Made to Amaze: A Guide to Visiting Melbourne, Australia

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Melbourne is home to some of the best museums and galleries in Australia - indeed, visitors can spend hours exploring the city's cultural offerings. The city is home to some of the country's most iconic cultural institutions, as well as its street art scene, with laneways and alleyways - such as Hosier Lane - adorned with colourful murals created by local and international artists.

Speaking of art lovers, NGV International is another essential destination. This world-class gallery features a diverse collection of Australian and international art, including works by Rembrandt, Monet, and Andy Warhol. The gallery hosts a range of exhibitions and events throughout the year, from contemporary art installations to historical retrospectives and a whole lot more.

Melbourne is, of course, a vibrant hub for theatre, with a diverse range of productions on offer. From classic plays to contemporary, experimental performances, there is something for any lover of the arts. The city boasts iconic venues such as the Arts Centre and the Regent or Princess Theatre, as well as smaller independent theatres showcasing emerging talent.

Melbourne is known for its stunning architecture, which blends old and new styles to create a unique and beautiful cityscape. One of the most famous examples of this is the Flinders Street Station, which is a beautiful example of Victorian architecture and has become an iconic symbol of Melbourne.

Another must-see building is the Royal Exhibition Building, which was built in 1880 and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This stunning building is home to many events and exhibitions throughout the year, and its beautiful architecture is sure to impress visitors.

Let's start with some of the most popular attractions in Melbourne. For families, a must-visit is LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre, located at Chadstone The Fashion Capital. The famous blocks of joy present a playground filled with Lego-themed rides, interactive exhibits, and (of course) building challenges. Kids can explore a LEGO® jungle, build and race their own cars, and even learn how to make stop-motion LEGO® movies.

Alternatively, for those with a head for heights, visit Melbourne Skydeck, located on the 88th floor of the Eureka Tower. From here you'll get stunning views of the city skyline and beyond, with panoramic vistas stretching out to the Dandenong Ranges and Port Phillip Bay. Visitors can take a thrilling ride in "The Edge," a glass cube that extends out from the building and gives the sensation of floating in mid-air.

The Melbourne Museum is another must-visit destination, with its fascinating exhibits on natural history, science, and culture. Visitors can also explore the Immigration Museum, which tells the story of Australia's diverse cultural heritage.

Finally, if you're looking for great family treat is the Puffing Billy Railway, just an hour from Melbourne. Opening in the early 20th century, this has become one of the more popular tourist activities in Victoria, with the small train witnessing huge historical changes for the past hundred plus years. With a speed of only 20 kilometres per hour, the open wooden carriage allows you to intimately connect with nature and breathe in the forest air. Shortly after the train leaves the Lakeside station, passengers will see the most famous landmark of the Puffing Billy railway line, the Monbulk Creek Trestle.

You may well be aware that Melbourne is a city that is surrounded by natural beauty. If you're looking for some natural wonder close to the city centre, the Royal Botanic Gardens are a must-visit. One of the most famous parks in Australia, it's home to over 8,500 plant species, and is a truly beautiful place to relax and enjoy nature.

Melbourne is also known for other beautiful parks and gardens, which provide a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Animal-lovers, be sure to visit the Melbourne Zoo, and further afield, embark on 50-mins safari experience at Werribee Open Range Zoo; a fave amongst families.

Moreover , any visit to Australia has to include some natural sightseeing. Melbourne is home to a diverse range of wildlife, both in the city and its surrounding areas.

Finally, make sure you take the short trip to Port Phillip Bay - home to some of Victoria's most beautiful beaches. The Great Ocean Road, one of Australia's most scenic drives, is also easily accessible from Melbourne.

Melbourne and Victoria is a well-known foodie paradise, with a diverse range of culinary experiences on offer. From fine dining to street food, it boasts a melting pot of flavours from around the world.

The city is home to many world-class restaurants, cafes, and bars, and visitors can sample everything from traditional Australian cuisine to international dishes. Head to Queen Victoria Market for fresh produce, gourmet food stalls, and street food vendors.

The local Chinatown offers authentic Chinese restaurants and street food, as well as other Asian cuisines. Alternatively, head to Fitzroy - a trendy neighbourhood with a variety of cafes, restaurants, and bars serving up everything from brunch to late-night eats.

The city is also known for its coffee culture, with countless cafes serving what is often considered the best brews in the world. And let's not forget about the wine - Melbourne is surrounded by some of Australia's best wine regions, including the Yarra Valley and the Mornington Peninsula.

Melbourne is a retail therapy paradise, with everything from high-end designer boutiques to vintage and second-hand stores. The city is also home to some of Australia's most iconic department stores, including Myer and David Jones, and for true fashion lovers, Melbourne is home to the Melbourne Fashion Festival, a week-long celebration of fashion and style.

For other unique finds, visitors can explore the city's many markets, including the South Melbourne Market. Melbourne is also known for its laneways and arcades, which are filled with independent shops, vintage stores, and quirky boutiques.

Unsurprisingly given Australia's history, Melbourne is a sports lover's dream destination, with a calendar full of major sporting events throughout the year. The city is home to the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, which hosts the Australian Football League Grand Final and the Boxing Day Test cricket match - both of which are significant events in the country's calendar.

Melbourne is also home to the Australian Open, one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments, and the Formula 1 ® Australian Grand Prix ™ .

To truly take advantage of your holiday to Melbourne, be sure to take a road trip out of the city, which takes you on an entirely new adventure.

One of Australia’s premier winegrowing regions, the Yarra Valley offers an exquisite food and wine experience under an hour from Melbourne.

Get a taste for Victoria's top drops on a journey through the Yarra Valley’s picturesque vine filled vistas and discover premium cool-climate wines such as chardonnay, pinot noir, shiraz and cabernet sauvignon.

Take an early morning balloon flight, meet passionate food and wine producers, and encounter a platypus at Healesville Sanctuary in the Yarra Valley.

One of the most iconic animals in Melbourne - and indeed the whole country - is, of course, the kangaroo, which can be found in the wild in areas such as the You Yangs Regional Park and the Great Ocean Road. Other common mammals include wallabies, possums, and echidnas.

For historic streetscapes and gorgeous coastline, take the one-hour trip to Geelong and the Bellarine. Something of a hidden gem, the peninsula is becoming more and more popular with visitors, so be sure to head there at the first opportunity!

In the waters surrounding Melbourne, there are also many marine animals to be found, including dolphins, seals, and penguins. Speaking of which, true wildlife fans have to head to the famous Penguin Parade on Phillip Island, where you can watch hundreds of little penguins waddle up the beach at sunset…

With its vibrant culture, exquisite cuisine, major sporting events, stunning natural beauty, and world-class shopping, Melbourne truly has something to offer for everyone. So why not plan a trip to Melbourne and experience all that this amazing city has to offer - with up to S$50* off your hotel when booking with Trip.com, you have no reason not to plan your next holiday here!