Unwind
Free Tai Chi in Federation Square
With the busy holiday season behind us, now is the time to take a deep breath and relax. Head to
Federation Square and start your day with a free session of Tai Chi, held every Tuesday morning from 7.30am-8.30am, until 28/2/2012. If there is wet weather, the session will move indoors to Federation Square's Atrium. No matter what your age or level of fitness, the experienced Tai Chi Australia instructors will lead you through an hour of unwinding. Loose clothing is recommended.
Explore
Melbourne has numerous eclectic laneways to explore
Melbourne CBD has an abundance of laneways and arcades with all sorts of hidden treasures just waiting to be discovered. Shops full of little bits and bobs, tiny bars tucked away and al fresco cafes. Two of my favourite laneways are
Hardware Lane and
Degraves Street. It's also a must to have a wander through the iconic
Block Arcade, which dates back to 1891.
Learn
Learn what it was like to be a police officer in Melbourne in the 1800s
With the weather extremes lately, chances are that the children are going stir crazy. Round them up and take them to the
Victoria Police Museum. Open 10am-4pm Monday to Friday, this fascinating exhibition has real Kelly Gang armour on show. Children can see what it would be like to be a police officer in Melbourne in the 1800s, as well as learn all about the latest CSI forensic technologies. They can even check out the remains of a car that was used in the Russell Street Headquarters bombing. Visitors will also be able to view police files on some of Melbourne's most infamous criminals and shady underworld characters. For those who have a little detective on their hands, or the just plain curious, this is an easy way to pass an afternoon.
Have Some Quiet Time
Take some time out at the State Library
The magnificent
State Library of Victoria is a beautiful example of 19th century architecture in Australia. It is home to about two million books, as well as hundreds of thousands of archived newspapers, pictures and manuscripts. Whether you want to explore Melbourne's past, or just settle down for some quiet time with a good book, the State Library is the perfect place to do it. The Library is also home to two permanent exhibitions - Ned Kelly's Armour, as well as The History of Books. Guided tours are also available.
Get Cultural
Lygon Street, Carlton
First stop:
Chinatown. You'll be able to spot it a mile away, with its bright lights and ornate archways. Most nights the area is packed with nine to fivers grabbing a bite to eat on the way home, or theatre goers before a show. The Chinese cuisine on offer is always amazing, with a little Thai or Japanese thrown in if that's what you're after.
Second Stop:
Lygon Street, Carlton. The leafy Lygon Street is home to some of Melbourne's most famous Italian eateries, and is said by some to be where Melbourne's wining and dining culture began. After you've had your fill of pizza and pasta, have a wander and be tempted by one of the numerous gelati shops along the way.
