Joanna James
As one of Australia's most popular holiday destinations, Melbourne is home to its fair share of unique attractions. From some of the city's cultural landmarks to the top recreational hotspots, here are ten highlights visitors must discover during a Melbourne getaway.
Having opened its gates to the public as early as 1846, the Royal Botanic Gardens is no ordinary horticultural attraction on the banks of the Yarra River. Home to a whopping 8500 plant species, the Ian Potter Foundation Children's Garden is part of the 38 hectares dedicated to this extensive garden.
Built to commemorate a century of federation, this iconic landmark was opened back in 2002 and is now an integral part of the capital of Victoria. Hosting more than two thousand events each year, the decidedly modern Federation Square has become the venue of choice for many outdoor exhibitions, concerts and performances. The Ian Potter Centre is also found here.
Having the honour of being the oldest public art gallery in the country, the National Gallery of Victoria houses a whopping 70,000 works of art. With its collection on display in two locations, the international collection is found at the building down St. Kilda which went under extensive renovations in 2003 although it was opened in the late 1960's.
If Melbourne is considered the sporting capital of the country, it is surely due to the city's iconic sports arena, the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Now serving as the home of the National Sports Museum, everything from cricket, football, rugby and hockey have been played at this historic sports stadium which opened its doors back in 1853.
Named after The Eureka Stockade, the Eureka Tower is an impressive feat of engineering that's 91 stories tall. Located in the centre of Southbank, the views available from its Skydeck are ranked among some of the best views of the city. Don't forget to step over to the glass cube observation point known as The Edge where one can test one's fear of heights for all to see.
Just a stone's throw away from the Melbourne CBD, the illustrious Melbourne Museum offers visitors a chance to discover the tumultuous history of this dynamic city in Australia. Exhibits that are worthy of exploring include the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre, while the Children's Gallery is equally intriguing.
Situated on the shores of the Yarra River, the Southbank area is Melbourne's art hub for the masses where festivals, craft markets and art workshops take place every Sunday to the delight of locals and visitors. Some of the landmarks located in this are also include the Playhouse, the State Theatre and the Fairfax Theatre.
Sprawled across 22 ha, the Melbourne Zoo is a family friendly attraction where more than 320 animal species are on show in state-of-the-art enclosures mimicking their natural habitats.
Located inside Fitzroy Gardens, Captain Cook's Cottage was transported to this location from Cook's hometown in Yorkshire and reassembled in Melbourne. Containing memorabilia from his travels, the idyllic cottage offers visitors based at Pan Pacific Melbourne or any other Melbourne Hotel in the area a trip back in time.
Housed in the Kings Domain gardens, the Shrine of Remembrance is dedicated to the fallen heroes of the First World War.
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