Most stores are open seven days; many stay open late on Fridays to 9pm. As a general rule trading hours for the City shops are; Saturday to Wednesday: 10:00 am to 05:00 pm. Thursday: 10:00 am to 07:00 pm. Friday: 10:00 am to 09.00 pm.

Whether you are working with a student budget or in search of the latest in any designer line, all are catered for. From Armani to Dior to Banana Republic all the way through to Zegna, name it, you will find in Melbourne. Not to name the biggest range of specialty shops found in the middle of the city. Any kind of shopping you may be seeking to do, you will be able to accomplish that in Melbourne. Even for groceries, you are lost for choice. The biggest food mall of all is at the Queen Victoria Market where the freshest fish is still swimming in the sea. It doesn’t get better than this. Does it?

Here are some of the major shopping venues in Melbourne

QUEEN VICTORIA MARKETS

This is the largest open-air market in the southern hemisphere. This historic landmark was officially opened in 1878. It has over 1,000 stalls selling just about everything. The market buildings sell meat products and everything else is sold in the open from vegetables, fruits, clothing, shoes, baggage, toys, pets, jewelry, and souvenirs all at bargain prices. Operates Tuesdays and Thursdays from 06:00 am to 02:00 pm, Fridays from 06:00 am to 06:00 pm, Saturday from 06:00 am to 03:00 pm and Sunday from 09:00 am to 04:00 pm. It is located 513 Elizabeth Street, Corner of Elizabeth Street and Victoria Street, Melbourne.

FEDERATION SQUARE

This is the meeting place for Victoria’s finest; fine art, fine hospitality, fine flora, fine design, great events. It is a unifying landmark for the different cultures. Its very well marries the exquisite gardens, innovative architecture and engineering. Neighboring it is the Ian Potter Centre incorporating the National Gallery of Victoria, ACMI, the Australian Thoroughbred Racing Museum, SBS, Melbourne Visitor Centre, cafes and restaurants.

SUNDAY’S MARKET at the ARTS CENTRE

This market parades over 150 stalls of Victoria’s finest artisan’s work. The sellers are selected after passing strident examination for the quality and diversity of their work. It is situated at the Corner St Kilda and Southgate Roads, Southbank. This is where artists of every genre from painters to sculptors to visual artists to musicians to thespians all converge.

CROWN CASINO & CROWN ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX

This is a genuine ‘Las Vegas’ in the gambling sense. It is one of the largest gaming facilities in Southern Hemisphere. It parades 350 gaming tables and 2,500 slot machines. There are also restaurants, up-market boutiques, nightclubs, two hotel towers, a cinema complex, and floorshows. Open 24 hours except Christmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day when it is closed from 04:00 am to noon.

ROYAL ARCADE

This is the oldest shopping mall in the city. It was built in 1869. Though it has been altered a few times it still retains a graceful elegance and authenticity lacking in many modern malls. Inside there are great features such as the statues of Gog and Magog, the mythical monsters that toll the hour on either side of Gaunt’s Clock.

THE BLOCK ARCADE

This is Melbourne’s main shopping arcade. It was built in 1891. Has huge ceiling murals and intricate mosaic floors. The Block is famous for its arcades. It is built based on models in Paris, London and Milan.

CHINATOWN

Here you will get Chinese medicine, music, restaurants, gold and jewelry, unique and exotic gifts, cinema, events and festivals, the museum and karaoke.

BOURKE STREET MALL

Melbourne’s main department stores are located here along with street performers and buskers performing throughout the mall area.

DOCKLANDS

This is a new shopping mall with a great variety to choose from as well.

SOUTHGATE PLAZA

These are three level shops, cafes bars and restaurants that may be reached from the CBD by an arched footbridge located behind the Flinders Street Station.

SOUTHGATE LEISURE PRECINCT

Whether you are an overseas visitor, a city worker or day-trippers, this is a place where you will find everything you need. It’s a major spot for scenic walking being especially vibrant with throngs of people including many street theatre performers.

Sports and Melbourne

The residents of this city are sports-mad and take great pride in the sports that take place here. They refer it as the sporting capital in Australia. There are several world class stadium, and Melbourne hosts several tournaments.

To have a first hand feel of the sports craze in Melbourne go to a live match. There lots of these matches to choose from. The Australian Tennis Open and it takes place at the Rod Laver Arena. It is a huge tourist attraction event. There is also the Australian Football League which was started in Melbourne and them spread to the rest of the country with time.

