Lonely Planet’s New Edition Melbourne & Victoria Travel Guide, Released Today, Suggests Visitors Hop On A Bike To Explore The State.

“Melbourne’s public transport system has great coverage, but the same can’t be said for public transport around the rest of the state,” the new guide says. “Buses are infrequent and trains only head to certain destinations. To get around this, think about hiring a bike at your destination or bringing your own bike on the train. Some towns are good at encouraging this, including Woodend, and it’s also feasible on the Mornington Peninsula and in towns like Echuca.” (p.19)

Visitors on two wheels won’t be the only ones enjoying the state’s scenery.  The guide reports that Victorians spend much of their time living life outdoors. “Open spaces, from outback-like deserts to yellow-sanded bayside beaches, attract activity-seekers, weekend wanderers and jovial holidaymakers,” it says. (p.17)

Beyond Melbourne, the guide says, “Victoria’s towns have character and plenty of culture: outdoor food and wine festivals are almost a weekly event; farmers markets liven up school ovals; and family-friendly music festivals take place in front of stunning natural backdrops. “(p.17)

Three authors spent 105 days on-the-ground researching this eighth edition of Melbourne & Victoria, which is published in Lonely Planet’s new-look, easier-to-read format, featuring more colour photos, clearer maps, and expanded planning tools.

The guide contains the trademark honesty and opinion for which Lonely Planet is renowned.  It acknowledges that Melbourne is consistently named one of the world’s most liveable cities, but adds “Melbourne now has another title: Australia’s most unaffordable city” (p.308).

Elsewhere, Phillip Island “attracts a curious mix of surfers, petrolheads and international tourists making a beeline for those little penguins” (p.225); Ballarat and Bendigo are “grand regional cities” (p.186); while Mildura is “a true oasis  (with) some of the best dining in provincial Victoria” (p.282).

Melbourne & Victoria (8th edition) is one of five new regional guidebooks to Australia that Lonely Planet is releasing this winter. Perth & West Coast Australia (6th edition) and Queensland & the Great Barrier Reef (6th edition) are also available in July, with East Coast Australia (4th edition) and Tasmania (6th edition) following in August.  The guides also feature an expanded focus on hot spots for interstate visitors, including recommendations for short-trips and weekend getaways.

Lonely Planet Melbourne & Victoria (8th edition)

Released 5 July 2011

RRP: $34.99

NOTE TO EDITORS

Review copies of the eighth edition of Lonely Planet Melbourne & Victoria are available.

Want to know what we say about a particular place or attraction?  We can email you the relevant page(s).