Melbourne is ranked as world’s most livable city since 2011 and among top 3 since 2002 according to Economic Intelligence Unit (EUI). It rates high in terms of health, education, research, and other areas.It are also known as the cultural capital of Australia. Melbourne is the coastal capital of the southeastern Australian state of Victoria. A little fun trivia here 😉 Did you know that our childhood superhero - Batman is actually an Aussie? He lives in Melbourne. Every night especially during summers 60,000 bats called ‘Flying foxes’ make their way from Yarra Bend Park to Melbourne CBD. It’s a beautiful sight and natural wonder. Melbourne was previously known as ‘Batmania’ after John Batman. During the Victorian Gold rush of 1850’s Melbourne was world’s largest and richest city. Today it is the second biggest Australian city. This city is a hub of sports, lifestyle, and culture. Melbourne is also called ‘Fox capital’ as you find 6-23 foxes every square kilometer. Another interesting fact is that the World’s first feature film-‘The story of the Ned Kelly Gang’ was filmed in Melbourne in 1906.You’ll never see a more sports-obsessed city in the world than Melbourne. It is home to Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) that still holds the world record of highest Cricket attendance in the Ashes’2013 of whopping 91,092. Melbourne is a cultural hub. Most people are from UK, Italy, Vietnam, China, and Greece. Different coasts have different cultural exposures. It’s rarely too hot or too cold in Melbourne. Well, whatever the weather is there is still plenty to see and enjoy here. Best seasons to go here would be autumn (March to May) and spring (Sept. to Nov.) When in Melbourne these are some places you should definitely include on your bucket list of must visit places to soak in this wonderful city skin deep.
Must visit places in Melbourne
- Federation Square: This was opened in 2002.this is a famous tourist attraction. It houses the Ian pottery gallery and Australian Centre for the moving image. It’s a hub of food and shopping. You’ll instantly fall in love with the architecture, people and the atmosphere here.
- Royal Botanic garden: This beautiful garden is located in the heart of green parkland, south of the Yarra River. It was opened in 1846.its over 40 hectares in size and houses more than 50,000 plants. Then there is Aboriginal Heritage walk that looks into the rich heritage of indigenous Australia. For the entertainment of tourists, there is a live theatre. This is the highlight of the summers and Moonlight cinema is set up at night under the starry sky.
- Melbourne cricket ground-MCG: World’s greatest stadium the MCG holds a mammoth capacity of 100,000. This is the birthplace of test cricket. It’s truly majestic. You must catch a live match there and experience the frenzy of the crowd there, especially during the Ashes test series against England. There is also the Australian gallery of sports and Olympic museum there. Just opposite to it is the Melbourne Park, home of Australian Open tennis tournament held every January.
- Melbourne Museum: The Melbourne Museum is surrounded by beautiful gardens and parklands. This purpose-built in museum houses a diverse collection depicting society and culture. The major highlight here includes the Aboriginal center, Bunjilaka and child’s museum. There are many hands-on activities to stimulate and engage kids.
- Melbourne zoo: Spread across 22 hectares, this zoo dates back to 1862. It boasts of 320 species of animals. Major highlights here are the Trail of Elephants that is an insight into the lives of the resident Asian Elephants in a traditional village garden setting. Then there is the Orangutan sanctuary where animals live in treetop homes.
- Flinders street station: Located just opposite to federation square Flinders street station is a Melbourne icon and hub of the city’s suburban public train network. It has a clock under the arches at the entrance. This provides a favored meeting spot that Melbournians simply refer to as “meet me under the clock”. This is Australia’s oldest and busiest railway station.
- 12 Apostles at Great Giant Road: 12apostles are giant rock stacks that rise majestically from the southern ocean and are the central feature of rugged port Campbell national park. This was created by constant erosion of the limestone cliffs of the mainland that began 10-12 million years ago. Stormy southern ocean and blasting winds gradually eroded the softer limestones forming caves in the cliffs.
- Penguin parade: Experience one of Australia’s most popular attractions. Each night at sunset you’ll be amazed by Little Penguins returning ashore after a day’s fishing. See the world’s smallest penguin in its natural habitat from viewing stands and boardwalks. Enjoy interactive and educational displays in the visitor center and the spectacular coastal scenery from the Penguin Parade. This experience is sure to be the highlight of your visit. As the sun fades in the sky, Little Penguins waddle up the beach to the safety of their homes in the sand dunes. Witness this magical procession – it is a treat never forgotten. The main penguin viewing area at Summerland Beach has tiered seating and provides a 180 degree elevated viewing of the Little Penguins on parade. Watching them arrive and waddle across the beach to their sand dune burrows at sunset is a magical experience for all. Visitors can also enjoy Little Penguins around their burrows from elevated timber boardwalks.
- Great ocean road: One of Australia's most scenic drives, the Great Ocean Road is a magnificent three-day self-drive touring route from surf capital Torquay to the famous 12 Apostles, ending at historic fishing village Port Fairy. Starting from Melbourne, it's an easy drive taking you along cliff tops and surf beaches and through lush rainforest. Along the way, spot koalas, kangaroos, and even whales, zip-line your way through a treetop canopy, climb to the peak of a volcanic crater and relax over regional dining atop a cliff or by the beach. Most importantly, take the time to stop at the lookouts and watch out for wildlife. It'll be worth it.
- Yarra River: Board one of the many river craft at Southgate or Princes Walk or travel along the Yarra in your own boat to visit attractions such as Melbourne Park for the Australian Tennis Open, the Royal Botanical Gardens, and Herring Island Park. The Yarra River is now the undisputed social heart of marvelous Melbourne.
A Melbourne icon, the river is the focus for numerous spectacular events including the famous Moomba festival, rowing regattas, the Melbourne Festival and Dragon Boat Festivals. The Yarra River offers a multitude of picturesque settings. The banks of the river have a number of barbecue and picnic facilities, fishing platforms and jetties. In addition, there are trails and paths which cater to cyclists, walkers, and joggers.