48 FOCUS AUGUST 2018 of sites such as the Twelve Apostles, the tragic history of Loch Ard Gorge, and a stop in historic Port Campbell. For the botanists in the crowd, the Royal Botanical Gardens of Melbourne are well worth the visit. I was planning on spending a few hours, but took the bet- ter part of a day to see and explore the vast variety of more than 8,500 species of flora, native to Australia. Another interesting sight is Captain Cook’s Cottage. Built in 1755 in England, the home of Captain Cooke’s parents was purchased and brought to Melbourne in 1934 by Sir Russell Grimwade. It is a point of conjecture among historians whether James Cook, the famous navi- gator, ever lived in the house, but almost certainly he visited his parents there. If you do nothing else while visiting the Melbourne area, you must make time to take in the bustling Queen Victoria Market, the largest open air market in the Southern Hemisphere. The market occupies two city blocks and was opened in the 1860s. It is a major Melbourne tourist destination, adding to its social and cultural significance. Many of the original market structures remain intact, presenting visitors with nineteenth century streetscapes and a working market place. The Meat Hall, constructed in 1869, remains largely intact, and is the oldest of the original buildings. I purchased a sturdy pair of hiking boots for a reasonable price, but shied away from the fish market, as it was a hot day and…, enough said. Melbourne (continued from page 47) An aerial view of the city of Melbourne during twilight blue hour. The 12 Apostles, magnificent rock stacks that rise up from the ocean, are a spectacular sight off Melbourne’s coast. Queen Victoria Market where the city’s best chefs come to pick up some of the finest gourmet ingredients in Melbourne. Jonathan van Bilsen is a photographer, author, columnist, keynote speaker and can be followed at photosNtravel.com TRAVEL TIP: On international flights, book window seats so you can rest your head on the bulkhead. Also, book seats close to the front so you can beat everyone to the passport con- trol line. Most airlines allow you to pay a premium for bulkhead seats. 158 Casimir Street, Port Perry 905-985-2268 virginia.frew@marlintravel.ca MC TICO #4577532 New Winter Sun Brochures are here! Virginia, Colleen, fun seeker Cheyenne, Jean and Leanne Pop in today for your copy of what’s new from your ‘fun in the sun’ agents!