Victoria is a state in the south-east of Australia. People often known Victoria as Melbourne. Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria. Melbourne is popular for their street art, architecture, music, cultural, museum, gallery, events and festival, climate, nightlife, shopping complex, restaurants and cafes. Thus, makes Melbourne as one of the most vibrant destinations in Australia and the world.
Other interesting fact about Melbourne is for their changeable weather conditions. Melbourne people or visitors often said Melbourne weather is like having four seasons in one day. So, if you planning to visit Melbourne, always prepare yourself for the weathers.
1. Eureka tower ( Eureka Skydeck 88)
Eureke tower is the tallest building in Melbourne and one of the iconic symbol of tourism in Melbourne . Located in Southbank , Yarra river , Eureka Tower has a height of 297.3 – meter ( 975 ft ) or 92 floors . This is a residential apartment building with a shop , restaurant , gallery and observation desk ( Eureka Skydeck 88 ).In Eureka Skydeck 88 you can enjoy the views of Melbourne City.
Price: Eureka Skydeck 88 entrance fee is AUD$ 19.50 Adult and $ 11.00 Child (4-16 year)
Location : 7 Riverside Quay Southbank Victoria Australia 3006
How to get here : Tram routes 1,3,3a,5,6,8,16,35,64,67,70,71,72,75 stop in Swanston Street/ Flinders St or Tram routes 55 stop Casino East/Flinders and Tram route 96,109,122 stop in Crown Casino. Train stop in Flinders Station then walk to southbank Promenade.
Tips: Eureka Tower located in Southbank Promenade, exactly in middle of waterfront promenade to Crown promenade ,Yarra River.
For more information: http://eurekaskydeck.com.au/index.asp
2. Crown Casino and Entertainment Complex
Crown Casino and Entertainment Complex is a large casino and entertainment precinct in Melbourne, Australia. It is opened in 1997 and has a space of 510,000 m². Crown Casino has a license for 500 table games, 2,500 poker machines and provides six main casino games of Blackjack, Craps, Pai Gow, Poker, Baccarat and Roulette and others games. Other than the casino, there are also hotels and several nightclubs, restaurants, entertainment and shopping complex such as bowling alley and branded stores such as Prada, Bulgari, Hugo Boss and etc.
Open: Crown Casino is open every day, 24 hours a day.
***On Christmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day, the Casino is closed from 4 am to midday.
Location: 8 Whiteman Street, Southbank VIC 3006, Australia
How to get here: Tram route 96,109,122 stop in Crown Casino.
3. St Kilda
St Kilda is a suburb of Melbourne and often popular as Melbourne’s seaside playground. Located 6 km (20 minutes) from the city centre, St Kilda is home to many of Melbourne’s famous visitor attractions including St Kilda Beach, Luna Park, St Kilda pier, the Esplanade Hotel, Acland Street, Fitzroy street, theater, restaurants, bars, cafes, shops and many more. St Kilda also offers most stunning views of Port Phillip Bay with big skies and gorgeous sunsets.
Opened in December 13th 1912, Luna Park is Melbourne’s unique amusement Park. Luna Park offer a range of attraction for all ages and the famous attractions is Scenic Railway Roller Coaster, a large wooden coaster (the oldest continually operating wooden roller coaster in the world) that projects its passengers, at high speed, around the outside of the entire Park.
The St Kilda Pier is another local landmark and major tourist attraction. The pier has a long breakwater which shelters St Kilda Harbour and hosts a little penguin colony. The tourist can see clearly the penguin parade on sunset or sunrise.
How to get here: Tram routes 96 from Bourke Street, tram 112 from Collins Street and tram 16 from Swanston Street.
http://lunapark.com.au/park-info/opening-hours/
4. National Gallery of Victoria and Shrine of Remembrance
National Gallery of Victoria ( NGV) , is Australia’s oldest public art museum. Established in 1861, NGV currently holds over 70,000 works of art. Located opposite of NGV there is Royal Botanical Garden. Royal Botanical Garden is renowned botanical gardens with 38 hectares of landscaped gardens. Inside the garden there is Information centre, Gift shop, Toilets, Barbecues place, Shelter, Cafe and Tea rooms.
