Yarra River And Melbourne Skyline
Source: http://www.visitmelbourneblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/004-melbourne-in-the-morning.jpg
There are so many factors which people consider before deciding to settle down in a city. While professional growth in terms of the organizations and corporates is at the forefront of our decision, there are other points like education, healthcare, infrastructure, safety, tourist places to visit and the likes which we consider before making our decision as well.
In this context, Melbourne being voted as the world’s most liveable city by the Economist Intelligence Unit’s liveability survey for the fourth consecutive year is an achievement to be really proud of. In a world where terror is spreading its tentacles far and wide and policies of governments and corporates are changing frequently, the tag of the most liveable city is something which every resident of Melbourne can boast about.
So what is it about Melbourne that makes it so special?
One of the key points of the survey is the fact that Melbourne has got a perfect rating for healthcare, education and infrastructure. Do you always worry about the quality of hospitals and healthcare centers in a new city? Do you wonder whether your children will get the desired quality of education you expect for them? And finally, aren’t good quality transport systems, telecom services, energy and water sources something you expect out of any liveable city?
The governmental authorities and every governmental department seems to have worked doubly hard to provide all this and more. Add to this the tag of the most friendly city which was given to Melbourne by Conde Nast Traveller in a survey of the most friendly and unfriendly cities on the planet.ย The Melbournians have been described as people who are really cool to talk to and hangout with.
All this has translated into Melbourne attracting more than 2 million international overnight visitors and more than 57 million domestic overnight visitors for the year ending 2014.
Melbourne has it all from sports to history to arts to shopping to nightlife.
The iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground
Source: http://www.photosjunction.com/contents/member/bestpics/photos/melbourne-cricket-ground-740e5.jpg
If you are one for sports, there is the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and the Melbourne Park which hosts the Australian Open tennis tournament every January.
The Australian Open in action..
Source: http://www.platinumpass.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Tennis-Image.jpg
MCG is the venue for the final of the Cricket World Cup 2015. Are you already dreaming of watching Dhoni, Gayle, Roger Federer & Rafael Nadal among others in action?
The Federation Square full of life..
Source: http://www.piecesofvictoria.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Federation-Square-John-Gollings.jpg
If history, arts and culture is your cup of tea, then Melbourne is the perfect place for you with its Shrine of Remembrance, National Gallery, St Paul’s Cathedral, Melbourne 141, Federation Square, Melbourne Museum and Victoria Arts Center among a lot many attractions.
Shrine of Remembrance..
Source: http://airminded.org/wp-content/img/scenery/shrine-2.jpg
From taking you back to the days of the World War with memorials for fallen soldiers to traveling on a journey of some lovely artworks; from giving you a sneak peek into the beautiful architecture of the era gone by to enjoying the Orchestra and the Opera, you have it all.
St Paul’s Cathedral..
Source: http://www.globeimages.net/data/media/34/melbourne_st_paul_s_cathedral.jpg
For those who are into shopping, the Chapel Street in South Yarra and Chadstone offer the perfect hotspots with various boutiques, cafes and shops.
Chapel Street..
Source: http://api.ning.com/files/7l33hFydjUDOxKrA1x9adAe7hznFd2Z-GGzp3hUWw3mm-nXPFFHU2jO96KZJChJ381EsxvUAtp-ZjxoubtjS44xStZ1rt8nU/Chapst.jpg
Nightlife, cafes, restaurants and bars are some of the most important aspects of Melbourne life. There are numerous rock and music venues, discos, bars and restaurants at Brunswick Street, St Kilda, Prahran, King Street and Chapel Street.
Melbourne by night..
Source: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5j85PBfJBfA/TTeIbIqvcBI/AAAAAAAAAAQ/NugGOCf87Kc/s1600/Melbourne%20DSC04731.JPG
And finally, if natural beauty and sightseeing is your thing, then Melbourne offers plenty of it. There’s the Great Ocean Road which has been voted as the best road trip in the world on one side and the Dandenong Ranges with its steam train on the other.
Great Ocean Road: One of the best road trips in the world..
Source: http://goista.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Awesome-and-The-Great-Ocean-Road-An-Old-Road-That-Is-More-Than-A-Road.jpg
The steam train chugging along at the Dandenong Ranges..
Source: http://www.eventusmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Steam-Train-Melbourne.jpg
Add to this the Eureka Skydeck (the highest viewing platform in the Southern Hemisphere), the wineries in the Yarra Valley, the Melbourne Royal Botanic Gardens, Mornington Peninsula with its spectacular beaches and wineries, a voyage to Herring Island and the beaches in Geelong among lots more to see and admire.
Eureka-Skydeck offers some amazing views of Melbourne..
Source: http://toptenpk.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Eureka-Skydeck-88.jpg
The wineries at Yarra Valley..
Source: https://wineyarravalley.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/yarra-valley-1-5.jpg
If you are an animal lover, you are spoilt for choice amongst the Melbourne Zoo, Melbourne Aquarium and also the Werribee Open Range Zoo.
