Skip the Crowds with Show Me Melbourne: A Safe Way to See the City

Show Me Melbourne is still taking on the city with their usual flair, but this time around, itineraries are tweaked to ensure everyone’s safety. There is no way to determine how long the ‘New Normal’ may last, but in the meantime, there are memories to create and experiences to be had.

Owner Jess Lothian and her team love to show people the parts of Melbourne that they wouldn’t find by themselves and continue to share stories that display the human face of the city.

But as of November 2020, Show Me Melbourne had to come up with new ways to craft experiences for their guests and, most importantly, to streamline a safety guide that met the Australian government’s operational standards.

Show Me Melbourne’s walking and bus tours are now executed with the guarantee that physical distancing is implemented, and that all guests wear face masks on the bus and anywhere indoors. Additionally, the team makes use of a record-keeping log to disclose guest information with the DHHS.

Time in the tour buses are limited to travel only, and where a stop is longer than 15 minutes, the buses are to be aired and re-sanitised. In line with government regulations, if any leg of the journey exceeds 30 minutes, it will be broken with a rest stop to ventilate the bus. All guests will need to disembark for the duration of the ventilation stop.

Read: Private Cultural Shopping Sports History Tours Melbourne Victoria Tour Operators

The Show Must Go On

While the hustle and bustle of the city remain minimal, the love for shared experiences is still narrated across the wide spectrum that is Melbourne’s distinct culture. It’s an experience that brings together food, shopping, history, sport, and the arts – all the things that have served as a platform to produce excursions that are both memorable and immersive.

Hopping on board a Show Me Melbourne tour is all about the nooks and crannies that not even Google can find. Besides, one gets far more value for money when a passionate local is at the helm of an appealing itinerary that goes beyond the usual routes.

All tours that form part of Show Me Melbourne’s catalogue are evidence that the guest experience comes first. That, and boundless love for the city Jess and her team calls home.

One can not only expect to revel in the beauty that is Victoria’s capital, but also an opportunity to absorb valuable insight into the history of this spellbinding destination.

Beyond Show Me Melbourne

The area around Port Phillip and the Yarra Valley, on which the city of Melbourne now stands, is said to be the place where the five language groups of the Eastern Kulin Nation gathered. Aboriginal people’s connection to Australia is 60,000 years strong.

The city hopes to help people realise that understanding their past can bring them together during these unusual times.

The City stated that “times that test our resilience and identity as a city and community, where concepts of what it means to be bold, inspirational, sustainable, prosperous and inclusive may be strained”.

The ancient ceremony of Tanderrum can have a modern interpretation that symbolises the coming together of one people in one place, where no one is left behind.

Read: Expert Tour Operators in Melbourne History Shopping Sports Culture Private Tours

The Only Way Out Is Through

There is no easy way to navigate these unprecedented times, but with the first quarter of the new year in full swing, the local travel industry believes that soon they’ll be able to exceed 2019’s total of 39.5 million domestic and international visitors.

This includes Jess and her team who are riding out the storm while keeping a watchful eye on the familiar shores that lie ahead.

Show Me Melbourne offers History and Culture Tours, Sports Tours and Shopping Tours of Melbourne. Read more in detail about what Show Me Melbourne does to deliver exceptional experiences in the capital of Victoria, or to book a place on one of their many bus and walking tours, visit the Show Me Melbourne website or call their team of experts on +61 3 8822 4568.

Syndicated by Baxton Media, The Market Influencers, Your Digital Marketing Agency.

Relish the Rest of Summer in Victoria with Show Me Melbourne

Victoria is known for its sporting culture, rich history, diverse cuisine options, fine wines, and for being nominated as the most liveable city in the world since 2011. Its capital city is a spectacular destination that attracted 32.1 million tourists between July 2018 and June 2019, but long before Melbourne became a thriving metropolis, it was known as Batmania.

The origins of this peculiar name have nothing to do with Bruce Wayne, but perhaps in an alternate universe, Melbourne’s spectacular skyline could be an ideal setting as he saves the day.

Instead, Batmania’s origins have more to do with one of the founding fathers, John Batman, who stumbled across this gem situated on the southeastern fringe of the country and saw the potential it had.

