor to create an ambiance of elegance and prestige.

It’s fair to say that we couldn’t have put this any better ourselves. The blend of contemporary and traditional decor is apparent as you enter the lobby area but it perfectly creates that sense of relaxation that the Pullman brand is focused on.

Before looking at the interior of this hotel, we want to focus on an attribute that makes this hotel a perfect option – the location!

Location

We have all heard real estate agents coin the phrase “Location, Location, Location” and I personally think this is applicable to hotels when determining where you should stay in a city. We all want to be centrally located within easy access of iconic attractions, restaurants, and public transportation. At the same time, it needs to be an affordable option!

The Pullman Melbourne on the Park hotel is located in the heart of East Melbourne, just a few minutes away from the heart of downtown. Don’t worry, a short walk will lead you to a tram stop where you can hop on the free Melbourne route that will take you everywhere you need during your stay in the city.

If you are planning on attending the Australian Open tennis tournament or perhaps the Boxing Day test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, there is no other affordable hotel more conveniently located to either of these spots than the Pullman Melbourne on the Park.

Did you read our post on spending 48 hours in the Melbourne CBD? If so, you will know that this hotel is in the BEST location to experience everything this beautiful city has to offer.

Address

192 Wellington Parade
Melbourne VIC 3002, Australia
Tel: +61 3 9419 2000

Website

Pullman on the Park

Pullman Brand – Our World is Your Playground

If you are familiar with the Pullman hotel brand, you may be aware of a recent campaign highlighting the key components of all their hotels around the world. As you walk into a Pullman hotel, you may not immediately realize it but the brand has constructed an environment ideal for the present day traveler. Welcome to Pullman’s “Our World is Your Playground” philosophy!

Our World Is Your Playground

What does this mean? In a nutshell, the idea behind this campaign is that the ultra-modern traveler (Pullman references this type of traveler as a “Global Nomad”) is someone that can take advantage of ‘opportunities’ and always look at creating new ways to conduct business regardless of the setting.

How does this relate to a hotel? The Pullman brand is focused on creating environments in which travelers can thrive and be opportunistic by creating a perfect blend of work and leisure.

Hotel Amenities

Ok, so we have established that the Pullman Melbourne on the Park is in a great location! But we all know that in order for a hotel to attract visitors from around the world, the amenities need to be at the highest level…this hotel doesn’t disappoint. Whether you are looking to relax in the gorgeous lobby or perhaps enjoy your favorite beverage at the bar, this hotel offers plenty of amenities for guests.

Relax in the Lobby and Enjoy the 2017 Renovation

It may sound crazy but one of our favorite aspects of the Pullman Melbourne on the Park was the lobby. Relaxing in a lobby may not sound the most appealing but when you can look around and admire the intricate details of the architecture yet still feel at home, this is certainly a spot we enjoy.

The crystal chandelier is the focal point of the lobby and “stunning” doesn’t begin to describe how spectacular this looks and provides the perfect decor for this environment.

But that’s not all…if you are intrigued enough to plan a visit to Melbourne and stay here, 2017 is going to be a landmark year for the hotel! Plans are in place for a complete renovation of the lobby, bar and restaurant area (more on the restaurant later).

pullman melbourne on the park — Conceptual design provided by Pullman Melbourne on the Park – Projected completion July/August 2017

I will be sad to see the current lobby go but after seeing the conceptual images of the new redesign, I have to admit it’s going to be AMAZING! Completion of this project is expected by mid-2017 but regardless of this, we cannot wait to head back to see how the new design looks.

Dubbed as a project that will be “a reinvention of one of the most iconic hotels in Melbourne”, it’s always exciting to hear how a renovation can help take a hotel to the next level.

Ensuring that you remain ahead of your competition is critical in such a saturated market and I am convinced that the Pullman Melbourne on the Park will continue to hold a competitive advantage once this renovation is complete.

Stay in Shape

Enjoying fine cuisine, sampling your favorite beverages and relaxing in your room are all great reasons to stay at a hotel. But what about those times that you feel a little guilty after indulging in your favorite meal or perhaps you just want to get into a routine of hitting the gym every morning?

The fitness facilities and swimming pool at the Pullman Melbourne on the Park are a great way to burn a few calories. Spending time here can actually be enjoyable when you have such high-tech equipment available. Whether you prefer to lift weights or just hit the treadmill, the gym is equipped with everything you will need.

