Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne guide

Melbourne is in Victoria on the south coast of Australia. It was the nations capital until Canberra was founded in 1927. To increase the population it opened its doors to immigration in the 1960's and 70's and today Australia's descendants have a large European connection. This is one reason why it is much loved by Europeans and in fact the rest of the world! Other reasons are the warm climate, beautiful clean city and the natives will give you a warm welcome! Melbourne is more or less designed on a grid system so it's easy to work your way around. It also sits on the Yarra river that takes you right up to the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Many buildings in the city are from the victorian era and other areas such as Federation Square are very modern and futuristic. In comparison Melbourne is a relatively new city so it isn’t steeped in ancient history however it does have a relatively interesting history!

If anyone knows the story of Ned Kelly you can visit the 'Old Melbourne Gaol' on Victoria Street where he was executed. His death mask is on display.

South of the Yarra river is the beach side St. Kilda district, you can take a tour and see Melbourne's penguin colony from the pier. There is also a marina towards the south end.

Some visitors to Melbourne may feel a need their fellow travellers do not however if you do feel the compulsion you must do it! Young or old if you've travelled all this way why not! It's the neighbours tour. For those of you who are a little sceptical this tour will fulfill all the nostalgia you have from watching kids T.V. The men who run the tour are very amusing. On the way to Ramsay Street you can watch DVD's of famous weddings and deaths to get you in the mood. You will probably start off visiting Ramsay Street where real people live and of course you will have the chance to take the obligatory photo of standing next to the Ramsay Street Sign! Finally you should finish up at the studios where you may have the opportunity to meet one of the cast! You can book a tour through www.neighbourstour.com

Flights to Melbourne Airport (MEL)

To and from Melbourne Airport

Activities and sightseeing in Melbourne

Federation Square, The Ian Potter Centre (national gallery, Federation Square), Melbourne City Baths (Swanson & Victoria Streets), Block Arcade (shopping arcade on Collins and Elizabeth Streets), Old Melbourne Gaol (Victoria Street), Neighbours Tour, Yarra River, Melbourne Cricket Ground (Brunton Avenue), Chinatown (Little Bourke Street), Melbourne Observation deck (Rialto Towers on Collins Street), Immigration museum (Flinders Street), Flinders Street Station, Melbourne Aquarium (Queenswharf Road and King Street, Captain Cook's Cottage, Crown Casino and Entertainment Complex, Melbourne Exhibition Centre (Clarendon Street), Royal Botanic Gardens (Birdwood Avenue), Royal Melbourne Zoo (Elliot Avenue), Seaside at St. Kilda (pier, pavilion and marina), cinema.

Eating and drinking in Melbourne

There are many different cultures living in Melbourne therefore there are many different cuisines available. In and around Little Bourke Street is Chinatown this has many places to eat and is very popular therefore booking is recommended; there are however other menus available such as Greek and Indian food. Federation Square and Docklands are also very popular and have some great places to eat. Mecca Bah at Docklands is a particular favourite.

Melbourne is a very social place if you fancy trying your luck; head towards Crown Casino as this has many bars and a nightclub inside. For a themed night Draculas will entertain you will live acts, comedy and a three course meal (pre-book).  Where ever you are eating though you will stumble onto bars around the area. A can or stubby of VB is the beer of choice in Melbourne and they serve it extra cold!