Joanna James
Voted frequently as one of the world's most liveable cities, Melbourne is Australia's second-largest metropolis and is brimming with elegance and richness of multicultural influence and makes for an absolutely unique travel experience. We recommend you try out the following when in Melbourne.
Standing regal just opposite the Flinders Street Station, the Federation Square with its ultra-modern design is definitely a unique addition to the surrounding Victorian-themed buildings that have been around for the longest time. Annually, it hosts over a staggering 2000 events in its collection of numerous open and closed spaces and is always occupied with some entertaining activity happening on the premises so whenever you choose to go, it is impossible to miss out on some activity. It also houses the Ian Potter Centre for Australian Art, as well as the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI). Although its inauguration led to a bit of friction between its lovers and haters, today it has become an integral part of Melbourne's tourist itinerary, and for good reason too! Luxury hotels such as Oaks on Lonsdale are located within very close proximity to the 'fed square' not to mention a bazillion other Melbourne hotel apartments.
A stroll in the botanic gardens in summer is as good as any walk in the park of your life will have to offer. 'Colourful' live theatre performances galore and even moonlight cinema sessions on a starry night are just simple pleasures in the Melburnian life. An evening spent picnicking on the grass patches around the idyllic lake or even enjoying high tea at a Café on the premises are a spectacular way to wind down on a day off. Extending south of the Yarra River, located approximately 2km from the CBD, the Royal Botanic Gardens are a sure shot 'royal' attraction of Melbourne.
The highest claim to Melbourne's fame comes from sports. Some of the most talked-about events held in Melbourne include the Melbourne Cup Horse race, Australia Rules football not to mention the million different cricket games that take the Melbourne Cricket Grounds by a storm every single time! The sports-loving locale brings the nation to a standstill with some of the most intense, nail-biters that play-off at these revered grounds. 75-minute tours repeat on the daily to entertain the sports fans who take great pride in an opportunity to stroll down the alleys of the National Sports Museum, Australian Gallery of Sport and the Olympic Museum, all of which resemble the remarkable history of Australia as a counterpart of the world sports arena.
This is the oldest public art gallery of Australia and houses a carefully curated collection of more than 70,000 works of art in two separate locations. The building is popular for its 'Great Hall' where visitors are encouraged to lie down on the floor and look up at the colourful stained-glass ceiling to appreciate the intricate designs as well as you could.
Trams make up an integral part of the public transport system in Melbourne. The renowned City Cycle Tram Tour makes for an ideal choice for discovering the city considering that it has free hop-on-hop-off facility along with the fact that it actually passes a couple of grand historic buildings during its itinerary.
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 pas...