Shrine of Remembrance is a memorial museum to all Australians who have served in war.
Price: The Museums entrance fee is free.
Location: Botanical Garden located in Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne
NGV located in 180 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne VIC 3006, Australia
Shrine remembrance located in Kings Domain on St Kilda Road, Melbourne
Open: Botanical garden open from 7.30am to sunset every day of the year
NGV open from 10 am – 5 pm daily (Closed on Christmas, Good Friday and ANZAC Day)
Shrine of Remembrance open from 10am – 5pm daily (Closed Good Friday and Christmas Day)
How to get there: Train stop in Flinders Street Station and walk around 15 minutes or tram routes 3, 5, 8, 16, 64, 67 from Flinders street station to domain interchange.
5. Fitzroy Garden and James Cook’s Cottage
Fitzroy Garden is one of the major Victorian era landscaped gardens in Australia with long history of over 150 years. The Garden was build in 26 hectares (64 acres) and within the gardens there are many tourist attractions such as Cooks’ Cottage, Sinclair Cottage, conservatory, the fairies’ tree, an ornamental lake, a scarred tree, a visitor information center and cafe, model Tudor village and many more.
Built in 1755, Cooks’ Cottage is a house where the parents of Captain James Cook (discoverer of the east coast of Australia) lived. The cottage was in England at that time but was brought to Melbourne in 1934 and astonishingly, each brick was individually numbered, packed into barrels and then shipped to Australia. The house was furnished with few items from the Cook family and the rest is the items on that period.
Located on the main Elm Avenue, not far from James cook’s Cottage there is Sinclair cottage. Sinclare’s cottage is a polychrome brick cottage where the gardener’s Sinclair and his family to live in.
Price: James Cook’s Cottage entrance fee : $6 general Adult, $3.60 Concession*, $3 Children (5-15 years)
Open: Everyday from 9am to 5pm (except Christmas Day). Last entry at 4.45pm
Location: Fitzroy Gardens, Wellington Parade, East Melbourne VIC 3002
How to get here: 15 minute walk from Federation Square, Free City Circle tram stop in Spring Street/Treasury Gardens stop, Tram routes 48 or 75 stop in Wellington Parade/Fitzroy Gardens, Tram stop in Parliament or Jolimont Stations.
* Concession applies to students, seniors and pensioners
More details/update,www.thatsmelbourne.com.au/PlacesToGo/CooksCottage/Pages/CooksCottage.aspx
6. Philips Island
Philips Island is home to the world-famous Penguin Parade and other popular wildlife attractions. Located 90 minutes from Melbourne, Philip Island also offer other tourist attraction such as Wild Ocean EcoBoat Tours (dive in the Australia’s newest seal experience), Koala Conservation Centre, Churchill Island Heritage Farm and the Nobbies Center.
Location: 1019 Ventnor Rd, Ventnor, Victoria 3922
For more information: penguins.org.au
7. Queen Victorian Market
Queen Victorian market has existed since the 1850s and was officially opened on 20 March 1878. The market is large enough and complete , selling all items ranging from groceries , fruit , fish , meat , clothing , jewelry , handbags , shoes , flowers, handmade arts, crafts and etc. The market also provide several cafes and food vendors which offer a wide variety of food and drinks for your breakfast or lunch . If you are come to Queen Victoria market do not forget to try their Jam donuts, the origin traditional donuts from Melbourne . Hot donuts van has been there since half a century ago .
Queen Victorian Market also organizes night market every Wednesday night on summer. The Night Market offer 60 foodies serving up street food from across the globe. There are also limited edition pieces ranging from jewellery, fashion, accessories to homewares, ceramics and prints. It is a unique platform for emerging designers, artists and musicians.
Open: Tuesday, Thursday – Sunday at 05.00am – 02.00pm
Night market, Wed (Nov-Feb/March) Start 18.00
Closed : Monday, Wed and public holidays.
Location : Victorian Market :513 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
How to get here : Tram routes 19, 57, 59 stop in Queen Victoria Market/Elizabeth Street or Tram routes 55, 57 stop in Peel st/Victoria St.
