Joanna James
A holiday is all about escaping the stress. But more often than not, landing at a new destination can present itself to be incredibly stressful. Unless of course, you plan ahead and know exactly what you want to do and when.
Melbourne is not your favourite tropical destination, which favours the spontaneous at heart. You need to plan ahead with this city, or the rain can really muddle your itinerary; particularly if you are looking for some sun time. When most of the north is freezing, Melbourne is inviting, making this destination perfect for your Christmas getaway. Melbourne is warmest between December and February but even November, April and May are pleasant months to visit the city.
Make sure you travel with everything you need, from carrying sufficient money to bringing your essential items like medicine and the right gear and footwear. This way, you can actually focus more on having fun than scouting around the city for the things that you need. If the tiny tots are accompanying you, always carry their essentials, their favourite toys, and everything they would need to have a pleasant stay in Melbourne.
Whether you are looking for a secluded romantic place to stay or a family hotel, Melbourne has several options to choose from. However, it is pertinent to book in advance if you intend on ensuring your ideal accommodation is sorted before you set foot in the city. Availability of your choice of accommodation can be tricky, particularly around the peak season. However, there are options like Pan Pacific Melbourne, which can always be considered and booked online in advance.
Touring Melbourne City is fun and uncomplicated. All you need is a map in hand, and you are good to go. Buzzing with dynamic arts and culture, Melbourne offers a combination of the old and the new, making it one of those cities that flaunts the best of both worlds. To get a good dose of the cultural side of Melbourne, explore the Southbank precinct—where the Arts Centre, Malthouse, MTC, Recital Centre and the National Gallery of Victoria all stand proudly side by side. For similar highlights, you could also walk along federation square and visit ACMI and the Ian Potter Centre. There are also several hole-in-the-wall galleries and mind-blowing theatres that both entertain as well as awe.
A visit to Phillip Island is amongst the most popular things to do in Melbourne. It is around 2 hours from Melbourne. The highlight of this attraction is the famous Penguin parade, where every day, thousands of Penguins make their way to shore to the home of the world's largest Penguin Colony. Since it happens at roughly the same time every day, ardent visitors eagerly await the arrival of penguins. There is also the Koala Conservation Centre and a number of interactive experiences with Australia's native wildlife. The best part is it does not end here; Phillip Island is also home to the Nobbies, the chocolate factory and plenty of picturesque scenery all around.
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