Joanna James
Australia may be symbolised by the Sydney Opera House, but ask the locals and Melbourne wins the favourite city category, every time! Here are a few reasons why you should check out the city.
Located on the south edge of the CBD, Federation Square has much to offer. One of the easiest points to reach in the city, the square sits beside Flinders Street Station, as well as, easy access bus stops and tram stops which include those of the free City Circle tram service. Amongst its many allures, Flinders Street boasts a fine collection of vintage buildings and architectural marvels which include galleries and museums. Located along the banks of the Yarra River, the square offers easy access to restaurants and entertainment venues, while being home to a range of local markets, exhibits and hang out spaces.
The rustic and utterly charming Queen Victoria Market is tipped to be the largest open-air market in the southern hemisphere. Offering a variety of local, imported and fresh produce, the market is particularly interesting on Sundays. The market spans a total of two city blocks and is quite the experience whether you are a local or a visitor. Open on Tuesdays and again from Thursday through to Sunday, it is closed on Good Friday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, ANZAC Day and the Melbourne Cup Day. Sundays are best for exploring the market, for it is on this laid-back holiday, the precinct offers a carnival-like atmosphere when Queen Street is closed off and street entertainment together with carnival rides are on offer. Just 10 minutes from WRAP on Southbank, the market is a quintessential part of Melbourne's diverse culture and should not be missed.
Crown is Melbourne's largest casino, but, the fun does not end at the gambling tables; the place is home to a range of restaurants, nightclubs and bars, as well as, nightly entertainment consisting of live music and theatrical performances. Visiting the Crown at Christmas is an iconic experience, with elaborate décor far exceeding the previous year every time. Crown sits on the banks of the Yarra River, a few minutes from top hotels in Southbank, Melbourne.
To get to the lovely South Bank region, you need to cross Princes Bridge south of Flinders Street Station. This is Melbourne's cultural heart and soul, home to theatres, galleries, restaurants and lots of other entertainment venues. Guest enjoying a stay at a South Bank hotel can look forward to strolls along the beautiful Yarra River, hopping on a sightseeing boat and a sojourn to the Polly Woodside Maritime Museum. Best of all, you can end your tour of the precinct, with a meal at one of the charming little riverside restaurants.
The Melbourne Zoo is an attraction both adults and kids will find quite mesmerizing. Do reserve half a day for a thorough scout of the area, as you go through doors to emerge onto various habitats, where over 320 animal species from Australia and across the world are housed in natural habitats. One of the best is the Australian Outback section where lazy kangaroos, wombats, koalas and monitor lizards lounge around and watch you with curious eyes.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
