Educational Excursions from Melbourne

Favorite Places in Melbourne

Our interests in transpiration range from the NASA space shuttle to the Kuiper Airborne Observatory to more conventional means of travel such as stage coaches and a steam locomotive.

Bendigo: In the heart of the Australian Gold Fields(1854) we found a place that reminded us of a typical town in the Old West. We experienced the culture of this mining town as we panned for gold, explored the mining caves and camps, and sang old Australian miners songs around the burning barrel. The highlight, however, was a real stage coach ride down slippery mud slopes in the rain.

Belgrave: We questioned whether a ride on Puffing Billy was an amusement park attraction or a legitimate form of transportation. We decided to risk it! As we approached the train we discovered a real locomotive engine puffing steam and a conductor calling, "All Aboard". We boarded an open car behind the steam engine. As we begin our journey, we cuddled ourselves in the warm wool blankets. Originally, we planned to ride to one stop. However, we loved the ride through the cold rainforest and the pleasant neighborhoods. From the highest hills we viewed the Australian county-side. The ride was so much fun and our conductor graciously let us ride the whole way from Belgrave to Emerald Lake.

Puffing Billy Web Site: http://pbr.railpage.org.au

Healesville Sanctuary: http://www.zoo.org.au/hs

Sovereign Hill: http://www.sovhill.com.au/shhome.htm