The Melbourne Cricket Ground is the most re-known stadium in Melbourne and any sport held here is attended faithfully by the tourists and the locals alike. On a day when there is no event taking place in this stadium, you can pass through the Cricketers Hall of Fame.

Cultural center.

The vibrant arts scene in this city is a contrast to its sports streak, but enriches it all the same. This has made is the center of all cultural activity in Australia. There is a strong sense of culture evidenced through the galleries, museums, classic buildings and Melbourne has the reputation of a city of great creativity. This is also expressed though the music, theater and festivals held in this city.

Melbourne is a very cosmopolitan city that is diverse and very interesting.  A vacation here will be a mix of sport, history and not forgetting the beaches, wildlife all thrown in.

The Melbourne Museum, the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere. Located in the Carlton Gardens. Your visit to Melbourne is incomplete without a visit to this museum to check out it seven galleries.

The Discovery Centre or the incredible IMAX theatre is a theater that shows movies in 3-D format. Kids would be thrilled as they check out Egyptian mummies and dinosaur bones from China.

Melbourne is also home to World Class travelling exhibitions. The exhibitions also promote local art scenes and the history of Melbourne. The National Gallery of Victoria, is the oldest and largest public art gallery in Australia, having being established in 1861 is also a similar exhibition which holds 63 000 pieces of work from arts masters of past years and modern times, and is worth visiting to see these permanent exhibitions and the diverse range of travelling ones that it hosts.

Night life in Melbourne

Culture and creativity that is cultivated in Melbourne has resulted in a vibrant and thrilling night life in this city.  There is consistency as far as live music and performances are concerned. On any given night musicians fill the clubs with their music.

This is best experienced in St. Kilda. Its bohemian atmosphere and creative reputation is enhanced by the performers, whether they are doing their thing in the street or playing in the pubs. The pubs and the restaurants throughout the whole city also reflect the cultural diversity of Melbourne.

Food in Melbourne

You can sample foods from a dazzling array of world cuisines, from classic English fare to truly exotic island-style dishes. People in Melbourne appreciate fine dining and a pint of good wine alike. The regions surrounding the city produce some of the finest wines in the country, and nothing beats a good meal with a bottle of the local red or white. That’s the culture of people in Melbourne.

Diversity of scenery.

One great thing about taking a holiday in Melbourne is that if you get tired of the sceneries that the city has to offer, or feel like changing scenery from the city to some fresh country air, there is plenty to choose from. You can head west to drive along the Great Ocean Road and enjoy the spectacular views and phenomenal geological features. Other spectacular sights are the Mediterranean delights of the Mornington Peninsula, the rugged mountains and lush valleys of the Dandenong Ranges.

Old or young, no matter what your interests are, you can count on the city of Melbourne and its beautiful surrounds will have something to make your holiday special.

If you want to take a holiday that will be fun filled and very exquisite grab a cheap flight and get to Melbourne. The diversity of places to visit and great experiences in Melbourne is just out of this world. Characterized by the typical Australian ambiance, Melbourne lets you experience its colorful world of classic theaters, museums and galleries. The uniqueness that comes with Melbourne is one to die for from the buzzing nightlife to the plenty restaurants and bars to visit.

Melbourne is one of the vibrant tourist destinations of Australia and core of numerous mesmerizing attractions. This city takes you to an exotic journey of fascination.  It is regarded as a cultural and fashionable city, pristine beaches, marvelous architectural monuments, magnificent museums, green parks, beautiful botanical gardens and glittering nightlife contribute equally in making Melbourne a center of attraction. Every year, a large number of visitors flock Melbourne.

To get tickets that are pocket friendly you do not need to go through each low cost airline one by one. Alternatively browsing the cheap travel websites that allow you pick some of the best deals would be the wise move to make.

Do not rest at that. Find out which airlines operate most in the region. If you really want to cut costs you can take a look at package deals through which you can not only book cheap flights to Melbourne but also hotel rooms as per your budget. Have the entire trip planned out for you without having to worry about finding the best accommodation options.

These packages come with tours are well and you are able to make sure that everything is well taken care of. Ensure that you take this trip when you have a bit of time so that you can settle for stop-over flights without having to worry about time. Non-stop flights can be quite expensive and being able to break down this journey would be a big plus in ensuring the holiday expenses are kept short all the time.