Fast-forward 185 years and modern-day Melbourne now beams as a fetching, multi-cultural urban haven infused with opportunity and diversity.

There really isn’t more convincing that needs to be done, but from a wayfaring perspective, it may be best to delve deep into what Victoria’s Capital has to offer with the help of Show Me Melbourne.

Read: Day Tour Operators Melbourne Victoria for History Culture Sports Shopping Tours

Step Up the Sightseeing

Show Me Melbourne has been at the forefront of taking their guests down the unexplored alleys of the city and into the places that sometimes, even locals are unaware of.

Based on their specialised itineraries that focus on sporting culture, shopping excursions, history, and culture, wanderlust warriors may find themselves immersed in a uniquely crafted experience.

Jess Lothian, Show Me Melbourne’s proprietor, and her team of expert guides takes requests to heart and as they expand, their excursions have grown with the needs of their guests. They believe that technology has empowered travellers to make buying decisions on the move.

All they need to do is open up Google Maps to find the best local restaurants, attractions, and photo spots, but beyond that, it remains vital to share tips on how to make the most of their visit to Melbourne.

“We want to show them it is better to have a guide to experience the city and that we can give them a unique experience,” says Jess.

Read: Melbourne Tour Operator Cultural Shopping Sports History Tours for Small Groups

An Authentic Concept

Show Me Melbourne’s aim is to show the human face of the city. The love for shared experiences is narrated across a broad backdrop of all the things that serves as a platform to produce a multitude of excursions that are both memorable and immersive.

“We make a point of it to show as much as we can in our tours, but it’s virtually impossible to visit every single place of interest in Melbourne, so we tend to pass on tailored city guides that help our guests experience the city on their own,” observes Jess. “Sometimes these guides inspire a guest to ask for a private tour which is a brilliant opportunity to venture even further off the beaten track.”

Apart from Show Me Melbourne’s curated experiences, Jess suggests a few of her favourite must-visit attractions for those who wish to explore the city’s hidden treasures.

• Great Ocean Road

Hit the open road on one of the most scenic drives in Australia (and probably in the world) across 243 kilometres. This iconic stretch starts in Torquay – the surfing capital of the world – and ends in the quaint fishing village knows as Port Fairy.

• Yarra Valley

“Yarra Valley is a region some 30 kilometres east of Melbourne’s central business district through which the famous Yarra River flows. It is also Victoria’s oldest wine region, dating back to 1838 and produces world-class chardonnay and pinot noir” says Jess.

She also notes that this area is enriched with a plenty of scenic beauty and sprawling acres of stunning vineyards. This is truly the best quick escape from the city’s bustle, and a wonderful region to savour local produce.

• Eau De Vie

This is a bar straight out of 1920’s prohibition in America where you are taken back to a much-forgotten era. This is the place to enjoy rare and exclusive whiskies from a large collection displayed in a cozy bar hidden behind a bookshelf.

“Eau De Vie also offers an amazing mixology masterclass – which is a perfect group excursion,” says Jess.

• Brunswick Street, Fitzroy

“Brunswick Street is the epitome of diversity,” says Jess. “This is the heart and soul of bohemian culture – a place for live music shows, tarot readings, food trucks, art & music studios and of course, a few speakeasy’s that eventually spill out into the streets late at night.”

• Old Melbourne Gaol

As a recognised landmark, this place doesn’t nearly enjoy the popularity it deserves. The Old Melbourne Gaol is where Victoria’s most notorious criminal, bush-ranger Ned Kelly (among others) was incarcerated and eventually hanged.

For Jess, this is a really interesting way to look into a different side of Melbourne’s history in a complex field with memorabilia. She also adds that “visitors can embark on ghostly night tours through the haunted building, which is thrilling to say the least.”

• Comedy @ Spleen

This may be one of Melbourne’s hippest places to hang out, but it’s also the place where one can enjoy free comedy shows on a Monday night.

“Sometimes, Spleen draws some big names, and they don’t usually advertise it until a few days beforehand, “ says Jess who also adds that “even if the show is free, a tip goes a long way.”

