The city that experiences 4 seasons in one day with amazing brunch menu and even better coffee. If you haven’t already been to Melbourne, it’s time you put this artsy city in your list of places to visit.
Here are a few highlights of what beautiful Melbourne has to offer.
Penguin Parade, Phillip Island
Waddle your way to Phillip Island, just 90 minutes away from the city for your chance to catch the cutest penguin parade ever! Every night during sunset, the Little Penguins return home ashore into their sand dunes. The Little Penguins are as the name indicates, the smallest breed of penguins, growing to an average of 33cm in height only.
Pro-Tip: Keep warm and bring your jacket as it gets chilly at night. You’re right by the shore after all! No photography is allowed, and you have to remain silent or else you might scare the penguins away.
- Opening Hours: Varies. Penguins arrive at sunset every evening. Access doors will open approximately 1 hour before.
- Ticket Price: Click here for the price
Watch the Little Penguins waddle home
Image via: Phillip Island
Little Penguins marching
Image via: Phillip Island
Source: Phillip Island
National Gallery of Victoria
Founded in 1861, The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is the oldest and most visited gallery in Australia, holding a vast collection of more than 70,000 works that span thousands of years. A trip to the gallery is never boring as they also host a wide range of international and local artists, exhibitions, programs and events all varying in style.
You can find their latest exhibitions here.
- Opening Hours: 10.00am – 5.00pm
- Ticket Price: Free
Image via: NGV
Source: NGV
Brighton Beach
A trip to the beach is made colourful with 82 bathing boxes lined uniformly in a row at Brighton Beach. Built over a century ago, the bathing boxes all retain its classic Victorian architectural features – timber framing, weatherboards, and corrugated iron roofs. Of course, what makes it iconic is the unique design of each house.
Stroll by the beach, build some sandcastles, take a dip in the water, toss a frisbee… just have fun while you’re there!
Unique designs on each bathing box
Image via: Janina Kuusiaho
82 colourful bathing box
Image via: The Cardinal Man
Source: Visit Melbourne
12 Apostles, Great Ocean Road
The 12 Apostles is situated further from Melbourne city, but totally worth the 4-hour journey. The 12 Apostles was once part of the limestone cliffs 10 – 20 million years ago that slowly eroded after being beaten by the stormy Southern Ocean and rapid winds. The softer limestone slowly formed caves and eventually became arches. The arches then collapsed becoming what it is now – 45m tall columns. There are now, only 8 Apostles left standing.
For a panoramic view of the Apostles, you can take a ride on the helicopter for a spectacular view of the coastal line.
- Opening Hours: 9.00am – 5.00pm
- Ticket Price: Free (Unless you opt for the helicopter ride)
Gorgeous view of the coast line
Image via: Nico BABOT
2 of the Apostles
Image via: Peter Yan
Source: Visit Melbourne | Australia
Queen Victoria Market
Did you know that the Queen Victoria Market is the largest and most intact of all Melbourne’s great 19th century markets?
Officially opened on 20 March 1878, The Queen Victoria Market has had quite a colourful and controversial history during its 140 years. During its past, the site had once been a cemetery, a livestock market, and a wholesale fruit and vegetable market.
Conveniently located in the heart of the city, Queen Victoria Market is a place people visit to experience Melbourne’s fresh food culture.
- Opening Hours: Click here for the full opening hours.
- Ticket Price: Free
QVM in the morning
Image via: vicmarket
Interesting meat choices
Image via: vicmarket
Assortment of fresh produce
Image via: vicmarket
Source: Queen Victoria Market
Yarra Valley
When in Australia, drink wine. The Yarra Valley is Victoria’s oldest wine region, dating back to 1838, gaining a reputation for its Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Take a scenic drive through Yarra Valley and sample wine, cheese plates, and take a stroll through the many vineyards in Yarra Valley. Or if you’d like an unprecedented view of this countryside beauty, why not hop on for a ride on a hot air balloon?
Up, Up and Away!
Image via: Melbourne Hot Air Ballooning
A grape view
Image via: Yarra Valley
Source: Australia
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