Located on the Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne functions as the state capital and cultural center of Victoria. Aborigines first occupied the city’s lands until the British and gold arrived. The gold rush transformed Melbourne into a powerful financial stronghold. However, Melbourne didn’t let its golden discoveries go to its head. Rather the city takes a humble approach to life, throwing in a few gardens, parks, modern skyscrapers, Victorian era buildings, and temperamental weather for good measure.
Moments with Melbourne’s past as a place of imprisonment live on in the Old Melbourne Gaol. Founded in 1841, the jail served as the settling for 136 hangings. Of the most famous was Ned Kelly in 1880. Exhibits within the jail will spook with death masks, guns and suits of amour. While not a prison since 1929, Old Melbourne Gaol still manages to create chills and cause hairs to stand straight up.
Federation Square in Melbourne centers on the newer aspects to the city. Bringing together cultural, social and commercial venues, Federation Square is settling into the city. Here, visitors will be mesmerized by the odd looking geometric buildings, including the Ian Potter Center. The Center is home to a number of notable works by Australian artists. Within Federation Square there is also the Australian Center for the Moving Image.
More traditional art finds a home at the National Gallery of Victoria International. The National Gallery boasts of holding Australia’s finest collection of international art. The works of Gainsborough, Constable, Delacroix, Rembrandt and Monet are all on display. The Melbourne Museum takes a more natural approach to its displays with an indoor rainforest, children’s museum and Aboriginal cultural center all in one.
The country’s oldest zoo resides in Melbourne. Over 300 species from and beyond Australia scatter about the Melbourne Zoo. Complete with a butterfly house, visitors will also discover an African rainforest with gorillas, orangutans, and hippos.
Take a break from the city living and head for the Royal Botanic Gardens. Just 2 kilometers south of the city, Melbourne tries to one-up every other Australian city. The gardens are said to be some of the best in the entire country. Across 40 hectares of land, travelers will find plants, native and foreign trees and a variety of shrubbery.
To see all that you have covered, head to Eureka Skydeck 88, the world’s highest apartment building. Stretching up to the sky with 92 storeys, the 88th floor offers up an observation deck to visitors. With 360-degree views of the city, travelers just may see if an apartment is for rent here and stay awhile to take in the view daily.
The cultural melting pot is often compared to Sydney. As the rivalry goes on, you can be sure, if you are in Melbourne, you will be told it is better than Sydney for its mix of theater, music, literature and art. Hosting a large Greek, Italian and Chinese population, Melbourne is certainly open to visitors. Come on in.