Werribee Open Range Zoo
Source: http://www.about-australia.com/wp-content/uploads/attraction/werribee-open-range-zoo-9475470.jpg
If adventure and a romantic rendezvous is your thing, then hop onto a hot air balloon with your loved one for the ride of a lifetime.
Hot Air Balloon Ride over the Melbourne skyline..
Source: http://cdn0.blocksassets.com/assets/balloonman/master/Zy2DpVn0dnDRnuA/gallery08.jpg
Now that’s a big list isn’t it? The City Circle Tram which is the free vintage style tram service across Melbourne helps you a great deal in navigating through the various hotspots in the city.
The City Circle Tram..
Source: http://www.swaindestinations.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/visionsofvictoria1330324-305.jpg
I have made my travel bucketlist to Melbourne and am ready to come alive in the city. What about you?
And now a question for all of you. Answer in the comments section latest by 4th Jan 2015 and the best answer wins a shopping voucher worth Rs 500.
“Which of these places would you want to visit in Melbourne and why?”.
Linking to NaBloPoMo (National Blog Post Month โ December) โ My post no 23 for this month.
cruxrebels
Great post! After reading your post & watching all the videos, Iโd most like to visit the Dandenong Ranges for itโs scenic beauty, breathtaking view and cool breeze blowing through my hair. ๐ Iโd give anything away for driving through the winding roads which are present throughout the ranges. Iโd love to stay at one of the bed and breakfast cottages and go on frequent excursions in the forests with my camera which provides excellent views. And not to forget the famous ride in the Puffing Billy, a day reserved especially for that. To add to that, there are also several picnic spots for me and my friends to spend a fun-filled day and the ranges are a perfect spot for hiking and cycling.
Pingback: https://cruxrebels.wordpress.com/2014/12/24/melbourne-the-place-to-be-see/
Wish you and your blog a happy new year! :D๏ปฟ
aseemrastogi2
Now that’s a fantastic set of spots you mentioned :). Truly those ranges seem beautiful and the steam train chugging around would be the cherry on the top of the cake :D. Beautiful.
Happy New Year to you too and your blog :).
cruxrebels
Indeed. Thank you so much! ๐
Kalpanaa
What a beautiful blog post. Im not taking part in your contest because I too have written for this contest. I invite you to visit my blog post on the same topic. Good luck for the contest.
aseemrastogi2
Thanks for the visit Kalpana. Sure would visit your blog post :). All the best to you too and Happy New Year :D.
Saru Singhal
Beautiful narration!
I would love to discover the city, its lane and culture on foot. I would go to Federation Square and the areas around it to get the feel of Melbourne.
aseemrastogi2
Thanks Saru :). Yeah I guess exploring the city on foot especially the areas you mentioned would give an entirely different feel in itself :).
singhruby
I am an adventurous soul so it would be a thrilling ride on the Great Ocean Road. I want to witness all the natural and lush green beauty along the drive. After the drive I would like to soar high on the hot Balloon and want to experience the holistic view of Melbourne from the balloon.
Visit my entry for the same on
http://rubysingh147.wordpress.com/2014/12/17/mesmerizing-melbourne/
aseemrastogi2
Yeah Ruby, that looks like a fantastic ride of a lifetime :). Welcome to my blog :D.
Vidith
Being a person who loves to travel this place has struck my eye.
And here, Eureka Skydeck 88 is going to be first on my list.. i can just imagine the view after reading about it and i feel its going to be awesome.
Then the St. Kilda Beach,the long walk on the beach during the sunset will be just perfect.. And finding gold is also there.. ๐
why not get my pockets filled with some tresure hunt..Laneways and Arcades is going to be the place to explore my “Lara croft” skills.. ๐ ๐
Melbourne is going to be a great place to visit and enjoy a holiday..
aseemrastogi2
Now that’s some interesting places to visit. Loved the parts about filling pockets with some treasure :D. All the best for the contest :).
Nikita
Given a chance to visit Melbourne, I would absolutely make a run for Eureka Skydeck 88..Imagine the view of the city from such a great height of over 300 metres and while you are suspended in air in a glass box!
This is an experience not to be missed and I hope I get a chance to visit Melbourne and go explore Eureka Skydeck 88 soon ๐
-Nikita @Njkinny’s World of Books & Stuff
aseemrastogi2
Yeah I am sure the birds eye view of the beautiful city from the top would be an unbelievable experience :). Thanks for the visit Nikita. Welcome to my blog :).
Shilpa Garg
Melbourne has so much to offer! Liked this picturesque post! Penguin Parade will top my list of must see places in Melbourne. penguins are such cute creatures (heavily influenced by cartoon programs viz Pingoo and Madagascar movies), watching them live, pottering around in their natural habitat would be fun and entertaining. Wineries at Yarra Valley is on my wish list too… watching the vineyards, and seeing ow wines are made and sampling the best wines would be soo fascinating and interesting! And my boys would love MCG, so that’s on my list too!
Thanks for the virtual trip to Melbourne, Aseem! ๐