For more Information: http://www.qvm.com.au/whats-on/
8. Federation Square
Federation Square is a meeting place in Melbourne . Located right in front of Flinders station , this is an area where a unique culture combines creative blend various tourist destinations such as museums and galleries , theater restaurants , cafes ,bars and many more
There are few museums and galleries located in Federation Square such as the Australian Center for the Moving Image , National Design Center and the Ian Potter Center which is specifically for Australian art galleries such as photography , drawing , fashion and textiles , decorative arts and especially aboriginal and Torres strait .
Location: Corner Swanston St & Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000,
How to get here: Tram routes 1,3,3a,5,6,8,16,35,64,67,70,71,72,75 stop in Swanston Street/ Flinders St or free city circle tram or Train stop in Flinders station.
9. The Old Melbourne Gaol
The Old Melbourne Gaol is a museum and former prison located in Russell Street, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. It was first constructed starting in 1839 , the prison has executed 133 people by hanging.Now the prison is some part incorporated into the RMIT University (known as the “RMIT Building 11), and the rest becoming a museum.
The three-story museum displays information and memorabilia of the prisoners and staff, including death masks of the executed criminals, an iron mask, and a pair of leather gloves, designed to prevent inmates from practicing self-abuse. The museum offer few services such as Night tours, Watch house experience, Goal self Guided tours,” Such a life performance and etc.
Open: Every day from 9:30am to 5:00pm (except Christmas Day and Good Friday)
Price : Entrance fee is $25.00 Adult, $20.00 Concession, $13.50 Child (age 5 – 15 years)
Location: 377 Russell St (between Victoria and La Trobe St)
How to get here: Tram 35 or City Circle free Stop 7 (corner of La Trobe and Russell Street) or Tram no. 30 along La Trobe Street. Train stop in Melbourne Central Station (2 min. walk)
For more details: http://www.oldmelbournegaol.com.au/
10. Great Ocean Road
Build between 1919 and 1932, the great Ocean Road is the world’s largest memorial dedicated to soldiers killed during World War I. The road has long 243 kilometers (151 mi) stretch along the south-eastern coast of Australia between the Victorian cities of Torquay and Allansford. One of the popular prominent landmarks is the Twelve Apostles limestone stacks formations. Currently there are eight apostles left but the name remains unchanged.
Location: Port Campbell National Park, Great Ocean Road ,Victoria, Australia
11. Melbourne Zoo
Melbourne zoo was opened on 6 October 1862 in 55-acre (22 ha) land. Located 4 km(2.5 mi) north of the center of Melbourne, Melbourne zoo is home for more than 320 animal species from Australia and around the world include Australian original animals kangaroos, emus, wombats, koalas, echidnas and lace monitors.
Open: Everyday from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Price : Entrance fee is $30.80 Adult, $23.60 Concession,$27.70 Seniors, $13.60 Child (4-15 yrs) from Mon – Fri and free for Child (0-3 yrs) and Child (4-15 yrs) Sat, Sun, public/school holiday.
Location: Elliott Avenue, Parkville VIC 3052, Australia
How to get here: via Royal Park station on the Upfield railway line or via tram routes 55 and 19 as well as by bicycle on the Capital City Trail
For more information: http://www.zoo.org.au/melbourne
12. Bundoora Park
Bundoora park is located in Bundoora 15 km north from Melbourne’s Central Business District. Bundoora Park provides experiences and activities for tourism such as Cooper’s Settlement Wildlife, farm animals, public golf courses, beautiful picnic or playground area, cafe or fireplace in cold winter. Tourist also can see the spectacular view of the Melbourne skyline from Mount Cooper. In this park you also can see the Australian animal’s kangaroos and emus.
Open: Coopers Settlement is open every day from 8.30am – 5.00pm and Bundoora Park and Golf Course open from Sunrise to Sunset.
*The park closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day.
Price: Coopers Settlement Adult is $9.50 and Children $6.00
Location: 1069 Plenty Rd, Bundoora, Victoria 3083
How to get here: tram route 86 stop in La Trobe university.
