You will often hear Melburnians professing to travellers that, while Sydney may have the stunning sights, there’s a reason why so many refer to Melbourne as the ‘cultural capital of Australia’.
Melbourne is a destination for explorers; it’s one those cities with so many hidden nooks and crannies that you always come away with a hunger for more and a longing to return.
Foodies will just gobble Melbourne up, for not only is the city culturally rich, it is also deliciously cultural.
American chef, Anthony Bourbain once professed, “I’d rather eat in Melbourne than Paris”.
From your fine dining restaurants such as
The Age Good Food Guide 2012’s three-Hat restaurant, Attica, to eating ‘Pintxos’ (tasty bites on toothpicks) while you sample imported beers and infused vodka at Brunswick St’s Naked For Satan, Melbourne has it covered.
The city also has suburbs that ‘specialise’ in particular culinary delights. Go to Fitzroy for Spanish, Richmond for Vietnamese, Brunswick for Lebanese and Carlton for Melbourne’s own ‘Little Italy.’ And they’re all just a tram ride away from the city.
Melbourne coffee is also world-class. Australian chef, Curtis Stone has boasted that Melbourne coffee is, “Just so much better than anywhere else. It’s better than in Italy and I travel a lot.”
There’s no better way to enjoy a cup of Melbourne brew than by sipping and strolling down one of the city’s many bustling streets. This is also the perfect time to do a spot of shopping, as most travellers also know Melbourne as Australia’s shopping capital.
From innovative designs, right down to the old treasures you dig out of a vintage bin, you can find it all in Melbourne.
Bourke St and Delgraves St in the city and Chapel St and Brunswick St in the inner suburbs are all staples for stylish and alternative fashion.
For a family outing, scrape the sky in Melbourne’s Eureka Tower, located in Southbank. The Eureka Skydeck 88 is the highest viewing platform in the Southern Hemisphere.
Whilst up there, live life on ‘The Edge’, a glass cube which slides out from the building.
Whilst in the Southbank area, take a stroll along the Yarra River, enjoy a drink or a light bight at one of the many glamorous bars and restaurants lining the water and don’t forget to check out the Crown Casino, even if only to ogle at its grandness.
The Southbank precinct is also home to many of Melbourne’s leading art galleries, including the Victorian Arts Centre, the Malthouse Theatre, the Recital Centre and the National Gallery of Victoria's international collection.
Or wander down the road to Federation Square and be inspired by visual exhibits at ACMI, the permanent collection at the Ian Potter Gallery, or see a recital at the BMW Edge Theatre.
For those who love their food, art and shopping, but who also like travelling off the beaten track, Melbourne has concentrated pockets of life and culture hiding away in its laneways, just itching to be discovered and explored.
Melbourne may not be renowned for its waves but if you’re a beach bum who just can’t get enough of Aussie beaches, Melbourne’s are still worth a meet-and-greet.
Don’t miss the colourful display of one-of-a-kind beach huts at Brighton Beach, which are highly coveted in the Real Estate market, or for a walk on the wilder side, visit St Kilda beach and have a play at Luna Park.
For sporting fans travelling to Melbourne between March and September, an Aussie Rules football game is a definite winner.
The first question asked to Melbourne children on their first day of kindergarten is not. “What’s your favourite colour?” But rather, “Who’s your team?”
There aren’t many cities around the world that unites the entire community through a sport. Even the non-sporty Melburnians have a team.
The old song goes that, “You’re nobody ‘til somebody loves you,” but to Melburnians, you’re nobody until you identify your footy team.
The dynamic city that is Melbourne has something for everybody.
Whether you’re out for a fleeting, adventurous love affair, or a place to explore cobblestone laneway by cobblestone laneway, one thing is for certain; Melbourne is a city which, once visited, every time you hear its name, your heart will feel that longing pang… and you’ll sigh to yourself, “Oh, Melbourne”.
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Flinders Street Station
Image courtesy of The Melbourne Travel Guide
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Brunswick Street
Image courtesy of Soho52
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'The Edge' at Skydeck 88
Image courtesy of konradlew
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A Melbourne Laneway
Image courtesy of Gourmet Traveller
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Brighton Beach
Image courtesy of Alexe!Paedia
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Footy Fans
Image courtesy of The St Kilda Football Club
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