Located at the head of Port Phillip Bay is Australia’s second largest city, Melbourne. Named “Melbourne” after William Lamb, 2nd Viscount Melbourne, the British Prime Minister at that time, it is currently the capital of the south-eastern state of Victoria. The origins of the city of Melbourne can be traced to the year 1835 when settlers from Tasmania occupied land on Port Phillip Bay and the Yarra River from the locals. Today, in 2014, it wouldn’t be wrong to term Melbourne Australia’s cultural capital.
As far as accessing Melbourne is concerned, the city is served by four airports namely Avalon Airport, Essendon Airport, Moorabbin Airport and Melbourne Airport. Melbourne Airport is the major international airport and is located at a distance of approximately 22 kilometres from the city. It is serviced by 27 international airlines. The option of a train journey is also available from Melbourne. There also are well connected roads from Brisbane, Sydney and Adelaide for those wishing to drive to Melbourne. Option of ferry services to Melbourne is also available for the adventurous traveller.
As far as the climate of Melbourne is concerned, the city mostly witnesses a variable climate. As compared to the rest of the world, and much in contrary, Melbourne sees its summer months from December to February. In fact, January and February are the hottest months here, characterised by hot spells and cooling afternoon breezes. The weather cools down March to May, and these are the autumn months. June and July are the coldest months in Melbourne. From September to November, Melbourne witnesses the spring season, which also happens to be the wettest time of year in Melbourne. Every season has its own share of experiences to offer. So it depends on the traveler’s preferences, when he/she wants to visit Melbourne.
City Centre, Carlton, St Kilda, Prahran are some of the important districts of Melbourne and it is a good idea for tourists to explore the city district-wise. District-wise important tourist attractions in Melbourne are listed below:
City Centre
• Flinders Street Railway Station: It wouldn’t be wrong to say that this is the defining landmark of Melbourne. An essentially colonial-era railway station, the numerous clocks which dot the entrance are bound to capture your attention.
• Eureka Tower: Eureka Tower is the tallest residential building in the southern hemisphere and offers panoramic views of the entire city of Melbourne.
• Federation Square: With its fascinating architecture, Federation Square is the best place to see Melburnians enjoy life.
• The Yarra: Famous as the “river that flows upside down”, the Yarra winds its way through the heart of Melbourne.
Carlton
• Melbourne Museum: With seven main galleries to its credit, Melbourne Museum is the largest museum in the Southern Hemisphere.
St Kilda
For all the water-babies, or those wanting some alone time in the lap of Nature, this beach is the perfect place. Watch the waves crashing the beach while you grab a bite or sip on a latte by the sea.
If you’re looking for the perfect holiday destination, then Melbourne is the place to go!
