Joanna James
Planning a visit to Melbourne, and wondering what to do while there? Then, these Melbourne attractions should most definitely be on your bucket list. Read onto to find out more.
Expansive and carefully tended to, this '' garden'' is home to a whopping 8,500 plant species, lush lawns and Zen lakes. Luckily the Royal Botanic Gardens is located smack bang in the middle of the city and is easily accessible from most Melbourne hotel apartments including the likes of Oaks Melbourne on Lonsdale Suites with absolute ease. The gardens are an ideal spot to enjoy a lunch or picnic. Given the expansive grounds, you will rarely be forced to engage in an awkward face-off with anyone for a good spot. Don't miss out on hopping a boat for a session of punting on the cool lake to break the post-lunch lethargy.
Sitting pretty on St. Kilda Road, the National Gallery of Victoria is one of Australia's most popular and oldest art museums. Housed within a grand modernist building, the NGV bring major international art exhibitions to the city and showcases classic works of art alongside contemporary talents as well. Recent shows include Warhol, Dior, Van Gogh, MC Escher, Dali and Hokusai.
Guess what? Hot air balloons are not just for the countryside – they are pretty great to fly over cities too, and Melbourne is an exceptionally beautiful one. If you can make peace with dragging yourself out of bed well before dawn, a flight promises to be a definitely worth it effort. Unsurprisingly there are almost no people around at sunrise, and drifting across this normally bustling city in the light of dawn is a surreal experience. It is also a great opportunity to discover some gems and other favourite Melbourne locations from way up above. Equally as impressive is a flight over the Yarra Valley!
Arguably one of Victoria's most popular tourist locations, the Great Ocean Road undulates all over the southwest coast of the state, beginning from Torquay and finishing up just before Warrnambool. Why go? The winding stretch of road provides some fantastic opportunities to truly connect with the sights, smells and sounds of mother nature whether you are surfing, horse-riding, walking, sailing, cycling or driving.
Queen Victoria Market is Melbourne's beloved open-air market that is packed with veteran vendors and stallholders who are passionate about fresh and homegrown produce, and they will be happy to tell you all about it. The market is very popular with the locals and is their go-to spot for fresh vegetables, fruits, and a wide variety of small goods and dairy items. Apart from the fresh produce, one can also take in several stalls selling clothes, books, antiques, cosmetics, accessories and much more!
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.
