Now that I'm back home, thinking about Australia brings me a bittersweet feeling. I loved it and I miss it. Anyway, it's time to start working and here is a new post about one of the most beloved aussie cites: Melbourne! I was there for three weeks, learning, having fun and exploring Victoria's capital city. And, I shall admit, despite it's crazy weather - 'you can have four seasons in what day' say the locals - and the rainy cloudy skies I got almost every day, I have fallen in love with Melbourne: the cultural lifestyle, the international community and its nice people. And you know, they say it is the most livable city in the world, and that is pretty cool.
1. Try Melbourne's coffee
Oh, please. Melbournians are very proud of their coffee and they have a reason to. The city is filled with little shops around in which you can find a nice variety of different coffees, usually combined with nice pastries such as croissants or muffins. It is lovely to walk and stop at a cafe and just chill there for a while. Also, this is probably the reason why it is quite hard to find a Starbucks in the streets. The market has already been taken.
2. Eureka Skydeck
Australia is relatively a new country and this is clearly shown in the biggest cities. Melbourne's buildings are modern, smart and tall.The Eureka Skydeck is the highest in the city, and thus, it provides some stunning views of it. You can hop in the elevator to the 88th floor and delight yourself with the views fro m the whole windowed floor, or, if you are feeling dauntless, you might consider going to the Edge, a little platform that gets out of the building with an almost transparent ground.
3. Melb's Aquarium
In a country which holds the Great Barrier Reef and aquarium can only go hard or go home. And Melbourne's went for the first one. The Sea Life keeps a breathtaking collection of the local and international fish, coral and other water animals species (such as a 6.5 meters crocodile). It is a perfect option to spend a rainy morning in the city, and if you'd rather be outside, you can always hop in a train and go the Melbourne Zoo.
4. National Gallery of Victoria
Melbourne is said to be the 'cultural centre' of Australia; therefore, a day at one of its various museums is worth a visit. As for art, there is the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, theIan Potter museum of artand the National Gallery of Victoria. This last one features some of the most known artists in European and Asian history, and a few American and African too. And, good news, general entry is totally free!
5. Eat Italian's at Carlton neighborhood
'And from all the lands in Earth we come' saysthe song and it is true. The city has plenty of restaurants and communities from all around the world. I personally loved walking around Lygon Street in the Italian neighborhood of Carlton and then, of course, enjoy a good dish of pasta or some homemade great pizza, and then to finish, a tasty gelato. There are many restaurants at various prices and menu offers, so up to you to choose the one!
Extra: We had lunch at DOC (the one in the picture) and it was a total bliss.
Extra: We had lunch at DOC (the one in the picture) and it was a total bliss.
6. Green Spaces
The advantage of big countries is that they have quite a lot of space. This, translates in a lot of space for green zones. As in Melbourne, you might choose to stroll around the Fitzroy Gardens, where you can find Cook's Cottage -the oldest house in Australia- or maybe you prefer the Royal Botanic Gardens in which you can get lost between its tall trees and its Shrine of Remembrance.
7. Melbourne's Sports
No matter if it is Australian football, tennis or cricket, Melbourne has it. Take your time to visit the Rod Laver arena and feel like Rafa Nadal or Novak Djokovic walking down the hall, maybe your prefer a tour around the Melbourne Cricket Ground and visit the Sports Museum. And then if you go around the Docklands, you might consider the Etihad Stadium.
8. Australian Centre for the moving Image
In case you are not feeling very much for classical art but still want to taste Melbourne's culture, you may want to go to the Australian Centre for the Moving Image. With interactive exhibitions and incredible videos and montages, it is a perfect to have a fun afternoon. And you can even play the first ever Mario Bros game!
9. Victoria's State Library
It might not seem as a worthy visit when you first see it outside, another building with columns. But I promise it is beautiful inside. A great room with white walls and endless collections of books, with all the tables down there, nicely ordered. What a gorgeous and peaceful place. If I ever lived in Melbourne, I'm pretty sure I would study inside that library.
10. The Docklands
If you follow the Yarra River up to almost the end, you would stumble upon the Docklands. the neighborhood where you can walk around next to the water, have a nice meal at the New Quay Promenade restaurants or go shopping to the DFO (direct factory outlets) for some great deals. Just a nice stroll in a sunny day.
11. Victoria Queen Markets
Looking for some bargain in the city? Looking for good fresh food? Looking for souvenirs? Then the Queen Victoria Markets are your place to go. As you might now, I love visiting the markets in every city I go. Its my way to understand the lifestyle of the city, get to know the locals, their food, their products and their costumes. One little tip: check out the schedules and the activities, because you might not want to get to the entrance and find out the doors are closed (as I did).
12. Explore the city
It is simply a gorgeous city. A stroll around, just wondering in the streets, exploring the endless sites of Melbourne... you might even run into some funny scenes! Anyway, it is a delightful place to enjoy outside, the streets are always crowded with people and it is just lovely being there!
Extra! Day Trip: GREAT OCEAN ROAD
Just at less then two hours from melbourne there is the start to one of Aussie's landmarks the Great Ocean Road. Even tough the most famous spot is the Twelve Apostoles, the whole journey up to there is stunning, crossing numerous beaches and rainy forests which are definitely worth the view. Depending on your budget and preferences, you might consider taking an organized tour or rent your own car from the city! Up to you.
What about you! Have you been to Melbourne? What are your favorite places?
Sincerely,
Vera
Vera