(content by Carl H)
Someone said that “Travelling is the only thing you buy that makes you richer”. There’s no doubt in that. When travelling, you collect experiences, free yourself from every day’s routine, and make memories. If you are one of those people who are constantly looking for new adventures, a new place to visit, you know how much travelling can change your life by enriching it.
If you have decided to go to Australia and have booked a 5 stars hotel in Melbourne, you are guaranteed an adventure of a lifetime. Why? Simply because you have chosen one of the best cities in the country known for its live events, numerous tourist attractions and nearby sites you can visit. Plus, it’s close to Sydney, Canberra, and Adelaide, so you can visit those cities too if you have time. Long story short, here are the things every Melbourne first-time visitor, should do.
Drive on the Great Ocean Road
This coastal road spreading along the Southern Ocean offers a breath-taking view of the ocean, beaches, nature, the beachside villages, and natural sites. One of the most important things you can see on the road is the natural site Twelve Apostles, which is actually one of the biggest tourist spots in Australia. So, plan to spend one day to inhale all the surreal beauties this drive offers.
Take a Yarra River Cruise
One of the best ways to explore a city without breaking your bank and planning too much is by taking a cruise. River cruises allow you to see a big part of the city, as well as attractions and sights. Plus, they are very convenient because you can enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner or have a glass of wine. There are various types of cruises on the Yarra River you can choose from. Namely, you can go on a romantic dinner cruise, party cruise, and educational cruises (if travelling with your kid(s)).
Spend an Afternoon in the Royal Botanic Gardens
Australia is not known only for its koalas and kangaroos but also for its marvellous botanic gardens. There are many botanic gardens across the country, including one in Melbourne. So, if you want to escape city life without going far from it, you can spend one peaceful afternoon in the Royal Botanic Gardens. There, you can find captive mini-ecosystems, a herb garden, native rainforest, diverse flora, and lots of lawns.
Visit the Melbourne Zoo
Another place you can go when looking for an out-of-the-city place is the Melbourne Zoo. It’s one of the oldest zoos in the world and among the most popular tourist attractions in Melbourne. It’s home to lots of native and foreign animals.
What makes this zoo so incredible is its location. Being located in landscaped gardens, it imitates the natural habitat of the animals leaving there. So, you will feel like you are in the wild, not in a zoo.
Relax on Brighton beach
Since there’s no vacation without carelessly lying on the beach with a cocktail in your hand, the Brighton beach is one of the must-visit places. Known for its famous batching boxes, this beach located in Port Phillip bay, is one of the iconic and best-known places in Melbourne. So, spend part of your time on this beach, under the Australian sun.
Attend the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival
When you feel like trying out different cuisines and having a glass of wine, you should go to the famous Melbourne Food and Wine Festival. It’s actually one of the must-visit things, especially for first-time visitors. There, you can enjoy world-class food prepared by top chefs and taste different types of wine. It’s the perfect place to be for all food and wine lovers.
Go to the National Gallery of Victoria
You may or may not be a fan of art, but if you don’t visit this place, it’s like you haven’t been to Australia. This gallery is home to over 70.000 world-famous art pieces. It also hosts many movies, performances, and talks so you can never get bored. And the best thing if all is that it’s free to enter, so even if you don’t have much money, you can spend a few hours enjoying the things it offers.