Head outside to swim a few laps before relaxing in the morning sun on the loungers. When you are ready to wind down after a strenuous workout, visit the sauna to complete the ultimate fitness session.

Enjoy Fine Dining

Why not start your day with an appetizing breakfast buffet with a plethora of hot and cold foods from around the world? You can enjoy all of this and much more in the relaxing environment created at the Gallery Restaurant.

Breakfast is served from 6:30 AM to 10:30 during the week and 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM on the weekend.

This was the BEST way to start our day exploring the city of Melbourne and we can truly attest that after eating the buffet here, we didn’t need to eat anything else until late in the day.

Traditional breakfast menu items are readily available but I was particularly excited to see the refreshing selection of fruits and low-carb options for those that prefer to watch their calorie intake.

A variety of local fresh fruits are available as are granola and oatmeal options for those that prefer a little more fiber in their dietary intake.

The Gallery Restaurant is spacious and full of beautiful decor that creates the perfect ambiance to enjoy your breakfast.

Sampling the coffee bar was a unique experience especially given that I had never used one of these systems before. Don’t worry, there are plenty of friendly staff on hand to help you create your favorite espresso!

Tired and hungry after exploring the beautiful city of Melbourne? The Gallery Restaurant is open from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM daily serving a variety of a la carte delicacies that will likely intrigue your taste buds. Dishes such as Gippsland Grain Fed Porterhouse Steak, Seared Rockling Fillet, and Chargrilled Mount Leura Lamb Loin all sound delicious.

A fine selection of local wines are the perfect accompaniment to any of these dishes or perhaps a lighter option but the highlight here is enjoying your dinner while admiring the views across nearby Fitzroy Gardens.

If you are looking for something a little more casual, the Park Lounge bar is the place to be. Enjoy a relaxing drink with friends or grab a bite to eat at lunch here before heading out to explore everything that attracted you to this beautiful city.

Open until Midnight daily, you can be sure that the friendly bar staff will do everything to ensure your experience is enjoyable. We spent both nights here enjoying a drink while getting some work done, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy the lobby decor and relaxing surroundings. Don’t forget to head back between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM to enjoy “Happy Hour” with $5 drinks available!

The Rooms

Guests staying at the Pullman Melbourne on the Park have a variety of room options to choose from. We stayed in a Superior Suite which was incredibly spacious, had awesome views overlooking the Melbourne CBD and immediately made us feel like home with all the amenities you can think of in a typical hotel room.

Walking into the room the size was certainly the most obvious aspect that stood out. Measuring a little over 600 square feet, there is plenty of living space to enjoy your stay at this hotel.

The lounge has a large flat-screen TV and a comfortable sofa that could easily seat four or five guests.

A bar area with snacks available for purchase and chilled drinks in the refrigerator cater for all of your needs.

There are two doorways that can be closed for extra privacy between the living space and the bedroom but once you enter the sleeping quarters, you are treated to a gorgeous king size bed, the perfect spot to relax and close your eyes after a long day exploring Melbourne.

We want to save the best until last – the bathroom is beyond INCREDIBLE!

We have stayed in some pretty amazing hotels around the world that have awesome bathrooms but the crisp white finish throughout this bathroom and the size certainly made us realize that the Pullman Melbourne on the Park is up there with the very best.

Pristine chrome fittings are the perfect accompaniment and create a trendy looking bathroom where you can relax and wind down.

A large bathtub is the primary focal point of the room along with a spacious walk-in shower fitted with C.O. Bigelow amenities to ensure you don’t need to worry about forgetting shampoo or other essentials.

Summary

We felt incredibly privileged to stay at the Pullman Melbourne on the Park for many reasons though perhaps the most important was the relaxing experience that we encountered throughout our stay.

Friendly customer service costs nothing in my opinion and the Pullman brand can be proud of each and every member at the Melbourne on the Park location. We were greeted every time we passed through the lobby and our daily breakfast inside the Gallery Restaurant was well catered by the local chef and his staff.

Would we stay at the Pullman Melbourne on the Park again? 100% YES! No questions, this is hands-down a place that we can highly recommend to anyone heading to Melbourne in the near future. Our only regret was having to leave after two amazing nights. We would have loved to stay for the Australian Open but hopefully, we will have the opportunity to return in the near future.

Disclaimer – We received a complimentary two-night stay at the Pullman Melbourne on the Park in consideration of a blog post. The views contained within this post are entirely our personal opinion/experience and we received no final compensation for this.

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