Melbourne is a city that has one foot in the past and the other in the future. The capital of the state of Victoria is known for its passion for food, coffee, fashion and especially art.
Stroll down Collins Street and see the churches from the Victorian era, art deco hotels and daring postmodern buildings. Explore Bourke Street Mall, where trams rumble along an avenue of protected heritage buildings, then flash forward and head toward FitzroyOpens in a new window, an area famous for its incredible nightlife, live music and unforgettable street art.
Walk through the picturesque parkland and visit the exhibition area of Carlton Gardens. On the nearby Federation SquareOpens in a new window the mix of past and present continues where cutting-edge modern buildings contrast with the neighbouring Flinders Street Station and St. Paul's Cathedral. Visit the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) where you’ll learn more about the history of the Australian film industry and digital technology. Around here you can also hunt the friendly ghost in the Princess Theatre and relive old adventures at sea at the Immigration Museum.
Cross the Yarra River and explore the restaurants and bars of South Bank, the National Gallery of Victoria and the Royal Botanic Gardens. Take the elevator to the Skydeck 88 Eureka Tower for a breathtaking view of the city.
Step aboard one of Melbourne's iconic trams and explore the suburbs. Not far from the centre you'll find Carlton, home to Melbourne Museum and the espresso bars of "Little Italy". Grab your bathing suit and head to St Kilda, a suburb of Melbourne by the sea. After a dip in Port Phillip Bay, you can try the famous local cake and browse the vintage shops before enjoying the exciting attractions in the brightly lit Luna Park.
Stay in one of the boutique hotels in St. KildaOpens in a new window and get up early for a morning stroll along the coast to the brightly coloured beach huts of Brighton Beach. Grab your camera and take pictures along the way of the protected buildings, a ideal memento to a perfect holiday in this stylish city.
