THE Great Ocean Road is no longer just a great holiday destination – it’s now also a property you can buy in Monopoly.
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The popular tourist route is one of the squares on the first official Melbourne version of the popular board game, which was released on Tuesday.
The game’s release has unveiled some surprises, mostly using key locations instead of streets, and even the player tokens have been given a twist.
A takeaway coffee cup, a football, Phar Lap, a spray paint can, a tram and a book are have been selected as the items that symbolise Melbourne.
While the original edition featured the streets of Atlantic CIty and the version most Australians know took one on a tour of London from the Old Kent Road to Mayfair, Melbourne Monopoly is made up of tourist destinations.
These include the Queen Victoria Market, Shrine of Remembrance, Etihad Stadium, St Kilda beach and the Arts Centre.
A few non-city destinations have been included, such as the Great Ocean Road and Dandenong Ranges.
And which spot got the converted Mayfair position? The MCG.
Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said he expects players to debate about whether the locations chosen were the right ones.
Reid Herbert from game manufacturer Winning Moves Australia said the company had received hundreds of suggestions, with the MCG the overwhelming favourite to take the top spot.
"It was enlightening consulting with the public who resoundly favoured the 'G," he said.
"Steeped in history, it has been an indispensable part of Melbourne's sporting and social fabric since the 1850s, providing a source of relaxation and recreation to locals and visitors to Melbourne alike."
One aspect of Melbourne included are the local twists to the Community Chest and Chance cards, which take a gentle poke at some of the city's favourite stereotypes.
One reads: "A Fitzroy hipster takes too long ordering a half strength, decaf, soy-mocha frappacino, setting you back three spaces".
How very Melbourne.
What do you think? What's Melbourne's Old Kent Road? Or its Mayfair. Have your say in the comments below.
*A version of this story Melbourne edition of Monopoly drops streets, picks special places instead first appeared on The Age.
