Melbourne, the coastal capital of the Southeastern Australian state of Victoria is often considered one of the most 'liveable cities on Earth' with its cultural diversity, food and wine, sport, art, and the city's bustling lifestyle. But did you know that Indians constitute 3% of Australia's population, and the biggest Indian community in Australia is in Victoria, with almost 2,35,000 Indians? It is no wonder then that Melbourne, the state's capital is also a popular tourist destination among Indian tourists, and for all the right reasons!
1. Enjoy the City's View from The Melbourne Skydeck
The Edge, Melbourne Sky Deck
The Melbourne Skydeck is the highest observation point in the Southern Hemisphere, giving a mesmerising 360-degree view of the entire city. You can view the stunning skyscrapers or the mountain ranges on the horizon to enjoy a panoramic view of the beautiful city. You can even visit the Voyager Theatre for a thrilling VR experience, have a glass of Champagne Bollinger at Bar 88, or enjoy a hearty meal at the Eureka 89, all of which are in the tower.
2. Shopping in Melbourne
One of the bustling heritage markets in Australia, Queen Victoria Market sells everything from fresh produce to clothes, arts, toys, and souvenirs. It was built in 1878 and has regular events like night marts, food halls, concerts, and street tours. Other popular shopping gems include Bourke Street Mall, Melbourne Emporium with its wide array of international brands, Chadstone - The Fashion Capital, and the Sunday Market at St Kilda Esplanade popular for natural skincare products, vintage pieces, arts, jewellery, and much more.
Summer Night Market, Queen Victoria Market
3. Witness A Cricket Match at The Melbourne Cricket Ground
As Indians, we hold two things closest to our hearts - cricket and a hearty meal and there is nothing like watching your favourite team roast others on the cricket ground. To witness a cricket match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground should be on any Indian cricket lover's bucket list. The birthplace of test cricket, and the main stadium of the 1956 Olympics, the Melbourne Cricket Ground makes for a trip that will surely hit home.
Melbourne Cricket Ground
4. Enjoy Theatrical Performances, Events at Melbourne's Art Centre and Art at The National Gallery of Victoria
If exploring a city's culture, art, drama, film, or dance is your ideal holiday activity, then you can attend the various concerts, theatre, and musical performances arranged by the Arts Centre Melbourne. At the Regent Theatre, Princess Theatre, and Athenaeum Theatre, enjoy musicals like Moulin Rouge, & Juliet among others. The theatre has everything from musicals, pop culture concerts, and comedy, which attracts art lovers from all over the world. For all the art lovers out there, the National Gallery Of Victoria hosts both national and international works. The speciality of the gallery is that it needs you to lie on the floor while you admire the colourful glass ceiling. The art gallery is located in two city locations and highlights more than 60,000 works of art.
National Gallery of Victoria
5. Enjoy A Walking Tour in Melbourne
India has a rich history of art, economy, heritage, and architecture. Our love for history runs deep, so walking to the Bunjilaka, the Aboriginal Centre, Blue Box Cube, and the Royal Exhibition Building would be of particular interest to many. You can also immerse yourself in a more experiential historical experience on a tram ride through the city to discover its hidden gems. Alternatively, there are numerous walking tours to pick from in Melbourne, like the Melbourne Historical Walking Tour, Melbourne Street Art Tour, Melbourne Walking Tour for Hidden Laneway Bars, Tours for foodies, and more.
Street Art, Hosier Lane
6. Enjoy Melbourne's City Life and The Numerous Food Festivals
Melbourne is known for its plush fine-dine restaurants, clubs, and exquisite nightlife. It also has a rich history of food festivals that run through the year and the most popular is the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival which hosts the 'World's longest lunch in history' a feast for 1800 diners in the Treasury Gardens.
Additionally, if you get homesick and strive for Indian cuisine then head to Tonka, Elchi, Indian Mahal, 3 Brothers Indian Restaurant, and The Rasoi Tandoori Indian Kitchen to name a few.
Tonka Restaurant, Melbourne
7. Phillip Island National Park
Get up close with a host of Australian wildlife, see the fantastic coastline of Phillip Island, and then witness one of Australia's most spectacular wildlife experiences as hundreds of little penguins waddle ashore! You'll also get the chance to get up close to koalas in their natural habitat and enjoy the spectacular rugged beauty of Phillip Island.
Stroll through the mangroves and spot native bird life around Rhyll Inlet, get close to koalas at the Koala Conservation Reserve, or watch the penguins cross the sand at dusk at the famous penguin parade on Summerland Beach.
Penguin Parade, Phillip Island
8. Witness the Wildlife
No trip to Melbourne, Victoria is complete without seeing Australian native animals. Enjoy vibrant wildlife in Victoria and visit the Melbourne Zoo to spot unique wildlife including koalas and kangaroos set against stunning native flora. For those looking for even more adventure, book into an encounter at the Werribee Open Range Zoo where you can feed a giraffe, stroke a serval, and witness amazing animals on the Savannah from an open vehicle.
You can have a fun-filled wildlife adventure at Healesville Sanctuary, a natural haven for Australian wildlife in the stunning Yarra Valley, where you can wander through the stunning bushland setting with a ranger who will share stories about animals. You could also treat yourself to a trip to Ballarat Wildlife Park where you could chance upon free-roaming kangaroos, koalas, and many more species of wild animals.
Ballarat Wildlife Park
9. Blend stylish coastal living with Aussie charm on the Mornington Peninsula
Just an hour away from Melbourne, enjoy the open-air lifestyle with fresh ocean air and delicious cuisine at the Mornington Peninsula. If it gets chilly, you can even warm up to the myriad fireside dining options, to explore the galleries, spas, and cafes at seaside villages in the area. If you are a fan of adventure sports and outdoor activities you will find a whole lot of company for those, swimming, and surfing being the most popular. If those are not enough to pique your interest, the area also has hot springs, golf courses, wineries, and more which are open to visitors throughout the year.
Peninsula Hot Springs, Mornington Peninsula
Melbourne and regional Victoria is a destination of many faces and each one comes smiling with all that it has to offer to Indian tourists. It is time to make your most exciting travel checklist, yet, with Melbourne, Victoria topping the list. For more, visit https://www.visitmelbourne.com/
(All images in this article are credited to Visit Victoria)
Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world
