The city's extensive network of alleyways, its rich cultural offerings, its high quality, affordable dining options, and its incredible street art have all contributed to its international renown. It is also known as the "coffee capital of the world" and is frequently named the "most liveable city in the world."
Melbourne is a vibrant and exciting city with a lively downtown, charming residential neighbourhoods, and beautiful parks and mountain ranges to explore the best of Australia's outdoors.
Let's visit some of Melbourne's most well-known landmarks:
Drink locally made whisky at Starward Distillery
What is it?
A whisky distillery in Port Melbourne creates flavours that are silky smooth and easy to drink; any dram drinker would enjoy them.
Why go?
The distillery itself is housed in a spacious and open warehouse space within walking distance of the city. The lobby bar is open to the public and makes for a great place to meet up with friends (we recommend the whisky and tonic; you can thank us later). Some Australian spirits, including Starward, and a few craft beers are available, but whisky, as you might guess, is the main attraction.
Don’t miss:
Taking a tour of the distillery will give you an in-depth education in the creation of whisky from the initial stages of gathering barley to the final product being bottled and sold. In addition to seeing the state-of-the-art equipment and hundreds of barrels used to age the precious liquid, you will have the chance to try it at several different stages along the way.
When Starward first opened in 2007, it quickly became a favourite among patrons at bars all over Melbourne.
As a result, almost all of Starward's whiskies are less than five years old, despite having flavours as refined and approachable as those of much older beverages.
Port Melbourne is home to the distillery, which is a large, open warehouse that can be reached on foot from the city centre. The lobby bar is open to the public and makes for a great place to meet up with friends (we recommend the whisky and tonic; you can thank us later). The focus is on whisky, but you can also get some other Australian spirits like Starward and a few different craft beers.
Taking a tour of the distillery will give you an in-depth education in the creation of whisky from the initial stages of gathering barley to the final product being bottled and sold. Whisky can be sampled at various stages of production, and visitors can also see the state-of-the-art equipment and thousands of barrels used to age the precious liquid up close. Whisky masterclasses and exclusive flights are available for those interested in expanding their knowledge of whisky from around the world.
State Library Victoria
In addition to being Victoria's most important library, the State Library provides access to resources from around the world. There is a consensus that this is one of the world's most significant libraries. The Library collects and preserves materials that illustrate the historical and contemporary cultural life of Victoria, and makes them available to the public through a number of services, exhibitions, and cultural programming.
Notable Melburnians like Sir Redmond Barry and Lieutenant-Governor Charles Joseph La Trobe were instrumental in establishing Victoria's state library in 1854. The original plan for the library was for it to be "a great emporium of learning and philosophy, of literature, science, and art," housing the "best of everything."
The exterior balconies that once encircled the lovely Domed Reading Room are now used as display areas.
Accessibility:
- Disabled access available, contact operator for details
Facilities:
- Café
- Conference/convention facilities
- Lockers
- Non-smoking establishment
- Public toilet
Tourism awards:
- 2018 - Victorian Tourism Awards - Gold - Cultural Tourism
- 2019 - Victorian Tourism Awards - Bronze - Cultural Tourism
- 2019 - Victorian Tourism Awards - Outstanding Contribution by Volunteers
Visit the Immigration Museum
The Immigration Museum honours the cultural diversity that helps make modern Australia what it is today. Melbourne, Australia is home to the museum in question.
The museum, located in the beautiful Old Customs House, highlights the history of the many cultures that make up Melbourne and the state of Victoria. It talks about what it's like to be an immigrant, how people define themselves, and the arduous journey that many people had to take to get to Australia.
A documentation of the Old Customs House's time as a hub for immigration, commerce, and shopping in the 19th century can be found in the Customs Gallery.
Have a night out at the Crown Casino
Located in the southern hemisphere, this casino complex ranks among the world's largest. Located on the banks of the Yarra River, the Crown Casino Complex is a colossal casino and resort.
It is open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, with the exception of three public holidays per year, and is a popular destination for high-end shopping, excellent dining, and vibrant nightlife. Even though gambling is a lot of fun there, that's not all it has to offer.
There are pyrotechnic towers outside the complex that are well worth checking out; these towers, known as the "Gas Brigades," are the largest of their kind in the world, and they shoot fireballs into the night sky. The Atrium is a sight to behold, what with its beautiful fountains and accompanying light and water shows.
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
The SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, situated on the banks of the Yarra River, is a popular tourist destination in the city. In other words, it's a top-notch aquarium!
Children are the target audience, and they love coming here. Spending a few hours here would be a breeze! Featuring both massive King Penguins and cute little Gentoo Penguins, the penguin display is sure to capture your attention. Seeing these animals swimming freely in their native environment is truly incredible. Observing what goes on during feeding time is hypnotic.
The Deck Café, found on the upper deck, serves refreshments in the most tranquil setting possible. The main draw is the massive oceanarium, which is home to several species of sharks (including the Grey Nurse). It's a magnificent display that will impress anyone who sees it.
Melbourne International Comedy Festival
What is it?
Every year in March and April, Melbourne, Australia hosts the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, which does exactly what it says on the box. This world-famous comedy festival takes over Melbourne's CBD to the point where you can't get away from it.
Why go?
In the heart of Melbourne, pink and yellow banners decorate the streets, and ticket-holding crowds make their way to the Melbourne Town Hall. The city's residents can't stop raving about the shows no visitor should miss. Montreal hosts the third largest international comedy festival with over 400 performances.
