At
Yarra, check out the vineyard by (Moet&)Chandon.. very classy place with variety of sparkling wines, both blanc and rouge..
At
Bacchus Marsh, you can try tasting their assortment of honey and fruits, tho' they're famous for apples.. There's a winery called St Anne's Winery, good place to buy port and sweet wines.. Can try buying a flagon, or a wooden cask, if weight is not an issue..
Just before the viewing gallery to
12 Apostles, look out for the sign that says "Gibbson's Steps" (sp?).. It allows you to walk along the coast during low tide.. Great angle to get low shots of the rock structures.. Of course, take heed of the
WARNING signs posted around..
Falling rocks, unstable cliff etc...
At
Grampians, stay at
Hall's Gap.. The roos come out by the dozens in evenings, and there's a cafe at edge of town with good view of the action with simple meal for abt A$10 (then in Dec03 lah).. Sometimes can spot echidnas lumbering in the brush.. Also trek about to the Pinnacle, but watch your footing and bring water for the walk...
At
Ballarat, u could stay a night at the "Governor's House" (erm.. can't rem name) ; you can also get a 2-day pass (if i rem rt) to the mining town via the backgate... Can try booking a dinner with Sound&Light Show thrown-in, it'll bring to another part of the town you can't access by foot..
In
Melbourne itself, there's usually a small weekend festival market under the bridge along the Yarra, near the Crowne Casino.. I got some good handicraft from there..Check it out if you can afford the time..
Driving in Melbourne city, you will encounter the
Hook-Turn.. Basically, the trams run through the city, so if you wanna turn right at a junction, you first have to hook left to let the trams pass, then turn right... Sounds strange? Just go observe how the Aussies do it, before you try..
Also, when booking a car, check with the counter staff what time you have to return it.. Some companies run on 24hr rentals (ie: rent at 10am, return before 10am..), whereas others are on a whole-day basis.. When driving, watch out for those nasty humps that lead-in/out of carparks or sideroads... I scratched the underside of my bumper, costing A$200 repairs...
Just my say... Have Fun!!