It will take more than a few days to get to know the city.
Federation Square is the hub of many of the city's main sights and should be your starting point for your exploration. We have everything you need for your visit to the city.
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You can get a good cup of coffee anywhere in the city, but stalwarts of the city's coffee scene can be found all over. We said it.
A city building covered in graffiti or a lane covered in graffiti is loud enough to be heard in a city. The most photographed laneway is Hosier Lane with little Rutledge Lane jutting off it like a separate wing of the same gallery.
Around the city center and beyond, there are a lot of other street art stretches. dainty Victorian arcades entice shoppers into their rarified confines.
The state gallery's collection is too large to fit in its home in Southbank, so it has been split into two. The Ian Potter Centre in Federation Square is home to the NGV Australia. It's a must- see. Treasures from a who's who of art history, past and present can be found in the main building of the NGV. There are no charges for both galleries.
One of the best examples of Victorian-era garden landscaping in the world can be found at the Royal Botanic Gardens. There are mature exotic trees and themed gardens devoted to roses and other plants. If time allows, it's a good idea to take the Aboriginal Heritage tour to learn about Indigenous plants but also to get a better idea of how the city came to be. Kids flock to the children's garden while picnickers sprawl on the extensive lawns. People go to see a movie under the stars on summer nights.
There are plenty of arty types to be found amidst the historic buildings, which have been converted into studios, galleries, cafes, a bakery, a bar, and a vegetarian restaurant. Melburnians visit the markets and stroll along the riverbank. Junior city-slicker kids face-to-face with all manner of farm animals at the nearby Collingwood Children's Farm, which is next to them. If you're travelling with children, this is a great way to relax and have fun.
The beach is nothing to write home about, but the seaside suburb of St Kilda has a roguish charm, symbolised by the slightly menacing but strangely fascinating clown face that forms the entrance to Luna Park. The vibe continues on sunny days with lots of cafes and beer gardens along the sea front. The little penguins that nest between the rocks of the breakwater are one of the most charming residents.
The market and park are both open to the public, but the park is also an environmental centre. There are educational tours that cover green themes such as renewable energy and sustainable building design.
Chickens to see, a small playground, and occasionally kids-focused workshops are available for travelers with children. Merri Creek is located next to Ces. Look out for cyclists as you stroll north or south through the regrowth of the bush.
Immigrants from all over the world are enthusiastically embraced by a discriminating populace. There are a number of cheap eats to be had in suburbs far and wide, but there are also a number of top-end restaurants that scoop awards. The world's top 50 restaurants are ranked by the prestigious San Pellegrino list.
The central business district of the city is divided into two parts: the eclectic western suburbs and the working dockland. You can take an off-road cycle or a train to get to this area. The once solidly working-class area has slowly gentrified over the last decade, but still has a strong migrant population bringing all the globe to the table.
While travellers without kids will love the bohemian bars, independent shops and outdoors cafes across "the west", Scienceworks is a great detour for families.
One of Melbourne's best-loved landmarks screens double features as well as a mix of new releases, art house and classics. The entire experience at the cinema, from the plush furnishings to the grand foyer staircase, transports you back to a time when cinema nights were special events.
Victoria's cultural, social and natural history are given their due at this museum, which is located at the heart of Carlton Gardens. The remains of Australia's favourite race horse, New Zealand-born Phar Lap, can be found in the Indigeous section. The Royal Exhibition Building was used as the venue for the sitting of Australia's first-ever parliament in 1901 and the gardens are shared by the museum.
The secular shrine is a memorial to those who died during the First World War. On the same day as the signing of the armistice, a shaft of light illuminates the word "love" through an opening in the ceiling. The views from the top of the monument are amazing.
It's not the prettiest or the most interesting stadium, but it's sacred ground for many Melburnians, carrying within its bulky frame the hope of Grand Final glory for their beloved local football team. If you can't make it to a cricket or an AFL game, there are other ways to see it. The Australian Sports Museum is an excellent place to go to cap it off.
Gourmet produce is sold by the box-load. The largest open-air market in Australia attracts thousands of shoppers a day. There are many fishmongers and fruit-and-veg vendors. The deli hall has everything from soft cheeses to organic wines. You can pack a picnic and go to the gardens for lunch.
The Summer Night Market takes place after hours from November to February. There are food stalls, bars, and music at the event. In August there is a Winter Night Market.
The article was first published in June of 2021.
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