Melbourne is often known as Australia’s cultural capital, with numerous art galleries, theatres, and museums showcasing local and international works. It is the capital of the state of Victoria and is recognised as a UNESCO City of Literature. Melbourne is also well-known for its live music, theatre, entertainment industry, cricket fields, street football, etc. EIU also ranks it as the 2nd most livable city in the world.
Here are a few important facts that you must know before planning a vacation in Melbourne:
Best Time to Visit
Australia usually has a mild and pleasant climate throughout the year. So, you can plan your stay in Melbourne at any time of the year. However, the summer months from December to March are ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. It is also the best time to visit Melbourne if you’re interested in sporting activities such as cricket, football, tennis or grand prix. Besides, the spring months from September to November and the autumn months of March to May are also quite ideal for a visit to Melbourne.
Places to Visit
There are several tourist attractions spread across Melbourne. On MyFlightPal choose the ones that suit you the most. A few of these have been listed as follows:
Eureka Tower:
Before the Burj Khalifa was built, the Eureka Tower was the tallest building in the world. Currently, it offers a panoramic view of the Melbourne skyline from its 88th floor which has been converted into a Skydeck for travellers. It is the highest viewing point in the entire Southern Hemisphere.
Federation Square:
Federation Square is one of the prime locations for cultural and artistic events in all of Australia. It regularly hosts musicians and performance artists and is a renowned public space to delve into the depths of Australian culture. This area also houses several cafes, parks, restaurants and bars that any traveller can enjoy. It is also home to the Melbourne Visitor Centre underground.
Melbourne Museum:
This is the largest museum in the Southern Hemisphere that is located close to the Royal Exhibition Building, near the Carton Garden. This is a world-renowned heritage site. Melbourne Museum also houses several tourist attractions such as the Discovery Center, The Age Theatre, Sidney Myer Amphitheatre, etc. It is also home to the world’s largest IMAX movie screen that regularly features 3D documentaries for its visitors to enjoy.
Luna Park:
Luna Park is Melbourne’s oldest amusement park that is often frequented by thrill-seekers from around the globe. Dating back to 1912, this attraction houses roller coasters, motion simulators, and carousel rides, among other state-of-the-art rides and experiences that are suitable for families and tourists of all ages.
Yarra Valley:
Yarra Valley located in the upper banks of the Yarra River in Victoria stretches east of Melbourne’s central business district. It is one of the prime Victorian wine regions in the world. This region is famous for its exquisite culinary hotspots, restaurants and wineries. Popular institutions such as Maddens Rise, Rochford Wines and TarraWarra Estate are located in this region and often allow immersive wine-tasting experiences to its visitors.
Sea Life Aquarium:
This aquarium offers an immersive experience of unique aquatic animals and fish native to the Southern Hemisphere. It houses over 10000 marine animals in 12 different themed exhibits including creatures from the Antarctic region. Visitors here are allowed to explore all the exhibits and also indulge in feeding activities in designated interaction zones.
Melbourne Cricket Ground:
The Melbourne Cricket Ground also known as the MCG is a legendary cricket ground with a deep-rooted centuries-old history. Alongside its magnificence, it has one of the highest seating capacities of all sporting stadiums in the world. With two iconic electronic scoreboards and massive a gallery of sports, the MCG is one of the must-visit attractions, especially for travellers from cricketing nations such as the United Kingdom and India.
Peninsula Hot Springs:
Peninsula Hot Springs is a natural hot spring and day spa location that has received countless awards in the recent past. It houses several bathing and spa options fit for all types of visitors and also boasts wellness programs that are proven to rejuvenate your body and mind. This attraction is a must-visit site for travellers looking to unwind, relax and heal.
How to Reach?
A few of the most efficient ways to reach Melbourne are as follows:
By Air:
The Melbourne Airport also called the Tullamarine Airport is Australia’s 2nd busiest airport. It receives direct and indirect flights from all major airports across the world. There are also several domestic commuter flights daily that help you travel to and from Melbourne to other major tourist hubs such as Sydney, Perth, Adelaide and Canberra.
By Cruise:
While travelling by cruise can be longer than a regular flight, it is successful in offering travellers a unique experience en route. The Port of Melbourne is the busiest seaport in Australia. It receives tourists all year round and has countless shuttle and commuter facilities to ensure all visitors can have a pleasant travelling experience while in Melbourne.
Stay in Melbourne
Melbourne offers several accommodation options to suit various budgets and preferences. Here are a few great recommendations that you can take into consideration:
- Hotels: Melbourne has a variety of hotels ranging from budget to luxury options. The Central Business District (CBD), Southbank, and Docklands are amongst the most popular.
- Serviced Apartments: These apartments provide several amenities like kitchens and laundry facilities. They are suitable for long stays and are apt as a personal space and privacy.
- Bed and Breakfasts (B&Bs): These are small spaces with comfortable rooms and homemade breakfasts. B&Bs are typically located in the inner suburbs and offer a more personalized experience to travellers.
Conclusion
Melbourne is one of the most fascinating travel destinations in the world. And, this guide is effective in helping you plan your stay there. However, there are several other aspects that you must also know about before travelling to Melbourne. These may include culinary preferences, in-city transportation, ethnic know-how, etc.
With MyFlightPal, you can make the most of your vacation in Melbourne. Explore all plans here.