• Pink Lake

This truly bizarre sight is not what anyone would describe as a celebrated tourist spot. It’s located in a park right next to a freeway, but Jess reckons this odd-ball feature really does charm those who appreciate the weird and the wonderful. “Plus…a hot pink lake makes for a really cool Instagram post,” says Jess.

“Obviously, there is so much more to Melbourne than the things I find to be truly unique, and I believe that therein lies the true beauty of exploration.”

“Land of the best description, equal to any in the world… the most beautiful pasturage I ever saw in my life.” – John Batman.

Read more in detail about what Show Me Melbourne does to deliver exceptional experiences in the capital of Victoria, or to book a place on one of their many bus and walking tours, visit the Show Me Melbourne website or call their team of experts on +61 3 8822 4568.

Syndicated by Baxton Media, The Market Influencers, Your Digital Marketing Agency.

Discover the Best of Victoria’s Glistening Capital with Conceptual Day Tours

Melbourne is hip, dynamic, diverse and exciting. Its core thrives as a bustling metropolis with inner-city neighbourhoods that are busting at the seams with character, culture and history.

This vibrant capital is also known for its excellent dining options, exciting nightlife and boundless amounts of things to see and do. Melbourne is home to a diverse group of people who make the most of what the coffee capital of the world has to offer, but it’s also a place that truly understands the concept of hospitality.

The guided expertise of Show Me Melbourne (a local tour operator) ensures that visitors experience this city’s best features with sports, shopping, history and culture tours that serve as immersive sightseeing excursions within the world’s most livable city.

Read: Melbourne Tour Operator Cultural Shopping Sports History Tours for Small Groups

Show Me Melbourne, Show Me Love

Jessica Lothian, owner of Show Me Melbourne has had a love affair with this city from a very young age. “It’s the place I call home and it’s also the place many people should experience at least once in their lives,” she says.

“It’s partly the reason why I started Show Me Melbourne – to explore every nook and cranny of the city with people who truly have a thirst for adventure and sightseeing,” she continues.

Show Me Melbourne mainly focuses on day tours that are centred around specialised niches, but often run customised private tours for those who have a set idea of what they wish to see and do.

Lothian also shares that “there is a reasonable return rate of visitors who want to explore Melbourne differently and that is exactly what we encourage with our tours.”

Read: Expert Tour Operators in Melbourne History Shopping Sports Culture Private Tours

A True Taste of Melbourne

Jessica Lothian’s team of hosts have years of experience in the tourism field, but above all, there is a genuine desire to provide outstanding tours on every occasion. From historical excursions to modern shopping, sport and art, Show Me Melbourne and its team have been chosen for their knowledge, passion and the itineraries below:

History & Culture Tours

Among other experiences on the list, learn how the 1850s Gold Rush helped shaped Melbourne as we know it today or hop onto the Music Bus Tour that zips across the city to the best live music venues in the city for a thrilling day out. “We also handle walking tours that focus on buildings that pre-date the Gold Rush and glimpses into parts of the city that tells a story,” shares Lothian.

Sports Tours

Show Me Melbourne’s sports tours are not about sitting down in a pub for a few cold ones. Embark on one of their many Sports Lovers Tours that takes guests to Flemington Racecourse, F1 GP Circuit, Athlete’s Village, and includes behind the scenes tours at the MCG and Australian Open Tennis venue. Then there is also the Horses, Beer & Wine Tour that starts with a visit to a historic homestead to view champion racehorses and to enjoy a morning tea. Thereafter you will be taken to a local brewery for beer tasting and lunch followed by a final stop for some wine tasting. 

Shopping Tours

“These tours are massively popular and don’t necessarily revolve around spending,” says Jess. Join a walking excursion on a whistle-stop tour of Melbourne to see areas of historical and artistic importance, the laneways of the city and enjoy some shopping along the way. Alternatively, a bus tour is also available and takes guests to Melbourne’s hot spots for bargains, inclusive of a stop to refuel with lunch and a glass of fizz.

Read more in detail about what Show Me Melbourne does to deliver exceptional experiences in the capital of Victoria, or to book a place on one of their many bus and walking tours, visit the Show Me Melbourne website or call their team of experts on +61 3 8822 4568.

