Located right in the south-eastern part of mainland Australia, within the state of Victoria, you’ll find the second largest city in the country – Melbourne. The former capital of Australia combines world-class dining, a jam-packed events calendar and a privileged geographic diversity that makes it a year-round destination that’s worth the visit.
When To Go To Melbourne
There’s really not a wrong time to visit this exciting city. During the summer (January to Mid-March), there’s a fantastic beach weather and it’s the time for the Australian Open, so it’s a perfect destinations for tennis fans. Autumn is quite fantastic as well since the days tend to be warm to mild, there’s beautiful blazing foliage in Victoria’s parks and it’s the time of the year selected for the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival.
The winters are quite chilly but there are plenty of great options since the ski slopes are open to the public and there are major cultural events happening in town, like the Melbourne International Film Festival. Spring is the season for sporadic weather and visitors can enjoy the Melbourne Cup Carnival celebrated each November.
How To Get There
International flights arrive from all over the world direct to Melbourne International Airport, located 14 miles northwest of the city centre. Once you get there it’s an easy 30 minute shuttle bus ride or taxi to the central business district.
The comprehensive public transport makes the use of a car rather unnecessary once you’re in the city. All main Victorian towns, and smaller ones, are connected by regional train or bus. You may want to hire a car only in the occasion of touring regional areas, since many national parks and remote beaches are not quite accessible otherwise.
Melbourne’s Marketplace
Visitors cannot miss a chance to go to the iconic “Vic Market”, also refer to as the Queen Vic by the locals, the largest open-air market in the southern hemisphere. This historic place that has been trading since 1861, offers incredible produce and gourmet food stalls.
People can enjoy an energizing cup of coffee or taste a luscious snack. During the summer, the market is open late on Wednesday for the Night Market, a particular occasion where the place offers delicious food, sangria and live musical acts. During the winter, there are more intimate events with performers, cabaret acts and tasty dishes from all over the world.
Enjoy A Walk Down The Street
The center of this Australian city is filled with cobbled lane ways, which have become an epicenter for coffee shops, cafés and one-of-a-kind shopping boutiques. Tourist can start their visit at Flinders Street station, walking down Degraves Street, and explore the beautiful arcades and street art that surround the town.
The World’s Sporting Capital
Besides the Australian Open, the city is renowned for its legendary sport venues and world class events. Visitors can enjoy the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) for the Australian Football League from March till September, or the international cricket matches from November until February.
Tourist can choose to go track side at Flemington for the Melbourne Cup, held in November, or be ecstatic by the Australian Grand Prix, when Albert Park is turned into a high-speed racetrack.
A Wonderful Destination For Fashionistas
In honor of the 70th anniversary of the prestigious House of Dior, the National Gallery of Victoria will present The House of Dior: Seventy Years of Haute Couture at NGV International from 27 August to 7 November, 2017.
Melbourne -Christian Dior Exhibition
The exhibition features a fabulous display of more than 140 garments from Christian Dior Couture designed 1947 to 2017, including examples from Christian Dior’s legendary Spring 1947 ‘New Look’ collection, displays of Dior’s magnificent ball gowns and evening dresses, as well as current designs from the House’s first female creative director, Maria Grazia Chiuri, who presented her first ready-to-wear collection for the fashion label in October
The exhibition will close on November 7, and the National Gallery will extend its hours to 9am-9pm from November 2, to allow thousands more visitors to get a chance to see the incredible couture exhibition.
