Melbourne
Must Do
The Royal Botanic Gardens along the Yarra River is a vast 38-hectare sanctuary filled with over 50,000 predominantly native Australian plants, and a habitat for diverse wildlife, including 12,000 bird species. It even features a section of a rainforest! A visit to these gardens offers the opportunity to discover more about Australia’s flora, and admission is complimentary.
The State Library of Victoria is located within the free City Circle Tram area. Admission is free, and the library contains over 1.5 million books. The reading room of the Royal Botanic Gardens, located along the Yarra River, is a must-visit for its architectural marvel of a dome. When constructed in 1913, it was the largest dome in the world. There is also a chess room and an arts library. The expansive lawn in front of the library is a popular spot for students to enjoy their lunch. You will also find a number of statues in front of the entrance.
“Degraves Street,” one of Melbourne’s oldest alleys, is conveniently located near Flinders Street station and offers numerous passages to explore. It’s also through these passages that you’ll discover the street art that is so popular in Melbourne, in the heart of the city, as well as in “Union Lane” and “Hosier Lane”.
The Queen Victoria Market, opened in 1878, remains a must-do for locals and tourists alike. There are even guided tours for those interested in its history. From food to handicrafts and souvenirs, you will surely find what you are looking for! More than 700 stalls offer local products that Australians buy for special occasions. This market is located between Elizabeth Street and Victoria Street and is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays through Sundays from 6am.
In the suburbs of Melbourne, don’t miss the famous St Kilda district. St Kilda is 7 km from the city center and can be easily reached by car. You can visit the renowned “Luna Park” and tap into your inner child by trying out some of its rides, if you’re in the mood. St Kilda beach is also a must-do, and on the port you will be able to watch the penguins at sunset.
Brighton Beach, located 13 km from Melbourne, is famous for its vibrant beach huts that serve as a notable landmark in the city. There are more than 82 huts on this beach; don’t miss out on taking a souvenir photo in front of one of these famous huts.