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Visitor's Guide to Melbourne


Melbourne is slick, edgy, trendy, rough, and unlike any other place in the world. Often regarded as one of the most livable cities in the world, Melbourne is a melting pot of cultural, historical and physical experiences. An explosion of contrasts, here you experience ornate Victorian architecture set against leafy boulevards and modern and contemporary buildings and design. And even though the city is essentially urban, the laid back atmosphere is a welcome change from the usual hustle and bustle of traditional city life.

Enjoy a quirky character of neighbourhoods like St Kilda and Fitzroy, areas where some of the worlds best art, music, cuisine, fashion, performance, design and ideas originate. And don't forget about the sport. If Sydney is for the trendy and Perth for the laid back, then Melbourne is for the sports lovers. Sport devotion does not even begin to describe Melbournians dedication to Australian Football League and the Spring Racing Carnival. And if you are not into sports yourself, a visit to Melbourne will soon change your perspective.

Location:

'Marvellous Melbourne' is one of the most important cities in Australia, and often recognised as a gamma world city. It is a major centre of commerce, education, tourism, arts and culture and industry, and makes regular appearances on the most livable cities in the world lists. Melbourne is also the cultural capital of Australia, and is home to multicultural and ethnic groups, most notably Greek, Italian, Jewish, and Vietnamese communities.

Melbourne has been voted as one of the most livable cities in the world. This is based on its cultural attributes, climate, cost of living, and social conditions like crime and health care services. However, rising property prices has also seen Melbourne become one of the least affordable cities in the world to live in, and the second least affordable city in Australia.

Accommodation:

Melbourne boasts a variety of accommodation options that cater to all needs, from budget travellers to luxury seekers.

Budget - Budget accommodation in Melbourne are mainly found in the City Centre and the sleepy suburb of St Kilda. However, these are not the only areas featuring budget accommodation. The bohemian areas of Fitzroy, South Melbourne and Windsor boast several popular budget accommodation options.

Mid-range - Mid-range accommodation can mostly be found in the City Centre. Great options would be serviced apartments, which are found scattered throughout the city. These are especially advantageous for those staying for longer periods of time. Various motels and hotels offering mid-range prices are popular choices when visiting the city.

Luxury - Luxury living is common in Melbourne, but expect to pay top dollar for the most luxurious establishments. Most luxury hotels and apartments are situated in the City Centre and are on par with the best in the world.

Attractions and Activities

Melbourne has a myriad of attractions and activities suiting a variety of tastes.

  • The City Centre is probably the place tourists are likely to enjoy the most, and hosts a wide range of cafes, restaurants, boutiques and stores. Here you can also experience traditional Victorian architecture and popular Australian Football.Carlton is home to numerous historical buildings and museums. This district boasts a strong Italian influence.
  • The Melbourne Zoo in Parkville features the usual assortment of animals and is the ideal place to spend long, lazy summer days. Jazz at the Zoo is popular over weekends, as well as picnics, music and evening strolls.
  • St Kilda is a laid back seaside suburb, popular with tourists seeking sun, surf and sand.
  • The Royal Botanic Gardens features sprawling trees and grassy areas to relax and enjoy. In summer you can enjoy outdoor movies and Shakespeare plays.
  • Brighton Beach is a popular seaside playground, most famous for its brightly coloured boxes dotting the sand.
  • Fitzroy is a trendy bohemian area where you will find a wide range of eclectic cafes and stores.

Activities:

  • The Astor Theatre in Windsor is a great venue for film lovers. Several moonlight cinema programmes run in the summer and are a great way to enjoy the evenings. If you are visiting during August, be sure to check out the Melbourne International Film Festival.
  • Watch an AFL football game at the MCG or Telstra Dome during the winter. Catching a cricket match is popular during the summer months.
  • Melbourne is well known for its lively and vibrant music scene, with many bars and pubs offering live music experiences. Catch local Melbourne talent hone their skills in Fitzroy, Collingwood and St Kilda.