For more info: http://www.bundoorapark.com.au/
13. Mornington Peninsula
The Mornington Peninsula is a favorite local tourist region , with popular natural Attractions such as the variety of beaches , scenic sights , various wineries , water sports , galleries , cafes, dolphin attraction, hotels, day spa, hot springs, golf course and etc. There is many wineries and wine tasting rooms clustered around Red Hill , Merricks , Balnarring , Moorooduc , Shoreham , and Main Ridge . Pinot noir and chardonnay are the main varieties of this region.
How to get here: Ferry, Car, Bus and Tour service.
A number of bus services from Frankston railway station in metropolitan Melbourne run partway down the peninsula along the Nepean Highway. These run to various destinations such as Mount Martha and Mornington, via Mount Eliza.
14. Sovereign Hill
Sovereign Hill is the Australia foremost outdoor museum. Located in Ballarat, Victoria (90-minute from Melbourne), Sovereign hill is Australian goldfields. At sovereign hill you can see costume ladies and gents parade, Red Hill Gully Diggings where you can pan for real gold, see a spectacular $100,000 gold pour, venture underground gold mine tour or catch a horse-drawn coach and many more. Besides that, you also can go shopping 1850s-style and visit hotels, schools and a theater with goldfields entertainers.
Open: Sovereign Hill from 10.00 am – 05.00 pm ( closed on Christmas day)
Price: Entrance fee is $49.50 Adult, $39.60 Concession*,$22.00 Child (5-15), $122.00 Family (2 adults & up to 4 children), $88.00 Single Parent Family (1 adult & up to 3 children).
Location: Bradshaw Street ,Ballarat , Victoria.
How to get here: Car or train (V/Line train) and tour coach services which operate daily from Melbourne. The train at Ballarat station will brings visitors directly to Sovereign Hill. V/Line train initiative – the Goldrush Special now delivers visitors directly to Sovereign Hill’s front door.
* Concession applies to students, seniors and pensioners
For more update check in: http://www.zoo.org.au/melbourne
15. Shopping
- Swanston Street
Swanston Street is the main streets of central business district (CBD) Melbourne. The street is home of Victoria Library, RMIT University, Melbourne central, Queen Victoria Village (QV), shops, boutique, cafes, restaurants and many more. Apart from their shopping complex, Melbourne Central also offer few tourist attraction such as Coop’s Shot Tower, The Marionette Fob Watch and The Glass Cone.
- Bourke and Little Bourke Street
Bourke Street is best known as location of the Bourke Street Mall. Bourke St Mall is home to two major Australian luxury department stores, Myer and David Jones that house many well-known brands. In Bourke St. Mall there is also many small boutiques, retails outlet, shopping center, cafe, bars and restaurants.
# GPO Melbourne ( Home of H&M, cafe and restaurants)
# Royal Arcade (fashion stores and tarot card reading store).
# Strand Arcade (Center point Shopping Center)
# Causeway Lane (small boutique shops, an upmarket French patisserie Laurent, indoor and outdoor cafes and sushi bars)
# Grossi Florentino (an Italian restaurant, bar and grill that’s been operating for over 100 years)
# Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar (Melbourne institution that has been serving coffee for over 50 years)
Little Bourke Street is famous as Melbourne Chinatown. Chinatown fulled with many Chinese restaurants, cafes, businesses and places of worship.
How to get here: Tram routes 86 and 96.
-Collins street and little Collin Street
Collins Street is notable as Melbourne’s premier shopping street. It is the home of prestigious boutiques and high-end retailers such as Chanel, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Emporio Armani, Montblanc and etc. The street is also home for five-star hotels, private clubs and exclusive jewelers’ stores.
In Little Collins, there is many Australian and International fashion boutiques, well known cafes, restaurants and bars such as Verve and Il Baccaro, Hairy Canary ,Gin Palace, Mamasita and Pony Bar. Howey Place (small designer fashion shops), Royal Arcade and The Causeway are notable arcades.
