Melbourne Your Next Destination Down Under

Praised as Australia’s cultural capital, Melbourne has risen through the ranks of its Aussie rivals to top the Economist Intelligence Unit’s 2015 Global Livability Ranking…for the past five years. So what makes Melbourne outshine other contenders? For starters, the city enjoys an affordable housing market, easy to navigate streets, a thriving economy, strong multiculturalism and a population renowned for its friendliness. Ticking all the boxes of what makes a city ‘most livable’ just scratches the surface of what makes Melbourne such an attractive city for Australians and expats alike. As the capital of Victoria, it’s no surprise that Melbourne would be a hub of business, art and culture. But what Melbourne delivers far exceeds expectations. Melbourne is a lively playground of bohemian cafes, with a cutting-edge art and music scene and enough dive bars, food markets and gastronomic gems to excite even the most fussy foodies. As we explore some of the city’s most celebrated attractions and phenomenal features, you just might be thinking to yourself: how soon can I go?

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Como House and Gardens-The Como House and Gardens are undoubtedly one of Melbourne’s grandest and most glamorous institutions. Built in 1847, this elegant house was home to the wealthy Armytage family for almost a century. The Como House treats visitors to a peak of what privileged life in Melbourne was like over 100 years ago. The interior of the house is a time capsule of old-world sophistication, while the surrounding gardens are a photo-ready setting for a walk. Photo credit; Waltzing More Than MatildaFor more information on the Como House, photos or to book a group tour, click here.Flinders Street Station-This historic train station is the oldest in the country and one of the busiest in the Southern Hemisphere. It was once one of the most popular meeting places in the city, where residents would use the catchphrase ‘meet me under the clocks.’ The station now serves as the main transport point for over a hundred-thousand people a day.For more information and photos on the Flinders Street Station, click here.

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Most of the city’s art scene is found in the Southbank area, home to the Melbourne Arts Precinct. Within this arts district you’ll find the NGV and the Arts Centre Melbourne.The National Gallery of Victoria-There are two different branches of NGV, the NGV International and the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia. The international gallery has a massive collection of artwork from around the world, including an ever-changing exposition of modern art. The NGV Australia presents the most extensive collection of Australian art by Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists from the colonial period until the present day. The best part? Admission to the permanent collections are free.For more information on the NGV including photos and upcoming events, click here.

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Arts Centre Melbourne-Situated within one of Melbourne’s most recognisable symbols, the magnificent spire, is this remarkable performing arts centre. As the largest and busiest in the country, the Arts Centre Melbourne hosts thousands of exceptional performances. The centre showcases the best of international and local talent, from the opera, to musicals plays and dance performances. You will find it all here!For more information on the Arts Centre Melbourne, including upcoming exhibitions and events, click here.Palais Theatre-For the best of popular music and contemporary and tribute bands, look no further than the Palais Theatre. The theatre plays a variety of musical genres, everything from classic rock and roll, country and pop.For more information on the Palair Theatre including a calendar of upcoming events, click here.

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St. Kilda- This after-dark area is the place to go on Friday and Saturday nights to see and be seen. The lively neighbourhood is bursting with cheap restaurants, bars, pubs and nightclubs. Some local favourites are: Bar Di Stasio, Luxembourg and Laika.For the full load down on all the bars in St. Kilda, click here. 

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Queen Victoria Market-For more than 120 years the Queen Victoria Market has been an iconic Melbourne landmark. Over the weekends the market, which is the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere, is brimming with farm-fresh produce and a wide variety of other merchandise and goodies. The beloved market also hosts a number of events throughout the year. For more information, photos and upcoming events, click here.Melbourne Food and Wine Festival-Esteemed chefs from around the world come to parade their culinary talents at this food-loving event every year. Although events are held across the country, Melbourne is spoiled for some of the festival’s best. From cooking classes taught by the world’s leading chefs, to free block parties, international chef dinners and the famous ‘crawl and bites.’ This is one culinary adventure your palate will thank you for.This year the MFWF will be held from March 4-13^th. For the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival’s full program or to purchase tickets to the festival highlights, click here.

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Docklands-Home to some of the city’s biggest and brightest attractions like the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel and O’Brien Group Arena is the growing waterfront suburb of Docklands. Located just two kilometres outside of Melbourne CBD, Docklands offers spectacular dining and shopping, entertainment venues, accommodation and exciting attractions for all ages. So whether you want to have a night on the town, go ice-skating, catch a football match or just enjoy the energetic atmosphere, Docklands is sure to impress.For more information about Docklands including a list of restaurants, bars and activities as well as a calendar of upcoming events, click here.Federation Square-Located across from Flinders Street Station is this bustling landmark that is always full of Melbournians coming and going and meeting up with friends. It’s a fun place to bring a packed lunch and watch life in the city go by. Also, be on the lookout for all of the unique events that happen on the square like morning tai chi, outdoor art installations and musical performances among a multitude of others.For more information about Federation Square and a calendar of upcoming events, click here.

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Royal Botanic Gardens-These gorgeous gardens make the ideal place for an afternoon picnic or leisurely stroll. The well-manicured gardens sit on a lovely 83-acres of rolling lawns and lush greenery. Visitors can choose to explore the space with either free-guided walks or self-guided audio tours. There is also a welcoming visitor centre, a gift shop, two cafes and a host of flora and fauna to enjoy.For more information on the Royal Botanic Gardens along with news and events, click here.The Yarra River-The Yarra River is the lifeblood that keeps the heart of Melbourne beating. It is not only a beautiful outdoor setting for joggers, walkers, runners, cyclists and kayakers to enjoy, but also serves as an aquatic stage for many of the cities events and festivals.For more information on the Yarra River along with news and events, click here.Birrarung Marr- The name of this stunning park means “River of Mists” and it is definitely a luscious outdoor retreat. The park sprawls along the river and is home to a host of indigenous flora, local artwork and breathtaking city views.For more information on Birrarung Marr, click here.Phillip’s Island-Located about 90 minutes from Melbourne city centre is this picturesque little island that locals and tourists adore visiting. You can find excellent hiking, wildlife, swimming beaches, dining and shopping that the whole family will enjoy. But the star attraction is the island’s beloved residents, a large colony of penguins that come to shore at sunset.For more information on Phillip Island, click here.Dandenong Ranges- Take a short drive outside the city and you’ll find these storybook woods which feature soaring forests and cozy little villages. This leafy area is the perfect place to escape the roar of city life. Whether you spend your time strictly wandering outdoors or sampling some of the culinary treats offered in neighbouring villages, this is one place you definitely won't want to miss.For more information on activities in the Dandenong, photos and a calendar of upcoming events, click here.