Cheap Holidays - Melbourne

Melbourne

Melbourne is an exciting blend of old and new. The elegant and trendy capital is set on the banks of the Yarra River and features an abundance of parks and gardens. Distinctive mid-1800s gold-boom era architecture blends with modern glass skyscrapers to create an exceptional cityscape. The river is at the heart of Melbourne’s charm with rowers skimming the water, scenic cycle tracks alongside, and outdoor cafes lining the banks in the Southgate precinct.

Melbourne is a vibrant, urban centre and showcases some of the best of Australia’s laid-back lifestyle, but it also revels in a more old-world sense of sophistication and style. With its combination of old and new architecture, diverse inner-city villages, chic fashion stores, over 3000 restaurants, bars and cafes and an excellent transit system you have all the ingredients for one of the most enlightened and liveable cities in the world.

Known as a style-setter, Melbourne’s history and culture collide with creativity and innovation. A focal point for the arts, events and entertainment is Federation Square – a creative mix of galleries, cafes and public space - connecting the city with the Yarra River. The square also houses the Visitor Information Centre, where brochures and maps are available and travel bookings can be made, as well as the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia; the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) and Champions racing museum.

Melbourne is easy to explore with the user-friendly tram, train and bus networks, or on foot. Walking is especially rewarding, whether it’s the bustling laneways in the city centre, the peaceful Royal Botanic Gardens, or a stroll along Melbourne’s Golden Mile

Attractions Striking public spaces, state-of-the-art museums and galleries, Australian wildlife, heritage sites and impressive architecture are all part of Melbourne’s cosmopolitan appeal. The city holds many first-class attractions as well as myriad hidden secrets just waiting to be uncovered.

Federation Square          Federation Square links the city centre with the Yarra River. It fuses art, architecture, events, culture, hospitality and open space into a striking public domain.

Queen Victoria Market    Queen Victoria Market is a 124-year-old icon of local trade and street life, selling everything from souvenirs to fresh crayfish. Add info here about fresh produce, deli hall and tours available at the market, eg foodie tours and Style Addict tours

Melbourne Aquarium    

Conveniently located on the banks of the Yarra close to Crown Casino, the state-of-the-art Melbourne Aquarium harbours thousands of creatures from the Southern Ocean.     http://www.melbourneaquarium.com.au/

Melbourne Zoo         Gorillas, pygmy hippopotamuses, mandrills, tigers and otters live happily together at Melbourne Zoo. Of course, all of our Australian favourites are here too. Watch Orang-utans from a spectacular treetop viewing area. Take a Slumber Safari and sleep overnight with the animals in the comfort of luxurious safari tents. If you choose a Roar and Snore Safari, you will explore the mystery of the Zoo after dark.   

Shopping

Think Melbourne. Think shopping. The rest of Australia does. For decades, the city has been known as the country’s shopping capital. Fashion, of course, is part of the appeal but there’s plenty more besides. While choice is a big attraction, the joy of shopping in the city is also about atmosphere. The web of narrow streets, beckoning lanes, wide boulevards and lovely old arcades make shopping a pleasure.     Melbourne is home to leading fashion houses is home to the country’s top designers including Joseph Saba, Bettina Liano, Scanlan and Theodore, Alannah Hill, TL Wood, Georgia Chapman, Kirrily Johnston and Arabella Ramsay, all of whom have made their mark on the national and international fashion scene. Entertainment & Dining

Visit Melbourne and your quest for the perfect meal will be over. Offering a dizzying spread of the world's great cuisines –from the simple to the truly exotic – the city serves up an unbeatable culinary experience in more than 3000 restaurants, cafes and bistros.         Bars stay open late. There are plenty of clubs and the city bursts with music venues catering for all tastes – from grunge rock to jazz and from blues to the avant-garde.

Add ons.....

Melbourne Hotels from only €62.00 

                                                                         Morning Marvellous Melbourne City Sights                AD  EUR40         CH    EUR25

Phillip Island Penguins Direct Half Day Tour                AD EUR65           CH  EUR40

Yarra Valley Wineries & Puffing Billy with Lunch       AD  EUR100        CH    EUR50

Great Ocean Road Adventure with Lunch       AD    EUR100          CH EUR50