Syndicated by Baxton Media, The Market Influencers, Your Digital Marketing Agency.

Show Me Melbourne: A New Partner to Expand the Travel Bucket List

Take a walk on the wonderful side in the world’s most livable city with Show Me Melbourne – a dynamic day tour company serving realness and rarities.

The city of Melbourne is a hip, bustling metropolis filled with unique character and cultural diversity. Think lush green parks within the city centre and glorious mountain ranges nestling the outer-city neighbourhoods that are waiting to be explored.

Melbourne is also known for excellent dining options on all types of budgets, a thriving arts community and a pulsating nightlife filled with quaint wine bars, live music venues and traditional pubs catering to those who favour post-dinner drinks and entertainment.

“People living in Melbourne enjoy a safe city, affordable healthcare, world-class education, reliable infrastructure and a healthy environment. But we also have so much of our culture to share in terms of sports, history, arts and cuisine. My team and I constructed our small group tours to accommodate these niches and to show off our spectacular city,” says Show Me Melbourne owner, Jess Lothian.

The tour company takes their guests around the city, offering a rare glimpse of what Victoria’s capital has to offer “and we tend to take a walk off the beaten path because we want to deliver a localised approach as opposed to a been-there-done-that tourist situation,” Lothian said.

Read: Tour Operators Melbourne Sports History Cultural Shopping Walking and Bus Tours

Beyond the Curtain Call

Lothian and her team always ensure that guests get the most out of their stay in Melbourne and enjoy sharing tips on where to dine, what to see on a budget and where to go once their tours have come to an end.

“There is much to be done in and around the city that actually doesn’t cost much or anything at all. Many times this may be perceived as boring, but our city has so much to offer beyond the tours we have produced and it’s our pleasure to share tips from a local resident’s perspective,” muses Lothian.

Read: Expert Tour Operators in Melbourne History Shopping Sports Culture Private Tours

5 Places to Visit on Show Me Melbourne’s Radar

Melbourne doesn’t necessarily have to bend the budget. This city has a plethora of activities and attractions to keep visitors busy well after the sun has set.

Here are some of Shoe Me Melbourne’s top picks to expand experiences in the city known as Conde Nast Traveler magazine’s Friendliest City of 2014.

Put a Festive Foot Forward

“There is always a reason to celebrate in this city,” adds Lothian who also notes that the Chinese New Year celebrations in Melbourne are not to be missed. Take part in the exciting festivities from Box Hill to Chinatown and stop by the Bubble Tea Festival in Central Melbourne and savour some Dim Sum at Preston Market before heading to the Victoria Market for live performances.

Mosey Through the Queen Victoria Market

“Even if one ends up buying nothing, there is plenty of things to see here, but it’s a great place to pick up fresh produce, hot doughnuts and souvenirs,” Lothian says.

Stick around for the Night Market on Wednesday nights between November and April for hundreds of food stalls and of course, true to Melbourne, live music.

Stroll Down the Southbank

Lothian also recommends a walk along the iconic Southbank that offers the best Instagram photo-ops of the city’s skyline.

“I love meandering down the promenade where the buskers are at. Usually, I’ll sit down and wait until the Crown Casino’s Gas Brigades send fireballs up into the sky every hour,” says Lothian.

Explore Melbourne On the City Circle Tram

“It gets quite hot in summer and to walk around the city by foot can be a bit of a challenge,” laughs Lothian. “That’s why I always recommend the Circle Tram for spectacular sights along all of La Trobe Street, Harbour Esplanade and Flinders Street. It also follows Spring Street between Flinders and Bourke Streets but travels along Nicholson Street and Victoria Street before turning into La Trobe Street.

Hop on the free tram to see the Melbourne central business district with on-board audio commentary that reveals the attractions at each stop and interesting facts along the way.

National Gallery of Victoria

Right up St Kilda Road, a monumental bluestone building stands in plain sight and serves as the home for more than 73,000 pieces of art under the world’s largest stained-glass ceiling.

“For those who appreciate art, this is the place to visit. There is a permanent collection, but often the National Gallery of Victoria hosts exhibitions and cultural events such as the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces which is a sight to behold,” Lothian concludes.

