Federation Square, we call it Fed Square. This is our public place, the hub of Melbourne. It connects the Melbourne city grid with the Yarra River and Southbank. There is often something on, such as free concerts or live broadcasting of a major Melbourne event. Fed Square is surrounded by cubic structures housing various museums, including the Ian Potter Centre, the Australian section of the National Gallery of Victoria. A must for the art lover!
From there, take a walk along Birrarung Marr, the stretch of the Yarra from Fed Square to the MCG (the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground). It’s the best place from which to enjoy the spectacular Melbourne skyline. There are large sized sculptures along the tree-lined river promenade, and the Federation Bells that ring through the air various times a day.
Then take a walk across to the Southbank, most popular on Melbourne holidays. On Sundays there is the Arts Centre Sunday Market – a great place for crafts and uniquely Australian souvenirs.Further along, you will find the Crown Casino and entertainment complex with food courts, cafes, shops, and nightclubs. On the river front are fountains – very attractive for kids play -, sound and light shows.
Catch the free City Circle Tram. It is a hop on – hop off old style tram that takes you free of charge around the city square and into the Docklands. It’s way to experience one of the famous Melbourne trams, and can listen to announcements of Melbourne holiday attractions on the way. For a more sophisticated tram experience, the same type of old tram has also been transformed into a tramcar restaurant traveling around the city at night.
From Southbank, take a Melbourne River Cruise! You can go by a ferry for a trip along the Yarra, past the Docklands and Port Melbourne, under the Westgate Bridge to Williamstown – you get a great view of the skyline along the way, and stop for coffee and lunch in Williamstown.
Visit Queen Victoria Markets – a Melbourne landmark. A great place to buy ‘fruit and vegies’ and well as other specialties such as continental meats, cheeses, breads, fish… There is also a large section with clothes, leather, ‘designer’ bags and all sorts of bargains. It’s worth just visiting for the atmosphere… On Wednesday nights, during the summer months, it has a night market, with entertainment, music, the usual goods and even more atmosphere.
Visit St Kilda. This is everything from seaside resort and beach, to shopping and German cake shops, to Luna Park and various theatres. It’s great to just stroll along Acland Street, the major shopping area. Also, check out the Sunday market with original art and craft along the esplanade. Then there is the St Kilda Pavilion. From there you can walk the St Kilda Pier that stretches a long way into the Bay. Little Fairy Penguins have created their ‘city home’ in a rock structure, not far from that pier. You can go on a Melbourne holiday twilight tour from Southbank to watch these penguins returning to their nests.
From here you can go on exploring the arts, shopping, sports or music events and precincts that Melbourne is famous for – or go on a Melbourne tour to the many surrounding attractions. Read more about Melbourne at http://www.we-love-melbourne.net/.
Tags: australia travel, australia travelling, destination melbourne, melbourne, melbourne attractions, melbourne holidays, melbourne travel, melbourne travelling, Top 7 Melbourne attractions
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