Melbourne in 24 Hours – Just The Very Best!
Tips for Spending A Wonderful Day in Melbourne
Melbourne is Australia’s unofficial cultural capital. It’s a foodie haven and a sport lover’s paradise. It’s quite easy to fill a whole week here. But, if you have just a day, here are the attractions that will give you a taste of what Melbourne is all about.
Hop on the City Circle Tram
Whilst Melbourne’s city centre is easily navigated on foot, make use of the tram if you’re short of time. The City Circle Tram is completely free and operates on a circular route, stopping at major landmarks and attractions on the way. Trams depart every 12 minutes, both clockwise and anticlockwise, and it takes around 50 minutes to complete a loop around the city.
Enjoy the Views
For panoramic views of Melbourne, head up to the Eureka Skydeck. The Eureka Tower is the highest point in the city and the tallest viewing platform in the Southern Hemisphere. Needless to say, the views up here are spectacular and even take in some of the greenery beyond Melbourne’s urban limits.
Soak Up the Café Culture
Café and coffee culture in Melbourne began way back in the Victorian era. Helped along by Italian immigrants arriving in the 40s and 50s, the city is now famous for its cafés and coffee shops. There are lots of independent cafés to choose from – some Italian styled, some bohemian and some up-market – all taking pride in a good cup of joe. Coffee connoisseurs can also try top notch espresso at roasteries around the city.
Wander the Gardens
Melbourne’s Royal Botanical Gardens can be found on the south bank of the Yarra River. Covering 94 acres, it’s a huge green space in the city centre and a popular attraction with tourists. Victorian landscaping, mini ecosystems, indigenous forest and plant species from around the world make this place more than your average city park. There are guided walks around the park and, in summer months, regular outdoor cinema and theatre events.
Appreciate Art
The National Gallery of Victoria sits right next to the Botanical Gardens in a modernist, bunker-like building. It’s home to an extensive collection of artworks ranging from the ancient to the contemporary. Rembrandt, Tiepolo, Turner and Picasso all feature. And, if you’d prefer an edgier experience, head to Hosier Lane. This narrow laneway is famous for its street art, with graffiti and art installations changing daily.
Visit a Sports Venue
A little out of the city centre, and beyond the free tram route, sports fans will find the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia’s most iconic sports venue. If you’re not lucky enough to catch a match during your visit to Melbourne, you can still take a tour behind the scenes. Another impressive local venue is the Rod Laver Arena, home of the Australian Open and the setting for some famous moments in tennis history.
Eat at a Great Restaurant
Melbourne residents are self-professed foodies. The city is home to the highest number of restaurants per capita anywhere in the world so lunch or dinner somewhere special is an essential part of any Melbourne experience. There’s Vietnamese cuisine along Victoria Street in Richmond, Italian delicacies at Lygon Street in Carlton, Middle Eastern food in Brunswick and a selection of Asian delights in Chinatown. Higher end restaurants can be found along the banks of the Yarra River and, if you really want to splash out, Melbourne also boasts Attica, the only Australian restaurant to feature on the San Pellegrino World’s Top 50 Restaurants list.
Enjoy the Nightlife
Melbourne is a city that never sleeps. Whatever kind of night out you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it. Live music performances, DJ sets, effortlessly cool bars and good old fashioned pubs all feature on the list. Off the radar drinking holes can be found down the laneways, Collingwood and Fitzroy have laid back venues with lower prices and South Yarra is more glamourous.
So be sure to make the most of your time in Melbourne and soak up some of the city’s vibrant, alternative culture. Wherever you’re off to next, you’ll find that Melbourne is very well connected. Take a scenic train ride over to Traralgon, hire a car and take a road trip along the Great Ocean Road to Port Fairy or hop on board a ship to explore the Pacific. There’s so much more to see in the state of Victoria.
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About The Author: Rachel is a mother of 2 beautiful boys. She loves to hike and write about travelling, education and business. She is a Senior Content Manager at NYBizDb – an online resource of relevant business information.
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Image Source: Pixabay
