Areas of Interest in Melbourne

As the tallest in the city centre the Rialto Building offers a spectacular view from the top of this dark glass building.

As Australia's fashion capital, at least some window shopping if not big spending must be done when in Melbourne.  Chapel Street is where it's all happening, and Bridge Road in Richmond is the second centre.  Victoria Market is the place to find anything from cheap souvenirs to fresh vegetables and gourmet delights. Being such a large spot there are tours to ensure visitors get to see all the right spots of activity and unravel the 100 year history.  Around 130,000 people visit the market each week.

The New Ian Potter Centre features a great collection of Australian art.  Situated in Federation Square the displays follow art from the colonial period.  Admission is also free.

Bicycles can be hired from a spot in Federation Square and there are some excellent trails to take and they also arrange cycle tours.  The prices are very reasonable and include a helmet and bike lock.

On weekends a favourite picnicking spot is the Royal Botanical Gardens.  The attraction can be reached by tram in just 15 minutes from downtown.  There are specialised garden spots with fern grotto's, cactus gardens and plenty of other exotic plants.  During summer months an outdoor theatre puts on various performances.

Eating Out in Melbourne

For a snack or light meal there are plenty of Tasmanian options around the riverside centres.  The Chocolate Buddha on Federation Square is a popular spot serving a wide range of noodle dishes perfect for a meal on the go.

On Acland Street in St Kilda, Donovans serves excellent food and drink with a beach view.  There are also numerous cake shops in this area.

Along Brunswick Street in Fitzroy there are numerous different and wonderful restaurants to try out.  Amongst them Piraeus Blue is a popular restaurant serving home cooked Greek cuisine.

Melbourne Night Life

The Crown Casino entertainment complex opens 24 hours.  When it was originally constructed in 1997 it was the biggest of it's kind in the world.  On top of the 2,500 gaming machines and 350 tables there is a cinema, restaurants, night clubs and even designer shopping with the likes of Armani, Prade and Vesarce.

Further Afield

Ferries run to and from the suburb of Williamstown at the mouth of the Yarra from the city centre.  There is a great seafaring atmosphere at Williamstown and more marinas and seafood restaurants to enjoy if there wasn't enough in Melbourne centre!

From the Airport to Melbourne

Tullamarine Airport is much more relaxed than Sydney's busy airport and is only 22 kilometres Northwest to Melbourne.  Buses leave every 15 minutes from the arrivals hall and transfer to Southern Cross Station on Spencer Street.  If necessary from there smaller buses tour directly to the main hotels.   Taxis are also available from the airport but do come slightly more expensive.