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Best Places to Visit in Melbourne in 2020

Queen Victoria Market is the heart and soul of Melbourne. Eat, shop, explore and discover your way through our iconic food halls and heritage Sheds where the banter is as fresh as the produce. Or simply soak up the atmosphere of the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere. There’s no place like our Market. It’s an experience that engages all the senses. Queen Victoria Market is much more than the city’s fresh-food shopping Mecca – it’s a historic landmark, a tourist attraction, and a Melbourne institution. Spanning several city blocks, Queen Vic Market is the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere. Shoppers can find everything from fruit and vegetables to local and imported gourmet foods, fashion and general merchandise. Wander through the bustling Meat, Fish and Dairy Halls, where you can pick up artisan cheeses, dressed meats, and take away food, or discover the seemingly endless array of seasonal fruit and vegetables showcasing the best of Australian produce. Explore the Market's historic sheds to grab a bargain or find a Melbourne-made treasure amongst clothing, jewelry, handicrafts, home wares and souvenirs.

If you are someone deeply interested in botany then you must not skip the Royal botanical gardens in Sydney. The place was opened in 1816 which makes it one of the oldest scientific institution not only in Australia but in the whole world.

 

Location: The Royal botanical garden is located in the Mrs. Macquarie's road in Sydney and the place is quite accessible from most of the major locations in the city.

Highlights: It is one of the major botanical gardens located in the heart of Sydney where you will find plants of a wide variety of species.

Price: The entry is free to all which makes more people come here and explore the place.

Best time to visit: The botanical garden is open from 9 in the morning to 5:30 in the evening so you need to visit the place during these times to be able to see plants that are on the display.

Puffing Billy travels through the Dandenong Ranges east of Melbourne (sometimes referred to as 'The Dandenongs') All aboard Puffing Billy – Australia's most popular steam train ride! Running daily from the foothills at Belgrave to the mountain town of Gembrook, Puffing Billy is the most fun way to tour the Dandenong Ranges. Puffing Billy's rattling red carriages run across three historic timber bridges, uphill and down dale, through valleys and plains filled with tree ferns, and under the shadow of towering mountain ash. The route runs through the eucalyptus of Sherbrooke Forest, past the steam museum at Menzies Creek and the picnic grounds at Emerald Lake, in the pretty town of Gembrook. The one-way journey is 24 km (15 miles), taking just under two hours. Puffing Billy is Australia's favorite steam train and is one of the finest preserved steam railways in the world. This century-old steam train is still running on its original 25-kilometer mountain track from Belgrave to Gembrook, through the beautiful forests and fern gullies of the Dandenong Ranges.

Melbourne Zoo is Australia's oldest zoo and was modeled on London Zoo. The zoo was opened on 6 October 1862 at the Royal Park site in 55-acre (22 ha) on land donated by the City of Melbourne. Before this, animals were housed at the botanical gardens in Melbourne. Visitors can see historical cages, including the heritage listed Elephant House, which has been renovated and adapted for use for customers paying to sleep overnight in tents at the zoo in popular Roar and Snore evenings. These evenings allow the public to see some of the nocturnal animals at the zoo in evening guided tours by keepers. One of the most famous exhibits was Quinine the elephant. The zoo is set among flower gardens and picnic areas. Many of the animals are now organized in bioclimatic zones: African rainforest featuring gorillas, mandrills, pigmy hippos and parrots; Asian Rainforest with tigers and otters; and the Australian bush with koalas, kangaroos, emus, echidnas and endangered hairy-nosed wombats.

 

What is a trip without any adventurous activity? Get some adrenalin into your bodies when you come to Melbourne by taking part in the Europa Skydeck.

Highlights – Located at a height of 292m, the Eureka Tower promises to provide ultimate thrill and entertainment to the adventure enthusiasts.

Get a panoramic view of Melbourne City from around 300m above sea level from all 360 degrees. There are close to 30 viewfinders on the Skydeck, through which you can spot some of the major landmarks of Melbourne from the towering heights of the Eureka. This is the only place in the world where you will find “The Edge” – a glass cube located at 88th floor of the tower, providing incredible views to tourists who are suspended from here.


Location – Southbank precinct of Melbourne.

Timings – 10AM to 10PM.

Price – 20AUD per adult and 11.50AUD for kids aged between 4 and 16years. 

Providing beautiful views of the commercial landscapes of Melbourne, Williamstown Beach is one of the most-loved beaches in this city by locals and tourists.



Highlights – This beach is situated very close to the main city is often one of the most sought-after weekend getaways for locals. It is fondly addressed as Willy Beach by the locals. Every month local traders put up waterside craft stalls at the Nelson’s Place Point. If you are lucky enough, you can watch the lively ambience in this waterside stall and buy some excellent local handicrafts at reasonable rates.

Location - It is very easily accessible through public transport as it is just about 5 minutes away from Gem Pier Station.

Activities – deep water swimming, paddle swimming, sunbaking, sailing, walking, relaxing strolls, watching fireworks at night during important festival days etc.

One of the scenic and beautiful beaches of Melbourne, Sorrento, is an absolute treat to watch during the sunset hours.



Highlights – Encompassed by a canopy of Port Philip Bay waters on one side and Bass Straight waters on the other side, Sorrento proves to be an awesome tourist spot for people of all age groups. The foreshore that surrounds the beach is replete with absolute natural extravaganza, making it one of the Melbourne’s most beautiful beaches. Added to this, the beach has lots of jetties clear-water rock pools and an incredible coastline that you just cannot get enough of! Visit here during the evenings to time your trip with the sunset, to experience the beauty of the beach in its full form.

