Here is your guide to some essential experiences—from art to architecture—to soak up when exploring Melbourne, Australia.
There is so much vibrancy and diversity in the Victorian capital city of Melbourne that it can be hard to know where to start exploring. The food and wine are second to none. Melbourne is the arts and sports capital of Australia. Numerous attractions need to be on the bucket list of all travelers. We hope this guide helps you determine what you must see when exploring Melbourne, Australia. Who knows—you might even fall in love with the city and decide to stay there longer or permanently. You’ll want to talk to various Immigration Advisers in New Zealand/Australia to see your options to experience this magnificent part of the world.
Choosing the Right Hotel When Exploring Melbourne
The first step is choosing your base of operations; many options are available. The Sofitel Melbourne is one of the best Melbourne hotels for the explorer. It offers all the comfort and amenities you crave in a location in the heart of the action.
The hotel is on busy Collins Street and all of its shopping experiences. It puts you within striking distance of major attractions like the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the National Gallery of Victoria, and public transport to take you wherever you need.
Sofitel Melbourne is just around the corner from Melbourne Central, a hub of shopping, dining, and transportation. Photo by Daniel Pelaez Duque on Unsplash
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
Australia is home to some of the richest marine ecosystems in the world. The Great Barrier Reef is home to thriving life, playful dolphins that swim right up to shore, and turtles and penguins that come out of the water each year to lay their eggs. These are truly sights to behold.
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium allows you to experience a microcosm of marine life that includes much of this diversity, including a snowscape for penguins, artificial reefs, and the chance to see enormous sharks, stingrays, and turtles up close and personal.
Check Out the Melbourne Zoo
Many visitors to Australia want to experience the country’s unique wildlife but are less keen to visit the Australian outback. The Melbourne Zoo allows you to have close encounters with indigenous Australian wildlife like koalas, kangaroos, wombats, penguins, and more.
See Kangaroo at the Melbourne Zoo. Photo by Jay Wennington on Unsplash
This sprawling zoo will also allow you to experience animals from around the world like giraffes, elephants, and more. This is a conversation-focused zoo, so you will also learn about dwindling numbers of species in the world, the efforts being undertaken to save them, and—if you’re lucky—you may see baby animals from endangered species bred in captivity.
Take Time to Explore the Architecture of Melbourne CBD
There is a reason Melbourne is the capital of the state of Victoria. The Central Business District (CBD) comprises many restored and preserved Victorian architecture buildings. This gives the CBD a unique appeal you won’t find anywhere else in the country. Venturing into the suburbs, you can also find lovingly renovated Victorian-era homes, some dating back to the colonial days.
For a seamless and stylish way to explore the city’s architectural gems, consider hiring a Luxury Chauffeur Service. This service allows you to travel in comfort while taking in the stunning sights at your own pace.
See the Victorian architecture in Melbourne’s Central Business District. Photo by Steffi Pereira on Unsplash
Explore the Rich Art and Culture in Melbourne
Melbourne offers world-class traditional and contemporary visual and performing art exhibitions and performances like nowhere else in Australia. Whatever your tastes, there is something for you.
The State Library of Victoria is the oldest library in the country and a rich source of resources on the country’s history. Melbourne Museum allows you to explore a virtual rainforest and view the preserved body of Phar Lap, the Australian champion racehorse.
Inside the State Library of Victoria. Photo by Finn Whelen on Unsplash
The National Gallery of Victoria is the country’s largest permanent fixture of Australian art, while global displays can be viewed at The National Gallery of Victoria International. THE LUME presents Australia’s first sensory, digital art experience encompassing its interactive environments with sight, sound, smell, touch, sound, and taste.
Numerous boutique galleries are worth visiting, and a rich tapestry of street art can be explored in every corner of the CBD and in art-driven suburbs like Fitzroy.
Explore street art throughout Melbourne CBD. Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
Yarra Valley Wine and Winery Tours
You will be spoiled for choice with food and wine in Melbourne. The locals take enormous pride in their cuisine. You will get the highest standards for everything from a simple, traditional dish to experimental, deconstructed delicacies.
However, it is essential to stray beyond the CBD and visit the country to experience the real heart and soul of Victorian cuisine. Numerous day trips (and longer expeditions) are available to visit the famous wineries and taste the foods. There are also options for helicopter and hot air balloon tours of the countryside.
Take a hot air balloon ride over Australia’s Yarra Valley. Photo by Hendra Pontomudis on Unsplash
Travel the Great Ocean Road While Exploring Melbourne
The Great Ocean Road is the ultimate road trip. It is not long, but this 150-mile (243-km) stretch of road is so majestic that it is heritage-listed. This is one of Australia’s most picturesque road trips, with sweeping views from cliff sides overlooking the ocean and the unique natural attraction of the Twelve Apostles. Don’t rush the trip, take a few days and explore the townships and their hospitality.
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Exploring Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne, Victoria’s capital, offers art, architecture, sports, great food, and some of the world’s best wines. You are sure to discover some wow moments when you explore Melbourne. Check out Wander for more places to explore when you visit Australia.
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