You will fall in love with Melbourne at first sight. Although not the capital of the country, this beautiful city of Australia is the capital of sports, art, and delicious food. Tourists can only enjoy being here and wish to come back again. What to see and visit in this city? What are the sights of Melbourne and where are the best beaches? What is the cost and what is the standard of living? And why was Melbourne recently proclaimed as the best world city for a living?
About Melbourne
After Sydney, Melbourne is the second-largest city in Australia. It was the capital of Australia between 1901 and 1927. This city lost its title to Canberra – as well as Sydney did. Melbourne is the capital of the Federal State of Victoria, one of six Australian federal states. This city is a significant administrative, business, cultural, artistic and university center in Australia. It is located in the southeast of the continent. Its main natural asset is the Port Phillip Bay – one of the largest bays in the world.
Australia’s Tidiest And Most Comfortable City
This is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. All the major nations that emigrated and settled here, have their neighborhoods. Therefore, you don’t have to go around the world – it’s enough to go around Melbourne. Local politicians have been working hard to make Melbourne one of the cleanest, healthiest and safest places in the world, and they have been quite successful. This city began to be settled by the Europeans in 1835, which was the modern history start for Melbourne. Previously, Aborigines lived in this territory. Many landmarks are related to Aboriginal culture. The 1956 Olympic Games were held in Melbourne. Therefore, it is considered the sporting capital of Australia.
The Climate In Melbourne
This city has a subtropical climate. The summers are sunny and warm, sometimes even hot. Summer runs from December to February. Autumn is mild and lasts from March to May. The winters are cool and cloudy with an average daily temperature of about 14 ̊C. It doesn’t snow in winter. The mild spring runs from September to November. Strong winds are common in Melbourne, especially in late winter and early spring season. This place is known for its changing climate. It happens that within one day all four seasons change.
City Attractions
If you ever come to this place, make sure you don’t miss a walk through the narrow streets, sipping cocktails at one of the rooftop bars, dining at one of the trendy restaurants. But, according to Melbourne Private Tours, this city has much more to offer. It has many attractions you should definitely see and enjoy. These are our suggestions…
1. Queen Victoria Market
This open-air market is one of the biggest you have ever seen. This market exists for more than 100 years and gives a special touch to this beautiful city. You can buy almost anything – from fruits and vegetables through authentic jewelry to souvenirs, clothes, etc This marketplace does not work on Mondays and Wednesdays, but you can enjoy winter market nights from 3 pm to 10 pm.
2. Federation Square
This beautiful square is very significant for all the people in Melbourne. It is one of the most visited places by tourists. Since its opening in 2002 more than 100 million people have visited this place enjoying music and artistic events.
3. Queen Victoria’s National Gallery
This is the oldest, largest and most visited museum in Australia. It dates from the 1800s and it’s located near Federation Square. The gallery’s main hall is adorned with the world’s largest mosaic glass ceiling. In this museum, you can enjoy exhibitions dedicated to Aborigines, works of art created during the colonization period. Also, there are works of art from the time of Impressionism, modern, 20th century, as well as conceptual art.
4. Royal Botanic Gardens of Victoria
Melbourne’s top landmarks list can’t go without the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria eco-project. This botanical garden project has existed since 1846 and it has around 8,500 different plant species. This beautiful, green and floral part of Melbourne is interspersed with trees, lakes, lawns. This is also the place where the Australian Urban Ecology Research Center is located.
5. Luna Park Melbourne
The Amusement Park was opened in Melbourne in 1912. This is the oldest family-fun-place in Australia. It is situated on the coast, near the St. Kilda suburbs. The major attraction in this park is the Great Scenic Railway roller coaster. This rollercoaster is specific since it is made of wood, and it goes through the entire park. Besides, the crazy ride, you’ll have a very nice view.
The standard and cost of living in Melbourne
The standard in this city is high, and the high standard is accompanied by high prices. For a modest living, one person should set aside about $ 850 per month. That is the amount that does not include the rent. Otherwise, rent is an expensive part of life in Melbourne. A decent one-bedroom apartment downtown will cost you around $ 900, or maybe a $ 750 if it’s on the outskirts. The average monthly salary, after you pay all the taxes, is about $ 3,000. Melbourne is far away and needs a thorough organization to make your trip as painless as possible and make your stay at this place as comfortable as possible.
Why Melbourne?
The simple answer for most people is – something pulls you to come here. The very idea of staying in Australia already seems exciting, unpredictable and adventurous. And that is enough to turn on all the nomadic lights and direct all your senses towards the movement. If you truly want to enjoy and be by the sea – then coming to this place will be a good choice for you.
Nevertheless, integration into the new environment is the most difficult and longest process. It requires time and tremendous mental and emotional strength. It takes a long time for you to embrace the new environment, and for the environment to embrace you. All these emotions will be fully understood only by those who have gone through the same. Probably like many situations in life.
