By Two weeks ago Anthony from Art of Conversations was kind enough to produce a very cool post about the best food to be found in Melbourne. This week, fresh of being a participant in my weekend’s Tea Gardens excursion, he’s back with some suggestions on things to see and do in Australia’s sport and art capital.
The floor is yours, Anthony…
What to do in Melbourne
Hi Readers,
Anthony from artofconversations.com here with another guest post about my home away from home in Melbourne. In the last entry I spoke about great places to find delicious (and often cheap) food. While you are in Melbourne you might want to see the sights (as well as walk off some of that food) so below are my recommendations of what to do while in Melbourne.
Shopping
The best shopping in Australia is found in Melbourne. This city has always prided itself on its fashion scene, so it is no surprise that the best shopping can be found there too.
If you are looking at securing a bargain (such as my new Oxford suit for $230 instead of the regular $800) then you will want to check out these Direct Factory Outlets.
If you prefer a more traditional retail environment then you will love places such as Chadstone Shopping Centre or simply exploring the Melbourne CBD.
St. Kilda
Home of the successful St. Kilda AFL club, Luna Park, and the Sunday markets – St Kilda is easily accessible by tram for as little as $2. Like the rest of Melbourne, St. Kilda boasts a great food culture. Couple this with the suburb’s position on the beach and you can see why it is a great destination to visit in Melbourne. Don’t forget to take a walk down the harbour pier to see native penguins and other Aussie wildlife.
Lygon Street
Food lovers love Lygon Street. Don’t expect to see any American fast food chains here because it is cafes and restaurants as far as the eye can see. What makes Lygon Street a little different is the hustle. Many of the popular restaurants have a charming waiter at the front of their site attempting to lure partons in.
If you are feeling adventurous you should pop into Koko Black for a chilli mocha (a chocolate taste with a chilli kick at the end).
The MCG (the Melbourne Cricket Ground)
Victoria is the home of the Australian Football League (AFL or Aussie Rules). Played between February and October, the AFL is hands down the most fanatically supported sport in Australia and the #1 code in Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia.
When the red egg isn’t being punted about the field, the MCG is used for Australia’s national pastime – cricket. One of the oldest and most picturesque places to watch sports in Australia is without a doubt the MCG. Many major sporting events are played in this large Colosseum like stadium and you can also do tours of the stadium when sports aren’t being played.
Federation Square
Directly opposite Flinders Street Station and backing onto the Yarra River is Federation Square. This is a popular hang out spot for Melbourne locals, not just because of its unique design but also the variety of free events. Events such as the Bollywood Film Festival, the AFL Grand Final after party, live music, and street performers are just some of what Federation Square has to offer.
History
Melbourne is full of rich history and much of it has been preserved through the Elizabethan architecture of the city. The tram network is something unique in Australia – though Adelaide has recently implemented a tram of their own and Sydney continues to build a light rail network – that adds a touch of class and old world charm to traveling through the city.
Other places you must visit include:
I’ve barely touched upon the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the things to see and do in Melbourne, but hopefully the above suggestions as well as my restaurant suggestions made in my first post will give you some food for thought when it comes to your Melbourne excursion.