Location – Around 90minutes from the Central Business District of Melbourne.

Activities – Awesome walking trails which find lots of early morning walkers and joggers making full use of it daily.

Take a fascinating journey from the coast to the ocean depths through 12 themed zones, including one of the world’s largest Saltwater Crocodiles residing in the state-of-the-art the Croc Lair exhibit. Don’t miss the Australia’s most interactive rainforest; get up close to the 10,000 creatures, including Australia’s largest collection of Sub-Antarctic penguins, the world’s largest collection of Sea Horses and the only Elephant Sharks in the captivity. Find out how it feels to touch a starfish and the other creatures living in our interactive rock pool. Fun talks and an animal feeds, special events and our Dive Adventure Trail means that there’s always a load for everyone to enjoy at the SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium. The all new SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, with 12 amazing habitat zones to discover, is on top of the list of things to do in the Melbourne. No trip to Melbourne is complete without visiting the Melbourne Aquarium. Situated on the riverside, just opposite to the Crown Casino, the Melbourne Aquarium is a home to the thousands of animals, including sharks, turtles, stingrays, sawfish, tropical fish and much, much more.

With mosaic-tile flooring, a glass canopy and carved stone, the Block Arcade is one of the finest examples of a 19th-century shopping arcade on the planet. Connecting Collins Street to Little Collins and Elizabeth streets, the heritage, shopping arcade was built between 1891 and 1893, its design modeled on Milan's grand Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. The boutiques and cafes taking up residence in the Block have retained the arcade’s richly decorated uniform design, ensuring a seamless shopping experience from the color-coordinated plant holders and paintwork to the heritage lighting and translucent glass ceiling. The arcade's most popular residents include the Hopetoun Tea Rooms, whose windows filled with delicious cakes are as beloved by photographers as by gourmands, and Haigh's Chocolates, one of Australia's premier chocolatiers. The Block is a regular fixture on food tours and leads to the flurry of tightly squeezed cafes lining Block Place. Go behind the scenes on the Block on one of the twice-weekly guided tours, held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1pm and meeting in front of the Hopetoun Tea Rooms.

If you are a lover of theatre, arts, drama and other dance/musical shows, the Southbank & Arts Centre at Melbourne (previously known as Victorian Arts Centre) should definitely be on top of your must-visit places.

Highlights – Standing tall at a height of 182m, this centre was open to the general public during 1984 and has distinct zones within it for various performing arts. Some of the famous venues here are Hamer Hall, State Theatre, Playhouse, Fairfax Studio and Galleries.

You can find legendary pop music artists, ballet dancers from across the globe, exhibitions of exquisite handcrafted clothes and accessories, famous stage plays and other events of great interest staged here at regular intervals. You can also take up one of the many guided tours available here to know more about this place.


 Location – Southbank district.

 Timings – Depend on the timings of a particular show.

 Price – Varies as per show.

Exclusively known for its bar food and amazing night-life experience, Ecau de Vie in Melbourne, offers some of the best drinks and dishes from the world to its guests.

Highlights – Whiskeys and cocktails offered here are considered to be the best among all the bars in Melbourne. The best thing that you will find here is that the staff members are quite knowledgeable about the menu and will suggest some great drinks for you that you would have never heard of earlier! You have to reserve here in advance on all the days, because the bar gets too crowded within a short time of opening.

 
Location – 1, Malthouse Lane, Melbourne CBD. Price for two – Close to 90AUD. Speciality dishes – Oceanside Cocktail, Nitrogen Espresso Martini, Smoky Rob Roy, espresso zabaione, Kingston, 4 cheese sandwich and many more.

Timings – 5PM to 1AM.

Melbourne Central is one of the famous shopping malls in the city of Melbourne, offering unlimited entertainment to guests coming here.

 

Highlight-  A shopping mall constructed over five levels, Melbourne Central is the one stop solution for your fashion, dining and entertainment requirements. There are over 300 retail outlets in this mall with most of them being internationally recognised brands as well. The car parking lot of this place has the capacity to accommodate 822 cars at a time. Level 3 of this complex is dedicated to clubs & bars; therefore, during the night hours, the ambience is absolutely awesome here.

Location – Cnr La Trobe & Swanston Streets, Melbourne. Famous for - International fashion stores, great dining options, nightclubs, bar, kids’ stores, toys, sports & recreation, speciality stores, health & wellness, Beauty & personal care and more.

Timings – 10AM-7PM (Mon-Wed & weekends) 10AM-9PM (Thurs & Fri); 

A short one-hour drive from the Melbourne city sits the beautiful Yarra Valley. Best known for producing excellent Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, the Valley is home to more than the 120 wineries. Whether you take the family, run away for romance with your partner, or round up some friends, the Yarra Valley is the perfect weekend escape. Float high above the Yarra Valley in a hot air balloon for unprecedented views of rolling hills strung with vines, lush greenery, and pastures. With boutique wineries around every bend in the valley, you'll soon be attuned to its charms. Enjoy a meal accompanied by a local wine amid the vines as you travel around. See alternate views of the valley from both inside and outside the curved Tarra Warra Museum of the Modern Art, built to integrate into the landscape. Pick up some winery specials to enjoy a gourmet picnic in the peaceful fern gullies and mountain ash at the Badger Weir Park near Healesville. Venture into the Christmas Hills and Sugarloaf Reservoir. Go bushwalking along the 18-kilometre trail, bird watching, sightseeing, sailing and shoreline fishing. Have a picnic at Ironbark Ridge or Saddle Dam overlooking the reservoir.

