ATTRACTIONS

From bustling markets to jaw-dropping views and encounters with wildlife, Melbourne’s many attractions are guaranteed to surprise and delight

MELBOURNE ZOO Just minutes from the CBD, Melbourne Zoo is a window into countless other worlds with over 300 species of animals in residence, each in their natural habitat. See majestic Asian elephants at play, watch orangutans swing through the trees and visit the Gorilla Rainforest. Head down the bush track to see unique Australian wildlife or go underwater at Wild Sea, the zoo’s biggest exhibit, where you can watch penguins and seals at play. Keeper talks give you a chance to learn more about the zoo’s residents, or book a Wild Encounter to get up close and personal with your favourite animal. zoo.org.au/melbourne

QUEEN VICTORIA MARKET Known affectionately as the ‘Queen Vic’, this market has been the heart and soul of Melbourne for more than a century. Offering everything from fruit, vegetables, meat and seafood to clothing, souvenirs and jewellery, you’re sure to find a bargain. Do as the locals do and visit early in the day to get your pick of the produce. Treat yourself to a gourmet delicacy from the historic Dairy Produce Hall, join a behind-the-scenes tour or try a famous hot jam doughnut. qvm.com.au

MELBOURNE STAR OBSERVATION WHEEL Reach for the sky with a ride on the Melbourne Star. The fully-enclosed observation wheel takes visitors on a 30 minute ride offering extraordinary views of up to 40 kilometres of the city and surrounds, including Port Phillip Bay and as far away as Mount Macedon and the Dandenong Ranges. Audio commentary and information panels provide facts on Melbourne’s history, culture and eccentricities. melbournestar.com

EUREKA SKYDECK 88 Get a bird’s eye view of Melbourne from Eureka Skydeck 88, the highest public viewing platform in the southern hemisphere. Ride one of the fastest lifts in the world to arrive at the Skydeck, where you’re rewarded with expansive views of Melbourne. Test your mettle on The Edge – a glass cube suspended almost 300 metres above the ground. The truly fearless can step out onto The Terrace and feel the elements from on high. Use the interactive Serendipity Table to explore Melbourne’s history, and visit the Edge Shop for souvenirs and tickets. eurekaskydeck.com.au

SEA LIFE MELBOURNE AQUARIUM Home to over 10,000 animals, including one of the world’s largest saltwater crocodiles, Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium is made up of twelve wonderful underwater worlds. The Bay of Rays hosts the world’s only display of Elephant Sharks, while the Coral Caves boast extraordinary marine animals from the depths of the ocean. If you’re feeling brave you can swim with great white sharks in the Mermaid Garden, or keep it low key and check out the collection of seahorses and seadragons at Seahorse Pier. For a truly memorable experience, suit up in Antarctic snow gear and meet the King and Gentoo penguins and their keepers. melbourneaquarium.com.au

Melbourne Star Observation Wheel

Melbourne Aquarium

The Royal Melbourne Zoo

Queen Victoria Market

EXPLORE GREEK TREASURES

Melbourne is famous for having the largest Greek community outside of Greece. It is also famous for having one of only two Museums outside of Greece dedicated solely to Greek art, history and culture. M elbourne is famous for having the largest Greek community outside of Greece. It is also famous for having the only Museum in the Southern hemisphere dedicated solely to Greek art, history and culture.

Melbourne’s Hellenic Museum enjoys a cultural partnership with Greece’s world famous Benaki Museum. As a result, its collection of Greek artefacts is considered to be the most comprehensive collection of Greek art in the southern hemisphere. Of particular note is the multi award winning exhibition Gods, Myths and Mortals: Greek Treasures Across the Millennia, an exhibition which spans close to eight thousand years of Greek history and features objects that have never before been seen outside of Greece. The intimate scale of the exhibition clearly showcases the art and artefacts and celebrates the changing culture and history of Greece.

Housed in the magnificent former Royal Mint building the Hellenic Museum’s permanent collections include Oneiroi, a photographic series by world renowned Australian artist Bill Henson, The Messenger, a new installation by contemporary hyper-real sculptor Sam Jinks, and, opening in October, Heroes and Hoplites: Warfare in Ancient Greece, which comprises a fascinating collection of armoury and weapons representing the different periods and different Greek city states in antiquity. Curator led tours, available for groups of all ages, can be tailored to suit specific interests, and are offered in both English and Greek, along with workshops and other events to capture the imagination.

