If you’re planning a trip to Australia, and have never been to Victoria’s capital, then a visit to the city of Melbourne is well worth serious consideration. As far as cities go, Melbourne offers just about everything a national or overseas visitor could desire.
From international events, stunning parklands, entertainment galore, sports and some of the world’s best dining, it’s all happening in and around Melbourne.
In this short post, in no particular order, we’ll go through some of the top things to see and do if you end up travelling to Melbourne.
#1 – Check Out Scienceworks
Scienceworks is fairly new and it’s pretty futuristic and super cool.
Inside you’ll discover many interactive science exhibits, along with science workshops and various events. The structure also doubles as a planetarium, where you can sit in on some very informative shows.
There is also a lightning room inside Scienceworks. This is where you can witness the power of lightning through man made, generated electricity that simulates real lightning.
Kids love the place, but adults will enjoy it as well. Definitely well worth a look when in Melbourne.
#2 – Take Time Out Exploring the Royal Botanic Gardens
If you’re staying in the CBD or very nearby, you can actually walk to the Botanic Gardens, as it’s located just south of the city centre.
The gardens are massive and have just about everything nature could offer, right in the heart of the city. Aside from stunning flower gardens, lakes, wildlife, bushwalks and fantastic scenery, there is also a war memorial, entertainment facilities and places where you can chill out, have a rest and buy a snack and a cold drink.
Once immersed inside the gardens it really feels like you’re a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
#3 – Get Trackside At Australia’s Greatest Horse Race
The Melbourne Cup is the nation’s greatest, most famous horse race and the whole country comes to a standstill to watch it on TV. However, the best seat in the house is trackside at Flemington Racecourse on the first Tuesday in November. Get a close up view as the Melbourne Cup 2019 horses battle it out for Cup glory.
Melbourne goes into full on party mode when it’s Melbourne Cup Carnival time. It’s a week of parties, fine dining, drinking, festivities, street parades, fashion shows and some great thoroughbred horse racing.
If you’re in Melbourne in early November you’ll definitely get caught up in the vibe and excitement that this time of year generates.
#4 – Melbourne Zoo
Located a mere 4km north of the CBD, Melbourne Zoo is a must see when visiting Victoria’s capital.
Boasting more than 250 different species of wildlife, you’re bound to see all you favourite animals up close and personal, and maybe even discover a few new ones as well.
Not only is there plenty of wildlife on display in very natural habitats, the zoo grounds are stunning parklands, so it’s like a combination zoo and botanic gardens in one.
Just some of the exhibits on offer include:
- Orangutan Sanctuary
- Predator Precinct
- Elephant Trails
- Wild Sea
- African Rainforest
- Baboon Lookout
- Dinosaur Park (not real dinosaurs)
- And loads more…
Melbourne zoo is a fun day out for people of all ages.
#5 – Discover Melbourne’s Laneways
Why would you want to wander through semi-hidden laneways in the heart of Melbourne?
Because it’s in these laneways that you’ll discover some of the best restaurants, cafes, bars and shops in all of greater Melbourne.
Wandering the laneways and seeing what gems you’ll find really is an adventure, and something quite unique to this city.
The laneways are also some of the very best places to find bargains if shopping is on your agenda.
#6 – Visit Crown Casino
You don’t have to be a keen gambler to have fun at Crown Casino. Aside from gambling, there is plenty to see and do at the venue.
Crown Casino offers up some of the best shopping and dining the city has to offer, along with some great live shows, night clubs and just a full on fun vibe.
You’ll also be blown away by the sound and light shows that happen nightly.
Melbourne is a city of fun, and Crown Casino delivers on that promise.