Not only is Melbourne the capital city of Victoria, but it’s also one of the world’s most beautiful metropolises and Australia’s most popular destinations. With its diverse culture, fine art and superb food, Melbourne has become the most liveable city in the world. Should you decide to visit Melbourne, the warmer months, from November to March, are the perfect time to go, since this is the period when the city is at its finest.
Image by Bernard Spragg. NZ, Source Yarra River Cruise Being Victoria’s iconic river system, the Yarra River is one of the main highlights that runs through the heart of Melbourne. Although you could just take a walk along the river, a much better way to explore the Yarra and the city is by signing up for a river cruise. Apart from various famous buildings, you will also have the opportunity to see the Crown Casino, many art sculptures and installations that lie on the river banks. When it comes to cruise offers, you’ll have many attractive options to choose from and your only problem will be to make up your mind.
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Spicy baked eggs at Axil Coffee Roasters – Image by Katherine Lim, Source
The Sports Precinct
Being known as Australia’s sporting capital, Melbourne definitely lives up to the expectations. Even if you’re not an avid tennis fan, you won’t be able to resist the charms of the world-known Australian Open that takes place in January. Those of you who are visiting Melbourne mainly for the Australian Open, get ready to witness some of the most spectacular tennis matches. Other sporting events that will delight you with their lively atmosphere include the Formula 1 Grand Prix, the Ashes and the Melbourne Cup.
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St Kilda Beach
With its soft sand, grassy areas and captivating views, St Kilda is one of Melbourne’s most popular attractions. If you happen to be in Melbourne in February, don’t miss the excitement and laughs of a week-long St Kilda Festival of music performances and comedy shows. You can visit St Kilda Esplanade Arts and Crafts Market on Sundays, and then relax in one of the heated seawater spas or pools at the St Kilda Sea Baths. While there, have a picnic by the sea with your friends and enjoy the breath-taking scenery.
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Being on the list of the top cities to live in, Melbourne offers a variety of options that will please any type of tourist. Once you visit this world’s metropolis, you’ll be reluctant to leave.
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See
- Australian Centre for the Moving Image – a free museum located at Fed Square. Here, you can admire the evolution of television and have fun with interactive touch screen toys
- Eureka Skydeck – experience the most amazing views of the city from the 88th floor of the Eureka Tower, making this the highest platform in the southern hemisphere. In the evening, you can witness the most spectacular views of Melbourne’s twinkling lights
- Melbourne Zoo – located in the vicinity of the city, it is divided into different subsections providing an easy way to explore what it has to offer. However, if you’re more interested in aquatic species, then you should visit the SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, home to manta rays, crocodiles, grey nurse sharks, seahorses and many other underwater species
- The National Gallery of Victoria Australia Museum – aficionados shouldn’t miss the opportunity to see the collection of more than 70,000 works exhibited. Apart from the colonial and contemporary pieces, the Gallery also features Australian Aboriginal artefacts, so you will be able to gain a deeper insight into the indigenous Australian culture
- Royal Botanic Gardens – one of the finest examples of Victorian landscaping. Home to over 50,000 different plants, including native, rare and endangered species. Main highlights are the National Herbarium, Plant Craft Cottage, Tropical Hothouse and the Guilfoyle’s Volcano water reservoir
Stay
- Notel – One of the most unique experiences you’ll find in Melbourne, accommodation-wise, is Notel, a luxurious “not-hotel”. Located on a rooftop in a stylish setting, Notel consists of six silver Airstream caravans. In order to check in, you will have to download an app, which you will also use as your key
- Crown Towers – If you are looking for a luxurious accommodation with a spa, then this is your place!
- Adelphi Hotel – A very stylish, colorful and modern boutique hotel for those who enjoy art and color
- Sharing an apartment with flatmates from Australia – This is an option in case you are looking for more affordable accommodation. This is also a great way for having a more authentic experience in Melbourne
Eat/Drink
- Magic Mountain Saloon – perfect place to try Thai-Australian cuisine that features superb dishes, including rice, noodles, roti and congee. If you happen to stop by around breakfast time, you should order the chicken and kaffir lime, Scotch egg with pork ribs and tamarind
- Axil Coffee Roasters – definitely try the red velvet pancakes topped with black sesame ice-cream, raspberries, cream cheese ganache and chocolate brownie soil
- Serotonin Eatery – a café that will satisfy your cravings for healthy food and desire for peace of mind. While relaxing in a swing or on the Japanese-style lounges, take a sip of Peanut Butter organic latte and wait for your Positive Pancakes made from banana flour and topped with banana-flavoured ice-cream, coconut yoghurt, almonds, berries and agave
- Matcha Mylkbar – this place will delight any vegan visitor with its colourful menu that features healthy drinks, such as Mushroom Latte which contains a blend of ancient Chinese herbal medicine. When it comes to Matcha’s dishes, rarely can a guest resist the lure of the hot-pink dragon fruit breakfast bowl or soy burger on a green matcha bun