Melbourne is a captivating city, full of creativity and life. For those travelling in Australia, this city has something for everyone. The fashion, cultural, and sporting heart of Australia, Melbourne’s calendar is filled with world-class events. And you can get a great deal on flights from London to Melbourne too – making getting there easy and affordable! Don’t miss out. Book your cheap student flights and then go explore these 10 things to do in Melbourne:
Federation Square
Federation Square is a hub of activities and a definite must see. It blends a unique cultural precinct, museums and galleries, and the finest of dining with its many restaurants, cafes and bars. There are guided tours at 11am and 2pm from Monday to Saturday. Plus, over 2000 events are held annually, including multicultural festivals, markets, film screenings, sporting events, and much more. And best yet – most of the events are free!
Queen Victoria Market
The Queen Victoria Market is more than just Melbourne’s shopping mecca. It is also a historic landmark and a tourist attraction. This vast and vibrant shopping fantasy was opened on 20 March 1878 and has served consumers’ needs for more than 145 years. The market sells everything from exotic Australian fruit and vegetables to local and imported gourmet foods, meat, fish and poultry to hardware, clothing and authentic Australian artefacts and souvenirs. For the ultimate trip, why not try some wine tasting? You’ll have the opportunity to sample some of the world class wines produced in many regions throughout the state.
Take a stroll down the Yarra River
Take advantage of Melbourne’s hot and sunny summer weather and take a stroll alongside its most famous resident: the Yarra River. This is a great thing that you can do for free any time of the day – meaning you can easily fit this into that gap in your itinerary. If you walk by the waterfront during the day, you can see many works of contemporary art.
Melbourne Balloon Flight at Sunrise
What better way to admire Melbourne’s city skyline than at early dawn from a hot air balloon. The ride is about an hour and then after you can toast your good fortune with an optional champagne breakfast. Your Melbourne balloon flight includes complimentary hotel transfers for your convenience, so you cannot go wrong. You’ll be able to see the sights as your balloon drifts over Melbourne’s parks, gardens and the Yarra River as the city wakes up. Get your camera ready for pictures of iconic venues such as the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne Park and Albert Park racetrack. You’ll be up, up and away.
St Patrick’s Cathedral
If you have an eye for detail and creativity why not head up McArthur St to see one of the world’s largest and finest examples of Gothic Revival architecture. Designed by William Wardell, St Patrick’s was named after the patron saint of Ireland, reflecting Melbourne’s local Catholic community’s main origin. Building began in 1863 and continued until the spires were added in 1939. The imposing bluestone exterior and grounds are but a preview of its contents: inside are several tonnes of bells, an organ with 4500 pipes, ornate stained-glass windows, and the remains of former archbishops.
Visit the Eureka Skydeck
Why not get a bird’s eye view of the area by visiting Eureka Skydeck and taking in the city from a new perspective. For those that dare to take the views a step further, you’ll be able to experience “Edge”; a thrilling encounter taking you over the edge in a glass box. Ticket prices are fairly cheap and they even offer a discounted rate if you return for another visit within 36 hours, letting you see the views during the daytime and at night, too. Most believe that sunset is probably the best time of day for a viewing, with the colouring of the sky making for a wonderful contrast with the gradual transition from day to night as the city lights turn on one by one.
Travel to Phillip Island
One of the most popular natural destinations just outside of Melbourne is Phillip Island which is famous for being home to the largest colony of Little Penguins in the world. Watch thousands of these little guys, also known as Fairy Penguins, make their way to shore every night during the Penguin Parade. Beside these adorable penguins, there is plenty more to do on Phillip Island. Visit the nearby Koala Conservation Centre where you can get up close and personal with those famous cute animals.
Visit the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art
Melbourne is home to an outstanding and free art gallery; the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA). So if you love contemporary art, challenging and innovative artwork, do not miss out on a trip to the ACCA. The building itself stands apart from the rest with its distinctive steel rust- red facade that is a landmark in the Southbank area. The ACCA is a lover of art so you will never be disappointed at their unusual and exciting exhibits.
See a sporting event
Melbourne’s most popular sports include cricket, Australian football, and rugby. You can find all sorts of games to attend and they really are the perfect activity to take in the culture of the city. Plus, if you plan to visit Melbourne soon, the FIFA Women’s World Cup is being held in 10 different venues across Australia and New Zealand (including Melbourne Rectangular Stadium) from July to August this year!
Day-trip around the rest of Victoria
Victoria is such a fantastic and beautiful state and there is just so much to see and do there. From National Parks, to beaches, to mountains, or vineyards – you can explore just about any type of scenery. Need more specifics on where to drive? Our favourite spots are along the coast on the Great Ocean Road, into Yarra Valley for the vineyard views and some wine tasting, or over to Brisbane Ranges National Park for views of wildflowers and lots of fun hiking trails from easy to hard, short to multi-day treks.
That’s it, our ten amazing things to do in Melbourne. So what are you waiting for? Book your trip today and get ready for an amazing and fun-filled trip!
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