Travel  
   

 

 

 

Melbourne

 
 
One of the most diverse cities in the world and a melting pot of over one-hundred different ethnicities, Melbourne has twice been voted as the world’s most livable city. Claiming to be the cultural capital of Australia, the city has something for everyone, including a plethora of cultural festivals and various performances. There are many galleries and museums as well as the famous annual comedy festival. You will never run out of things to do here, and it is often considered to be one of the most enjoyable holiday destinations in Australia.

The city centre of Melbourne is full of bars, cafes and shops. There are many arcades and expansive green parks. In spite of the size of the city, it is easy to get away from the hustle and bustle and stroll through the parks or explore quaint boutiques and shopping arcades. On Sundays, the Queen Victoria Market is well worth a visit, a great place to get cheap fruit and vegetables throughout the week.

Melbourne is also a popular place to visit for its major sporting events or as a base for discovering various surrounding regions such as the Grampian National Park or the Great Ocean Road. You can also take tours of filming locations of various popular soap operas such as Neighbours. You may also be interested in visiting Phillip Island to see the Penguin Parade.

The second largest city in Australia, Melbourne has many districts, but due to its reliable public transport system, it is generally easy to get around. The centre of the city is an interesting mix of the old and the new, with many buildings dating from Victorian times. The central business district is one of the historical cores of the city, while the Albert Park is home to the F1 Grand Prix circuit. You may also be interested in visiting the Bohemian quarter, Fitzroy, which is well known for its restaurants and fashionable boutiques.

With the most tourist attractions in the city, the centre provides a fascinating place to explore. With great shopping options and attractive and diverse architecture, it can all be explored on foot, as it is a fairly confined area. You may also be interested in visiting the Docklands, an area of the city which is filled with restaurants, bars, shops and even a stadium. You will also find it hard to miss the Eureka tower, the tallest residential building in the southern hemisphere. From the top of this building, you can get some spectacular panoramic views of the entire city. The Parliament House of Victoria is also worth a visit, and there are free tours available during the weekdays.

If you are into books, impressive urban architecture or you need free Internet, the State Library is worth a visit. There is an abundance of museums as well, including the Police Museum and the Immigration Museum. For fun for all the family, Melbourne Zoo is also worth a visit, with some particularly fascinating displays of Australia’s native species.