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Melbourne, the city of art and alleys; the real daily life of Melbourne experienced on two wheels, following the gaze of artist Son Hee-wook.
Have you only glimpsed Melbourne through the window of a cruise ship or from the inside of a fast-moving tour bus?
Pedaling a bicycle with artist Son Hee-wook, who possesses both local context and artistic depth,
Embark on a thrilling adventure to encounter Melbourne's hidden alleys and lush parks up close, which are not found in guidebooks.
You can make the excitement and freedom of speeding through the wind into your most special memory in Melbourne. 🚴♂️☕
1. Why does Travel Forest recommend this tour?
A humanities bicycle trip enhanced by the in-depth storytelling of author Son Hee-wook. It is not simply a bicycle rental tour that follows the road.
This is a high-quality urban documentary tour accompanied by writer Son Hee-wook, who possesses deep affection and knowledge of Melbourne, vividly sharing stories of the city's history, architecture, and art.
Designed to be the safest and most pleasant, the 'most Melbourne-esque' route bike path runs along the optimal course where even beginners can ride with confidence in Melbourne, the world's most well-maintained city.
It takes you through the essence of Melbourne, from the Yarra River waterfront to hidden graffiti alleys and secret gardens known only to locals.
We provide complete care from equipment to safety training, and the tour is conducted with a small, elite group to prioritize the safety of participants.
All essential safety equipment, including a professional bicycle perfectly fitted to your body type and a helmet, is provided, and thorough pre-departure training is conducted so you can participate with peace of mind.
2. What Makes Artist Son Hee-wook's Melbourne City Tour Different?
**The Difference in Preparation**
I am a guide fully licensed in Victoria for tours, covered by personal injury insurance, and even certified as an emergency medical technician.
This is a guide trained to handle urgent situations, not just ordinary ones.
**Difference in Depth**
While many tours focus on quickly skimming through photo spots, this tour delves into the essential stories and meanings of the city through the professional perspective of a 'writer'.
It is the most high-quality humanities-based journey, leaving you with knowledge and inspiration even after the trip.
**Highly Immersive Commentary**
We prioritize the quality of commentary that helps you 'read' the city, going beyond mere listening.
The elegant and formal explanations from verified experts elevate a traveler's understanding of Melbourne City to the highest level.
**Maximizing efficiency relative to time**
Melbourne City is vast, but this tour is designed to compress the core route so that you can experience the most important places and stories without missing anything.
It is the perfect choice for those who want to experience the essence of Melbourne during a short trip.
**Difference in Satisfaction**
The thought of "Is a city tour really necessary? Is it worth paying this price to see it?" will disappear within 30 minutes of starting the tour.
A tour with near-perfect review satisfaction explains the difference.
We operate with a maximum of 10 people, providing meticulous care for each traveler.
3. Tour Preview
1) Meeting Time and Location
- Meeting time: 09:10 AM
- Meeting location: Blue Tongue Bikes (Tours & Rentals) / 2 Rebecca Walk, Melbourne VIC 3000
This tour utilizes a professional rental shop to ensure the electric bicycles are in optimal condition.
Please pay the rental fee of $60 (AUD), including helmet, directly on-site by card or cash on the morning of the tour. (Not included in the tour fee)
2) Key Tour Points
The order of the tour points may change or vary depending on the situation on the day.
The time required at most points is approximately 10 minutes.
I am taking a little more time to explain points that require further clarification.
City Waterfront Ride: Departing while feeling the vibrancy of the Yarra Promenade
The start of the tour in earnest! This is a section where you ride along the wide-open Yarra River bike path and enjoy a refreshing sense of openness with the Melbourne skyline as a backdrop.
Royal Botanic Gardens
Experience Melbourne's abundant nature at this place, considered one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world.
Just running along the peaceful path between the giant old trees is perfect healing.
In front of the Shrine of Remembrance
It is an iconic building in Melbourne that honors Australia's history and noble sacrifices.
Pause for a moment against the backdrop of the temple's magnificent exterior and admire the panoramic view overlooking downtown Melbourne.
In front of the National Art Gallery of Victoria (NGV)
As the oldest public art gallery in Australia, the iconic Water Wall at the entrance welcomes travelers.
Run through the sophisticated city atmosphere here, where Melbourne's artistic sensibility begins.
Main Yarra Trail Riding
Escape the noise of the city and drive along a private road that stretches along the Yarra River.
This road, where winding rivers and lush trees harmonize, is the most peaceful and perfect riding course in Melbourne.
In front of MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground)
We come face to face with the grandeur of the MCG, the largest stadium in the Southern Hemisphere with a capacity of 100,000.
Create a wonderful memory against the backdrop of the massive stadium in this place filled with the passionate enthusiasm and history of Melbourne's sports-loving citizens.
Fitzroy Gardens
This is a place where a fairytale-like landscape unfolds in the heart of the city. Passing through a magnificent tunnel of trees, past Cook's Cottage, Tudor Village, and even the Fairy Tree,
Take a leisurely stroll through Melbourne's gardens, filled with history and romance.
St. Patrick's Cathedral
I am overwhelmed by the grandeur of the cathedral, which displays the essence of Gothic style with its three spires soaring towards the sky.
Capture a special once-in-a-lifetime shot against the backdrop of classic medieval European aesthetics hidden within Melbourne's modern landscape.
(Tour within a Tour) Fitzroy Area
Experience the real Melbourne today at Fitzroy, where Melbourne's art and hipster culture come alive.
Complete your own unique travel experience by strolling through colorful graffiti alleys, stylish local cafes, and unique concept stores.
Carlton Gardens
This is an elegant garden nestled within the Royal Exhibition Building, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Deeply savor the lingering afterglow of the tour amidst classic scenery that feels like a European garden.
Swanston Street Riding
We wrap up the tour by running along Melbourne City's main street.
Enjoy a special experience that immerses you in Melbourne's most dynamic daily life, following a dedicated road through ceaseless trams and vibrant crowds.
3) Items to prepare to make the most of the city tour
- Comfortable clothing
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Personal bottled water
And so on... And above all, get ready to love Melbourne!
4) Other useful city tour tips
Melbourne is a city famous for coffee, to the extent that it is called one of the world's top three coffee cities.
That is why hip cafes and restaurants are hidden in every small alleyway of Melbourne City.
Author Son Hee-wook has worked as a barista in Melbourne for over 10 years, so he possesses extensive knowledge about Melbourne coffee.
We plan to guide you to restaurants and coffee spots frequented by locals throughout the tour.
4. A Word from the Forest Keeper
The Melbourne bicycle tour with artist Son Hee-wook is more than simply 'sightseeing the city',
It is close to the time of rolling two wheels and immersing yourself in the real daily life of Melbourne.
Embrace the scents of hidden alleys and the sunlight pouring through the leaves with your whole body—things you could never experience on a tram or bus.
The streets of Melbourne, which were unfamiliar at first, will remain in your heart as the warmest and most beautiful memories by the time the tour ends.
If you are looking for romantic freedom and a deep travel experience in Melbourne, the Forest Keeper highly recommends this bike road trip. 🚴♂️✨
A true journey is not about finding new landscapes, but about gaining a new perspective.
- Marcel Proust -