International Students' Excursion 2009

This year 26 of our international students visited some of Melbourne’s outstanding landmarks to help them get a feel for the city and its sporting culture. 

Starting at the Rialto Observation Deck , students had a fantastic view in all directions from the 253 metre tall tower.  Though the day was clear the wind was howling at the top of the tower and only a few students braved the outside viewing platform.

A short tram ride from the tower took us to the Melbourne Cricket Ground, (MCG), the home of cricket and football.  Our guided tour included a visit to the Long Room, the changing rooms and stands and  a chance to stand on the hallowed turf of the G. This famous ground can hold over 100,000 people and is home to the boxing  day test match and AFL final.

 At the MCG students also had the opportunity to participate in the hands on display in the National Sports Museum  and to examine aspects of Melbourne’s sporting culture including the 1956 Melbourne Olympics memorabilia.

By 1.30pm students were desperate for lunch. The scenic walk back to Southbank only served to increase appetites which were rewarded by a great lunch at the Blue Train Café.

Being tourists for the day gave students a chance to see what so many of our overseas visitors come to appreciate and an opportunity to understand why Melbourne is so rightly known as the ‘Sporting Capital of Australia’.

Stuart Baker
International Student Manager