Melbourne


Melbourne is the capital city of Victoria and is Australia’s second largest city. Melbourne boasts a great arts scene as is famous for its dining options. Melbourne also holds many popular sporting events. For a complete panoramic look at the city, head to the Eureka Skydeck, the observation deck in the Eureka Tower.

 

The Yarra river flows through the city centre. Some of the great sights and attractions of Melbourne can be seen from the river. Catch a boat at Southgate for a trip on the Yarra. A feature of the Yarra River is its picturesque walks ParkWeb. You can walk for kilometres along the banks of the river without any sense of being in a large city as parks including the Royal Botanic Gardens are located along the banks of the river.

Food & Lane Ways
Uncover hidden treasures and a charming, intimate atmosphere at  Melbourne’s al fresco eateries and  one-off shops and bars. They are found side-by-side in laneways winding in all directions throughout the city. Try Degraves Street, Hardware Lane, Block Place , Centre Place, or The Causeway. For the Italian hub head to Lygon St near the University of Melbourne. To find a bar that’s tucked away try Meyers Place, Cohen Place, Bennetts Lane, Sniders Lane or Market Lane.

Shopping
Try Melbourne’s historic and ornate arcades each with its own individual charm. From the heritage Block Arcade built from 1891 to 1893 in the style of the Galleria Vittoria in Milan to  Melbourne’s oldest trading Royal Arcade built in 1869. Other shopping areas include Swanston St, north of the Flinders St Station for bargains, Bourke St Mall for Myer and David Jones Dept Stores, The huge Queen Victoria Market is the place for clothing  and quirky finds as well as fresh food. Chapel St has  fashion clothing stores ranging from second hand to designer. Window shop for expensive item in Collins St. For an indoor shopping centre with lower prices and large stores try Victoria Gardens a few miles from the city.

Federation Square
Federation Square is Melbourne’s cultural landmark. It is alive with a creative mix of museums galleries, exhibitions, fairs, events and festivals. It is Melbourne’s most prominent meeting place. While you are there try the restaurants, cafes and bars which form part of the precinct.

Great sporting events
If you are visiting Melbourne in winter and enjoy sport join the fans at an Aussie Rules Football match. In summer attend a cricket match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) or a tennis match at the Australian Open. Formula 1 Motor Racing comes to Melbourne’s Albert Park in March each year. If you are in Melbourne on the first Tuesday in November dress up and have a fun day at the Melbourne Cup held at Flemington Racecourse. This horserace is known as “the race that stops the nation”.

Accommodation

University accommodation is ideal for travellers or academics visiting Melbourne as it is offering a choice of affordable rooms and apartments with great value for money.

Find Accommodation