Have you ever visited Melbourne? We did recently. My husband had to go for scheduled audits, and I decided to tag along and visit this energetic city. Melbourne was voted on the top list of the world’s most livable cities. So, we wanted to see what the buzz about Melbourne was that everyone talked about.
Where is Melbourne?
Melbourne is in the southeast of the region of Australia on the coast of Bass Strait. This beautiful city is located in Port Philip Bay.
Melbourne is the capital of Victoria State, and it is the second-largest city in Australia.
Marvelous Melbourne
Melbourne is the capital of the Australian state of Victoria and the most-populated city in the Oceania continent. The metropolitan area consists of 30 municipalities. The city grew enormously following the gold rush around the 1850s. In the 1880s, the city had developed internationally and was known as one of the greatest cities in the world. The British journalist George Augusts Sala called the “Marvelous Melbourne” when he visited in 1885.
The center of Melbourne is known as Central Business District. CBD is the core of Melbourne’s metropolitan area and is where you can find major financial centers. It is also where you can find a variety of styles of Victorian architecture. The city is a mix of old and new, and the contrast gives charm to Melbourne.
Things to Do
Melbourne is a vibrant city with tons of things to do and see. You can take public transportation and visit “villages” such as Carlton, which is 2 km from CBD; Newport, which is 7 km from CBD; Williamstown, which is 8 km from CBD; South Yarra, is 4 km from CBD; St Kilda, is 6 km from CBD, to name some.
Melbourne also has a free tram that circulates the area in the city precinct where the tram can be ridden. This applies only if you start and finish your ride within the zone limits. This covers the whole CBD. I personally prefer to walk because Melbourne is easy to walk around, although it’s a lot of walking. So, it’s great to know you can jump on a tram when you get tired. You can catch a tram anywhere, anytime, for free, as long as it’s in the free tram zone.
Recommended Things to Do in Melbourne
Old Melbourne Gaol
It’s the former jail, and it is now a museum. It is located right next to the old Police Watch House and City Court. When purchasing your entrance, the guide of the Old Gaol dressed as a police officer will make your visit worthwhile. It’s a lot of fun.
Block Arcade
The Block Arcade is one of the most beautiful shopping buildings in Melbourne. Opened in 1892 with arches beautiful cornices, and decorative tile floor. The building is in French Renaissance-style architecture.
Royale Arcade
The Royale Arcade is very similar to the Block Arcade. It was built in 1870 with a very high ceiling and was delightedly decorated with statues in Victorian style. You can find delicious chocolate from Koko Black or vintages.
Hosier Lane
Hosier Lane is known as Melbourne street art or graffiti street. Hosier Lane walls are filled with street art. Next door, you can find the historic Forum Theater. It is a beautiful building, a former cinema that opened in 1829 and is currently used for live music performances. The building features a Moorish Revival with minarets and a clock tower.
Queen Victoria Market
The Queen Victoria market is the only market from the 19th century that still operates today and is a huge landmark in the CBD. It opened in March 1878 and quickly expanded from retailing fruit and vegetables to wholesale goods at large and low prices.
Carlton Gardens
The Carlton Garden is a World Heritage Site. It’s located on the edge northeast of CBD, and behind you are the Royal Exhibition Building and Melbourne Museum. The garden landscape design has varied European and Australian English oaks, White Poplar, plane trees, and conifers. It is much smaller than the Royal Botanic Garden Victoria but nonetheless calming and very soothing if you want peace in Melbourne’s noisy city.
Saint Paul Cathedral
St. Paul Cathedral is an Anglican Cathedral, and it is the seat of the Archbishop of Melbourne. It stands at the very heart of the city of Melbourne. This magnificent cathedral has a dom and a design combining Neoclassical, Gothic, and Baroque architecture.
St. Francis Church
This is the oldest Catholic church in Melbourne. The main body of the building was built before the gold rush of 1851. It is a small church, but it is very beautiful.
Wesley United Church
Esley church is literally in the center of Melbourne. It was initially built for the Wesleyan movement after the methodist founder, John Wesley (1703-1791). Nowadays, this church has united English-speaking and Chinese-speaking congregations. The interesting part of the location of this church is that we can see a perfect symbiosis between the old church and the new skyscrapers.
Flinders Street Station
Flinders Street Station is the oldest train station in Australia. It opened in 1854 and was the first terminus of the first railway in Australia. The building is French Renaissance style.
Melbourne is a fantastic and lively city that is a hive of activity. There’s always something going on and the vibe in the city is amazing
Where to eat
Australia is a country of immigrants, which makes Melbourne a city with a lot of diversity, so it makes sense that it would have diversity in food options. You can find Italian, Greek, Lebanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, and so much more. It fits all budgets, from vegan to regular diets.
Melbourne has bustling neighborhoods and streets. It reminded me of South Korea, where the city is organized by business. So, the majority of restaurants are located in the same area. I think it helps when you are a tourist and don’t know the area. One area fits all.
Chinatown is on Bourke Street. It is the longest continuous Chinese Settlement. Here, you can find Chinese food and all Asian restaurants, such as South Korean and Vietnamese.
Lygon Street is where you can find Italian restaurants, and it is famous for gelato.
Acland Street is famous for bakeries and cake shops.
Brunswick Street is popular with vegan, vegetarian, and bohemian restaurants.
Sydney Road runs from Brunswick, and here, there are various choices from Afghan, Thai, Lebanese, Nepalese, and Sri Lankan to North and East African, Balinese, and Indian.
Difficult choices when it comes to food.
If you ever visit Melbourne in Australia, you will not regret it. We had a great time in Melbourne. For a week I got to see many things, and visit museums. We took a tour and visited the 12 Apostles and the rainforest near Melbourne. I will talk about my experience very soon. We also had a lot of fun shopping and going out for dinner.
We highly recommend visiting Melbourne. It is definitely worth the time and money spent.
