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Melbourne, a Mix of Old and New Styles

Melbourne is rich in history as well as legends spawned by the Victoria Gold Rush. By 1880, it was one of the wealthiest cities in the world. Many beautiful examples of Victorian architecture that were financed in part by the discovery of gold nearby have remained mostly untouched, except for being well maintained. On a more modern note, the Melbourne Cricket Ground is the largest in Australia and boasts the highest tower of any sports stadium in the world. Able to hold nearly 100,000 fans at a time, it is fondly referred to as “The G” by locals, after the pop star Madonna bestowed that name on it during a visit. As far as the weather goes, it is good to be prepared for all eventualities, as the words “four seasons in one day” best describe its changeable nature. Summer is hotter in Melbourne than other Australian cities, but fall and spring are very pleasant and temperate.

melbourne airport

What to See and Where to Go

  • downtown melbourneTake a trip to the Philip Island nature reserve as the sun sets to see the parade of penguins, as they head home, like so many commuters at rush hour.
  • Spend a day on the beach and a night in the clubs in St Kilda for a total contrast, as the peaceful daylight haven from city bustle turns into a hot-spot for party-goers.
  • Watch a sports match or attend a concert at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
  • Eat in style at any of the hundreds of restaurants and cafes in the New Quay and Federation Square district.
  • Travel around the city on the World’s largest tram network.
  • Shop until you drop in Melbourne’s center, home to two lavish department stores, Myer and David Jones.

Melbourne Travel Savings Tips

  • Ask about a free room upgrade on arrival at the hotel. If they are not full, most will be pleased to encourage their customers to return with perks like this.
  • Plan to travel over night to Melbourne and book a sleeper carriage so saving the full cost of an extra night at a hotel. You will see more of the countryside and arrive refreshed from sleeping comfortably.
  • Check which hotels offer discounts for staying an extra day or two, and be flexible about your schedule for the week to take advantage of any current offers.
  • If the pool at another more expensive hotel looks irresistibly good, rather than relocate, pay a small fee to use the facility by the day.