Melbourne, often known as the world’s most liveable city, is a holiday haven just waiting to be explored!
In this cosmopolitan yet cosy city, you will fit right in as you stroll along the pretty streets that bubble with liveliness. Modern architecture and old rustic buildings blend in a perfect mix, with pockets of greenery with lines of restaurants offering a grand variety of cuisine from morning to night. Its nightlife is vibrant and delightful. Meanwhile, for more of Mother Nature, simply enjoy a nature walk around the sprawling Botanic Gardens or saunter along the Yarra River which is beloved by the people of Melbourne.
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Melbourne is also the gateway to the 243 km-long drive along the south-eastern coast of Australia, which is affectionately named the ‘Great Ocean Road’. Be it a short drive or an extended road trip, the vast, unimpeded blue waters of the Indian Ocean will leave you in much awe and wonder of Mother Nature.
Arriving in Melbourne
When we arrived at Tullamarine Airport, we opted for the most cost-effective and hassle-free option of transport to the city – the SkyBus Shuttle Service.
The Skybus operates at 10 to 20 minute intervals round the clock. We purchased our one-way tickets for A$18/person from the Skybus Counter situated along the bus bay of the airport terminal. The SkyBus took us to the Southern Cross Station in the Melbourne Central Business District (CBD), and from there, we approached the SkyBus ground staff and requested for a free hotel transfer.
There is Much to Enjoy in Melbourne
It is rewarding to wake early just once or twice so that you can infuse yourself in the morning hubbub of Melbourne. It was a chilly morning in the middle of a cold spell of end-July, so after a morning saunter, we decided to extricate ourselves from the morning rush. We seated ourselves at the alfresco seats of an Italian café and watched the world go by as we had frothy Chai Latte served in a quaint teapot.
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There is a somewhat light and buoyant atmosphere in the air. The friendly barristers at our café stand on the sidewalk, taking endless orders from the office-going crowd. When they meet fellow Italians, warm hugs and cheek-kisses are exchanged with laughter and banter. Take the opportunity to infuse yourself in the easy-going Melburnian culture!
We spent the rest of the sunny day exploring Melbourne’s clean and lively streets. There are still quite a few colonial-style buildings that have survived the wave of modernisation.
On a weekday, groups of school-children will be running around the open spaces of Federation Square, whilst pockets of people carry on with their leisurely walks along the banks of the gentle Yarra River. Seagulls and other birds soar above and swoop down low, and they pose for photographs too.
Dinner along the Southbank can be a romantic affair. Renowned gourmet restaurants line the boardwalk, offering both indoor and alfresco dining. As night falls, the place fills up with patrons who are eager to feast on splendid food and drinks. We dined at a couple of western restaurants, our clear favourite being The Meat & Wine Co.
You can head over to Crown Casino for entertainment, if not, simply end the night by appreciating the various performances by the sporting buskers along the riverside!
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- The Great Ocean Road – From Melbourne to Port Fairy - November 5, 2015
- Exploring Mornington Peninsula, South of Melbourne - November 2, 2015
- Melbourne – a Holiday Haven Waiting to be Explored! - October 30, 2015