The City Circle Tram service provides a free and convenient way to get around central Melbourne. Tourists, shoppers, office workers, and families can use the City Circle Tram to travel to major attractions, shops and city events. An audio commentary provides details of city landmarks and major attractions such as the City Museum, Parliament House, Docklands, Federation Square, Melbourne Aquarium and the Princess Theatre. The City Circle route is serviced by heritage W class trams decorated in special maroon and green with yellow and gold trimmings. Tourists can spend all day on a City Circle Tram! Information leaflets, including an 'easy to understand' map of the city is available on board each City Circle Tram. The City Circle Tram can be used as a 'hop on - hop off' service, this way tourists can enjoy each of Melbourne's sites and have the added bonus of traditional Melbourne transportation. To catch the free City Circle Tram service (route number 35), simply board the tram at any of the specially marked stops on the route.

This is one of the important tourist attractions in Melbourne and is a place of historical importance as well.

Highlights – Essentially a war memorial, this shrine was constructed as an ode to the hundreds of Australian men and women soldiers who lost their lives during World War I. The memorial was open to the general public during 11th November 1934 and is currently one of the biggest in Australia. Every year, on the 25th of April, ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) Day is observed here.

Today, tourists who come to this memorial can get a bird’s eye view of historic accidents through the memorial’s exhibition and museums. Lots of educational activities happen regularly to teach people about the richness of their bygone legacy.

Location – Kings Domain, St. Kilda Road, Melbourne.

Timings – 10AM to 5PM daily; closed for Christmas and Good Friday.

Price – Admission is free of cost.

South bank is the area that stretches along the southern bank of the Yarra River. It starts the moment you cross Princes Bridge, turn left and walk down the steps to the river. South bank was once an old and neglected area, mostly industrial, which has recently been rejuvenated as the heartbeat of the central city area. This has been done by using the Yarra River as a central feature and by introducing entertainment facilities along the river bank. The main focal point is the Southgate Arts & Leisure Precinct, which is Melbourne's main entertainment precinct and which has upmarket shops and restaurants, trendy cafes, food courts and a five-star hotel. This area also is the home of the Arts Centre and its theaters, as well as the Hamer Hall (previously Melbourne Concert Hall). At Southgate, a huge emphasis is placed on outdoor eating and sidewalk entertainment. A market is held along the footways at the eastern end of the river bank on Sunday mornings. You can catch a steamboat opposite the Southgate complex for a trip up the Yarra. Further along, the southern bank there is the Crown Entertainment Complex, which is also big on restaurants and shops (as well as gambling). Further on, there is the Melbourne Exhibition Centre.

When you visit Melbourne during the summers, the beaches of the city should definitely be on your top go-to lists. There are many breath-taking beaches in this second largest city of Melbourne and St. Kilda Beach is one of them.



Highlights – Running for over 700m in length, St. Kilda beach is purely paradise one earth, especially during the hot summers. The waters are abode to various simmers of all age groups who come here to beat the heat. Also the shores are full of people who engage in some water sports or the other. You will find no dearth for refreshments as there are a number of restaurants and bars lined along the sea baths of St. Kilda.

Location – Port Philip, Victoria.

Activities – Swimming, kite-surfing, wing-surfing, water-skiing, jet-skiing, beach volleyball, sailing, rollerblading, skating park, boardwalk, walking, jogging, cycling and many more.

This is one of the better known shopping centres in Melbourne specialising in a lot of categories.



Highlights – This is the second biggest mall in Australia, in terms of floor-area occupied. This mall was opened to the general public during 1970 and has close to 470 stores in its complex today. There are 2 floors in this shopping complex and the car parking facility can accommodate 6493 cars at any point of time.

Location – Narre Warren, south-eastern suburb of Melbourne. Famous for – A whole bevy of categories like food, fashion, kids, sports & fitness, bags, beauty & wellness, personal care, home furnishings, electronics and many more. In all of these categories, you will be thrilled to find many leading international brands as well. Apart from this you can enjoy movies, shows and experience multi-cuisine dining options here.

Timings – 9AM-5.30PM (Mon-Wed); 9AM-9PM (Thurs & Fri);9AM-5PM (Sat) & 10AM-5PM (Sun).

The city center of Melbourne represents the city's cultural, entertainment and financial heart. Locally called the Central Business District, the CBD or simply the City, it is where international and interstate visitors spend the bulk of their time. Most must-see attractions sit within the city's grid-planned center, as is much of the accommodation and nightlife. The main visitor information center is in Federation Square, right near the intersection of Swanston and Flinders Streets. Another information center exists near Cooks Cottage in Fitzroy Gardens, and a small information booth is in the Bourke Street Mall. Additionally, volunteer city ambassadors dressed in a distinctive red uniform are stationed along Swanston St to help tourists with inquiries and directions. The City Centre is Melbourne's hub of public transport. Every train line and most tram routes pass through or terminate in the city. All suburban trains will stop at the city's busiest interchange, Flinders Street Station. Country trains terminate at Southern Cross Station. Trams mostly run east to west along Bourke and Collins Streets, and north to south along Swanston Street.

Street markets are one of the greatest attractions in Melbourne City. Bourke Street Mall is one of them.