Naturally, there is far more to explore and experience, but the best way to do so is with the guidance from the people who circle the city on a daily basis in an effort to share the multitude of joys that Melbourne has to offer.

For more information visit the Show Me Melbourne website or call their team of experts on +61 3 8822 4568.

Syndicated by Baxton Media, The Market Influencers, Your Digital Marketing Agency.

Show Me Melbourne: Operating with Caution and Care in the ‘New Normal’

With the global lockdown of 2020 stretching the limits of how businesses operate, Show Me Melbourne has taken an adaptable approach to operate under streamlined guidelines to ensure the safety of their guests.

The Show Me Melbourne team has recently taken on the task of re-opening for business with notable changes made to how they run tours in and around this mesmerising destination.

According to Show Me Melbourne’s owner, Jess Lothian “The capital of Victoria has seen a slight increase in visitors and now more than ever, and our extensive experience has allowed us to put the theory of our precautionary systems to test as we welcome guests to partake in our tours.”

There are preventative measures the team has been taking to ensure the safety of their guests, and in addition to that, the City of Melbourne has pledged to do their part in helping the tourism industry to once again reach thriving heights of success.

To Mask or Not to Mask…

They say that fortune favours the bold and while this may ring true in certain scenarios, there is no room for error after this global pandemic presented its staying power.

However, there is much to be said for businesses who have done everything in their power to ensure that they adhere to the strict operational guidelines put in place by the Australian government.

“It takes a fair amount of effort to restructure operational standards and to ensure efficacy, but on November the 24th, 2020, we proceeded with our guidelines to open ourselves up for business once again,” assures Lothian.

Show Me Melbourne was been given the green light to proceed with their onboarding and operational requirements for all of their specialised tours that include the following:

• Guests joining for bus and walking tours must wear face masks in indoor areas and maintain social distancing while observing the hygiene practices put in place by the Show Me Melbourne team.

• A record-keeping log to disclose guest information to the DHHS in the event of a confirmed case on one of their tours.

• Travel-only purposes in tour buses will apply and should there be a stop that exceeds the 15-minute timeframe, the bus will then be aired and re-sanitised.

• The team will not be using recirculated air to ventilate the bus, and where practical, the windows of the bus will remain open.

• As instructed by the government, all journeys that exceed a duration of 30 minutes will have to be stopped for a proper ventilation process before the tour continues. All guests will be asked to disembark for the duration of the ventilation process.

While these practices are operational, it has also been said that Show Me Melbourne will not be operating at a 100% capacity for the time being.

But more pressingly, the City of Melbourne has recently made a restorative course of action to support the businesses of this city public and hopes to be the core of support to set things in motion.

Hitting the Reset Button

In a very thorough COVID-19 Reactivation and Recovery Plan of 2020, the City of Melbourne has revealed insights that provide a unique window of opportunity to consider what the community wants for the future post-recovery, but Lothian thinks this can only be “achieved realistically.”

By understanding the issues as well as the opportunities that most are facing due to COVID-19, The City of Melbourne was forced to think out of the box and to set a course of action in motion that will ultimately support their future plans inclusive of the following:

• To re-ignite interest in Melbourne with its vibrancy, activities, open spaces and amenities. Victoria’s capital is a safe and accessible gathering place for entertainment, cultural experiences, business, education, sporting events and tourism. It’s a place that welcomes people from all walks of life and carries a torch for diversity.

• To focus on the Aboriginal knowledge and history that underpins the country’s identity, spaces, events and experiences.

• By highlighting Melbourne’s livability and unique identity is pivotal. It attracts talent, innovation and investment which is powered by the unified actions falling under the wings of the government and the private sector.

• Encourage the celebration of Melbourne’s distinctive character by protecting its natural heritage and by drawing attention to these matters for future generations.

• To preserve and protect Melbourne’s natural assets alongside the city’s identity and amenities.

• Striving for dynamically reimagined buildings and processes that welcome sustainability and adaptive uses for an optimised existence under a new, fortified infrastructure.

There is a lot to consider and more to implement by the government, The City of Melbourne, and its people.

This includes the likes of Show Me Melbourne and other tour operators who are now actively communicating how they are navigating these trying times with flair and fondness for this place they call home.

