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Australia’s second largest city, Melbourne, is known as the Sporting and Cultural Capital of Australia.
Melbourne was the host of the 1956 Olympic Games and the 2006 Commonwealth Games.
Melbourne also boasts an intricate tram system, some beautiful parks and gardens surrounded by buildings which are a mix of both contemporary and older style architecture.
Federation Square
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When it comes to the cultural centre, Federation Square is definitely Melbournes Meeting Place. Along with over 15 restaurants, bars and cafes, there are function centres, there is :
- Champions: Australian Racing Museum & Hall of Fame
- The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia
- National Design Centre
- Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI)
- Melbourne Visitor Centre
Over 2,000 different events are held at these venues each year.
Southbank
Bordered in the north by the Yarra River, in the south by Park Street, Kingsway to the west and in the east by St Kilda Road, Southbank is a densely populated area with many high rise buildings. Southbank is home to the Southgate Arts and Leisure Precinct which includes many retail outlets, restaurants and cafes along with a large variety of entertainment venues. Near the Brass beer cafe stands the iconic sculpture Ophelia. Also in this area is the Victorian Arts Centre, Crown casino and the tallest skyscraper, the Eureka Tower. In this vicinity there is also Queensbridge Square and the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre.
Docklands / NewQuay
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Situated just a short trip from the CBD is the Docklands NewQuay area. With free parking available and fantastic water views this area is a gourmet food lovers delight. Choose from Chinese, Indian, Mexican, Italian, you name it, youll find it. There are also some great entertainment venues and function centers. There are a host of art galleries and many retail stores selling a variety of goods including many high fashion labels. Accommodation is this area is outstanding with water front apartments available.
St Kilda
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Ever since foundation, St Kilda has been a popular seaside resort. Situated just 7 km to the south east of the CBD, St Kilda has one of the largest populations of any suburb in the city. Water sports such as windsurfing, kite surfing, waterskiing and beach volley ball are enjoyed on St Kilda beach and a rollerbladers can be found along the promenade. In addition to the many theatres in the area Luna Park is one of the better know landmarks in the area along with the St Kilda Sea baths and the St Kilda Pavilion.
There are numerous places to visit in and around the Melbourne CBD. I haven’t even gotten to tell you about the shopping, Prahran, Chapel St, the parks, the bars, the night life…
Between the art and cultural centers, the sporting arena and fixtures and the many other places of interest including the natural beauty of Port Phillip Bay and the coastline, you could literally spend months just exploring the many wonders that make Melbourne a great destination for a weekend, month or lifetime.
Wish to know more about the beauties of my Melbourne and the wonderful state of Victoria?
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