 

Highlights – Due to its ultra-busy nature, Bourke Street is known as Melbourne’s second street (first one being Collins Street). Bourke Street Mall located on this street runs for 2km in length and is one of the main tourist attractions of the city. This mall is home to some of the famous restaurants, bars and cafes. During the weekends and evening hours, the mall witnesses thousands of people. There are more than 500 business units of various categories like restaurants, entertainment, fashion, household goods, beauty, speciality shops etc. in this mall.

Location – 200m towards north of Swanston Street & Elizabeth Street.

Famous for – International & local restaurants, cafes and bars.

Timings – Differs as per shops.

Bridge Road in Richmond not only provides you a unique shopping experience but also provides you a sneek-peek into the rich cultural heritage of the place.

 

Highlights - History of this market dates back to as early as the 18th century. Formed just a few years after the Europeans settled in Victoria, this place was once the hub of corn and hay stores. Later on, they slowly developed into leading fashion outlets, award-winning restaurants, confectioneries, cafes, furniture and other stores. Even today, many heritage walk tours are conducted in and around this area. It is easily accessible by foot, car, bike and public transport.

Location – Very short distance from Melbourne CBD.

Famous for – Fashion outlets selling all international styles of clothes, great restaurants, high-quality furniture outlets, community shops, arts, wellness and other retail outlets.

Timings – Varies according to shops.

When you are looking for branded items at highly competitive prices, direct factory outlets are the best places where you can go to. Melbourne has got quite a few of them.



Highlights – Just like all other factory outlets, the ones in Melbourne too aim to provide full value for money for guests coming here. However, you must be careful to shop only from the direct factory outlets from the respective brands to be sure of the quality. Most of the times, the items found here are the ones rejected during export, due to very negligible issues.

Famous direct factory outlets – Brand Smart (best outlet in Melbourne), Bridge Road at Richmond, Smith Street at Collingwood, Harbourtown, University Hill, etc.

Timings – As per shops.

Since 1845 until its closure in 1929 the Old Melbourne, Gold has held Melbourne's most dangerous criminals. The original cells also held petty offenders, debtors, children, the homeless and the mentally ill along with Australia’s most infamous citizen, the bush-ranger Ned Kelly. The gallows, where 133 prisoners were hanged, are still in place at the jail. Today you can visit the Old Melbourne Jail and find out what life was life was like for the men and women who lived and died here. Explore all three levels including the execution area and see Ned Kelly’s death mask. Join the Charge Sergeant on a tour of the cells when you visit the Watch House. Take a night tour with the Hangman or join our Ghost. What Ghost? An Evening tour. Take part in the recreation of a famous trial in Court One of the Old Magistrate’s Court during school holidays. "Such is Life!" - The last words of Ned Kelly as he stood on the gallows at the Old Melbourne Jail, 11 November 1880.

This is one of the ancient and beautiful beaches of Melbourne.



Highlights – During as early as 1913, the Life Saving Club of Hampton was introduced. Until then, the Hampton Beach was only made of huge expanses of sand. It was during the 1950s that this beach was actually formed when a boat harbour was constructed in this location. Today, the beach is a whopping 900km long and is a huge hit among the locals, who come here for weekend trips. Rocks & reefs, boat harbour, life- saving club and a great ambience are some of the major highlights of this beach today.

Location – About half an hour away from the Central Business District of Melbourne.

Activities – The beach has been declared as a safe swimming area, which makes it suitable for kids as well. Other activities that are done here are kite-surfing, windsurfing and fishing.

In China, “Flower Drum” is known as a traditional dance famous for its beauty and elegance. In Melbourne, it is a Chinese restaurant that displays the same elements of refinement and delicacy through our concept of fine dining Cantonese cuisine and dedicated service. Flower Drum, the restaurant, is a place that believes in combining great food, fine wine and impeccable service for a unique dining experience each and every time. Flower Drum offers private dining to accommodate guests from 12 up to 50 for functions and events with menus created specifically to meet individual needs. With two rooms on offer, the private rooms are ideal for business functions, birthdays or family gathering. Largest Banquet Room can be booked for functions ranging from 20 guests up to 50. The room can fit five round tables or one long oval table up to 25 guests. The Private Dining rooms do have minimum spend requirements as well as a booking deposit in order to secure the room for the date requested. Flower Drum Chinese restaurant in Melbourne CBD has aged over the decades and also Flower Drum is celebrating 30 years in its current location.

Mother Church of the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne and one of the architectural glories of Melbourne’s St.Patrick’s is an integral part of Melbourne, and its history tells us much about the State’s birth and growth. Situated on the fringe of the city grid, close enough to the heart of Melbourne to be a powerful presence and breathe with a life of its own. The beauty of the Cathedral speaks of the glory of God. It's peace reaches to our innermost heart, and its welcome to those who pass by is a God who is ever compassionate to us, his people. We are delighted to share a precious part of our faith, culture, and heritage with you. The original front door of St Patrick's Cathedral was a double-arched doorway with a pillar dividing it. This was removed before 1868. Its replacement was considered too narrow for ceremonial processions, and it too was replaced by the present doorway in 1939. Melbourne’s St Patrick’s Cathedral, which stands majestically on Eastern Hill, has long established itself as a church edifice of superb grandeur and arguably one of the truly significant cathedrals of the world.

