Beginning in the 1960s, the city of Melbourne has undergone a remarkable transformation. Far from being the drab, somber city it once was, Melbourne is now the home of many museums and galleries, a flourishing nightlife, and restaurants inspired by the city’s immigrants from all over the world. Known for its magnificent examples of 19th century architecture, the city also has many parks and green spaces.
The city itself consists of seven inner suburbs, each with its own character. There are also several areas of town where the neighborhoods have a unmistakable ethnic character. In addition to Chinatown, there are areas centered around Greek, Italian, Jewish, and Vietnamese cultures. Another good way to sample the diverse culture of Melbourne is to visit the Queen Victoria Market. As the largest open-air market in the southern hemisphere, nearly one thousand vendors sell everything from local fruits and vegetables to hardware and authentic Australian artifacts.
A number of other attractions are located at Federation Square. Known around the country for its unique reflective geometrical architecture, this new city center combines restaurants, galleries, shops, cinemas, and museums. Housing one of the oldest and best known collections of Australian art, the Ian Potter Centre of the National Gallery of Victoria is located here, as is the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI). The ACMI is home to moving picture exhibits, educational resources, and two cinemas. Federation Square also hosts plays and concerts in its large amphitheater.
Other interesting museums are located throughout the city. The Museum of Victoria has anthropology and natural history exhibits, science and technology sections, a planetarium, and a children’s museum. Located in South Melbourne, an old sailing barque has been restored and converted into the Polly Woodside Maritime Museum. No longer rusting in the city’s port, the boat is now the site of exhibits about the sailing age. One of the best examples of late-Victorian architecture, Rippon Lea, is now open to visitors who will enjoy touring its many rooms and extensive gardens. Visitors to the city may also enjoy tours of the Parliament House, the seat of state government.
Due to its pleasant climate, many plants thrive in Melbourne. The Royal Botanical Gardens are constructed in the English style, complete with curving paths, vast lawns, and small lakes. In addition to various types of eucalypts from all over Australia, plants from around the world can be found here. The Oak Lawn, the Rose Garden, and a large cactus area are just a few of the areas in the park. To help visitors explore the plants and interesting buildings in the Gardens, free guided walks are given several times each week. Travelers interested in seeing native Australian animals should visit the Royal Melbourne Zoological Gardens. The zoo, with its simulated natural habitats rather than cages, is home to animals such as fur seals, platypuses, and native birds.
Melbourne has two beautiful cathedrals which are open to visitors. St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral, is built on the site of the city’s first official church service in 1836. St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Cathedral offers wonderful views of the city from its 338-foot spire. Across the Yarra River is the Shrine of Remembrance. Modeled after the Parthenon, the Shrine honors the 19,000 Victorians who died in World War I.
There are a few other sights which many visitors to Melbourne particularly enjoy. First opened in 1853, the Melbourne Cricket Ground is the site of cricket matches, Aussie Rules football games, and other sporting events. Guided tours of the facility are also available. A visit to the Old Melbourne Gaol is a trip back to a time when the ideas of justice and punishment were much different than those of today. Both day and night tours of the jail and its gallows are available. Families with children may enjoy a trip to the Collingwood Children's Farm. Visitors can feed the animals, try milking a cow, and learn more about plants and animals.
There is plenty in Melbourne to keep everyone in the family busy. Whether you enjoy the arts, history, sports, shopping, or something else altogether, you will find what you are looking for in Melbourne.
