Backpacking in Melbourne
Tags: Australia | backpacking | Eureka Tower | Melbourne
The second largest city in Australia, Melbourne is also the capital of the south-eastern province of Victoria. With a diverse population from Greek to Vietnamese and a significant cultural heritage, Melbourne is widely regarded as the country's most exciting and cosmopolitan city.
From Victorian era architecture to large parks and world-class museums to fashionable shops, Melbourne is packed full of great attractions - and entertainment - for visitors.
City Center
Arguably the most famous sight in the city is Parliament House, the seat of government in the region since 1856 and once home to the federal parliament as well. There are free tours available of the impressive structure when parliament is not in session.
Another major landmark in the center of Melbourne is the huge open-air Queen Victoria Market on Elizabeth Street which is open seven days a week. The 1,000 stalls sell fresh food and produce along with cheap clothes and goods aimed at travelers.
Eureka Tower
Dominating the skyline of Melbourne, the 300-meter Eureka Tower is the tallest residential building in the southern hemisphere. The 88th floor has an observation deck popular with visitors to the city for its great panorama over the city.
Located in the center of the city, the tower - along with all the other sights in Melbourne - is easily accessible from all hostels in Melbourne thanks to the extensive 'Metlink' public transport system of buses, trams and trains.
Exploring on Foot
Melbourne's diversity is reflected in its many distinct neighborhoods and a great way to experience the city is to simply set out on foot from your Melbourne hostels and explore the sights as they come!
From the boutiques of Prahran to alternative Fitzroy and the trendy cafés along the bayside in Brighton, Melbourne has something to offer every traveler.
Restaurants
With its multicultural community, Melbourne's restaurant scene is appropriately excellent. There are so many affordable, quality places to eat in the city that the backpacker's only challenge will be to decide which type of cuisine to try.
For African fare, there is a concentration of eateries around Racecourse Road in Flemington whilst Little Bourke Street in the city center is known as Chinatown for its eastern traditions. There's also a large number of Italian cafés and restaurants throughout the city, with many great places around Lygon Street in Carlton.
Author: Paul Scottyn
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