Joanna James
One of the most liveable cities in the world, Melbourne is a great place to explore and provides sightseeing fun for the whole family. Attractions abound in this city and these are just some of the key sites worth adding to your itinerary that will offer some unforgettable memories!
Dating back to 1878, Queen Victoria Market with its old market hall and outdoor areas is both a historic site and a great place for shopping. One of the most well-known attractions in Melbourne, it's especially known for offering fresh produce, though you will find plenty more to buy here as well be it souvenirs, handicrafts, jewellery or clothing. The southern hemisphere's biggest open-air market, "Queen Vic" as it's known is also popular for the foodie delights it offers ranging from baked items to chocolates as well as some heavenly coffee!
Those who love or just appreciate art can spend lots of time at the National Gallery of Victoria, the country's biggest and most visited art institution. Within easy reach for those staying at a Melbourne hotel in the South Wharf locale, this gallery has a collection of over 70,000 works that are split across two buildings; the Ian Potter Centre can be found in Federation Square and features indigenous and non-indigenous art of Australia, while NGV International is situated in the Southbank precinct and showcases art from around the world.
Set beside the Yarra River, the South Wharf and Southbank areas are ideal locales to soak up some culture, while they offer great accommodation options too at properties such as Pan Pacific Melbourne. South Wharf is where you will find the well-known Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre, the Polly Woodside ship, the charming South Wharf Promenade for dining and DFO South Wharf for some bargain shopping. The Southbank precinct is also home to plenty of cafes and restaurants at its promenade and is home to the Eureka Tower, Australian Centre for Contemporary Art and the Crown Entertainment Complex.
A green sanctuary in the city, the Royal Botanic Gardens is an inspiring site that young and old alike can enjoy. One of the best things to do in Melbourne is to explore this attraction which features 31 plant collections from Australia and other parts of the world set amidst diverse landscapes. Amongst the highlights are Australian Forest Walk, Guilfoyle's Volcano, the Arid Garden, several idyllic lakes and the Ian Potter Foundation Children's Garden where kids can enjoy hands-on exploration.
When it comes to Melbourne attractions for families, the oldest zoological gardens in the country is not to be missed. The Melbourne Zoo has over 320 animal species from around the planet and provides an enriching visit where you can encounter local wildlife favourites including kangaroos and koalas. Dating back to 1862, this popular zoo features themed areas to explore from the African savannah to Asian rainforests and of course, the Australian bushland. Be it gorillas, Sumatran tigers, Asian elephants, red pandas, giraffes, seals or orang-utans, there's plenty of wildlife to be found here.
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.
