Melbourne is a city that has been around for over 200 years. It was first settled by the British and then became part of Australia, which makes it one of the oldest cities on earth. The city itself is divided into two parts: the inner-city area and the outer suburbs. The inner-city area includes all of the central business district as well as some of the surrounding areas such as Southbank, Docklands, St Kilda, Fitzroy, Carlton, and Collingwood. This area contains many famous landmarks, including Flinders Street Station, Federation Square, Crown Casino, Treasury Building, State Library Victoria, and the Royal Exhibition Hall. The outer suburbs include everything outside these boundaries. They are mostly residential but also contain shopping centers, parks, schools, and other attractions. There are three main types of suburbs within Melbourne; they are located along the coast, inland, or north/south. These suburbs have their own unique features and character. The following are things to do in Melbourne.
1) Visit the National Gallery of Victoria.
Located at 100 Swanston Street, NGV houses an extensive collection of artworks ranging from ancient Greek sculptures to modern paintings. Some of its most popular pieces include Van Gogh’s Starry Night Over Arles, Monet’s Water Lilies, and Picasso’s Guernica. You can view them online through the gallery website. If you want more information about what each piece represents, there is a short description available on the site. For example, ‘Guernica’ means war painting. The National Gallery of Victoria is actually open seven days a week so if you visit during off-hours, don’t worry!. So when you plan to go to Melbourne, make sure you check out the National Gallery of Victoria before your trip! Because it offers a great experience with beautiful artwork.
2) Take a walk down Collins Street.
Collins Street runs parallel with Bourke Street and connects the CBD with the eastern end of Queen Vic Market. Many people refer to it as Little Italy because of the number of Italian restaurants found here. However, it’s not just limited to those who live nearby. In fact, anyone visiting Melbourne should definitely take a stroll down Collins Street. From fashion stores like Jimmy Choo and Prada to high street brands like H&M and Zara, there will be something for everyone. And did I mention that the food court is amazing? Don’t forget to try Gelato Messina. Collins Street is home to several iconic buildings too. One of my favorites is the Old Post Office building. Built between 1878 and 1888, it now serves as the headquarters of the Australian Taxation Office. Another interesting landmark is the former Bank of New South Wales building. Now known as ANZ Centre, it used to house the bank until 1997. Today, it hosts various events throughout the year.
3) Explore the laneways of Brunswick East.
Brunswick East is another neighborhood in Melbourne where you’ll find lots of hidden gems. Most tourists only know about the laneway culture in Sydney, but Melbourne does it better than any other place in the world. Laneways were originally built as passageways connecting different streets together. But today, they’re filled with bars, cafes, shops, and even galleries. My most favorite spot of all time is called ‘The Laundrette’. It’s basically a barbershop meets laundromat. Here, customers get a haircut while waiting for their clothes to dry. It’s very relaxing and serene. Other places worth checking out are ‘Pig & Whistle’, ‘Brunswick Arts Café’, ‘Cafe Cuba’ and ‘Gloria Jeans’. Laneways Brunswick East is the perfect way to spend some quality time with friends or family. Just grab a coffee and enjoy the atmosphere.
4) Visit Federation Square.
Federation Square was once the heart of Australia’s federal government. Today, it remains one of the best attractions in Melbourne. There are many things to do in Federation Square including shopping, eating, playing sports, watching shows and enjoying concerts. A few must-see spots include:
·Flinders Street Station – Flinders St station is famous for being the main train station located near Federation square. It’s been serving passengers since 1860. When you visit Flinders Street Station, make sure you watch an informative video on how trains work. Then, play around at the interactive displays which teach you about the history of transport in Victoria. You can ride along the tracks yourself, so don’t worry if you have no experience!
·National Museum of Australia – This museum has over 200 years of history behind it. It contains exhibits related to Aboriginal Australians, natural sciences, social sciences, and arts. The National Museum of Australia is also considered one of the finest museums in the Southern Hemisphere.
·Australian War Memorial – Dedicated to remembering our soldiers lost in wars around the globe, the memorial features two World Wars Galleries, which contain moving stories of real-life experiences. The Australian War Memorial will truly inspire visitors looking to pay tribute to sacrifices made by war heroes.
·Sydney Opera House – Located right next door to the square, the opera house is a well-known symbol of artistry and music. You can buy tickets at the box office or online. Sydney Opera House is actually the famous concert hall inside the square. If you want to see a show, check their website to view upcoming performances.
5) Take a walk through Royal Botanic Gardens.
This beautiful garden houses more than 7500 plant species divided into five distinct zones; Alpine Garden, Coastal Rainforest, Dry Zone, Mediterranean Climate, and Temperate/Subtropical Forest. Each zone offers its own unique climate and plants. In addition to that, there are also several walking trails through the gardens. So take your time and explore every part because each section has something new to offer. Royal Botanic Gardens is a must-do when visiting Melbourne because not only does it look amazing, but it also provides us with fresh air and nature too.
Conclusion
If you ever plan to travel anywhere in Australia, then this list should be enough motivation to book your ticket now. These top 5 things to do in Melbourne are definitely going to help you decide whether you would like to stay longer or not. This article will help you discover what makes these cities special. You can be assured that this tour guide will provide you with all the information you need to know before you take Flights to Melbourne.
