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Vacation Time: Mighty Melbourne!

Experience the good life down under

PHOTOS COURTESY OF Adobe Stock


Melbourne city skyline with tall buildings, a river in the foreground, and a bridge; clear sky and warm lighting create a serene atmosphere.

SITUATED ON THE BANKS OF THE YARRA River in south-eastern Australia, Melbourne has truly cemented itself as a world-class city. While the Central Business District grid and landmarks such as Federation Square and Flinders Street Station are an Instagram lover’s paradise, the inner suburbs and city fringe are what truly give Victoria’s capital its heart and soul.


A colorful bike with a green frame, yellow front wheel, and red rear wheel leans against a stone wall. A bakery door with pastries is behind it.

SPEAK TO ANY MELBOURNIAN, and they’ll steer you towards Fitzroy in the uber-cool inner north. Brunswick Street is home to hip cafés, vibrant street art and some great vintage shopping. You can liken the area to downtown Berlin or Seattle. After spending the afternoon visiting the many boutiques and consuming multiple lattes, eat at The Punters Club, home of cheap pizzas and late-night parties.


Busy street with cars and people; lined with colorful shops and historic buildings under a clear blue sky. Visible signs: Hype, Pink, Bariano.

CROSS CHURCH STREET BRIDGE and you find yourself on Melbourne’s southside, South Yarra to be precise. Home to Melbourne’s rich and famous, this chic suburb stretches 4 kilometres to the outskirts of St Kilda, where the land meets the sea. Lined with designer boutiques and not a few Ferraris, South Yarra’s Chapel Street also houses some of Melbourne’s swankiest bars and clubs.


Green tram on City Circle route in sunlit urban street, yellow building and clock tower in background. Signage visible, vibrant atmosphere.

THE GENTRIFIED SUBURB OF RICHMOND is another must-see with cosy pubs, laneway cafés and some great clearance outlets along Bridge Road. Richmond is also renowned for its live music scene. The Corner is a first-rate venue, famous for hosting big-name bands, such as Pink Floyd, The White Stripes and Midnight Oil, as well as an ever-growing list of local Melbournian legends.


Park scene with a lake surrounded by colorful autumn trees. A person sits on a bench, enjoying the view under a bright blue sky.

TAKE A STROLL THROUGH the heritage-listed Royal Botanic Gardens on Birdwood Avenue. Its 38 hectares house exotic plants and animals, a beautiful lake and even gondolas – a taste of Italy down under! Visit the gardens on any day of the week to enjoy guided tours, an Aboriginal Heritage Walk and expert-led wellbeing experiences like yoga and forest bathing.


People walking and sitting by a beach at sunset. Seagulls fly overhead. Palm trees line the promenade, creating a relaxed, warm atmosphere.

THE ENTRANCE TO AUSTRALIA’S BUSIEST PORT, picturesque Port Phillip Bay is easily one of Melbourne’s most popular recreational destinations. Port Phillip is actually made up of some 16 bays, and the bustling esplanade offers up fantastic views. Head there for birdwatching, cycling, sailing, snorkelling and swimming.


Luna Park entrance at dusk with colorful lights, a bright sky, and palm trees in the background, creating a vibrant, lively atmosphere.

BANG ON THE SHORELINE, in St Kilda, there’s only one thing to do, and that’s get lost! Paired with the soundtrack of Melbourne’s busking community, it’s the perfect spot for a Sunday stroll. The sprawling streets are dotted with shops of all kinds, plus interesting cafés and bars. Luna Park is the most iconic landmark, with its magnificent entranceway and scenic rollercoaster providing a panoramic view of Port Phillip Bay and beyond.


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