For more information visit the Show Me Melbourne website or call their team of experts on +61 3 8822 4568.

Syndicated by Baxton Media, The Market Influencers, Your Digital Marketing Agency.

Show Me Melbourne: A Trusted Tour Operator Exploring the City’s Undiscovered Nooks and Crannies

This Summer, take Melbourne by storm with a carefully-curated experience led by one of Victoria’s leading day tour experts.

Australia’s second-largest city is not only home to a flourishing central business district, but also suburbs that spread more than 40 km to the south, 30 km to the east, 20 km to the north and finally sprawling across vast, flat basalt plains to the west. It’s a bustling, vibrant city filled with diverse characteristics and deep-rooted culture centred around the arts, food, fashion, sport and history.

Melbourne has a reputation for conservatism and of course financial soundness – attributes that have contributed to the rapid growth of this city against the backdrop of a revelatory, burgeoning skyline that leads to the expanding suburbs beyond.

Melbourne’s impressive growth and expansion aside, 2019 proved to be a year of staggering statistics within the tourism sector, welcoming a collective 39.5 million domestic and international visitors.

Right in the middle of this impressive influx, is Show Me Melbourne – a tour operator producing immersive day tours around the city’s most thrilling experiences.

Making It Memorable

“Show Me Melbourne’s aim has always been to lead excursions that are unique, but that also cover an element of history or culture other tour operators do not touch base on,” says Jess Lothian, owner of the day-tour company, Show Me Melbourne.

This has helped them to serve their knowledge of Melbourne in four niches (History & Culture, Shopping, Sports and Private) that highlights a collection of distinctive itineraries.

Furthermore, Lothian said that “Show Me Melbourne’s jam-packed excursions are perfect for boys’ and girls’ weekends away, it brings together corporate groups but also works well with families and groups of friends who wish to explore the capital of Victoria with the help of our local insight.”

It comes as no surprise that nothing but the best insight and a journey off the beaten track can be expected, but also the anticipation to be welcomed as a friend and not just another guest on a list.

Lothian merged her professional experiences (including that of Melbourne Shopping Experiences and Melbourne Sports Tours) by adding the Rotary ethos “Service Above Self” to create a solid platform from which she hopes to share the joys of Melbourne from a relaxed and informative perspective.

A Precautionary Tale

The “New Normal” definitely ruffled some feathers and has forced many industries to review and adapt their way of doing business. The tourism sector is no exception – especially as an industry that has suffered more greatly than others.

To welcome these changes, Show Me Melbourne has taken “zero shortcuts to provide a safe and socially-distant environment for guests to enjoy the city in,” according to Lothian. Granted, the streets may be quieter than usual, but perhaps this will present a few advantages in itself.

Think more legroom to stride down the sidewalks of the city, first pickings on bargains, less waiting times for drinks and lunch, and of course better opportunities to catch that perfect selfie in the middle of the street.

To warrant that they meet operational standards as required by the Australian government, basic requirements to onboard a tour must be met. All bus and walking tours are handled with the utmost care guaranteeing physical distancing, the wearing of face masks indoors and observing good hygiene.

Additionally, the team will make use of a record-keeping log to disclose guest information with the DHHS in the event of a confirmed case on one of their tours.

Time in the tour buses will be limited to travel only, and where a stop is longer than 15 minutes, the bus will be aired and re-sanitised. Show Me Melbourne will also not use recirculated air to ventilate the bus and windows will be open where practical.

In addition to that, “If any leg of the journey exceeds 30 minutes, it will be broken with a rest stop to ventilate the bus. All guests will need to disembark for the duration of the ventilation stop,” confirmed Lothian when asked about any other preventative measures that the business is implementing.

“Show Me Melbourne is as ready as ever to guide domestic and international visitors through Victoria’s fairest with the help of our precautionary regulations,” says Lothian.

But it’s also their well-rounded outlook on guest relations, and a healthy dose of optimism that leads the way through the streets of a city waiting to welcome everyone with open arms.

For more information visit the Show Me Melbourne website or call their team of experts on +61 3 8822 4568.

Syndicated by Baxton Media, The Market Influencers, Your Digital Marketing Agency.