Melbourne, located on the southeast coast of Australia, is an exciting, creative and ever-changing city. With extraordinary landscape and beautiful architecture, Melbourne is a city not to be missed when visiting Australia.
The variety of restaurants, rooftop bars, dance clubs, live concerts, a beautiful moonlight cinema and all year round festivals will make you fall in love with this vibrant city. Friendly and easy-going people combined with the artistic character of Melbourne, will make even a short walk an enjoyable experience.
Federation Square - This square is considered to be Melbourne’s CBD’s main landmark. This beautiful area, with its magnificent architectural sites in the center of Melbourne, is the most prominent meeting point. It brings together a creative mix of attractions, art galleries, museums, restaurants and Melbourne’s famous cafes and bars.
Queen Victoria Market - Queen Victoria Market is not only a shopping area, but an historic landmark and one of the biggest tourist attractions in Melbourne.This vast and vibrant market was officially opened in 1878, more than 120 years ago.The “Vic Market” , as the people of Melbourne call it is a great place to experience the city’s multicultural mix.
Queen Victoria Market is the largest open air market in the southern hemisphere as it spreads over seven hectares. The market offers a large variety of goods, from exotic Australian fruits and vegetables, local and imported gourmet foods, clothes, Australian art crafts and traditional souvenirs.
During summer time (November to March), the market is also open on Wednesday nights and called “Suzuki Market”. The night market is a beautiful culinary experience not to be missed, with a variety of international dining points, different types of alcohol, music and night shopping.
Crown Casino - Located on the beautiful Southbank, Crown is not only the biggest casino in the southern hemisphere, but a huge entertainment complex full of restaurants, bars, shops, a hotel and even nightclubs. There is always something happening at Crown. The Casino is open 24/7, so in case you didn’t notice the time in one of your big nights out in Melbourne and missed the last train home, there is always a place to welcome you with open arms.
Eureka Skydeck - Located on the southern banks of the Yarra river, this 297.3 meter skyscraper, is perfectly positioned for 360 degree, floor-to-ceiling views encompassing Melbourne's CBD, sports precinct, Port Phillip Bay, the Docklands and everything in between.
Eureka Skydeck , located on the 88th floor, is the only observation deck in the world that has 'The Edge', a glass cube which projects 3 metres out from the building when you are in it. It is well advised to visit Eureka when the weather is clear. Try to arrive just before sunset, to experience the transformation of Melbourne from day, twilight to night.
AFL Match - The Australian Football League is by far the most popular sport in Victoria state, Australia. Some might consider this sport a combination between American football and soccer, though the Aussies will never compare it with any other sport. Most of the teams in the Australian league represent different parts of Victoria in general and Melbourne in particular.
AFL is more a way of life rather than just a sport. If you are in Melbourne during the AFL season (March - September), do not miss an opportunity to watch a live “Footy” match in one of the impressive stadiums, The Etihad Stadium or the bigger one, MCG.
St. Kilda - St Kilda, an inner southern suburb of Melbourne, is a remarkable place. Situated on one of the most scenic points of the Bay, St. Kilda attracts people of all ages to enjoy its restaurants, bars and of course, its beautiful sandy beaches.
St. Kilda is more like a small city rather than a suburb. It gives you a special relaxed feeling while walking along its pier, watching the beautiful harbour with Melbourne’s skyline as a background. It is also the home to a colony of small penguins. If you are lucky, make your way to the pier during sunset. You might be able to spot a few of them coming back to shore.
If you feel like going out of Melbourne for a day or two, there are great gateway options nearby. The magnificent Great Ocean Road , an amazing drive along the Australian coast, viewing some of the most beautiful natural wonders in the world such as the Twelve Apostles and the so called London Bridge .
Another great option is Phillip Island , which is well known for its famous penguin parade, beautiful nature parks, great surfing beaches and the Grand Prix, the world famous motorcycle race.