(Source-The-Times)
A city where the streets hum with the rhythm of life, where every corner holds a story waiting to be discovered, where the symphony of sights and sounds awaken your senses – Melbourne. Located at the head of Port Philip Bay, Melbourne is the capital city of Victoria, Australia. It is known to be the sporting capital as well, because of its craze for sports and hosting renowned sports events.
The city has a population of over 5 million and has been home to Aboriginal Victorians for over 40 thousand years. It is also an important meeting place for local Kulin nation clans, Wurundjeri, Boonerwrung, Taungurong, Djajawurrung, and the Wathaurung, and is the second most populous city in Australia.
Four Seasons In a Day – Get to Know The Climate of Melbourne
The people of Melbourne refer to the city’s climate as ‘four seasons in a day’. Though it might be an exaggeration but the city does experience unpredictable weather because of its geography. It is wedged between southern arctic influences and northern desert winds. Hence, it can go from cloudy to rainy to chilly in a single day.
Tough, it might not be on an everyday basis. The city does experience stable, typical weather for the time of the year, with the occasional sudden shift. If you want to experience the city in any month, make sure to carry layers of clothes with you.
Summertime is between December to February and can get extremely hot. March to May months witness the Fall season that illuminates the city and trees get adorned in golden foliage. The months of June to August are dreary and cold winter season but it rarely snows there. September to November is the spring season when the flower starts to bloom in the city.
Best Time to Travel
The best time to see the metropolitan city of Melbourne is between March to May and September to November when the city is covered with vibrant hues of color and decent temperature.
If you want to enjoy the beaches that are close to the city, December to February can be the ideal months.
How Melbourne came to be – Know It’s History
Melbourne was founded in 1835, on the Yarra River after an abortive bid in 1803 to establish a settlement inside the Port Phillip Bay heads near Sorrento. It respectfully acknowledges that it is located in the traditional land of the Kulin Nation and has been an important place and location for meetings and events.
The city grew and became a bustling hub of trade and commerce fueled by the gold rush of the 1850s, which contributed to its growth in population. People from all corners of the globe came to Melbourne in search of fortune, and with this wealth came culture too. The streets filled with buildings, theaters, and galleries.
In the 1890s, it saw economic downturns and labor strikes, as the workers fought for fair wages and better conditions. World War I and the Great Depression brought hardship and sacrifice over the city. Yet, it endured and reinvented itself. After the war, the coming years saw a wave of immigration and made the city the diverse and multicultural metropolis it is known as today.
Exploring Melbourne Culture
Melbourne is a multicultural city that is named as the Cultural Capital of Australia by its inhabitants. After its establishment in 1835, it has been influenced by European culture, particularly that of the British Isles. The immigration of Chinese and American people at the time of the Gold Rush also influenced its culture.
Melbourne is always lively with numerous events and festivals happening throughout the year, especially sports events as it is the sporting capital of Australia. It represents over 140 cultures and is known for its restaurant culture. It is said to be one of the best livable cities but it is not for early risers as they embrace having brunch a lot.
Here are some ways you can explore the Melbourn culture more.
- Federation Square – Located in the heart of the city, It is a unique and dynamic public space that hosts several festivals and events. You can also enjoy various other cultural spaces and cafes that are nearby.
- National Gallery of Victoria – It is renowned to be the most visited gallery in the country and holds an extraordinary collection of artworks. These artworks range from indigenous and non-western art to contemporary pieces and major European classics.
- Cafe and coffee culture – Melbourne is a paradise if you are a coffee lover. Having coffee is not just a part of their breakfast or snack but a lifestyle. They take their coffee brewing seriously as every barista hones the skill of coffee making. They’re custodians of flavor and connoisseurs of coffee art. You will find delicious coffee in every cafe you enter.
- Markets and local shops – There are various markets and shops that you can visit and explore to learn about their culture and collect traditional souvenirs. Some of them are Queen Victoria Market for street food, Prahran Market for fresh produce, St Kilda Foreshore Market on Sundays for souvenirs, and Camberwell Sunday Market.
- Melbourne Cricket Ground – It is a huge stadium in the center of Melbourne that holds various sports events. You can grab a guided tour of the Melbourne Cricket Ground. You can also grab the tickets for the Australian Football League that is held on this ground.
- Attend free festivals – Melbourne hosts several festivals and events throughout the year. These festivals range from food festivals to cultural festivals. You can attend these to know the multi-culture of Melbourne.
- Museums – Want to know the diverse history of Melbourne? You can go to museums like the Melbourne Museum, Immigration Museum, and Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre.