The Hellenic Museum’s mission is to create an ongoing dialogue about Greek art, literature, culture and history through its exhibitions and dynamic series of public programs. The Museum holds a variety of masterclasses and guest lectures in conjunction with the University of Melbourne and La Trobe University. The Museum also offers fun workshops for kids as a part of its educational program, Argonauts Club. Visit the Hellenic Museum and explore Greek treasures from across the millennia. Visit the Hellenic Museum and explore Greek treasures from across the millennia. Needto know Hellenic Museum 280 William St, Melbourne VIC 3000 Phone: (03) 8615 9016 www.hellenic.org.au FROM TOP: Part of a hem of a linen female dress; Hellenic Museum Exterior; Collection of bronze arrowheads 5th – 3rd c. BCE; Kylix with repousse representation of running hounds Late Helladic II-IIIA1 period (15th early 14th c. BCE) Gold.

History repeating

From convicts to explorers and high society – get a taste of Melbourne life in days gone by as you wander through beautifully preserved historic sites and picturesque arcades

OLD MELBOURNE GAOL Some of Australia’s most notorious criminals did time at the Old Melbourne Gaol, including the infamous bushranger Ned Kelly. Go back in time and walk the road to the gallows in a nineteenth century prison, get arrested in a modern-day Police Station and go on trial. The Gaol also offers eerie Hangman’s Night Tours and spooky ghost tours. oldmelbournegaol.com.au

COMO HOUSE Como House in South Yarra is a fine example of historic Italianate architecture with award-winning gardens that host festivals and events throughout the year. The house offers an insight into upper-class life during the nineteenth century, while the gardens are perfect for picnics and leisurely wanderings. Those with a penchant for the paranormal can join ghost tours on selected dates. comohouse.com.au

COOKS’ COTTAGE Constructed in 1755 in North Yorkshire, England, this two-storey stone cottage was the original home of Captain James Cook, who went on to chart the east coast of Australia. The cottage was deconstructed, shipped to Melbourne and painstakingly reconstructed brick by brick to celebrate 100 years of British settlement in 1934. Get an insight into the explorer’s early life and a taste of eighteenth century England as you wander through this double-storey residence and its traditional cottage garden. cookscottage.com.au

The Block Arcade

Cooks’ Cottage

THE BLOCK ARCADE The Block Arcade dates back to 1837, and was designed in a Boom version of the French Renaissance style with many striking features including skylights over both wings, stained glass windows, ceiling paintings and a classical Victorian patterned mosaic floor, which is a key part of the building’s National Trust classification. Present day residents include Haighs Chocolates, Adriano Carbone – Master Tailors Basement Discs and the famous Hopetoun Tearooms. You will find The Block Arcade nestled between Little Collins, Collins and Elizabeth streets. theblock.com.au

ROYAL ARCADE Built in 1869, the Royal Arcade connects Little Collins Street to the Bourke Street Mall. One of the features of the arcade is Gaunt’s Clock, which is flanked by effigies of the mythical figures Gog and Magog. The building’s Renaissance Revival style has been maintained through a series of renovations and restorations, including adding an extensive skylight to allow an inflow of natural light. The Heritage-listed building is home to the likes of Koko Black, Hunter Gatherer, Thomas Jewellers and The Melbourne Shop. royalarcade.com.au

MELBOURNE’S GPO From postal hall to fashion hub, Melbourne’s sprawling GPO building is a major attraction in the heart of the city, with impressive neo-Renaissance style architecture. Melbourne’s GPO

The heritage-listed building is home to Australia’s first H&M store, along with a jeweller, a tailor and a range of great cafes and restaurants. melbournesgpo.com

NICHOLAS BUILDING Perched on the corner of Swanston Street and Flinders Lane, the Nicholas Building was once the centre of Melbourne’s garment industry. Built in 1926 in the Chicago School of architecture style – characterised by steel frames, terracotta cladding and large, plate-glass windows – it was originally owned by wealthy pharmacists the Nicholas Brothers. The nine-story building has become somewhat of a creative hub, with cartoonists, haberdashers, milliners and jewellers among its residents. thenicholasbuilding.blogspot.com

WALKING TOURS Melbourne’s Golden Mile Heritage Walk covers the city’s history from 1835 to 1901. Start at the Immigration Museum, and follow the four-kilometre trail marked with 33 brass discs on the pavement. Download Museum Victoria’s free app to tackle Melbourne’s Golden Mile on your own, or join the Hidden Secrets Tour, which departs daily from the Visitor Centre at Federation Square. hiddensecretstours.com

A Sporting Obsession

Sports fans will be at home in Melbourne, with an action-packed calendar celebrating everything from surfing to horse racing, motor sport to ‘Aussie rules’

ARENAS & STADIUMS It stands to reason that Australia’s most sports-loving state would be home to a host of world-class arenas. A favourite for tennis fans worldwide, Rod Laver Arena hosts the Australian Open in January each year and has also served as a stage for some of the world’s biggest musical acts (rodlaverarena.com.au). An alternative venue for the Australian Open, Hisense Arena also gets its share of major cycling, netball, basketball and boxing events (hisensearena.com.au), while AAMI Park’s distinctive Bioframe is home to Melbourne’s rugby and A-league soccer teams (aamipark.com.au).

