Discover South Australia & Victoria - Melbourne City Guide
Thursday, March 10th, 2011PART 2
Five best things to do in Melbourne
Head to Lygon street for a great Italian meal
1. Shop till you drop -
A dizzying array of first class restaurants, charming cafes, shops, art galleries, museums and theatres greet visitors to the Swanston Street area, home of the Bourke Street Mall. It has long been seen as the epicenter of Melbourne shopping: the city’s two major department stores reside here as well as an assortment of boutique shops and chain stores.
2. Visit the Queen -
The Queen Victoria Market, that is! A Melbourne institution, this huge market sells everything from bargain basement clothing and accessories to fresh produce. Head down on a Wednesday evening during summer, as the market transforms into an Asian-style night market filled with hawkers stalls, fresh food, licensed bars, live performances and locally made gifts.
3. Relax at the Bay -
A quick tram ride from the CBD, St Kilda makes for the perfect place to relax. This palm-lined foreshore with rolling green lawns has plenty to offer to visitors. Do as the locals do - on weekends, Melburnians flock here to walk, cycle and skate along the boardwalk or to lounge in an outdoor café or cocktail bar – and take in the panoramic views of Port Phillip Bay.
4. Head to (Little) Italy -
Take a stroll down Lygon Street. The heart of Melbourne’s Little Italy, this is a haven of little boutiques, inexpensive pasta and great Italian coffee! The street has great colour, particularly at night when the sidewalks are thronged with diners and restaurateurs touting for your business.
Beautiful coastline along the Great Ocean Road
5. Venture West –
Stretching from the sleepy town of Torquay to the South Australian border, the Great Ocean Road weaves along the southern coast of Victoria revealing gorgeous landscapes and stunning rock formations. It’s the perfect way to leave Melbourne and head to the next exciting city: Adelaide.