Plan for this holiday long before you take it so that you are able to book during the off-peak seasons.  Timing is also of essence for instance off-peak flight like very early in the morning or late at night can also help in cutting costs. By just making these little choices and avoiding a last minute rush, you will discover that you can save quite a bit, making your holiday fun and exciting without necessarily denting your pockets.

There are plenty of flights to Melbourne all year round regardless of what your reason for travel is. All you need is to do a little homework, find out the different airfares and chose the one that fits your budget best. Don’t do it in a rushed manner, take your time, you are likely to discover better deals if you do your research thoroughly and end up saving quite a bit. Before you settle for any deal ensure that you have done thorough research and that you are getting the best deal there is.

There are a few reasons why you must experience Melbourne at least once in your life. When you visit Australia you should never leave without paying a visit to Melbourne. Here are a few reasons why

The Shopping

The problem shopaholic’s face is Melbourne is not what to buy, but what not to buy. From mega shopping arcades such as Melbourne central to little hidden alleys to old arcades where you can find unusual classic pieces. Anything you ever thought of, you will get it in Melbourne. A shopaholic must stop is the Fashion triangle with over 500 fashion boutiques, shops and stores, comprising of the QV, Melbourne’s GPO and Melbourne Central.

The Yarra Valley

This is situated right on the entrance of Melbourne. It allows people in Melbourne to have a city life one minute and in less than an hour experience the peace and freshness of the rural vineyards in Yarra valley. The Yarra Valley can be navigated in different ways, from flying over it, to using a hot air balloon. If you want to experience the deep parts of the Yarra Valley you can use the oldest train stream in Australia, hike or if you want more dramatic encounter dive into it.

The Wildlife

It is in Melbourne where you can spot kangaroos, emus, wallabies, koalas and cockatoos on the streets. Melbourne is home to the oldest zoo in Australia. There are also several animal rescue centers and eco centers as well. The wildlife is well preserved in Melbourne.

The Nightlife

After a hike in the Yarra Valley or a visit to the national parks in Melbourne, there is one more thing left to close your day. The night life in Melbourne. A cruise experience or a late night tour of the Fosters brewery are some of the things you can experience in the night in Melbourne. It doesn’t matter your culture, everyone is well catered for regardless of your tastes.

The Great Ocean Road

The world famous Great Ocean Road starts off in Melbourne. This road cuts through very stunning coastline in Australia. It goes through the rich rain forests with the eucalyptus trees and koalas, dramatic flora and fauna. Fantastic natural rock formations in Port Campbell National Park. They are great scenes to watch as you navigate Australia through this road.

The Hotels

When you visit Melbourne the last thing that should worry you is the accommodation. Hotels in Melbourne provide perfect staying facilities and good hospitality as well. Whether you are looking for luxury or working with a student’s budget, there are a variety of hotels to take care of everyone’s requirements. With the accommodation stress taken off the tourist’s shoulders the experience in Melbourne is bound to be one they will relish for a very long time to come.

Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix.

This is one event that is major not only in Melbourne but in Australia’s sporting events of the year. The thrill and excitement that comes with the Melbourne Grand Prix Formula 1 is unmissable.

This event takes place at ‘The Albert Park’ racing circuit. This is a five day event which begins with the main race followed by four days of different events such as kart-racing, and plenty of off-track entertainment too. From a 2009 Grand Prix Ball, to concerts, carnivals and the adrenaline pumping and heart-stopping racetrack of Albert Park, the 2009 Grand Prix is a sporting event not to miss.

Melbourne International Comedy Festival

This is one of the biggest and funniest festivals in the whole wide world. It has different activities carried out from stand-up shows to cabaret to street entertainers.  Film and music too are part of it. It’s a festival that conglomerates the very best comedians and funny acts from Melbourne and the rest of the world. This is one hell of a festival which is synonymous with a good laugh.

Chinese New Year Festival

The Chinese New Year Festival (The Year of the Ox) usually celebrated in January. There are over 10,000 Chinese residents living in Melbourne and this is a big celebration for them and it keeps becoming bigger each year as the Chinese population in Melbourne increases.

You can join the celebration and get to experience the Chinese culture, arts, heritage and festivities. The delicious Chinese food, their music, dance and martial arts don this festival making it one festival that you should not miss out on.

Melbourne’s Big Day Out

Year in year out Melbourne people come together to enjoy the very best of music. They get to appreciate their own musicians and enjoy the music. Some of the musicians that are lined up to participate in this years event are Neil Young, The Arctic Monkeys, The Living End, The Prodigy, Sneaky Sound System, My Morning Jacket, Pendulum Bullet for my Valentine, TV on the Radio, Simian Mobile Disco among others.

