Alongside the modern skyscrapers, Melbourne also houses some of the best Victorian architecture. The Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens are a brilliant example. St Patrick’s Cathedral, Melbourne is a pre-eminent example of the Gothic revival architecture. The Federation Square, Melbourne is another tourist attraction, which houses within its premises the NGV Australia, Melbourne, the Australian Center for the Moving Image, Melbourne and the Australian Racing Museum. The Immigration Museum, Melbourne is one of the best examples of the 19th century architecture that Melbourne tourism can boast of and has a 17-meter replica ship to make you experience the sensation of early sea travel to Australia. The Melbourne Museum is another important place to visit and is considered as one of the premier tourist attractions in Australia.
Cook’s Cottage, Melbourne, located in the Fitzroy Gardens, Melbourne is a historic place which was originally built in 1755 by Captain James Cook’s parents. It has been at its current location since 1934. Fitzroy Gardens are famous for their remarkable garden plan that reflects the feelings of the earlier residents towards England. Built in 1870, the Melbourne Town Hall is an impressive structure of the 19th century Australia. It is famous for its wood-paneled Council Chambers and the Grand Organ with its 10,000 pipes. The Old Melbourne Gaol in Russell Street was built between 1841 and 1864. It is Victoria’s oldest extant penal establishment and a must visit in Melbourne Tourism.
The City Circle Tram, Melbourne gifts an unforgettable experience to your Melbourne vacations. It runs daily except for Christmas and Good Friday and provides a 40-minute free ride along some of the major . The Melbourne Zoo is home to 350 species in its natural setting. Alongside species from Australia, there are a variety of animals from Africa and Asia too. Discover the wild side of Melbourne Tourism here.
Melbourne has some of the best amusement parks like the St Kilda Adventure Playground, Melbourne, the Whittlesea Alpine Toboggan Park, Melbourne and the Luna Park, Melbourne. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne are renowned for their 36 hectares of landscaped gardens and Kings Domain Gardens, Melbourne feature memorials of Queen Victoria and King Edward VII, a floral clock built with more than 7000 plants, Alexandra Gardens, the Shrine of Remembrance, Pioneer Women’s Garden, the Sidney Myer Music Bowl and the Royal Botanic Gardens.
The other attractions in Melbourne Tourism include the Bonsai Farm, Melbourne, the Flagstaff Gardens, Melbourne, the Newport Lakes Parkland, Melbourne, the Phillip Island Wildlife Park, Melbourne, the Healesville Sanctuary, Melbourne, Mornington Peninsula, Melbourne, the Australian Center for Contemporary Art, the Como House, Melbourne, the Redbank Winery, Melbourne and the Golden Mile Heritage Trail, Melbourne.
Melbourne Tourism sure gets a boost with all these tourist destinations. In Melbourne, you can be pretty much sure that your holidays won’t be dull.History Of Melbourne
Melbourne presents myriad mesmerizing motifs. A sporty, arty and vibrant city, the history of Melbourne is a typical rags-to-riches story with liberal doses of romance, legend and chivalry thrown in for good measure.
Early Days
Australia has been the hunting ground for colonists from various countries. The city of Melbourne was founded in 1835 on the banks of the Yarra River, Victoria by the British colonialists looking for a safe haven from French aggression. Melbourne was originally named Batmania before being officially re-christened Melbourne in 1837 after Lord Melbourne, the Prime Minister of Britain.
Melbourne history is the stuff that legends are made of. What started off as an assortment of tents and huts soon progressed to include quite a few brick and mortar buildings within ten years of the inception of the settlement. But then it is no wonder considering that the rich pastures and the fertile lands of Melbourne had long caught the eyes of the “gold diggers”.
Melbourne rose up the political and administrative ladder of Australia with its establishment as the administrative hub of the Port Phillip District, New South Wales. It was around this period that Melbourne started acquiring the look of a real-life city with personages like Charles La Trobe and Robert Hoddle establishing quite a few Melbourne parks and gardens and the layout of today’s Central Business District respectively.
