Visiting Melbourne, Australia

Night skyline of Melbourne (1)

There are a lot of beautiful places to see in the “land down under.” In two previous articles we have mentioned Sydney the central business district as well as the surrounding. Now we would proceed a little bit to the south of New South Wales to the state of Victoria.

VICTORIA

Victoria is located on southeast of mainland Australia. With a land area of 237,629 square kilometers, making it the smallest state on the mainland. Despite the size Victoria is a state packed with a lot of adventures, attractions and cultures. There is a lot to do, from the beaches, national parks, forests, lakes and many, many more.

With all these, it is no wonder that there is a sudden population increase in the state. In 2014, the state had a total population of almost 6 million, making it the second most populated state. Majority of the people could be found in MELBOURNE, the capital of the state.

MELBOURNE

Melbourne Central Business District (2)

Melbourne is a city well-loved by both locals and tourists. It has a huge impact in terms of culture; Australian dances, film industry, impressionist art, and television industry began here.

UNESCO declared Melbourne a City of Literature which is only one of five in the world. Aside from art, Melbourne is a colorful community, lined with delectable restaurants, relaxing cafes, fashionable clothing stores, and hip bars.

Melbourne is a city like no other. So get ready to immerse yourself into something unique.

OVERVIEW OF MELBOURNE

TRANSPORTATION

The city could easily be accessed by tourists through Melbourne Airport also known as Tullamarine airport. The said airport is the second busiest in the country. Other airports in the city that tourists could fly in and out are Moorabbin Airport, and Essendon Airport.

Air traffic control tower of Melbourne Airport (3)

Another point of entry is at the Port of Melbourne.

Getting around the city is easy, thanks to the broad and extensive transport network. Trains, suburban stations, trams, and buses are located across the city that makes commuting in the city easy.

Tram on Swanston Street

CLIMATE

Melbourne generally experiences oceanic climate. There are sudden whether changes from time to time; be prepared and bring an umbrella and jacket.

The hottest months are from December to February with an average temperature of 18 to 20 degrees Celsius. The coldest months are from June to August with an average temperature of 10 degrees Celsius.

DEMOGRAPHICS

Majority of the residents (63.3%) in Melbourne were born in Australia. The remaining residents are from United Kingdom, India, China, Italy, and New Zealand.

Aside from English, residents speak other languages such as Greek, Chinese, Italian, and Vietnamese.

There is no specific religion in the city. Although majority of the population are Catholics followed by Anglicans, Eastern Orthodox, Buddhist, and Muslims.

St. Paul Church (4)

PLACES TO SEE

MELBOURNE MUSEUM

Melbourne Museum (5)

One could appreciate natural and cultural history at Melbourne Museum. Construction was finished in 2001. The museum is a place for learning about Melbourne’s history, culture and society.

To date, the museum is the largest in the southern hemisphere. There are a total of seven main galleries, a children’s gallery, and a temporary exhibit gallery. Aside from these galleries there is an amphitheater, theater, discovery center, café, and souvenir shop.

ROYAL EXHIBITION BUILDING

Melbourne Royal Exhibition Building (East Side)

The Royal Exhibition Building is located adjacent to the Melbourne Museum. It was built in 1880 to hold the Melbourne International Exhibition. In 1901, it served to host the opening of the first Parliament of Australia. UNESCO declared the building as a World Heritage Site in 2004.

NATIONAL GALLERY OF VICTORIA

National Gallery of Victoria (6)

The National Gallery of Victoria was built in 1861 making it the oldest public art museum in the country. Art collections came from all across the globe: both donated and bought. There are more than 70,000 artworks exhibited here.

AUSTRALIAN CENTRE FOR CONTEMPORARY ART

Australian Centre for Contemporary Art and the Malthouse Theatre on the right (7)

Aside from classical art pieces, Melbourne showcases contemporary art as seen in the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA). This one of a kind architectural building was completed in 2002. ACCA is used for various performances and exhibition spaces. In 2003 the building was awarded with the Institutional Architecture Award and National Award.

SHRINE OF REMEMBRANCE

Shrine of Remembrance from the north displaying the eternal flame

The Shrine of Remembrance was built in 1934 in memory to those Victorians who died in World War I. It is one of the largest war memorials built in Australia.

In front of the memorial is an eternal flame which signifies eternal life. It is permanently lit whole year round. Twice a year (ANZAC Day on April 25 and Remembrance Day on November 11), citizens are gathered at the site in remembrance of those who died.

SEA LIFE MELBOURNE AQUARIUM

Melbourne Aquarium (8)

Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium is an attraction in Melbourne that is suitable to all ages. There are more than 550 species with at least 10,000 sea animals.

QUEEN VICTORIA MARKET

Façade of Queen Victoria Market

There are a number of shopping destinations here in Melbourne. One of which is Queen Victoria Market or the locals call is Vic Market. The market covers a large area of seven hectares making it the largest open air market in the southern hemisphere. The marketplace was built in the 19th century and still stands to this date. The market is listed under the Victorian Heritage Register.

PRINCESS THEATRE

Princess Theatre (9)

Another prominent attraction is the Princess Theatre along the East End Theatre District. It was built in 1854 and has a seating capacity of 1488. This building is listed in the Victorian Heritage Register and National Trust of Australia.

http://laurenceourac.com/visiting-melbourne-australia/

References:
“Home – Tourism Victoria.” Home – Tourism Victoria. Web. 18 Feb. 2015. <http://www.tourism.vic.gov.au/>.
“Melbourne.” Travel Guide. Web. 18 Feb. 2015. <http://wikitravel.org/en/Melbourne>.
“Melbourne.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Web. 18 Feb. 2015. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melbourne>.
“Melbourne, Australia – Visitmelbourne.com – Official Travel and Accommodation Site.” Tourism Victoria Home. Web. 18 Feb. 2015. <http://www.visitmelbourne.com/>.
“Victoria (Australia).” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Web. 18 Feb. 2015. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victoria_(Australia)>.
“Victoria (state).” Victoria Travel Guide. Web. 18 Feb. 2015. <http://wikitravel.org/en/Victoria_(state)>.
Web. 18 Feb. 2015. <http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/>.

Images:
1. Glickman, Alfred. Night skyline of Melbourne from Brighton marina. April 2013. Commons.wikimedia.org. Photograph. February 18, 2015.
2. Donaldytong. Looking across Hobsons Bay towards the Melbourne central business district. May 2007. Commons.wikimedia.org. Photograph. February 18, 2015.
3. Wongm, Marcus Wong. United Airlines Boeing 747 taking off at Melbourne Airport in front of air traffic control tower. June 2006. Commons.wikimedia.org. Photograph. February 18, 2015.
4. Woozifi. St. Paul Church near Flinders Station. March 14. Commons.wikimedia.org. Photograph. February 18, 2015.
5. Melbourne Museum. N.d. Commons.wikimedia.org. Photograph. February 18, 2015.
6. Donaldytong. National Gallery of Victoria. September 2008. Commons.wikimedia.org. Photograph. February 18, 2015.
7. Donaldytong. Australian Centre for Contemporary Art and the Malthouse Theatre on the right. November 2008. Commons.wikimedia.org. Photograph. February 18, 2015.
8. Corneschi, Christopher. Melbourne Aquarium. January 2005. Commons.wikimedia.org. Photograph. February 18, 2015.
9. Connolley, Mat. Princess Theatre, Melbourne, Australia. August 2006. Commons.wikimedia.org. Photograph. February 18, 2015.