Melbourne

The capital of the state of Victoria is a bustling seaport, as well as a thriving technology and financial center. Melbourne’s position on sheltered Port Phillip Bay and the Yarra River has historically been a great advantage. With a lively arts and cultural scene, Melbourne also ranks as one of the most livable cities in the world. 

The City Centre is where the shops, restaurants and nightlife are concentrated. The Docklands is an old shipyard turned into an entertainment district, and colorful Chinatown has its roots in the gold rush of the 1850s. The Italian-inflected Carlton neighborhood is home to an abundance of galleries and museums, including the Melbourne Museum. Housed in a contemporary building in Carlton Gardens next to the splendid 1880 Royal Exhibition Building, the museum is a cultural highlight, with an exhibit devoted to the First People as well as a room displaying artifacts from the Pacific Islands. Federation Square is a gathering place that includes The Ian Potter Centre, showcasing Australian Aboriginal art. If you enjoy discovering cities on foot, Melbourne’s grid layout — at least in the central business district — is a real plus, as is the extensive tram system, with more than 152 miles of track. The famous Melbourne Cup horse race is held each November, and the Australian Open draws throngs of tennis fans to Melbourne Park in January. 

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The City Centre

The City Centre is where the shops, restaurants and nightlife are concentrated. The Docklands is an old shipyard turned into an entertainment district, and colorful Chinatown has its roots in the gold rush of the 1850s. Federation Square is a gathering place that includes The Ian Potter Centre (Federation Square, Flinders Street &, Russell Street, Tel. [61] 3-8620-2222) showcasing Aboriginal art. If you enjoy discovering cities on foot, Melbourne’s grid layout — at least in the central business district — is a real plus, as is the extensive tram system, with more than 152 miles of track. 

Melbourne Events

The famous Melbourne Cup horse race is held each November, and the Australian Open draws throngs of tennis fans to Melbourne Park in January.

An Excellent Museum

Housed in a contemporary building in Carlton Gardens, the Melbourne Museum (11 Nicholson Street, Carlton; Tel. [61] 3-8341-7777) stands by the splendid 1880 Royal Exhibition Building. The Forest Gallery is a fascinating microcosm of a local woodlands complete with mature trees, streams and native birds. Devoted to the First Peoples — a more accurate name for the Aborigines — the Bunjilaka center details their often-tragic interactions with the West. The exhibition of Pacific Island artifacts is particularly good, notably the collection of sailing craft.

Serene Gardens

Verdant Fitzroy Gardens (Wellington Parade, Tel. [61] 3-9658-9658) provides relief from the urban bustle with serene pathways, a collection of fully mature trees, a water garden and a beautiful conservatory. The gardens also hold the original home of the parents of the English explorer Captain James Cook. A must for Cook admirers is the small but fascinating discovery center adjacent to the house, which clearly shows all of Cook’s momentous voyages.