Melbourne continued its march towards prosperity and political liberation with the recognition of Victoria as an independent colony in July 1851. Charles La Trobe was the first Lieutenant Governor. But the heydays were yet to come before Melbourne got the Midas touch.
The Gold Rush & Melbourne’s Metamorphosis
Gold glittered in Australia in 1851, mostly at Ballarat and Bendigo, near Melbourne. With gold came the masses and Melbourne’s population doubled within a year. People came with gold in their eyes but not all were lucky. The not-so-lucky ones tried their luck at the various service and manufacturing units that spawned in Melbourne to feed the gold mines and the gold-generated towns.
The history of Melbourne was passing through one of its shining phases during this time, whence it came to be regarded as the largest city in Australia and was so till the later parts of the 19th century.
Meanwhile gold gushed forth, for the next forty years and the history of Melbourne witnessed unprecedented expansion of its territories. The coming of erudite and cultured gold miners also saw Melbourne develop culturally. Schools, churches, libraries and art galleries were set up in abundance and soon there were also clamors for self-rule.
Victoria was granted her own constitution in 1856 followed by a fully responsible government the very next year. The history of Melbourne, Australia will prove that Melbourne did full justice to the faith reposed in her and the responsibilities entrusted to her. Melbourne also developed a system of trams and trains that was hailed as being one of the most developed in the world at that time.
Then came the International Exhibition of 1880 that also brought forth the title ‘Marvelous Melbourne’ and established Melbourne as a happening city.
From A Colony To A Nation Capital
Like all other great cities of the world, the history of Melbourne too went through its share of high inflation and unemployment rates, stock market crashes and financial fiascos, in the early 1890s. During this time Sydney overrode it as the largest city in Australia. But nonetheless, the past laurels of Melbourne were enough for it to get qualified as the seat of government of the new Commonwealth of Australia. The honors were however transferred to Canberra in 1927.
Melbourne may have been stripped of its honors, but post-Second World War, a historical overview of Melbourne shows an amazing boom period. This boom was partly fueled by the multitude of migrants who landed on its shores. There were people from Britain, Holland, Italy, Greece, Yugoslavia, Lebanon and Turkey who made Melbourne their home, contributed to the city’s financial and cultural development and gave to the place its unique multi-ethnic character.
The population of Melbourne rose in rapid strides accompanied by large-scale infrastructural and industrial development. A Melbourne overview will show that today it is the financial and cultural hub of Australia, matching Sydney pace for pace.
A self-propelled city, the history of Melbourne is intriguing and inspirational. This is because Melbourne history is more the story of masses determined to establish Melbourne as a force to reckon with.Sightseeing in Melbourne
Do you know what Melbourne tours are made up of? A dash of history, a smattering of art, dollops of sports and fun activities and loads of natural beauty. Sightseeing in Melbourne will be exciting and diverse to say the least, and the various Melbourne tourist attractions will also give you an insight in to the past and present of this wondrous city.
A Guide To Melbourne
Let your sightseeing in Melbourne begin with a walk down the dusty memory lanes. Melbourne was established in the year 1835 and it is quite young when compared to some of the other cities around the world. But it sure has some history to boast of.
For those who like hobnobbing with history, Melbourne vacations are incomplete without a visit to a spectacle in concrete, unfortunately still unfinished, called the Parliament House of Victoria, Melbourne. Your Melbourne travel guide will also insist upon a visit to the Old Melbourne Gaol, the oldest prison in Melbourne and home to the country's most notorious criminals.
Other tourist spots in Melbourne flaunting history are the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens, the Melbourne Town Hall and the assortment of Melbourne museums that house memorabilia ranging from racing exhibits (the Australian Racing Museum) to archaeological artifacts (the Ian Potter Classics and Archaeology Collections, Melbourne).
When you are in Melbourne, Australia, do what the Aussies love best. Head outdoors and get into some sport or the other. Visit a piece of cricketing legend at Melbourne Cricket Ground, the site of the very first Test and One-Day International matches, the biggest sporting venue in Australia and the place which has courted the underarm bowling and the ball-throwing controversies. Or catch the aspiring Schumachers and Hills in action at the Australian Formula One Grand Prix, held at the Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit in Albert Park.
