Less popular destinations that are absolutely delightful: Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne :
Australia’s cultural capital boasts a bustling creative city center, Victorian architecture, many museums some of which are free, galleries, theaters, and lots of green spaces.
Melbourne hosts some major sporting events, including the Australian Open - one of four major Grand Slams in tennis - giving tourists a reason to come enjoy the city and all it offers. Melbourne's beautiful city center can be explored on foot, and is usually lively with events. South-gate - A promenade with people walking and enjoying being out- is particularly good for that. Queen Victoria Market is a huge open air market museums. There is, in Melbourne, no shortage of restaurants, and different landmarks. The Brighton suburb has some great cafes and boutique shops...The city has displays of street art, here and there, in "laneways" that are best enjoyed on foot. These displays of creative art are located in approved areas where artist let there creativity and skill dazzle passers by, also on the menu some trendy boutiques, restaurants and bars, with a variety to satisfy any taste... The National Gallery of Victoria has actually two galleries that are admission fee free, and exhibit a collection of European, Asian, Oceanic and American art.
At night the city comes more alive, with a vibrant music scene with different acts of many genres taking places in different corners of the city. The city hosts many festivals including the Jazz Festival, Fringe Festival, and the winter Ballarat Festival...
Melbourne is also very family friendly. Many families can be seen biking as a group and enjoying the city. The restaurants are diverse, welcoming and very affordable, offering reasonably cheap menus for every taste.
The trip down under is very long, depending on where you live, but if you happen to be in Australia, Melbourne is definitely going to be one of your most memorable stops.
