Joanna James
The capital of Victoria State is home to some of Australia's most popular tourist attractions. From cultural points of interest to Melbourne's top recreational highlights, here are some of the best places to see in the city.
As one of the oldest attractions in the city, the Royal Botanic Gardens is not just reserved for horticultural fanatics. Providing tourists with a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of Downtown Melbourne, this park located just 2km from the CBD is a leafy and picturesque space lined with towering trees and more than 8500 types of plants. Spread out over 38 hectares, the Foundation Children's Garden and The Terrace cafe remain everyone's favourite haunts inside the park.
Occupying pride of place on the shores of the Yarra River, the Southbank and Arts Centre is a stone's throw away from the famed Flinders Street Station. The area is one of the most laid-back and culturally rich regions in the city with dozens of cafes, outdoor restaurants and live acts performing on the streets. The Sunday arts and crafts market is another reason to head down to the Southbank and Arts Centre, which also houses Hamer Hall, the State Theatre, Fairfax Studio, and the Playhouse.
When sports fans think of Melbourne, there's one stadium that immediately comes to mind and that's the iconic MCG. The Melbourne Cricket Ground has been a popular fixture in the city for over a century. Established as early as 1853, the Melbourne Cricket Ground has the capacity to seat nearly one hundred thousand spectators. It has hosted red-letter events, the likes of the 2006 Commonwealth Games and the 1956 Olympic Games as well as several ICC cricket World Cup finals. Those who stop by the MCG should also tour the National Sports Museum which also contains the Australian Gallery of Sports. Sports lovers who head over to the MCG can also visit the venue in which the Australian Open is held annually.
The oldest public art gallery in the entire country is also found in Melbourne and no visit to Melbourne would be complete without a tour of this venue down St Kilda. The Great Hall is perhaps the most popular hub inside the gallery. The stained-glass ceiling that is located within and the Australian collection at the museum should be the reason most art lovers tour the gallery in the first place. Those based at Avani Melbourne Central Residences will find that the gallery is one of the most accessible and affordable Melbourne city attractions for tourists.
Sprawled across a 22-hectare property, the Melbourne Zoo is also one of the oldest and most visited highlights in Melbourne. Having first opened its doors to the public back in 1862, the venue is now home to more than 320 animal species. The Orang-utan Sanctuary and the Trail of the Elephants are the most coveted attractions inside the zoo where one can catch musical concerts and engaging tours.
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.