Pep up your outings with trips to the various Melbourne amusement parks. One can explore the St. Kilda Adventure Playground, Melbourne and the Whittlesea Alpine Toboggan Park, Melbourne to ensure that the little ones and the active ones in your family get to enjoy their share of fun-filled Melbourne moments.
Bring some arty zing into your Melbourne holidays. While you are sightseeing in Melbourne, take a tour through the Bendigo Art Gallery, the Australian Center for Contemporary Art or the Original & Authentic Aboriginal Art, Melbourne and get a hang of what the Australian art arcadia is all about.
When one is sightseeing in Melbourne, one cannot afford to miss out on the abundant Melbourne parks and gardens present balmy breaks from the glass-fronted and steel-paned silhouettes all around. Nature and all her wonders simply gush forth at the various national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in Melbourne too.Melbourne Parks and Gardens
While you are sightseeing in Melbourne, marvel at the way nature has bestowed her riches upon the various Melbourne parks and gardens. The parks and gardens in Melbourne serve to sooth the eyes of the tourist who has had his fill of the high-rises and the numerous elegant but nonetheless concrete edifices that dot the Melbourne city skyline. It is no wonder that they form some of the major Melbourne tourist attractions.
Melbourne Parks and Gardens
At the Melbourne parks and gardens, nature seems unperturbed by the hustle and bustle that is prevailing all around. Take the City Parks Walking Tour, Melbourne to see for yourself. Stroll through the verdant manicured greenery of the Fitzroy Gardens, Melbourne and past the quaint Treasury Gardens. Continue towards the Melbourne Cricket Ground, go past the railway station and find yourself gushing at the stunning views of the Melbourne city skyline from the serene settings of the Olympic Park. You will know just why the Melbournians and the tourists flock to the Melbourne parks.
Your Melbourne holidays have to have a visit to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne in their itinerary. Located in downtown Melbourne, this 87 acres of glorious greenery is regarded as the best botanical gardens in Australia and certainly one of the finest in the world.
Nature is at her resplendent and rugged best at the Newport Lakes Parkland, Melbourne where the setting is perfect for a day out in the wilderness without really having to rough it out. These wetlands are home to a motley group of birds, reptiles and amphibians and amidst all these, you have an adventure playground, an amphitheater, carefully carved out walking trails and barbecues to give that feel of the civilized life that you are so used to.
The Melbourne gardens are one of the most frequented tourist destinations in Melbourne and any Melbourne travel guide will insist on a visit to the Dandenong Ranges, Melbourne. Located just off the Melbourne city limits, this place with dense forests, flowering gardens and a steam train that chugs and screeches past them all is a throwback on the days when man was closer to nature and time flew gently by.
Your Melbourne vacations need not be limited to only hops and stops at the Melbourne museums and the Melbourne amusement parks. You can have your share of history and fun too at the various Melbourne parks and gardens. Stop by the Rippon Lea House Museum and Historic Garden, Melbourne where you can witness the classic aura of the Roman mansion of Thomas Sargood and revel in the beauty of the gardens and the lake within the estate.
Discover a slice of Japan at the Bonsai Farm, Melbourne wherein countless pint-sized floral wonders will mesmerize your senses.Melbourne Festivals and Events
Melbourne is proud of its great events and festivals, the passion of its inhabitants for food and wine and also the fabulous art scene. There are innumerable festivals and events in Melbourne and these are a constant source of joy to not only the Australians but also the travelers from different parts of the world. Some of the major Melbourne festivals and events are:
- Midsumma Gay & Lesbian Festival, Melbourne - It is celebrated in 60 different venues and 6 municipalities and is a federation of innumerable cultural events and arts.
- Australian Open Tennis Championships - This Championship is the first among the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments held in the world. It is held every January at Melbourne Park.
- Chinese New Year - The Chinese New Year celebrations are replete with Chinese cultural activities including dances, Chinese Opera, Chinese chess competitions and cuisine.