 

The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is Australia’s oldest and pre-eminent public art museum, hosting blockbuster exhibitions and one of the world’s finest art collections. The collection encompasses treasures from ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome and the pre-Columbian period, in addition to an Oceanic gallery dedicated to the indigenous cultures of the Pacific area. The collection also includes nearly 16,000 international prints and drawings, a distinguished array of European and Asian decorative arts, and a gallery space dedicated to 4000 works representing the art of Asia. You will also find an outstanding collection of European and British paintings dating from 1200 to today, fashion and textile exhibits, photography, furniture and sculpture. Dining options include Persimmon, the Gallery Kitchen, and the Tea Room. The National Gallery of Victoria, popularly known as the NGV, is an art museum in Melbourne, Australia. Founded in 1861, it is Australia's oldest, largest and most visited art museum.

 

Chadstone Shopping Centre is a super regional shopping center located in the southeastern suburb of Malvern East, Victoria in the city of Melbourne, Australia and is the biggest shopping center. Chadstone Shopping Centre is a great place for fashion and there's no better way to experience it all than to take a trip to Chadstone - The Fashion Capital. International designers of the caliber of A/X Armani Exchange, FCUK, Oroton, Max Co., Mecca Cosmetica and Polo Ralph Lauren sit alongside local labels like Alannah Hill, Anthea Crawford, Carla Zampatti, Trent Nathan and Saba. Sass and Bide, Collette Dinnigan and Princess Highway can be found exclusively at David Jones. Aero, Bracewell, Brave and Bettina Liano are exclusive at Myer. But style doesn't stop there. Chadstone - The Fashion Capital houses just under 400 stores; Major Stores include Myer, David Jones, Target, JB Hi-Fi, Borders Books Music Cafe, AMF Bowl, Coles, Bi-Lo, Kmart and Toys 'R' Us. As well as all the biggest names in fashion, Chadstone also offers entertainment for the whole family. Located on the lower level of the Centre is a precinct designed entirely for fun.

Located in the small suburbs of Elwood, this beach has undergone a complete transformation in the recent past to look swanky and clean with all kinds of facilities today.



Highlights – Elwood Beach is one of the largest reserves and open areas in Elwood suburb. It is a perfect location to bring kids to, as there are many activities to indulge in during the weekends and sunrise hours. Recently, the DSE (Department of Sustainability & Environment) invested close to 3millionAUD to completely redevelop the beach. Today, the beach has great fridges, vegetation that is cared for, storm water-filtering techniques, sports & recreational clubs, kiosks, restaurants and all other basic amenities.

Location - 8km south of Melbourne CBD.

Activities – Life-Saving Club, Sailing Club, Football Club, swimming, surfing, fishing and wind-surfing (allowed at Point Ormond). Apart from this, fitness enthusiasts make use of the well-constructed walking, jogging and biking tracks of this beach to sweat it out during the early morning hours.

Rod Laver Arena at Melbourne Park was completed in 1988 as part of the original National Tennis Centre complex. The arena is the centerpiece of the Australian Open and plays host to a wide range of sports and entertainment events, from tennis matches to international rock stars and motorbike super-cross. The most dynamic transformation Rod Laver Arena has seen was in March 2007 at the FINA 2007 World Swimming Championships when a 50-meter temporary pool was built on the arena’s floor. Rod Laver Arena has a seating capacity of approximately 15,000 and is located within the famous Melbourne Sports Precinct, which also includes the Melbourne Cricket Ground, AAMI Park, and Hisense Arena. Formerly known as Centre Court at Melbourne Park (original Flinders Park), the arena was named to honor one of Australia’s greatest tennis players of all time. Rod Laver Arena at Melbourne Park was officially named after Rod Lever for his unsurpassed achievements and accomplishments at the Australian Open in January 2000.

 

In the lead up to the Centenary of Federation in 2001, the development of Federation Square offered a unique opportunity – the chance to celebrate the ideas of ‘identity’ and ‘place’ through a much needed civic and cultural space. Over the last two hundred years the site had been home to the city morgue, a fish market, corporate offices and rail yards. While planners had long dreamed of linking the CBD to the Yarra River, the divide created by the railway yards had consistently thwarted further development. Given its bold architectural form and large aspiration, the project had it share of changes to the brief, controversy over the design and costs, heated debate, and skepticism. Since opening on 26 October 2002 however, Federation Square has been embraced by locals and visitors alike, with an average of more than 10 million visits each year. Fed Square is made up of a series of interlocking and cascading spaces. Buildings open at all angles in the city, creating unexpected connections and vistas. In response to the brief, the design was heavily influenced by the idea of ‘Federation’, of bringing disparate parts together to form a coherent whole.

This is one of the luxury street markets in Melbourne and you should be ready to loosen your purse strings a bit, when you want to shop for something here.


Highlights – Toorak is one of those suburbs in Melbourne where you will find luxury everywhere right from the huge palatial buildings that people own here down to the designer outlets that have put up their shops here. Shopping here is a far cry when compared to shopping in the other busy street markets of Melbourne. Most of the times, people come here only for window-shopping as it costs a huge sum of money to even dine in one of the restaurants here.

Location – Toorak suburb.

Famous for – Children’s stores, Florists, Handbags, Footwear, Art Galleries, Jewellery, Men’s and Women’s fashion stores, sports & recreation, gifting outlets, cake shops, restaurants, live music shows and many more.

Timings – Varies as per shops.