How to get here: Train, stop in Flinders Station, by foot (5 minutes) from Federation Square or by Trams routes 11, 12, 48 and 109 or The free City Circle Tram to the corner of Spring and Collins streets or the corner of Spencer and Collins streets.
- Chappel street
Chapel Street is one of Melbourne’s premier shopping and entertainment strips with over 980 shops, street cafes, restaurants, bars, pubs and nightclubs . The street is home for exclusive upmarket fashion designers shops at the South Yarra as well as old fashion shops in pawnbrokers towards Windsor. Some tourist attraction in Chapel street are The Jam Factory ( Shopping and entertainment complex),Prahran Market ( fresh food market over 120 years), Commercial Road shopping strip(Melbourne’s gay villages), Chapel off Chapel ( Theatre and gallery venue) and Greville Street is a small niche shopping strip.
How to get here: Tram route 78 or routes 3, 5, 6, 8, 64 and 72 all intersect Chapel Street. Trains stop South Yarra, Parhan Windsor and Balaclava station.
- Lygon Street
Lygon Street’s is well known with Italian restaurants and cafes located in Carlton. Opening in 1961, Toto’s Pizza House is the first pizzeria established in Australia. Besides Italian restaurant there are many Asian restaurants, Middle East restaurant and the famous Italian Ice cream shops. The ice cream shop is one of the shops you need to visit if you come to Lygon Street.
How to get here: Tram routes 1 and 8 run along Lygon Street between Elgin Street, Carlton, and Albion Street, Brunswick East.
- Flinders Street and Flinders Lane
In Flinders Street and flinders Lane there is a lot of small shop, boutique , cafe and restaurant.
# Port Phillip Arcade (Flinders Lane between Swanston Street dan Degraves Street)
There are several cafes and general food outlets.
# Center Place ( Between Flinders Lane and Collins Street )
The laneway is home to several vibrant bars, cafes, restaurants, boutiques, sushi bars and shops, as well as some of Melbourne’s best examples of street art and graffiti, particularly stencil graffiti, known as “City Lights”.
# Degraves Street (North Flinders Street /Flinders Lane)
Degraves underpass is also home to Platform Artists Group, and frequently presents new works. The lane features bars, cafes, and restaurants.
# Cathedral Arcade is a heritage shopping arcade in Melbourne, Victoria.
# Hosier Lane (Opposite entrance Atrium at Federation Square on Flinders St)
Hosier lane is popular landmark in Melbourne for their graffiti-covered walls and art – installations. It is a popular backdrop for fashion and wedding photography. Hosier Lane is also known for its upmarket cocktail lounges including the popular Misty and MoVida. There is also open air cooking session with MoVida’s chef Frank Camorra (Masterchef Australia season 2).
-DFO South Wharf
DFO South Wharf is home to over 100 leading Australian and International stores that offer massive discounts off their every-day retail prices, all under the one roof. There is also restaurant and cafe which served food options for every taste.
-Docklands / Waterfront City
Waterfront City is a shopping and entertainment area that includes Harbour Town, the Melbourne Star Ferris wheel, Icehouse ice sports, large circus tent, urban community and numerous restaurants, dinning, shops and cafes as well as cinemas, bowling and other family entertainment options. The Harbour Town is house of brand direct outlet center and the home to Australia’s first Costco Warehouse Store.
How to get here: Free City Circle Tram or Tram Route 70, 48, 30 and 86
- Box Hill
Box Hill is popular with the Asian market and restaurants especially Chinese food. Centro Box Hill features a Woolsworths Supermarket, Coles Supermarket,The Reject Shop, EB Games, Dick Smith, Big W, Harris Scarfe, a selection of fashion retailers, the large indoor Box Hill Market and a large food court.
How to get here: Tram route 109, Train stop in Box Hill railway station and Bus. The complex also includes a large bus terminus, linking commuters to a broad range of destinations across most Melbourne suburbs.
– And many more.
Other than above tourist attractions, Melbourne also host ans support many events and festivals through the year. For more details about the event and festivals in Melbourne, Victoria, https://witaworld.wordpress.com/2015/02/24/events-and-festivals-in-melbourne-victoria/.
Witaworld 