The Australian Open Tennis Championships

This is an event that started back in 1905. It was initially known as the ‘Australian Championships’. It’s one of the major sporting events in the Australian Calendar.

Melbourne Park is the venue for the championships. Live performances by music bands, carnivals, as well as shows don this event.

The Australian Open Tennis Championship is also hosted in six different venues across Australia namely Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne and in New Zealand.

Saint Jerome’s Laneway Festival

This is a rock festival which visits the Australian Cities such a Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, and Melbourne every year. Saint Jerome’s Laneway Festival is a rock festival that continues to grow each year and attracts music and cultural lovers from all over, flocking to the many laneway venues. The festival is held in the laneways that lead to the city of Melbourne.

This is a festival you don’t want to miss out on if you happen to be in Melbourne. You get to experience the talent of the top bands in Melbourne.

There are several advantages of touring and experiencing the jewel of Victoria with a car. Firstly it gives you total freedom and independence to travel where you want and when you want. You also have the liberty to be in any one location for ass long as you wish. There are no constraints or pressures of leaving before you are done with a particular location because you have to catch the next bus or train. Your navigation through the city is not dependent on a bus time table. This is a big plus in terms of the convenience that comes with touring Melbourne with a car.

With a car, you can take any route you want to a place, stop to take photos of scenes you have keen interest in, or those that impress you the most. Which you would not be able to do if you were on a bus. Furthermore you can carry as much as you want, have a picnic in any of the parks in Melbourne, because you have the means to carry a few more things than if you were on the bus. A change of clothes would also be stuffed in the car.

The only thing one needs to have is a good map, good navigation, and is best if you can drive around with a friend who is more familiar with Melbourne or one who lives in Melbourne. Nonetheless if you don’t have one, simply ensure that you plan your tour properly and be keen to observe road safety, and with a proper map you will find your way around Melbourne and get to experience the state of Victoria in a special and personal way.

We cannot overlook the flexibility that comes with a car. When a bus may only ferry you to some of the places, with a car you can go just about anywhere. You can visit the hinterlands outside Melbourne and get to use more scenic routes around this great city.

Some of the places that are best navigated using a car are as follows.

Great Ocean Road- This is one of Australia’s most scenic drives with so much to see along the way. You can stop as many times as you like and take in the great scenes along the way.

Sunbury Wine Region – Getting here from the city couldn’t be easier in your hired car, and what’s more, as much time can be spent tasting wine in a trek from cellar door to cellar door! It is located north of Melbourne Airport and it’s serviced by public transport (Metlink) as well.

Macedon Wine Region – Many of the favored wineries are a little off the beaten track at high altitudes and not directly serviced by public transport, so a car is probably the best means to this place.

Goldfields Region – this is an area full of the historical Australian Gold Heritage. There are charming towns with great architecture and needs plenty of time to explore fully. You can only do this best when on a car.

Public Means

If you cannot get access to a car it doesn’t mean that you miss out on a chance to experience the Victoria state capital.  Public transport in the Melbourne Region is rather good. It services the city very extensively and you can get to just about every site without much of a hustle using the public means within the city. However if you want to travel further afield the frequency of the public transport reduces and you have to follow a timetable. Which if you manage your time well should serve you pretty well and you don’t miss out on the scenes and places you want to go to that are outside the city on the account of  inadequate means.

When you use public means the last thing you have to worry about are punctures or breakdown of the vehicle. Chances of getting lost in the city are greatly reduced. The navigation stresses are almost eliminated. All you have to do is check the timings if necessary and enjoy your trips around the heart of Victoria state.

All the places within the city are accessible using public means very conveniently.

Whichever means works for you, Melbourne accommodates you. You just need to know where you need to go, whichever means you choose to get there is not much of a hustle.

On a one time stay in Melbourne you may opt to stay in the spectacular hotels, which without a doubt provide luxury and elegance during your stay there. However if this is a place you are likely to be frequenting, the hefty charges you pay in the hotels may begin to bend your bank account on accommodation only. And this is where the serviced apartments come in handy.
Today one can enjoy the same luxuries found in a five star hotels in serviced apartments without having to pay an arm and a leg. It also comes with added benefits such as privacy in the cool and tranquil ambiance in these apartments.

