Welcome to the city of ‘live and let live’! Yes, this is one of the specialties of this Australian gem. Melbournians truly believe in this and so welcome tourists with great joy. One more feature of this city is that it is the venue of music, books, paintings, theatre, and sculptures – reflecting stylishness in artiness. Go ahead for a truly mesmerizing vacation and you will why many say Melbourne to be the nation’s ‘cultural capital’. With interesting as well as diverse things to do in Melbourne, you will always have to be ready for hands full on your trips to magnificent Melbourne parks, amusement parks, and lazy tram rides. To this, also add the pleasant climate that is always welcoming without being gaudy. The city enjoys ‘four seasons in one day’ because of the location and landscape.
One of the not to miss things to do in Melbourne is a visit to the Science Works & Planetarium at Booker Street in Spotswood. Whether you are alone or with your family here, this is a must explore site featuring hands on projects on science. So, get ready to pull, push, band, or spin to know what science can do for you via live illustrations, exhibits, and shows. Its dome takes you on the tour of the night sky via the digital technology. All those who hate science will start loving it.
Rialto Towers on the Collins Street is among the top highlights for being the tallest concrete as well as office building in the Southern Hemisphere. Just ascend to its 55th floor obviously via a lift where the Melbourne Observation Deck offers the breathtaking 360-degree panoramic vistas of the city. On a clear day, you can even marvel at the Dandenong Ranges as well as the distant Port Phillip Bay. The deck will welcome you from Sunday to Thursday after 10:00 am with an admission fee of AUD 11.80 per adult and AUD 6.80 per child.
Totally meant for the people of all ages, the Melbourne Aquarium on the King Street near the Yarra River is just a delight for the marine lovers. Featuring abundant sea life, it gives you a chance to spot stingrays, sharks, turtles, and fishes in its vast tanks that also house species living in freshwater as well as saltwater like jellyfish, billabongs, replicated coral islet, rock pools, and mangrove habitats. Other highlights include the games zone, underwater rides, souvenir shop, and cafe. The admission fee here AUD 22 per adult and AUD 12 per child.
If you are a shopping lover, no place can be as better as The Block Arcade that expands between the Collins Street and Elizabeth Street. Since over 120 years, this is the major shopping arcade with not only great shops, but also stunning looks via its soaring murals in the ceiling as well as intricate mosaic floors.
One of the exciting things to do in Melbourne is to explore the vibes of China in the Chinatown on Little Bourke Street. A true bustling area is this one in the entire city with its myriad of cafes, restaurants, Chinese medicines, Asian grocery stores, gift stores, gold and jewelry shops, museums, festivals, and karaoke.
No trip to this city is complete without a tour to the St. Paul’s Cathedral at the Corner Swanston Street and Flinders Street. This one is famous for its Gothic Revival architecture, ornamented interior, patterned floor tiles, notable English organ, and the statue of Matthew Flinders outside – the first seaman to explore the Australian coastline.
Beachside attraction is St Kilda Esplanade that is known for skating, walking, sunbathing, and getting to know about the novel gems on Sunday at the Esplanade Sunday market. This area is also one of the best to try out lunch and dinner.
Eating
Coming to the culinary desires, Melbourne serves all kind of flavors and dishes. Try out Blok M (Indonesian cuisine) on the Commercial Road, Piazza 51 in Sydney Road, Kuni’s (Japanese meals), Melbourne Lanna Thai on Exhibition Street, and Gopals in Swanston St.
Staying
A budget backpacker will find his or her accommodation in the downtown or at St. Kilda. All Nations Backpackers Hostel from AUD 19 and Melbourne Metro YHA are some options from my side.
Best visiting time
The best time to come here is during the autumn and spring featuring good temperatures.
Tip:
Travel via the free City Circle tram that takes you through many tourist spots such as Flinders St, Victoria St, and Harbor Esplanade.
