Joanna James
As one of the most popular cities Down Under, the capital of Victoria welcomes visitors from across the globe. Here are ten of the most exciting things to do during a holiday in Melbourne.
Spread out across an impressive 86 acres, the Royal Botanic Gardens is Melbourne's favourite green space by no coincidence. As one of the oldest horticultural highlights in the city, the lush, verdant landscapes of this flower-laden garden offers visitors the perfect sanctuary away from the hubbub of the city. Free guided walking tours, as well as self-guided tours with audio assistance, are both available for the benefit of visitors.
As one of the city's top outdoor thoroughfares, Queen Victoria Market is not only the best place to stock up on local goodies and souvenirs but also wine and dine like a local. The sheer number of produce and food vendors occupying the market is staggering so head down to the Food Hall and experience cheap wines and local treats to your heart's content.
Graffiti art is not only a fixture in Melbourne's streets but a true cultural attribute that adds to the beauty and diversity of the city. Tours of the city's best street art pieces not only help keep the local graffiti artists afloat but also include snacks and cheese treats. Available through a number of tour operators including those from Blender Studies, the tours are informative and fun.
With a thriving cafe culture with top-notch coffee house to match, caffeine addicts should not miss the chance to hop from one sweet-scented cafe to another when in Melbourne. Melbourne Coffee Tours and the Cafe Culture Walk are two popular tour options for true blue coffee lovers while those who have the time can simply choose to breakfast at a different cafe every day of the week.
Accessible to those who visit Melbourne during the hot summer months, watching a Hollywood blockbuster at the Royal Botanic Gardens is a rare opportunity all travellers can experience when in the city. Moviegoers can not only wine and picnic at the gardens while enjoying a flick but also enjoy the experience of watching a movie in the great outdoors.
As the unofficial party hub in Melbourne, St. Kilda is home to the city's best night clubs and drinking holes. From Base Melbourne to lesser-known night owl haunts, explore the fine dining restaurants, bars and discos lining St.Kilda by the veil of night.
Head to The Mornington Peninsula's top wineries during a trip to Melbourne and sample local vintages right from the cellar door. Home to more than 40 wineries, this popular day trip option to Yarra Valley is accessible to all visitors in Melbourne.
Dating back 160 years, the Como House and Gardens are a prime example of Italianate architecture in Melbourne. As the most visited historic residence in the city, those based at Avani Melbourne Box Hill Residences or any other places to stay in Melbourne can book a tour of the house and gardens via their accommodation provider.
Uncover the rich and complex history of Melbourne's immigration legacy at the iconic Immigration Museum.
From aboriginal art, relics and history to the many other cultural and historical transformations the city has endured, a visit to the Melbourne Museum is a great way to uncover the city's true identity.
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