Serviced apartments available for rent to tourists and corporate executives are equipped with all essential facilities required for comfortable living. The kitchen is there ready for you with all the essential utensils and cooking range. A micro wave and a fridge are also provided. This gives you room and chance to cook your favorite meals. you are saved from having to follow hotel schedules for breakfast, lunch or dinner. You can cook and enjoy your meals at whatever time suits you.

The location of these apartments need not worry you. They are accessible through the public transport systems that are there in Melbourne. You will easily access the bus routes tram routes and metro services of Melbourne. They are also not far off from the city. You can easily access the central business district as well as other amenities such a bars, shopping malls and the like.

Other advantages that come with renting a serviced apartment include facilities such as a Jacuzzi, pool table, video games and you can even host a few friends while visiting Melbourne. The independence that comes with a rented serviced apartment is unprecedented and to crown it all they are very affordable. Comparing them to the five star hotels which may give you similar value you get to pay a lot less for the same or better service during your stay in Melbourne.

Whether you are Jewish Islam, Chinese, African, Irish or Barbadian, Melbourne has a joint that accommodates you. If you like to keep it safe, eating what you are familiar with, you will find it here. Similarly if you want to try out new menus, you will be lost for choice in Melbourne. The restaurants cut across from the sophisticated elegant five-stars, to modern cafes, trattorias, to hip bars. Melbourne has it all.

Lets have a look at some of the best that Melbourne has to offer:

The Three, Two, One

This is located in the fine neighborhood of Carlton, and owned by a man who goes by the name Andrew McConnell. He has mastered the art of fineness in his plates, and this magic is one that you cannot afford to miss.

‘The architects’ Bar’

The formal name for this is Meyers Place Bar. For a great night out with friends, this is the place to be. It has a very unique inside-outside design and the interesting crowd will just make your experience here unforgettable.

Yu-u

This is a hidden treasure. Its very unique for the following reasons. It has no signage, very little English spoken, if any, and no choice if dishes, just a Japanese menu set. Funny thing that doesn’t sound exciting, but wait until you taste the food. That’s where the real treasure is. This is a great place to bring your friends and experience authenticity and quality firsthand.

Rathdowne Street Food Store.

Think culture, style and freshness, think Rathdowne Street Food store. Food is made hourly from breakfast to supper and every mood is taken into account. Whether you just want to try out something new, or want to talk business, chit chat with a friend, the place to do this is at Rathdowne Street Food Store.

Church Street Enoteca

This is an award winning restaurant that offers modern Italian Cuisine and a wide range of wines from Australia. They were recently awarded their first “chef’s hat” at the 2009 Age Good Food Guide Awards, and two “wine goblets” from the Gourmet Traveller Wine List of the Year. The décor elements of the hotel are stunning and classic. Some floor boards date back to the 1800’s.

Corporate dining and social events have a home in Church Street Enoteca. . Two function rooms are available and can cater for up to 12 guests in the Private Dining Room, and up to 60 guests in the Gallery. Church St Enoteca also welcomes group bookings of 10 to 20 guests in the restaurant matched with a limited a la carte menu and bookings are essential.

The food is unpretentiously modern, mostly Italian, and generous. The variety of wine found here tells you they take special interest in it. To top everything up is excellent service and their attention to details.

Madame Brussels

This is a place with kitsch décor making it very unique. Feeling like a little offbeat hedonism, Madame Brussels in the city centre is just the place. You will experience adult whimsy with just a little undercurrent of deviance.

These are just a few of the best that Melbourne has to offer. Indulge yourself in any of these places and you will live to tell the story for a very long time to come.

For you who would want to experience Melbourne in a special way here is a quick guide to ensuring that you capture the authenticity and essence of Melbourne.

To move around Melbourne the best way would be using a tram. Melbourne has the oldest tram network in the world. It runs over 200 miles at the moment but its being expanded. Ensure that you experience this historic piece when you are in Melbourne. You get to navigate through the city very easily and a chance of a lifetime to be in Melbourne’s tram.

Tickets for single journeys within the city and to inner suburbs are very affordable. To get the best deal for sightseeing buy a 2-Hour Metcard, good for unlimited transport on buses or trams for up to 2 hours.

One of the places where you can stop for a view is the Parliament House tram. Here you get a view of some landmarks in Melbourne such as the grand Windsor Hotel, Parliament house, the St.Patrick’s Cathedral, the Princess Theatre and the Paris End of the Collins Street.