- Fashion @ Federation Square Showcase Series - This showcase series is one of the important Melbourne festivals and events that encourages new talents revealing their ability to mix fashion with accessories.
- Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix - The Australian Grand Prix is scheduled to be held between the 15th and 17th March. The Grand Prix revs up Melbourne and adds to the jubilance of the warm city.
- Australian International Air Show - This air show pays tribute to those who broke the socio-economic and scientific barriers and made a name for themselves in aviation.
- Moomba Waterfest - This is one of those Melbourne festivals and events that are celebrated for a very long time and is also one of the largest in the city. The special attractions of this waterfest are the Moomba Masters International Water Ski Championship and the flying machines of the Birdman Rally.
- Melbourne International Comedy Festival - It is held in April and consists of several shows by the most reputed comedians from all over the world.
- Anzac Day March - This is celebrated every year on 25th April to commemorate the bravery of Australian and New Zealand Army Corps during the First World War.
- Thai Culture and Food Festival - This is a showcase of Thai arts and crafts, fruit carving, tourism and food.
- Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show - This is the most successful of horticultural events in the Southern Hemisphere and one of the famous Melbourne festivals and events.
- Enterprize Day - This is an annual event in Melbourne that celebrates Europeans' settlement in Melbourne.
- Melbourne Writers Festival - It is the premier literary event and there are discussions held wherein both readers and writers participate.
- Melbourne Fringe Festival - It runs for three weeks and consists of music, comedy, theatre, film and cabaret.
- The Royal Melbourne Show is held in September at the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds and is an agricultural event.
- Melbourne International Film Festival showcases a huge collection of films from all over the world.
- Melbourne International Arts Festival is well known for wonderful performances and the presence of popular artistic directors.
- Melbourne International Festival of Brass is one of the popular Melbourne festivals and events that celebrates the contribution of all the brass players to the Australian society.
- Spring Racing Festival, Melbourne continues for 6 weeks and the city is enlivened with the spirit of thoroughbreds.
- Melbourne Cup Festival is the biggest horse race since 1861 and is held on the first Tuesday of November.
- Car Club Showcase @ Fed Square features a different car club every month and one can wander through vintage, modern and classic cars.
- Christmas Festivities in Melbourne cheer up the city with concerts, themed films and stage productions.
- Melbourne New Year's Eve - The city rocks with celebrations during this grand occasion that is celebrated as one of the prime festivals and events in Melbourne.
- The Ashes Series is a Test Cricket series played between Australia and England and is a moment of great jubilance especially in Melbourne.
How to Get in
Welcome to Melbourne, one of the most important cities in Australia and the cultural and financial nucleus of the land. The land Down Under is a wonderful amalgamation of geographical, ethnic, cultural and biological diversities and Melbourne epitomizes them all. Being the heart of Australia, Melbourne is well linked with other cities of Australia and outside. Getting to Melbourne is easy and convenient.
Melbourne is well connected by air, rail and road to different parts of Australia. There are numerous flights that operate to and from the Melbourne International Airport. Some of the international flights that arrive at the Melbourne Airport include Air China, Air New Zealand, Air Pacific, Australian Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways, Lufthansa, Japan Airlines, Qantas, Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines and much more. Melbourne is well connected by air to all major cities in Australia. Some of the airlines that operate flights on the domestic sector include Jet Star, O'Connor Airlines, Qantas Airways, Regional Express and Virgin Blue.
You could take a train to reach Melbourne form major Australian cities such as Sydney and Adelaide. The journey from Sydney takes about 10-11 hours and about 9 and 12 hours, depending on the schedule stops from Adelaide. Buses are a great option to explore the different areas of Melbourne and Victoria. There are a number of bus lines that operate within the state and offer a broad range of destinations and itineraries. Interstate buses depart from the Melbourne transit center and bus services are available to Adelaide and Sydney every day from Melbourne. The total journey time takes about 11-12 hours.
Melbourne is becoming an increasingly popular port amongst some of the world's leading cruise liners. Passenger ferry ships and cruise ship use the Melbourne's Station Pier services.
