Melbourne has always been a cultural hotspot with top-notch museums and galleries, as well as walking adventures and a real insight into the region’s history.
From historic shopping streets to movie and fashion icons, tours of domes and charred emu skewers, the state capital of Victoria is full of surprises.
With so much to enjoy, here’s our quick guide to today’s attractions.
feel artistic
Visit now and you can see the exciting Alexander McQueen: Mind Mythos Muse at the National Gallery of Victoria (until April 16, tickets £16).
The collaboration between the gallery and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art showcases the designer’s drooling collection of clothing and accessories paired with gallery artifacts that reflect his inspiration.
The Australian Center for the Moving Image is launching Goddess: Power, Glamour, Rebellion (tickets £14) on 5 April in honor of great female film stars, from Marilyn Monroe to Michelle Yeoh.
Take a walk
The stunning 19th-century Royal Exhibition Building in the state capital is modeled on London’s Crystal Palace. It has just added a new element to its guided tour, the Dome Promenade, where you can explore the 68m high outer dome with views over the city (tickets £16). A tour of the alleys and arcades will take you to the elegant Art Deco shopping districts – the arcades – and the interesting narrow streets.
Many are lined with European-style cafes or, like the famous Hosier and AC/DC lanes, covered in vibrant street art (tickets from £54 for three hours).
Would you rather go out on the water? Then pack a picnic basket and cruise down the Yarra River in one of the new electric powered GoBoats (1 hour from £70, seats up to eight people).
Aboriginal experiences
Aboriginal culture is widespread across the country and Melbourne hosts Australia’s only Aboriginal arts festival, YIRRAMBOI, in May. The word meaning ‘tomorrow’ to the Boonwurrung and Woiwurrung of Victoria, this festival brings together First Nations creatives locally, nationally and internationally to showcase the richness of their culture.
More than 250 people are behind more than 100 events, including dance, theater and film (4 to 14 May).
Learn about Aboriginal history and traditions at the Koorie Heritage Trust in Federation Square.
range
Adjacent to the Trust is the recently opened Mabu Mabu Big Esso, bringing local ingredients and flavors to a diner style restaurant. Created by Torres Strait chef Nornie Bero, it features kangaroo and pepperberry tartare and skewers of charred emu liver.
If you like it spicy, hip new Thai restaurant BKK offers spicy sea trout salad, chicken curry puffs and Chiang Mai sausage. Don’t miss the rooftop HER bar.
The recently opened Parcs specializes in zero-waste, sustainable dining using leftovers and cooking by-products. And Victoria By Farmer’s Daughters is the latest iteration from Peruvian chef Alejandro Saravia, using produce sourced from farmers, growers and artisans in the state.
Source: Subway
Source: Metro
I, Ronald Payne, am a journalist and author who dedicated his life to telling the stories that need to be said. I have over 7 years of experience as a reporter and editor, covering everything from politics to business to crime.
