Best known in Australia and in the whole world as multicultural destination, Melbourne is characteristically both sophisticated and rough, with its physical and cultural dimensions influenced by a population eager to set their sight into the global cultural arena. As Australia’s unofficial cultural hot spot, the city produces some of the world’s best art, cuisine, design, fashion, ideas, performance, and music, resulting in an excellent amalgam of world class characteristics that today define Melbourne as a multicultural destination that exudes both historical and contemporary styles set in a background of a captivating urban pace that can best be described as serene and sedate. Scenes of trams going back and forth in all directions from Central Melbourne is complemented by residents cycling to get to their respective destinations.
For a fully satisfying experience of a great Melbourne tour, try any or all of the following attractions or activities:
Royal Botanic Gardens
Considered as one of Melbourne’s most glorious attractions, the Royal Botanic Gardens is also one of the worlds finest botanical parks ever. The garden is a magnificent sprawl beside the Yarra River, featuring world class selection of plantings some of which are set into beautifully designed mini ecosystems amidst vast lawns. The garden hosts the Moonlight Cinema as well as theatrical performances during the summer months, and also offer other activities on other times of the year such as guided walks and night time observatory. In addition, there are also activities that encourage exploration and discovery among both parents and kids.
State Library of Victoria
True to its reputation as a city of culture, Melbourne is also home to the State Library of Victoria, which is regarded to have a big role in securing for the city the UNESCO City of Literature 2008 title. The library have had its beginning way back in 1854, and currently holds more than two million books in addition to cultural memorabilia. The library also has a collection of fascinating displays that are specifically focused on unraveling the people of Melbourne’s story.
Shrine of Remembrance
Standing beside St. Kilda Road is a huge monument popularly known as the Shrine of Remembrance. The shrine was built way back from 1928 to 1934 to honor those who have perished in World War I. The shrine’s design was partly based on the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The shrine is visible from the other end of town, being protected by regulations that prohibit erecting structures that would hinder the view of the shrine from Swanston and Lonsdale Street.
