Melbourne is the coastal capital of the southeastern Australian state of Victoria and is located on the banks of the Yarra River, near the entrance to Port Phillip Bay. It is a "city for all seasons". From wandering the hidden laneways and grand tree-lined streets to the acres of city gardens and parklands surrounding the CBD, Melbourne is vibrant, elegant, and multicultural.
TOP 8 PLACES TO SEE
1.FEDERATION SQUARE
The square opened in 2002 to commemorate 100 years of federation and has become an integral part of the city and a great place for tourists to start their sightseeing. The ultra-modern design of open and closed spaces juxtaposes the surrounding Victorian architectural buildings. Tourists will find entertainment in the central outdoor performance space and intimate indoor venues. The Ian Potter Gallery dedicated to Australian art and the Australian Centre for the Moving Image are also housed here.
2.SOUTHBANK AND ARTS CENTRE MELBOURNE
A short stroll from Flinders Street Station on the banks of the Yarra River, this area is a culturally rich attraction for visitors. The promenade is filled with indoor/outdoor cafés, restaurants, live entertainment and an arts and craft market held every Sunday. The Arts Centre incorporates a range of theaters including the State Theatre, Playhouse, Fairfax Theatre, and Hamer Hall, the premier performance space for the revered Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.
3.DOCKLANDS
Docklands has the highest concentration of green-star rated buildings in the southern hemisphere, the waterfront is filled with cafés, restaurants, and parklands. From the observation wheel, The Melbourne Star you have a spectacular view of the surrounding areas. The Etihad Stadium and the Icehouse is also housed here. A art and vintage market is held along the waterfront every Sunday.
4.MELBOURNE MUSEUM AND ROYAL EXHIBITION BUILDING
Surrounded by beautiful gardens and parklands the museum houses a diverse collection of depicting society and cultures. Highlights include the Aboriginal Centre, Bunjilaka, the children's museum, and The Blue Box a cube protruding off the side of the building. Built in 1880 adjacent to the Melbourne Museum is the Royal Exhibition Building. Regular tours are available and the building is still used for exhibitions and special events.
5.EUREKA TOWER
The 91 stories tower was named in recognition of The Eureka Stockade, the 1854 rebellion of prospectors in the Victorian goldfields. Skydeck on the 88th floor is the highest public view in any building in the southern hemisphere, adding to the experience is The Edge, a glass cube that slides out three meters from the building for vertigo-free visitors.
6.NATIONAL GALLERY OF VICTORIA
With more than 68 000 works of art divided in two city locations, the gallery is the oldest in Australia. In the St. Kilda Road building the international collection is housed while the extensive Australian collection is held in the Ian Potter Gallery in Federation Square. One of the highlights is the large triptych format, The Pioneer by Frederick McCubbin.
7.PORT CAMPBELL NATIONAL PARK
The Twelve Apostles rock formation in the park is one of Australia's spectacular natural wonders. Seven stacked rock structures constitute the Twelve Apostles, six of which can be seen from the attraction's main viewing platform. Other landmarks situated in the park include The Arch, London Bridge and a grotto.
8.PENGUIN PARADE
It is not only the largest Little Penguin colony in the world but also Australia’s most popular wildlife attraction. Penguin Parade is the best place to experience this completely natural phenomenon – at sunset hundreds to over a thousand wild Little Penguins emerge from the sea and march across the beach to their sand dune burrows.
OTHER PLACES TO SEE
- Royal Botanic Gardens
- Melbourne Cricket Ground
- Queen Victoria Market
- Shrine of Remembrance
- Yarra River Cruise
- Captain Cook’s Cottage
- Melbourne Zoo
- Yarra Valley
- State Library Victoria
- The Block Arcade
- City Cirvle Tram
- Melbourne Museum
- Flinders Street Station
- Warrook Cattle Farm
- Puffing Billy
- Healesville Sanctuary
- Peninsula Hot Springs
- Harbour Town
- Sovereign Hill
- Melbourne Aquarium
- The Crown
- Luna Park in St. Kilda
- Chinatown
- Chapel Street
- Immigration Museum
- St. Paul’s Cathedral
The best way to get around in Melbourne is by trams, buses, train, shuttle, bike, taxi, car rental and water taxis.
The best seasons are generally considered to be between March and May and September and November). These are the best times to enjoy good weather and avoid massive tourist crowds.