‘AUSSIE RULES’ FOOTBALL For a truly Melbourne sporting experience, head to the MCG or MARVEL Stadium to watch an AFL (Australian Football League) game. Also known as ‘Aussie Rules’, this is Victoria’s sporting obsession and the game of choice throughout winter, culminating in the AFL Grand Final on the last Saturday in September. Check out all the action of the AFL Women’s League, which kicked off in 2017, or learn more about the sport on an MCG Tour, with access to player change rooms and the hallowed turf itself. mcg.org.au

CRICKET During the summer months, Melbourne hosts Test, Twenty-20 and One-day International cricket matches. If you’re around at Christmas time be sure to check out the famous Boxing Day Test Match, arguably one of the greatest and highest profile Test matches on the world cricket calendar.

HORSE RACING One of Australia’s most popular spectator sports, thoroughbred racing reaches its zenith in October and November during the Spring Racing Carnival, when punters and fashionistas come out to play. The first Tuesday in November is reserved for the Melbourne Cup, the world’s richest two-mile handicap and cause for a public holiday in its home city. racing.com/spring

MOTOR RACING Melbourne has plenty to offer petrol-obsessed motorheads. Throughout the year road racing, drag racing and speedway can be seen at local raceways including Calder Park, Avalon Raceway and Sandown International Motor Raceway. In March join 400,000 eager fans at the Albert Park Lake, just minutes from the city, for the first event of the season, the FORMULA 1™ Australian Grand Prix. grandprix.com.au

NATIONAL SPORTS MUSEUM Discover more than 3500 objects in the National Sports Museum including world-class galleries and interactive experiences. It’s home to the Olympic Museum, Sport Australia Hall of Fame, Australian Cricket Hall of Fame, Australian Football Exhibition and the Champions: Thoroughbred Racing Gallery, plus temporary exhibitions addressing the issues of the day. nsm.org.au

SURFING While Victoria may not be the land of the endless summer, it is in fact home to the world’s longest running surf competition. The Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach (formerly the Bells Beach Surf Classic) has been held annually in Torquay at Easter for more than 50 years, and has become a rite of passage for World Surf League athletes, from Kelly Slater to Layne Beachley. ripcurl.com.au/events

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Bring the kids and make the most of Victoria’s interactive museums and festivals, exhilarating outdoor adventures and fascinating wildlife parks

LUNA PARK Ideally located next to St Kilda Beach, Luna Park is a classic carnival of amusements for all ages. Get your thrills on the dodgem cars, Coney Island Top Drop or the gruesome ghost train, and make time for the park’s oldest attraction – the Scenic Railway – which combines heart-stopping dips with stunning views of Port Phillip Bay. Tasty treats and carnival games complete the magic. lunapark.com.au

SEA LIFE MELBOURNE AQUARIUM Home to thousands of aquatic animals, SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium takes you on an interactive adventure from the depths of the ocean to the icy waters of Antarctica. Visit the stunning Croc Lair exhibit, wonder at the world’s only display of Elephant Sharks in Bay of Rays, be mesmerised at Seahorse Pier and marvel at majestic King and cheeky Gentoo penguins in Penguin Playground. melbourneaquarium.com.au

ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS A magnificent oasis not far from the CBD, these gardens are perfect for family picnics. Get your hands dirty at the Children’s Garden, join an Aboriginal Heritage Walk or a tour of the Melbourne Observatory, or join locals for a walk or run around the iconic Tan Track. rbg.vic.gov.au

COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN’S FARM Give city kids a taste of country life at this idyllic oasis in inner city Melbourne where they can milk cows, feed chooks and cuddle lambs while you relax with a coffee at the onsite cafe. The first Sunday of the month is Family Day, with pony and tractor rides and a barbeque lunch on offer, while the second Saturday of the month brings farmers market bounty. farm.org.au MUSEUMS At the Melbourne Museum in Carlton get an eyeful at IMAX, the world’s third-largest screen. Discover Victoria’s local Koorie culture in Bunjilaka, Aboriginal Cultural Centre, see legendary racehorse Phar Lap in the flesh, walk among dinosaurs and take a close look at bugs, or explore a world of emotions, memories and dreams in The Mind exhibition. In Spotswood, visit Scienceworks for interactive experiments, demonstrations and tours, or venture into outer space at the Melbourne Planetarium. museumvictoria.com.au

FURTHER AFIELD Hop aboard Puffing Billy, a century-old steam train in the picturesque Dandenong Ranges and take in the lush landscape from Belgrave to Gembrook (puffingbilly.com.au), or travel back in time to the 1850s gold rush at Sovereign Hill in Ballarat where you can experience shops, schools and factories as they were, ride in a horse-drawn carriage and pan for leftover gold (sovereignhill.com.au). Step into a land of pure imagination, from chocolate waterfalls to a working chocolate village at Pannys Phillip Island (phillipislandchocolatefactory.com.au), and discover hedge mazes, tube slides and a tree-surfing obstacle course at the Enchanted Adventure Garden on the Mornington Peninsula (enchantedadventure.com.au). DV

MAIN IMAGE: Entrance to Luna Park in St. Kilda

Book your tickets online today and enjoy 20% OFF* your Melbourne Star flights when using PROMO CODE DV20 melbournestar.com

*Valid until 31 Dec 2020 on single general admission adult and child tickets. Online redemption only.

Every visit to Melbourne should begin at Melbourne Star!

Towering 120m high over the Docklands, Melbourne Star is the only giant observation wheel in the Southern Hemisphere, and one of only four in the world, joining London Eye, Singapore Flyer and Las Vegas High Roller.

You’re invited to take flight and discover a truly unique experience. Get a fresh perspective on Melbourne as you step into a temperaturecontrolled cabin with floor to ceiling windows and take in the breathtaking 360-degree views as you float above the streets of the Victorian capital. From famous landmarks, glittering skyscrapers and funky laneways to the bustling Docklands and the ocean beyond, your unique vantage point will treat you to sights as far as the Dandenong and Macedon Ranges and across Port Phillip.

Whether you’re a visitor looking to discover our great city, or Melburnian born and bred, a flight on Melbourne Star will show you a side of the city you’ll see nowhere else. As you glide serenely through the Melbourne sky, audio commentary will give you insights into the city’s sights, history and culture.

With its stunning light shows and striking scale, Melbourne Star is a glittering jewel in the sky above Melbourne’s Docklands. The unique “Star within a Star” design represents the seven-pointed Federation Star of the Australian flag which is

transformed at night by a kaleidoscope of colours in a spectacular LED display. Enjoy a coffee in our relaxing Star Departure Lounge - or better yet, enhance your experience with a glass of sparkling to take on board and make your trip across Melbourne’s sky an experience to truly savour. Situated in Melbourne’s vibrant Docklands precinct, Melbourne Star is the perfect starting or finishing point for a day out in our great city.

We look forward to welcoming you – come fly with us!

Needto know

Open daily

May to August 11am – 6.30pm daily September to April 11am – 9.30pm daily Christmas Day and ANZAC Day 1pm – 9.30pm

Feel free to give us a call on 03 8688 9688

WEBSITE melbournestar.com

SOCIAL MEDIA

@instagram.com/melbourne_star @facebook.com/melbourne_star

Editor’s picks OUR

Australia’s Leading Opal Company

Located in the heart of Sydney and Melbourne and showcased in two stunning showrooms, The National Opal Collection is a treasure trove of beautiful Australian Opals. Whether it be a romantic gift, a treasured heirloom, an investment stone, a fashion statement or a souvenir of the trip of a lifetime, the National Opal Collection will have just the piece for you.

nationalopal.com

ONE OF A KIND Collins234 is home to some of Melbourne’s finest unique fashion, beauty and specialty retailers. Conveniently located near the corner of Collins and Swanston Streets, it is accessible via one of Melbourne’s distinctive trademark laneways – Howey Place. Host to exciting in-centre events and special promotions, and offering a CBD shopping experience that is on the to-do list of savvy local shoppers and fashion conscious tourists alike, make Collins234 your one stop shopping destination for fashion, beauty, books and specialty stores. collins234.com.au

SYDNEY ROAD BRUNSWICK

Sydney Road Brunswick is a must see and must do for any visitor to Melbourne. This unique melting pot of cultures from all four corners of the globe offers something for everyone, from Middle Eastern, European, Asian, and Indian to modern Australian, in a colourful mosaic of restaurants, cafes, bars and boutiques.

sydneyroad.com.au

Seaside Splendour

The St Kilda Esplanade Market has been a local fixture since 1970. Grab a bite to eat and enjoy browsing through works by more than 140 artists and craftspeople in Melbourne’s open-air gallery by the sea. Take the time to ask how the products are made, and you will soon see the love and passion that is poured into each of these one-of-a-kind works. From gifts and souvenirs to furniture and jewellery – you will leave with confidence knowing that you are taking home something that is truly unique. Open Sundays 10am to 4pm (5pm during daylight savings).

