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/19143 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19143 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17982 Quite a nice spot to while away the time with a drink, a meal and the view.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17982 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17791
However, for the adventurous and definitely not the faint hearted, there is the 'Edge', a box of glass (with a steel frame) which slides out about five metres from the viewing platform, so you can also look DOWN!

Go for the view at the Southern Hemisphere's highest look out!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17791 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17327 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17327 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16911
The wine list is superb with wines from France and South America as well as the best of Australia. Superb service along the art of the dining room makes 'Mirka' one of Melbourne's best culinary experiences. We will be going back.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16911 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16826 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16826 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16811
The Shrine was built over six years from 1928 to 1934 as Victoria's memorial to the men and women who served Australia in all armed conflicts throughout Australia's history.

Our Shrine is worth a visit for the
simple message it tells...Lest we forget.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16811 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16775
A pretty good local pub with one of the best outlooks in Melbourne.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16775 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16744 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16744 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16631
Local produce and seafood, a great view and the fine wines from the winery and other areas create a high-class dining experience. Go for lunch or dinner and enjoy!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16631 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16485
Families flock to Merimbula during the holidays. It is a popular spot with city families with Melbournites and Sydneyites holidaying there. Merimbula is a great spot!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16485 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16298
The pub is a favourite of motorcycle riders (it's a great place to start or end a ride) who frequent the bistro but the dining room is a nice place for those wanting something more formal... nice thick linen and quality tableware. It's a nice place to eat for those who have been tramping the wineries in the area or having a hit at Flinders Golf Club.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16298 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16054
In addition, there are quite a few competitions where our farmers and country folk can show off the best bull, pig, horse or who can cook the best sponge or grow the best pumpkin.

Sheepdog and poultry competitions are favourites. City kids also have a chance to see new lambs or piglets or chooks. There are enough circus rides, face painting areas and handicraft stalls to keep everyone happy.

Adults have flamenco, hip hop, capoeira performers, belly dancers and others to keep them entertained.

And of course, there are fireworks at night. Everyone should go and don't forget to grab a ShowBag.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16054 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15974
Cafè Callooh is a new cafè in Hampton with an unusual interior, great coffee and snacks. Soup of the day and other eats are great. Kid-friendly too. Tucked away from the main part of Hampton's High street, Cafè Callooh is well worth a visit! Enjoy the wall writing....]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15974 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15872
Since its early days, Sandown has hosted a variety of events with the EasterNats, Historic Sandown and Sandown 500 featuring the V8 Supercars, being regular events.

Being so close to Melbourne's centre, Sandown is also used for new car release and corporate drive days. Mercedes Benz and BMW conduct driver training there]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15872 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15871
The wine list has been well thought out and there is also a good range of beers (which suit Indian food). A choice of the various Indian breads are offered on the menu. Vegetarians are not forgotten with quite a few selections in the Entree and Mains area of the menu.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15871 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15194 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15194 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14620 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14620 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14315
The 'footy' is aussie speak for football, which is played under the rules of the Australian Football League.

However, this football is like no other on earth. It is uniquely Australian and uses some of the skill sets from Gaelic football (but not use of their round ball), some of the tackling skills of the two rugby codes and the use of the oval Rugby ball but none of the hassles of 'offside', 'own goal', or 'handball' which taint the rules of soccer.

It is a 'winter' game played by both sexes and is very much a sport where the entire family can attend and barrack for their favourite team (or player). It is a game with history going back to the early 1850s and with its rules and first clubs pre-dating even the setup of other major football codes. Some of the rules even relate to age-old aboriginal sports which featured jumping to catch a ball made of possum fur, today reflected in the rules related to 'overhead marking'

Our great game results in a Grand Final (after 22 matches between 16 national teams) traditionally held on the last Saturday in September.

The rules? Too many and complex to list here so I suggest a visit to the AFL website or, if in Melbourne between March and September, go to the footy! It's a Melbourne institution!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14315 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13736
Yes, and I recommend it!

The locals are full of bonhomie; every pub or eatery with a fireplace is welcoming; and the locals, who act as tourist guides at the castle and other touristy places, are happy to see you and have a chat.

Crowds? No ... have have the castle and the whisky tours all to yourself.

You can even venture out of town and maybe have a hit at St Andrews ('cos there is noone else there playing).

There is also the added bonus of Scottish New Year celebrations. Something everyone should do at least once in a lifetime: Hogmanay.

Downside? It's cold - very cold; sleeting and snowing, but hey, nothing a couple of jackets, coats, mufflers, gloves and hats can't fix.

Seriously: go and visit in winter;
it is a different place.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13736