A Foodies Paradise! Melbourne’s Multicultural Cuisine
Melbourne doesn’t have any specific cuisine as the city has a diverse culture because of immigration from multiple ethnicities from Asia, China, Europe, and America. Hence it is a food lover’s perfect destination to tame their taste buds with its wide range of flavours.
Here are some of the dishes you must try.
- Salt and pepper calamari – It is the Australian take on the traditional calamari from Cantonese cuisine. It is deep fried then coated with salt and pepper and dunked in sweet and spicy sauce. It is mostly served with a salad.
- Anzac biscuit – It was originally known as ‘soldier’s biscuit’ or ‘Anzac tile’ because it was the favorite of traveling sailors and soldiers. The modern biscuit is made of oats, flour, coconut, butter, golden syrup, and baking soda which gives it a fluffy, light texture and a sweet taste.
- Pigs in a blanket – It is made with sausage and is served as a side dish or appetizer. To give it a savory flavor, a cocktail frankfurter wrapped in bacon is used. Occasionally, cheese is also stuffed to enhance the flavor.
- Pie floater – In this dish Pea soup with meat, a long-standing recipe in English culinary history, is combined with a traditional Australian-style meat pie for a unique dish.
- Chicken Parma – It has Italian origins but is commonly found in Melbourne restaurants and bars. To give it an Australian twist, some recipes include ham or prosciutto with complementary flavors.
Mark These Off from Your Melbourne Bucket List
- Take a Street Art Tour
Melbourn’s streets are filled with amazing art done by local artists and attract other artists to immerse in the beauty of it as well. There are free as well as fee-based tours that you can opt for.
- Visit the State Library of Victoria
It is a historic institution that welcomes over eight million visitors a year. It has a central rotunda in octagonal shape, original dark wood furniture, and book-lined walls which it is famous for and you shouldn’t miss it.
- The Royal Botanic Gardens
The garden covers 86 acres of land and is home to over 8,500 plant species from across the county and around the world. You can also catch a moonlight movie in summer here where you can bring your own food and drinks and have a cozy picnic.
- Como House and Gardens
It is considered as one of the best historic houses in the city and the building is over 160 years old. It blends a mix of classic Italianate architecture and Australian regency. By taking a tour of this estate, you get a rare glimpse of the luxurious and opulent life of high society in 19th-century Australia. Though, the tour charges a small fee.
- Visit The Beaches
There are plenty of beaches near Melbourne that you can go to relax, surf, and do various water activities. Some of these iconic and beautiful beaches that you shouldn’t miss are St. Kilda Beach, Brighton Beach, and Williamstown Beach.
- Enjoy Nightlife
The perfect place to enjoy Melbourne’s wild nightlife is St. Kilda. The area is home to tons of inexpensive restaurants, bars, and clubs and you will get to immerse in the rich taste of mouthwatering food and hang out with fellow travelers and locals.
- Take a Day Trip to Phillip Island
Renowned for its nightly penguin parade, Philip Island is located two hours from the city. It also has a koala sanctuary and a huge seal colony that live offshores. It houses around seven thousand people and has unique wildlife, caves, and secluded beaches to explore.
Find The Perfect Stay for You
Melbourne offers a wide range of comfortable stays for you, ranging from budget-friendly to luxury with a great view of the city and beautiful architecture. Here are a few recommendations.
- ibis Melbourne Central, central business district
- Ovolo Laneways, central business district
- Le Méridien, central business district
- The Nunnery, Fitzroy and Collingwood
- Comfort Apartments Royal Gardens, Fitzroy and Collingwood
- Tyrian Serviced Apartments, Fitzroy and Collingwood
- Essence Hotel, Carlton
- Best Western Travel Plus Inn, Carlton
- Lanbruk Richmond Hill, Richmond
- The Crofts, Richmond
Know These Before You Plan Your Trip
- You can opt for a Myki card or free trams instead d of cabs if you are on a long week trip to Melbourne. However, to have a Myki card, you have to pay a small fee.
- Festivals and events happen every month. While it’s good to explore them, hotels might be full so plan your trip around wisely and know where to stay in advance.
- Two airports service the city – Melbourne International Airport and Avalon Airport. Melbourne International Airport is closest to the city while Avalon Airport is near Geelong and takes over an hour to reach the city. So while booking make sure to choose Melbourne International Airport.
Known to be the sports and culture capital of Australia, a week-long vacation to the city of Melbourne won’t disappoint. Make this your next holiday destination and enjoy the diverse culture, food, and sip of amazing coffee!