For a bird’s eye view of Melbourne, climb up to the Melbourne Observation Deck. You will be able to see more land marks like the Yarra River, and the marvelous Botanical Gardens. This is a way to spot other landmarks you would like to have a close look at.

In the inner city in Melbourne, there are many green spots. This part of the city is reserved for leisure and hence you will find it greener and leafy than any other part in the city. A walk through the Treasury Gardens, or Fitzroy Gardens would be a memorable experience. Don’t leave out the Cook’s Cottage as well.

Melbourne Aquarium is the place for those who love wildlife, to top it up experience the bars, restaurants and the shops on the south bank of the river.

We are still on with the trip in the city center. A stop at the Victoria Market to look through the goods. While at it grab a bite in one of the many food outlets here. The Victoria Market is the biggest open air market in the southern hemisphere. You will find everything in this market. Be it groceries, clothing, leather goods, jewelry, handicrafts, pieces of art. This one place you can buy gifts for people back home, very authentic souvenirs.

For art lovers saunter over to the Federation Square and experience a wide range of galleries. Here you will find the Australian art collection in the Ian Potter center. And just next door is the new Gallery of Victoria International. Some of the collections you will find include, four Constables, works by El Greco, works by Monet, pieces by Manet and four Gainsboroughs

There is a mouthful one can experience in a day in Melbourne. You can never exhaust it all in a day. Melbourne is rich with diversity, and has something for everyone regardless of culture, hobbies, or tastes. In a nut shell those are just a sample of the things and places you can visit in a day in Melbourne.

All year round Melbourne hosts international tourists who flock to catch up with major sporting events as well as exploring this wonderful city.

This second largest city in Australia boasts of a multicultural population comprising of Greeks, Vietnamese, Italian, Jewish and others

Melbourne is full of tourist attractions and is indeed one of remaining few cities in the world which still have trams running right through the roads. While you take a ride through the city streets, you may spot the remaining Victorian-era building among the modern high-rises. Melbourne has one of the world’s largest casinos, named the Crown Casino and there’s Albert Park which is home to Melbourne’s F1 Grand Prix circuit and you surely won’t want to miss that.

There are several tourist attraction sites in Melbourne. Some of the best places to visit in Melbourne Australia would be:

• Melbourne Central: this is a home to more than 200 shops restaurants and small quaint cafes. This is one place that will give you a shopping experience of a lifetime. This is an ideal place to pick up souvenir, or even do some personal shopping, and is certainly the premier shopping center in Melbourne and one of the top Melbourne tourist attractions.

• St Kilda: this offers you great bayside playgrounds. There are great shops and cafes here as well.

• Richmond: this is a suburb that is known for its multicultural state. There are very diverse cultures living here.

• Williamstown: Williamstown displays the picturesque waterfront. Also offers great shops and cafes, trendy bars and outstanding restaurants and lovely boutiques. Brunswick and South Yarra. Brunswick and South Yarra are suburbs which just like Williamstown offer great shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants. The experience here is awesome

• Melbourne’s Bays and Peninsulas are also a superb place to visit and relax.

• The Melbourne Observation Deck – Rialto Towers offers you the unforgettable view of a lifetime as you watch Melbourne atop this 253meter- high Rialto Towers.

• Federation Square is not to be ignored on any visit. This area is combined of an entire city block and offers fabulous shops, restaurants and cultural desires.

• The Royal Botanic Gardens are also a must see, you get to see over 12,000 species of plants, as well as wildlife.

• The Melbourne Zoo: this was Australia’s first zoo. About a million visitors flock this zoo every year. It was opened in 1862

• Sovereign Hill, Ballarat is a theatrically recreates Australia’s historic gold rush days.

We cannot leave out the Melbourne International Film Festival, held each year between July and August. This is usually the Australian winter. It is said to be one of the most well set out international film festivals in the world. It brings in a diverse group of international films each year. Passes to the film festival can be purchased for a single day, or a week of movie viewing.

Another must see in Melbourne is the Melbourne Cricket Ground, home to cricket matches and Australian Rules Football. The Melbourne Cricket Ground is a great place to see your favorite sports live, or possibly experience Australian Rules Football for the first time. The Melbourne Cricket Ground also holds the world record for the world’s tallest light towers.

There are a variety of museums and galleries as well. The beaches are a great place to relax. There are breathtaking Bays and Peninsulas which offer great golf courses, playgrounds wildlife and national parks.

In Melbourne there is something for everyone, a visit to Melbourne can never be a waste. You will take with you memories that will last a lifetime.