http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25436 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25436 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24276
The city's network of arcades is Australia's most extensive, with Block Arcade between Collins and Elizabeth streets, built in 1891, its crowning glory. Royal Arcade (between Bourke Street Mall and Little Collins Street), is Melbourne's oldest, built in 1869, and features Gaunt's clock and the two folklore giants of the ancient Britons, Gog and Magog, who strike the hour.

The various lanes and alleys in the city centre all hold their own interest and most have a specific history. The group of back alleys famous (or infamous) for having all Melbourne's brothels in the 1880s or the lanes either side of the Chinatown strip are a rich source of authentic Asian eateries. Hardware Lane, one of the first laneways to be restored in the 1980s, now has a fine collection of outdoor cafes and bars. The local interest in these lanes and alleys has recently seen one named in honour of one of our best known rock bands... AC/DC]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24276 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/22973 What is it? It's a cross between a fun house, museum and a shop.
This place in Melbourne is full of collectables, fossils, old antiques, old scientific curios, natural history items (taxidermy anyone?) and even has a perfume library. Amazing, crazy, eclectic, eccentric ... that's Wunderkammer!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/22973 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20169
Built in the '30s by Justus Jorgensen, it was a retreat for artists and sculptors. These days it's a nice place to visit on a quiet Sunday afternoon to view the various art exhibitions and sculptures (or in my case a celebration of a wedding in the Great Hall).]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20169 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12822
I used a free podcast from Talk'N Tours which was great but there are others available.

I got to see street art, quirky shops and a good bit of the central city sights as I wound my way along the back streets and through alleyways I otherwise wouldn't have.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12822 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11549
Over the years, speakers (including Prime Ministers) have gathered on the banks of the Yarra river to discuss politics (brave!). In 1995, the tradition was relocated to the forecourt. If you have something you think needs to be heard, the stage is yours between 2.30pm and 5.30pm every Sunday. The audience gets to heckle and boo for free.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11549 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11147 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11147 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/7451 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/7451 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/7137 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/7137 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/6958 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/6958 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/6685 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/6685 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/900 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/900