If you are thinking of taking a jaunt somewhere fun in the not-too-distant future, you may want to consider heading to Melbourne.
A recent Roy Morgan survey found this city has again topped the list as the favourite domestic holiday destination for Aussies to take a short break.
Around 6.1 per cent of Aussies over age 14 took a short break in Melbourne over the 12 month period to November 2013, the survey reveals.
So, why is this city so popular? Here are three great reasons – so consider organising car rental Melbourne wide with East Coast Car Rentals to make the most of a quick trip to Australia’s ‘unofficial cultural capital’.
Shopping
Melbourne is known for its myriad shops in the central city, including the world famous Queen Victoria Market.
As well as exploring all this market has to offer, make sure you head to the shops at the historic Melbourne General Post Office and QV laneways, and experience the joys of the alleys and wrought-iron arcades that line the city.
Melbourne is made up of a grid of gothic laneways, and there are plenty of options for fashion and art there, as well as many food destinations to include in your itinerary.
Once you have shopped til you’ve dropped, make sure you take a refreshing coffee break at Degraves Street or Centre Place, or try one of the many lunch spots dotted throughout the city.
Crossley Street is known for its cafe culture, while Liverpool Street is a hub of good value Asian and Italian eateries – though more hearty Italian fare can be found along Hardware Lane. This is a great spot to head to in summer as it boasts al fresco dining, so you can make the most of the sunshine.
Artwork
Melbourne is equally known for its art work, and in particular for the street art that lines its inner city streets.
Along the laneways there is a vast array of beautiful graffiti murals. Make sure you catch a glimpse of the artwork located along Hosier and Union Lanes, as this is sure to impress.
To get a look at some genuine Banksy graffiti, you need not head further than Cocker Alley. Other spots to see displays of street art include Jane Bell, Rutledge and Spark Lanes.
As well as the delights of the city’s street art, you could also park your car rental in Melbourne and spend a day at the many galleries and museums to which Victoria’s capital is home.
The National Gallery of Victoria is full of beautiful modern masters, while the Ian Potter Centre boasts a stunning array of Australian classics.
Or, there are plenty of artist-run initiatives in Fitzroy and Port Melbourne, making this city well and truly a cultural destination.
Natural beauty
Melbourne is not all shops, cafes and art galleries! The city is also home to some beautiful must-see natural destinations.
One of these is the gorgeous seaside suburb of St Kilda, so make sure you pack your cossie if you’re heading there in the summer heat. It’s only 6km from the city centre and well worth the trip.
Why not join in a game of beach volleyball or beach cricket? Alternatively, a leisurely stroll along the beach’s long, palm-lined boardwalk could be just the ticket if you want to relax.
St Kilda is also home to the famous Luna Park, an amusement zone that can trace its origins back to 1912 when it was the newest and greatest amusement park in the whole world. So, make sure you add this destination to your to-do list – and jump on a rollercoaster or play an arcade game while you’re there.
You could also consider taking a stroll along the banks of the Yarra river – grab a coffee from one of the cafes along South Yarra’s Chapel Street and while away the hours.