A Melbourne landmark and cultural icon, the State Library is a magnificent 19th-century building with some of the city’s most beautiful heritage interiors. With its majestic domed ceiling, the La Trobe Reading Room is a library highlight. Don’t miss the two free, permanent exhibitions: Ned Kelly’s armor in the changing face of Victoria, and trace the history of books in Mirror of the World. Free guided tours are also available. The State Library's collections include over two million books, hundreds of thousands of pictures, newspapers, maps and manuscripts, and masses of audio, video, and digital material – all reflecting the culture of Victoria over the past 150 years. You can also enjoy fabulous artworks and exhibitions by visiting one of the free galleries: the Keith Murdoch Gallery, Cowen Gallery, and Dome Galleries. You can also see what's showing on the media wall in Experimedia.

From the natural environment to culture and history, Melbourne Museum explores life in Victoria. The museum includes a special gallery just for children. Melbourne Museum highlights include a complete skeleton of a blue whale, the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre, a living rainforest, the racehorse Phar Lap and an IMAX theater on site. Major international exhibitions are presented in the Touring Hall. The Melbourne Museum shop, located in the main foyer, has a strong emphasis on local and Australian products that reflect the museum's themes. Major features of Melbourne Museum include celebrating Victoria's local Koorie culture in Bunjilaka, Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Explore Melbourne's rich history in the Melbourne Story exhibition; be immersed in evocative stories and discover the icons and personalities that have shaped Melbourne since the early 1800s. Visit the Museum Shops for a unique range of books, toys, games, as well as original, locally produced crafts and souvenirs you won't find anywhere else. Relax at the Museum Cafe over a coffee and a bite to eat.

The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is located a short distance from Melbourne's city center in the Melbourne Sports Precinct at Yarra Park, which also includes the Rod Laver Arena, Hisense Arena, and AAMI Park. With a total capacity of 100,000 people, the Melbourne Cricket Ground is the largest stadium in Australia, the tenth-largest stadium in the world, and the world's largest stadium for playing cricket. The Melbourne Cricket Ground has been the scene of many great sporting events and 'firsts' in Australian sporting history since being built in 1853, just 19 years after the founding of the City of Melbourne itself. It is the home of the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC), the oldest sporting club in Australia. In 1877 the first game of Test cricket in history was played between Australia and England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. In 1971, the ground hosted the first One Day International cricket match. The Boxing Day Test match on Boxing Day (26 December) each year attracts huge crowds. In winter, it serves as the home of Australian Rules football (AFL). The stadium fills to capacity for the AFL Grand Final in late September.

 

As the name suggests, Mothers Beach is a favorite amongst locals because of its family friendly nature and safe shallow waters. An hour’s drive from Melbourne’s CBD, Mothers Beach is sheltered by towering cypress trees and has a number of BBQ and picnic facilities that make for a great day out with the family. On the Mornington Peninsula, one is lucky enough to have some of Victoria's best bay and back beaches that are separated by a small stretch of land in between. Some of the beaches are only accessible via coastal walking tracks within National Parks whilst others are located near the main shopping strip along Point Nepean Road. Mothers Beach is below the Mornington Park and playground so it can be easier to get parking and it overlooks the Mornington pier. There are also toilets and BBQ's. One of the Mornington’s three beaches north of the jetty, this is a stand-out for its family friendly safe swimming and shallow waters. It has a lovely stretch of clean sand and there are picnic tables and barbecues under shady trees.

Stories that transport you, ideas that transform you at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI).Immerse yourself in the world of film, television and digital culture in ACMI's permanent free exhibit, Screen Worlds. As the home of Melbourne's best and most popular film festivals, great Australian and international cinema and regular screenings for seniors, kids, and lovers of cult classics, ACMI presents an unparalleled annual calendar. Venture into the world's largest screen gallery to discover inspirational exhibitions all year round, watch quality films in state-of-the-art cinemas or take part in lively discussions with television and film personalities at one of the many screen culture events. Visit the ACMI Shop, the ultimate store for film buffs or relax in ACMI Cafe & Bar overlooking Federation Square. The Australian Centre for the Moving Image is a state-of-the-art facility purpose-built for the preservation, exhibition, and promotion of Victorian, Australian and International screen content in all forms.

 

There are lots of spacious arcades and hidden lanes in Melbourne that are still not explored by many tourists. These hidden gems can be unravelled only through exclusive tours that solely focus on hunting for these lanes & arcades and bring them to the eyes of the public.

Highlights – When you come to Melbourne, set some time aside exclusively to discover more about the hidden/lesser-known/unexplored lanes that will surprise you to a great extent. There are various walking tours available to take you through all these lanes in the city.

Half day tours usually start from a particular place with the guide explaining about the history and moving over to various laneways for morning tea, chocolate tasting etc.

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Location – Federation Square, Degraves Street, Majorca Building, Centre Place, Centre Way, Block Arcade, Block Place, Royal Arcade etc. are some places covered.

Timings – All through the year.

 Price – Around AUD73per person.

Are you looking for a quiet beach to enjoy the serenity of the waters with great peace & tranquillity? Altona Beach, in Melbourne, is the right choice for you.



Highlights – This is not only one of the quietest but also one of the cleanest beaches of Melbourne, which makes it great for swimming for kids as well. Earlier, the beach waters were filled with seaweeds. However, a mass level of cleaning happened and today, the waters are crystal-clear. Altona Pier,which is 500m long, crosses this beach, making it an ideal picnic spot. There are lots of restaurants and small eateries along the shores of the beach.

Location – About 25minutes away from Central Business District of Melbourne and 500m away from Altona Railway Station.

