A stopover in Victoria’s capital offers heady new experiences alongside an already appealing mix, finds Yolanda Zappaterra
1. Melbourne Skydeck
Set 88 floors up in the Eureka Tower, the glass-floored sliding cube of the Skydeck is sure to set the pulse racing, and seeing the city from 285 metres up is a treat – especially with a glass of champagne from Bar 88.
New additions include the ‘6-D’ virtual-reality Voyager Theatre offering an immersive journey through Melbourne, and a VR Plank game where players walk along a wobbly piece of wood high above the city.
2. The National Gallery of Victoria
Australia’s oldest art museum hosts international touring exhibitions (past shows have included Van Gogh and Picasso), plus there’s a permanent collection of 75,000 works spanning Australian history.
3. Queen Victoria Market
This lively open-air market, the largest in the Southern Hemisphere, has been going strong for more than 140 years – and with stallholders selling fresh, tasty produce, it’s easy to see why. There’s a dizzying array of food stalls offering everything from pickled octopus to grilled kangaroo, plus vendors selling clothes, accessories and other bric-a-brac also make it a great place to wander for unusual gifts.
4. Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria – Melbourne Gardens
There are many ways to explore these gorgeous gardens, which were established in 1846. Suggest clients stroll through acres of colourful planting, join a free guided walk, such as the Aboriginal Heritage Walk, ride the Garden Explorer mini-bus or go punting on the lake.
5. Degraves Street
Melbourne is famous for its lanes and arcades, and iconic Degraves Street, connecting Flinders Lane and Flinders Street, is the most famous of them all. While away an hour or two getting something to eat or drink at its many restaurants, cafes and bars, or browsing independent shops selling unique souvenirs.
PICTURES: Visit Victoria/Masaaki Aihara, Roberto Seba, Kit Haselden photography, Jesse Hisco
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