Don't miss:
Due to the impossibility of attending every event, we suggest checking the Town Hall's calendar the night before to plan your day. You could enquire with the friendly festival staff for suggestions, gamble on a newcomer passing out flyers in front of the venue, or simply keep an eye on social media, particularly Twitter, to see what everyone is talking about.
The Melbourne International Comedy Festival is a yearly event that takes place in March and April and cannot be missed. Of course, there was a global event in 2020 that prevented anyone from attending the festival.
The good news is that in 2021, the festival dates have been set for March 24th to April 18th and will once again be held at the Michigan International Center for the Arts. Everything will function somewhat differently than in regular years. Shows at MICF will be presented both live and online throughout the festival, with new digital content being made available on a daily basis.
As part of its growth strategy, MICF will bring the festival's top offerings to suburban venues. As the festival's director, Susan Provan, has said: "Venue capacities will be capped and additional hygiene measures will be implemented in 2021, but we have been given the chance to try new things as a result of these changes.
Everyone involved with the festival—from the organisers to the venues to the comedians—is overjoyed and happy to be back in the spotlight."
The Comedy Commutes programme is one of many exciting new additions to the MICF this year, featuring hilarious comedy shows in suburban locations. Because it's nice to be able to see a show that isn't too far away, even though Melburnians occasionally enjoy a $60 Uber ride.
Each weekend of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, popular and emerging comedians will perform at neighbourhood hotspots such as Broadmeadows Town Hall, Hawthorn Arts Centre, Thornbury Theatre, Kingston Arts Centre in Moorabbin, Footscray Community Arts Centre, Howler, and the Espy (MICF).
In its third year, the Montreal International Comedy Festival (MICF) has grown to become the third-largest comedy festival in the world, with over 400 performances scheduled over the course of the festival. Being a Melburnian at this time of year is one of the highlights of the year, but deciding which shows to see can be difficult. This is the month where the brightest stars in comedy from around the world mingle with the next big thing in the United States.
There are a number of ways to address this issue. You could enquire with the helpful festival staff, check social media (especially Twitter), or just show up at the Town Hall in the evening to see what's going on. What we've listed above are merely a few of the alternatives you can consider. Time Out also publishes a yearly review list that may be of interest to those curious about our prefered establishments.
Dance until dawn at The Toff in Town
What is it?
The Toff in Town is regarded as one of the area's most upscale watering holes. Curtin House, located at the end of a vertical lane, has a great room for live music to the right and a more intimate booth bar to the left of the entrance.
Why go?
This cosy room with the red drapes has hosted a wide variety of local and international talent. It's a great addition to the Melbourne nightlife not only because of its lively atmosphere, but also because of the personality it exudes. You have the option of getting all sweaty at the foot of the stage, or you can relax and enjoy the wide selection of tasty food and refreshing beverages.
Don't miss:
Going to the wildly popular Rooftop Bar, which is on the second floor and has a view of the city's rooftops, for a drink.
Actually, Curtin House is ridiculous because it is jam-packed to the gills with numerous incredible club and bar areas. As far as shops and restaurants go, The Toff in Town is among the building's most upscale options. When you get to the top of the stairs, there's a private booth bar on the left and a great stage area on the right. Both can be found on the highest floor.
This cosy room with the red drapes has hosted a wide variety of local and international talent. It's a decadent hangout that oozes character, making it stand out among Melbourne's already thriving nightlife scene. It's your call whether you want to get sweaty at the foot of the stage or relax and enjoy the delicious food and wide selection of drinks they have to offer.
Stroll around the historic Abbotsford Convent
What is it?
In addition to its original purpose as a convent, the Abbotsford Convent served as a commercial laundry, an orphanage, and a senior care centre in the latter half of the 1800s. In addition to serving as a centre for creative types, makers, educators, and community radio hosts, it also happens to be a stunning destination.
Why go?
Walking onto the grounds and looking up at the gothic spires of the convent, you can feel the oppressive weight of history. In addition, the lush landscaping and open spaces provide a perfect setting for a leisurely stroll, discovery, or relaxation.
Don't miss:
Enjoying a vegetarian meal at Lentil as Anything, a restaurant where customers pay what they think the meal is worth (run entirely by volunteers) and visiting local art galleries and the Collingwood Children's Farm.
In the past, this structure was home to women, children, and orphans in need and was known as the Convent of the Good Shepherd. The former convent and its formal gardens are now used for a wide range of activities, from workshops and classes to musical and theatrical performances and summertime outdoor film screenings.
At the height of its activity, the convent's residents were fed by vast vegetable plots, orchards, and farming grounds. Located on a picturesque bend of the Yarra, the sprawling old site is home to both beautiful and haunting architecture, sprawling lawns, hidden courtyards, and a painstakingly restored formal garden from the early 20th century.
In addition to being open late, serving beer, and allowing visitors to pitch in and help the Convent's hardworking gardening crew for no charge, the Convent also welcomes volunteers.
FAQs About Melbourne
- Melbourne's famous tramway system is the largest outside Europe and the fourth largest in the world.
- The world's first feature film, the Story of the Ned Kelly Gang was filmed and made in Melbourne in 1906.
- Melbourne had the first gay and lesbian radio station in the world.
Melbourne is known for being one of the most liveable cities on earth. Often referred to as 'the Sporting Capital of the World', besides this it is also famous for its graffitied laneways, excellent coffee, cultural diversity and bayside location. This eclectic Australian city has something for everyone.
The Victorian capital tops the list in the 2015-2017 rankings. Also, The Global Livability Index puts Melbourne in second place in the 2018 and 2019 rankings. The ranking considers Melbourne's low unemployment rate, low pollution, and high quality of life.