Activities – Swimming, walking, kite-surfing, etc.

One of the best street markets in Melbourne, Brunswick Street in Fitzroy, shows cultural integrity at its best. Nomads and professionals are found in large numbers here enjoying music, dance and food with a large heartedness that is rare to find anywhere else.

 

Highlights – At the heart of bohemian culture, Brunswick Street is where live music shows, tarot readers, art & music studios and many more such eccentric lifestyles can be found in addition to the usual stalls There are lots of clubs and bars here, which means, the street gets into a new groove during the nights. Experience nightlife at this place if you get the chance to do so.

Location – Between Victoria Parade & St. Georges North; this market is 2km long.

Famous for – Close to 200 businesses including cafes,bars, restaurants, fashion, entertainment, wines, speciality shops, heath& wellness, personal care, jewellery, household and gifting stores.

Timings – Varies as per shops.

Chapel Street is a historic market which aims to provide guests a world-class experience.

 

Highlights – Chapel Street is not just a tourist hub in Melbourne City. It is also a commercial and residential complex. Therefore, it is always crowded. Chapel Market Street runs about 4.13km in length and houses some businesses like fashion, arts, international-quality restaurants, medical care facilities and many more. All shops have a Gothic style of architecture, which attracts guests to a great extent. If you are looking for vintage items, this is the place to be.

Location – Runs along the Yarra River and covers areas like Brighton and St. Kilda. There are about 980 shops here!

Famous for – Known as Melbourne’s fashion capital Chapel Street is famous for its upmarket fashion stores, jewellery, antique items and more.

Timings – Varies as per shops.

Idle in the afternoon away by the Bluestone cobbles at a Degraves Street or Centre Place cafe and become part of a Melbourne postcard scene. Centre Place might supply the stereotypical images of Melbourne's laneways, but even chockablock with happy snappers the laneway-of-all-laneways satisfies and surprises. Changing stencil art and graffiti provide a sensory overload best dealt with by squeezing into Jungle Juice for an international coffee. Soups, sushi, and crepes will tempt, but you might want to save room for the delights on offer at Degraves Street, just across Flinders Lane. Take your friends from out-of-town to Degraves Espresso, a quintessentially Melbourne cafe experience. Despite the Parisian vibe, cast by the café umbrellas in the shadow of the impressive Majorca House, the dining on Degraves veers towards the Italian, with IL Tempo and Andiamo feeding many. Savor the sugar at Little Cupcakes. An air of creativity blows up from the Degraves Street Subway and the Platform Artist Group's underground displays.

 

Out of Victoria’s total coastline, 10% is occupied by the beautiful and scenic Mornington Peninsula.



Highlights – Modelled on the likes of a coastal village from Europe, this 260-km long coastline contains all activities that are ideal for family vacations. The marine park here has been declared as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is home to over 500 species of fishes and 1000 species of marine plants. Port Philip Bay and Western Port are the two famous bays here. Endless sands, clear waters, perfect climate and the blue skies make this spot look absolutely heavenly. Reefs full of rocks, meadows replete with sea grass, expansive plains full of sand and sponge gardens are the common habitats found in this peninsula, which favour the diverse range of species housed here.

Location – One hour away from the Central Business District of Melbourne.

Activities – Swimming, surfing, sailing, kayaking, fishing, paddle boarding, scuba-diving, snorkelling and more.

Over the last 200 years people have journeyed from all over the world to make Australia their home. Hear their moving stories at the Immigration Museum. Explore why Melbourne’s newcomers left their former homes, how they got here, what they found and the mark they made on the city. The museum creatively re-creates the migrant experience via displays featuring film, audio, memorabilia and stories. The result is a thought-provoking and moving experience.The museum is housed in the grand Customs House building, which originally looked out onto ships tied up at the adjacent Queen's Wharf. The impressive former Long Room is now the museum's central space, featuring giant Ionic colonnades. The Immigration Museum is a museum primarily displaying Australia's immigration history. It is located on Flinders Street in Melbourne, Victoria, in the Old Customs House. In addition to its work on documenting immigration history, the museum also hosts various traveling exhibitions and also provides educational programs.

 

Travel the Great Ocean Road and beyond and experience one of the world's most scenic coastal drives. See the towering 12 Apostles, iconic surf breaks, and misty waterfalls. Discover a diverse array of things to see and do in the region, from outdoor activities such as surfing, scuba diving and sea kayaking to arts, cultural and heritage attractions. Admire the stunning coastline of the Great Ocean Walk, get up close to native wildlife at Tower Hill, and explore surf towns and seaside villages. Enjoy fine dining up and down the coast and stock up at local winemakers, dairy farms and fresh proved-ores along the way. The Great Ocean Road is an Australian National Heritage listed 243 kilometer stretch of road along the south-eastern coast of Australia between the Victorian cities of Torquay and Allansford. One of Australia's most scenic drives, the Great Ocean Road is a magnificent three-day self-drive touring route from surf capital Torquay to the famous 12 Apostles, ending at historic fishing village Port Fairy.

Want to go to a place where your friends, family and kids can enjoy at the same time? Want to make the most of a long weekend? Cruise tours along the majestic Yarra River in Melbourne, is one of the solutions for these questions in your mind.

Highlights – River cruise tours have the potential to make any tour magical. The landscapes of Melbourne look absolutely divine from the waters. The best thing about these tours is that you can mix and match a couple of tours to get the experience of your lifetime.

