What to See in Melbourne, Australia

[Peter]

Heading to Australia's second largest city, located in the southern state of Victoria, but not sure about what there is to see/do? An excellent place to begin is with a free drive on the Town Group Tram, which covers an oblong route around the town past many of Melbourne's major attractions, along with a dogleg into the Docklands; along the way, hop off to see whatever catches your eye. The same free Town Tourist Shuttle offers the same service of picking a different direction through the city, covering major points of interest accompanied by informative commentary. Meanwhile, nearly all Melbourne Central Business District (CBD) accommodation is close to a tram and/or bus stop. 

Federation Square is a must see for tourists with its unique modern structures, such as an unusual piazza and atrium. Developed as a community meeting area, it was completed in 2002 and its avant-garde architecture is still stunning 14 years late. There are many excellent bars and dining spots in the complex, and the Melbourne Visitors Center is an excellent resource for tourists.

Queen Victoria Market is considered a Melbourne institution, in operation for over 120 years, and bills itself as the biggest open air market in the Southern Hemisphere. Take a tour of the marketplace to find out its history or explore on your own and take home an affordable souvenir. Expect to see buskers as well as spruikers (Aussie slang for touts), and get ready to haggle. On Sundays, King Sreet is closed to vehicles, and the marketplaces takes on a festive, almost circuslike atmosphere.

The city's streets are among its coolest features, unique boutiques, cool bars and coffee shops, and great restaurants; favorites include Degraves Street, The Road, and Centre Place (especially well known for their restaurants), while for art galleries, check out Cocker Street, Birmingham Road, and Westwood Place. 

St Kilda Road, meanwhile, Melbourne's primary artery, is planted with greenery and provides access to wonderful recreational areas and famous land-marks. Sunday's Art Centre Market is well worth a visit, as is the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Alongside the CBD, the Docklands area has become Melbourne's latest visitor draw. Once a working port area as its name says, over the past decade its become a mixed commercial, residential, shopping, dining, and entertainment magnet.

The Eureka Tower in Southbank has become a local icon since its completion in 2006, and offers amazing views of the town from its top floor, 297 meters (975 feet) up. 

There is an excellent selection of Melbourne sightseeing attractions and accommodation in Melbourne, varying from hostels and inns to high-end luxury hotels, along with everything in between.