Editor’s picks OUR

CROWN ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX, MELBOURNE Crown’s collection of world-class designer stores offers the ultimate shopping spree, all under one roof. Discover international brands Burberry, Hugo Boss, Louis Vuitton and Prada, or Australian designers Paspaley, Saba and Mimco. Enjoy the world-class accommodation of Crown Towers, Crown Promenade and Crown Metropol, the brilliant live entertainment of The Palms at Crown, the many delightful restaurants and bars and the luxurious Gold Class cinemas, as well as the largest Casino in the southern hemisphere. Crown truly is a world of entertainment.

8 Whiteman Street, Southbank, Victoria crownmelbourne.com.au

With its stunning light show and striking scale, the Melbourne Star is a glittering jewel in the sky above Melbourne’s Docklands. It is one of only four giant observation wheels in the world and the only one in the Southern Hemisphere. Enjoy a 30 minute flight offering spectacular 360-degree views of Melbourne from one of the 21 fully enclosed glass cabins.

Visit melbournestar.com for more info!

STOKEHOUSE

Celebrating over 150 years, Dandenong Market is Victoria’s second oldest, with a taste for every season and a treasure in every stall. Here you’ll find almost any ingredient you can imagine: from seafood to spices, paella to pastries, and mangos to manuka honey. Dandenong Market is also the destination for classic market treats, and a great day out for all the family, with free activities, entertainment and authentic street food galore. Open from 7am on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays and 10am Sundays. Visit the website for more information.

dandenongmarket.com.au Stokehouse is synonymous with Australian beach luxe, featuring uninterrupted views of the sea and exceptional architecture. Located on iconic St Kilda Beach and hailed as THE Melbourne dining experience, Stokehouse is a world class venue, pairing an award winning food and wine offer by Head Chef Ollie Hansford and Group Sommelier Gavin Cremming, with striking design and outstanding service.

stokehouse.com.au

This stylish, multi-level shopping destination in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD is the city’s premier retailer centre, with a mix of local and international designers, innovative concept stores and world-class architecture. It’s home to Australia’s first Uniqlo, the largest Australian designer precinct in the country and 30 culinary offerings including Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Mexican and Greek cusine, as well as sweet treats. EMPORIUM

Editor’s picks OUR

The City of Greater Dandenong renowned as the ‘city connected by food’ will mesmerise you by the delicious mouth-watering treats on offer, emanating from many cultures steeped in traditions. Officially recognised as Australia’s most culturally diverse community it is home to a vast array of festivals and events. The choices are huge and the experience is long lasting greaterdandenong.com/visit the city connected by food

GREEK TREASURES SPANNING 8,000 YEARS

Located in the majestic Former Royal Mint Building in the heart of Melbourne you will find the most comprehensive collection of Greek treasures in Australia. Representing Greek art across eight millennia, the Hellenic Museum’s permanent collections and award winning exhibitions are not to be missed by lovers of art, history and culture.

hellenic.org.au

ISLAMIC MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIA

Islamic Museum of Australia presents the arts and cultural heritage of Australian Muslims. Guests experience five galleries highlighting art, contributions to civilisation, architecture, and Australian Muslim history. The Museum also hosts school holiday programs, art workshops and academic lectures. It’s conveniently located close to public transport in Melbourne’s inner north.

BE THE ART.

ArtVo is Australia’s first Immersive Trick-Art Gallery. With 9 themed zones to explore and with over 80 hand painted immersive installations, ArtVo is just minutes from the Melbourne CBD. Grab your camera or smartphone and this immersive art gallery will provide hours of entertainment for your family and friends. Open 7 days a week 10am-6pm

artvo.com.au

PRECINCTS

THE INSIDE STORY ON MELBOURNE’S INNER SPACES

PHOTO: VISITVICTORIA.COM

Chapel Street Precinct O’Donnell Gardens, St Kilda, Melbourne

Chinatown, Melbourne