You can either choose the tour that takes you across various ports and docklands or the tour that takes you to gardens, picturesque places and sporting landscapes of Melbourne.

Location – Yarra River.

Timings – All through the year.

 Price – Around AUD23 per adult and AUD11 per kid.

Melbourne is one of those cities in the world that provide some entertainment or the other to the diverse range of tourists coming here. Docklands is one such urban development area in the city.

Highlights – Fun, food, entertainment, arts, theatre shows, musicals, shopping, eating out, beauty & wellness treatments, heritage tours, hosting all latest events – you name it and you can experience all of it at Docklands! Come to the Victoria Harbour and Waterfront city and watch the beautiful landscapes of Melbourne from the waters, munching on some delicious delicacies. If you are a sports fan, catch a game if you are lucky, at Etihad Stadium. This place is easily accessible by train, car, foot, ferry and bus.

Location – 2km away from Melbourne CBD.

Timings – Depends on the timings of shops/complexes located here.

 Price – Varies according to buildings.

Named after the famous Brighton Beach in the UK, this one in Melbourne is one of the most-visited beaches in the city.



Highlights – The first thing that will attract you when you come to Brighton Beach, is the colourful bath boxes that are found on the shores. All of identical sizes and structures, these multi-coloured bath boxes are the only types of accommodation available here. With its turquoise blue waters, yellow & soft sands and the golden rays of the sun to accompany you, you can enjoy some relaxing moments here. During summers, the beach gets a little crowded; however, it doesn’t get too claustrophobic. That’s the speciality of this beach. It is easily accessible as well, which makes it friendlier for tourists.

Location - 11km southeast of Melbourne CBD.

Activities – Yachting, Sailing, Swimming, Walking, Biking, Kite-surfing and more.

Once the bustling hub of Australia’s rag trade, Flinders Lane is now the embodiment of bespoke craftsmanship fused with modern culture, with the vision to create a luxurious range of quality men’s shirts, Flinders Lane was established in 2009.Inspired by unpretentious sophistication and in keeping with its romantic history, Flinders Lane was born out of a desire to create elegant tailoring using exclusive and sharp prints, vibrant colors, and superb classic fit shirting. The lifestyle range blends infinite style with contemporary elegance for the modern man. The Flinders Lane shirts inspire a classic refinement with a modern twist, using 100% premium cotton fabrications. Sourcing the finest yarns from across the world, and with a strong emphasis on color, texture, form and line, Flinders Lane shirts are cut and tailored to suit every shape. The collections focus on superior quality and intricate detail in each unique shirt, which is accentuated by the surprising contrast detailing on the collars, cuffs, and buttondown trims, bringing a touch of class and individual style to any wardrobe. Embrace impeccable style this season with Flinders Lane.

Nowhere in the world can you find a museum that celebrates a nation's rich sporting history like the National Sports Museum at an unmatchable venue like the MCG. In air-conditioned comfort, the museum offers something for everybody all year round with school holiday activities. Interactive gallery and Australia's largest collection of sporting, memorabilia. Across a multitude of sports, the museum features memorabilia from some of the country’s biggest heroes and Highlight moments that have shaped the traditions of Australian sport. The NSM displays: Australian Gallery of Sport and Olympic Museum, Sport Australia Hall of Fame, Australian Cricket Hall of Fame, Australian Football Hall of Fame, Champions – Thoroughbred Racing Gallery, MCG – The People’s Ground, Melbourne Cricket Club Museum, Backyard to Baggy Green Exhibition (including a Shane Warne 3D hologram), Australian Football Exhibition (including a James Hird 3D hologram), An interactive gallery for visitors of all ages, Game On!

 

The shopping complex located at Melbourne GPO is a classic example of renovation gone absolutely incredible!

 

Highlights – During 2004, the ancient postal office building underwent a complete makeover and is today one of most stylish and upmarket boutique shopping destinations in Melbourne. Classical style of architecture, as evident in all the other Victorian Era buildings, adds a unique charm to this place. The clock tower located on top of the building is still an iconic structure in Melbourne. Home to some of the finest dining joints and leading fashion outlets, Melbourne GPO, provides absolute bliss to guests coming here from all parts of the world.

Location – At the corner of Bourke Street Mall, at the intersection of Lonsdale & Elizabeth Streets. Famous for- Chic dining joints, leading international fashion brands, entertainment and other antique items.

Timings – 9.30AM-7PM (Mon-Wed); 9.30AM-9PM (Thurs &Fri); 9.30AM-8PM (Sat) & 10AM-7PM (Sun).

This little hiding hole is a perfect spot when you're in a group looking to head to the beach where not many people are around. Normally, you will be able to find a quiet spot to enjoy with your friends and hang out, but recently more and more people have discovered this area of the beach where it may be a little more crowded. Either way, it has the sandiness you want, plus a few rock pools and also a beautiful looking cliff's edge to admire also. Maybe Half Moon Bay isn't as private as it used to be but it's still one of my favorite beach positions to hang out at. Looking for a nice beach within Melbourne is a little difficult, to say the least. Half Moon Bay, on the other hand, is a gorgeous little spot and a real surprise in comparison to other Melbourne beaches. Great for swimming, tanning, reading and picnicking this is the perfect spot for when you don't want to leave the city in search of some sand, sea and sunshine. Half Moon Bay had been setting for yachting since the 1890s, and a branch of the Brighton Yacht Club formed the Black Rock Yacht Club in 1919.