Thanks to a rather suspicious treaty that John Batman signed with Aboriginal leaders, Melbourne, Australia, came into being in 1835, and this lovely city has come a long way since its early beginnings as a home for farmers and their sheep. Beginning in 1852, thousands began to descend on the city for a chance to strike it rich in the gold rush. By the 1880s, Melbourne was enjoying a prosperous boom with a half-million residents who thoroughly enjoyed the lavishly decorated city. A fast-paced, fully-powered city that was dedicated to both work and entertainment had developed by the early 1900s, and Melbourne even hosted the Olympics in 1956.
Today, Melbourne is Australia’s second largest city, and it’s an immensely popular vacation destination. Visitors have the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful selection of popular events, attractions and activities, and you’ll find excellent accommodations and great deals through Melbourne’s large hotel groups such as Accor Hotels. Just click on Hotels Melbourne CBD to learn more.
Flinders Street: Beginning in 1910, Flinders Street Station became the city’s new gateway. Today, it’s the very first stop for most visitors to Melbourne. You’ll have the opportunity to see the wonderful clocks at the iconic railway station, visit the exhibition center and see many historical buildings. You may also enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride, the sea-life aquarium and excellent art galleries. A variety of specialized tours are also offered that range from those designed for chocolate lovers to those interested in urban graffiti.
Great Ocean Road: Come enjoy one of the most scenic coastal drives in the entire world. Photography opportunities are abundant, and you’ll definitely want to make some stops during your drive. Highlights include Bell’s Beach, which is famous for its surfing and the famous 12 Apostles, which are some amazing rock formations that rise straight up from the ocean. You may also like to stop at the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village and the Bay of Islands Coastal Park.
Yarra Valley: This gorgeous area surrounds the Yarra River and offers a wonderful variety of interesting activities. Discover the wonders of the rain-forest at the Yarra Ranges National Park, take a hike on the beautiful Australian Bicentennial National Trail or enjoy the lovely gardens and wildlife at the Maroondah Reservoir Park. You’ll also find world-class spas and health retreats for a time of total relaxation, excellent art exhibitions and plenty of great tours.
Werribee Open-Range Zoo: Located on 560 acres along the Werribee River, this African-themed zoo has something for everyone. You’re welcome to take a bus tour or enjoy walking along the trails. Either way, you’ll be able to enjoy the gorilla exhibit and an amazing simulated African village. You may also expect to see African animals that include cheetahs, hippos, giraffes, lions, meerkats, monkeys and camels. Native Australian animals include kangaroos, koalas and emus.
Visit Melbourne Today
These are just a few of the many wonderful activities that you may enjoy during your Melbourne vacation. Make your plans to visit Melbourne today, and you are sure to enjoy making wonderful memories that will last you a lifetime.