WHY MELBOURNE?
Melbourne has been rated as the world’s most liveable city for seven consecutive years by the Economist Intelligence Unit.
Much of this status is due to education, infrastructure and healthcare, but an awful lot of what makes the city so good to live in is what makes it so enjoyable to visit, too.
Turning up to Federation Square is always an adventure. You never quite know what’s going to be going on among the weird, asymmetric and juttingly angular silver buildings that have become Melbourne’s go-to meeting place. One day it may be a beer festival, another it could be tennis on the big screen, with deckchairs provided to lounge in.
10 REASON WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT MELBOURNE
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FOOD​
Melbourne has the one of the best gourmet food scenes of any city that I could think of. Whether it is coffee, chocolate, sweets, pastries, whisky, wine or gourmet food that you crave there is something to suit everyone’s taste and budget.
2. Shopping
Melbourne is one city that you can shop till you drop, in fact, even the men will enjoy shopping here. There are bargains galore to be found at the inner city outlets- DFO South Wharf, Harbour Town Docklands. Designer bargains can also be found outside of the city on Bridge Road, Richmond and Smith Street in Collingwood.
3. Sporting Events
Sports fans love Melbourne because of its world class venues that host Rugby League, Australian Rules, Cricket and Tennis. This can be attributed to its sporting precinct in the city centre at the iconic MCG, Etihad Stadium, AAMI Park, Melbourne Park and Hisense Arena.
4. Laneways and Architecture
The laneways of Melbourne are iconic and have become culturally important to the city. Unused laneways have been revitalised and turned into trendy cafes, art galleries, boutiques and a canvas for street artists.
5. Public Transport
Ordinarily you would not travel the world to see another cities public transport system, however, it is an important factor in contributing to an enjoyable and stress free holiday. Melbourne is also the only city in Australia to still run trams in and around the city centre and while they have been replaced by a more speedy and modern fleet you can still find the traditional trams in operation.
6. Cultural Events
Melbourne is easily the cultural capital of Australia with several theatres, art galleries, museums and live music venues. The city also has several festivals and events scheduled throughout the year. It is unlikely that you will be bored in Melbourne as there are always something happening. From fashion to art, film, food, sport, music, kids events or spiritual and multicultural festivals- the city is always buzzing with activity. Christmas in Melbourne is truly magical for children with the cities extravagant decorations and the carols by candlelight at the Sidney Myer Bowl attracting thousands of peoples every year.
7. Snow Season
Believe it or not, but a lot of Australians have never even seen snow. Our warm climate means that there are only a handful of places that reach temperatures cold enough to ever receive snowfall in the winter. The Victorian Alps are one of those places and there is a very vibrant snow season at the alpine resorts north-east of Melbourne.
8. Mornington Peninsula
The Mornington Peninsula is a charming area just one hour from Melbourne. Ideal for a day trip or a weekend getaway there are so many things to see and do. The rural area is a great place to head out on a road trip and enjoy the fresh country air. Visit a lavender farm, wander through hedge mazes, take a beach horse ride, stroll through the gardens and literally smell the roses or slide into the Peninsula Hot Springs.
9. Phillip Island
Phillip Island National Park is only 90 minutes from Melbourne and is filled with an abundance of wildlife. It is here that you can see first hand what is called the ‘Penguin Parade’. Every evening the penguins return home at sunset to one of the largest penguin colonies in Australia on the beach at Phillip Island.
10. Great Ocean Road
It is the 12 Apostles that have put this region on the map. The dramatic limestone cliffs and rugged coastline along 243 kilometres of Victoria’s coastline are an instagrammer’s dream but the Great Ocean Road has so much more to offer and definitely should not be missed. The road trip is one of the best scenic drives you can take in Australia.
