Melbourne is Australia’s second-largest city, famous for its Australian Rules football, heaving Melbourne Cup-related parties, and beautiful, balmy winter months.
If you’re visiting or working in Melbourne, then it’s well worth seeking out some of the city’s best attractions and destinations. This blog post will tell you about some of the best ways to experience Melbourne, whether you’re a tourist or local.
Attend A Game
Of course, you don’t need to visit the city to attend a game. The Melbourne Cricket Club hosts the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), which is arguably the best cricket ground in the world. On Australian soil, it is the home of the national cricket team and is a hub for sport-related activities throughout the year. While you’re there, take a look at the famous Melbourne Cricket Grand Final, which is held in November each year and is one of Australia’s biggest sporting events.
There are also a range of museums and cultural institutions, such as the Art Gallery of Australia, that are well worth a visit. Football is extremely popular in Melbourne, with the city’s two professional clubs (Basketball Victoria and the Melbourne Rebels) regularly competing for dominance in the State. It is also the headquarters of the Australian Football League (AFL). During the year, the city hosts a variety of exhibition games as well as league fixtures, with a range of international visitors attending these events. If you happen to be a sports fan, then this is a city that you’ll want to experience.
Enjoy A Concert
Melbourne is well-known for its fantastic concert scene and a variety of music clubs and pubs around the city that host live music and comedy. You’ll find classical music, jazz, blues, and rock and roll all over town. There’s something for everyone! You can check out the live music scene at one of the city’s many patios or parks, or you can head to a concert venue such as the Melbourne Jazz Club, which is located in the historic Royal Exhibition Building.
The Melbourne Festival is one of the world’s great arts events, featuring local and international artists’ work. Launched in 2011, the festival runs throughout the year and usually has several performances and exhibitions every month. The Melbourne International Comedy Festival is an annual event that originated in 1989 and features stand-up comedy and sketch comedy from around the world. In 2010, the festival attracted more than 13,000 people, with more than 200 comedians performing at 10 venues around the city. The Melbourne International Youth Arts Festival, established in 2004, is an event that aims to promote Australian and international youth arts and cultural awareness. The festival features live music, theatre, and comedy, and kids’ art workshops at which they can develop their skills.
Visit A Theme Park
If you love a good theme park, then Melbourne is the place to be. There are lots of parks and gardens around the city, including the Queen Victoria Gardens and the Royal Park. The largest and most popular of these is undoubtedly the Melbourne Park. This year, the 146-year-old park is celebrating its bicentenary and is hosting a range of community events including the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, the Melbourne International Classical Music Festival, and the Melbourne International Animation Festival. If you’re there in the winter, then the park is a great place to be. It’s sunny, warm, and there’s always something going on at the park. If you are a fan of Disney, then you can’t miss the Melbourne Disney Princess Concert, which is held annually at the Melbourne Entertainment Centre. During the year, the city also hosts the Melbourne International Food Festival, which is one of the largest and most popular food events in Australia. It attracts food lovers from all over the world and boasts some of the country’s best restaurants and chefs. The festival features international and local vendors and provides foodies with the chance to try new and exciting dishes.
Shop For Self-Care
Although you may not want to spend all your time in the city, you may find that it is necessary to buy some clothes and accessories. If you’re looking for high quality items at affordable prices, then Melbourne’s a bit of a mecca. The Australian Fashion Design Awards, held annually in the city, are a great way to see what’s new in design and fashion. The awards recognize and celebrate Australian designers, their innovative work, and their ability to produce functional and fashionable garments and accessories for men and women.
If you are looking to take a more relaxed shopping option, then head to one of the city’s iconic markets, such as Paddington or St Kilda. The markets there are quite eclectic, with vendors selling a variety of goods, from fresh fruit and veg to clothing and accessories. You may also find some fantastic one-off items, as well as the usual weekend bargains to be had. There isn’t one particular market that you need to go to, as the range of choice is great.
There are lots of interesting things to do and see in Melbourne, whether you’re a tourist or local. If you can, then why not try out some of the city’s best restaurants and eateries, attend a game or concert, or visit a theme park. One of the city’s biggest passions is sport, with the MCG and AFL stadiums hosting some of the country’s biggest events. If you’re into sports, then you can’t miss out on a game or two. While you’re there, head to the Melbourne Cricket Club for a picnic and to catch a match. If you aren’t a sports fan, then you can still enjoy the spectacle by watching the Australian national team on TV. There are also plenty of museums, galleries, and attractions around the city to fill a spare hour or two. If you need a break from busy schedules, then Melbourne is a place to be and one of the most beautiful cities in Australia.