Melbourne – Off the Beaten Path
The city of Melbourne, located on Port Philip Bay, is home to 4.5 million Australians. It is the capital of Victoria and the second largest city in the country after Sydney in New South Wales. The rivalry between them is legendary. Canberra was chosen as the location for Australia’s capital in 1908 because it lay halfway between the two.
Melbourne is host to over 2 million visitors a year who come to marvel at the city’s fine display of Victorian architecture, world-class art galleries, and lush public gardens. It is a truly cosmopolitan destination, where over a hundred languages are spoken and almost half the residents were born overseas.
Tourists flock to a number of prominent landmarks including the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Eureka Tower, and the Shrine of Remembrance. While these are all must-see targets on any visitor’s check-list, we’re going to have a look at 10 destinations you likely won’t find in your standard sightseeing brochure.
1. The Mitre Tavern
? 5-9 Bank Place, CBD
The Mitre Tavern serves its thirsty clients in Melbourne’s oldest building. The pub was once known as an artist hangout, and boasts the city’s largest beer garden. Established in 1868, the tavern underwent remodelling in the Queen Ann style in the early 1900s. The cottage is listed with the National Trust of Australia.
2. The Old Melbourne Goal
By Bidgee (Own work) [CC BY-SA 2.5 au (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5/au/deed.en)]
? 377 Russell Street
The goal was built in the 1800s and provided a stern deterrent to the wild and the lawless. By the time it closed in 1929, 133 criminals had been put to the noose. Among these was Australia’s most famous bushranger, Ned Kelly. If you’re game, you can take a night tour with the hangman, but it’s not recommended for kids under 12.
3. Coop’s Shot Tower
By John Torcasio (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)]
? 211 La Trobe Street
This brick tower was once the tallest structure in Melbourne. It was built in 1888 to manufacture shot pellets. Molten lead was dropped from its great height into vats of water to create the hard metal balls. To protect this historical landmark, the tower was encased in glass and steel in 1991. Tours are available, and the museum gives you the full story behind this unique historical structure.
4. Wunderkammer
? 439 Lonsdale Street
Combination of museum and shop, Wunderkammer displays the oddities and wonders of science and nature. Everything from anatomical models, specimens, fossils and a vast array of insects and butterflies. You are guaranteed to see something you’ve never seen (or imagined) before. A ‘Wonderchamber” indeed.
5. Moonlight Sanctuary
? 550 Tyabb-Tooradin Road, Pearcedale
If you’ve come all this way, you should really take in the wildlife. There’s no better place than the Moonlight Sanctuary, located within the UNESCO Biosphere reserve. You can see (and possibly cuddle) over 60 different species including dingos, koalas, pythons and other Australian “classics”. The reserve is located an hour from Melbourne and day tours are available to take you there from the city.
6. The Colonial Tramcar Restaurant
? Normanby Road, South Melbourne
Ride through the streets of Melbourne in style while enjoying the finest in gourmet dining. The restaurant offers Australian cuisine paired with some of the country’s finest award winning wines. The world’s first tramcar restaurant offers a unique experience and a relaxed view of the city centre.
7. Australian Centre for the Moving Image
Photo credit: Robbie Hanzra
? Federation Square, CBD
This is so much more than your run-of-the-mill museum. The ACMI is the home of all things relating to film, television, movies, video games and digital culture. It hosts major exhibitions from around the world that showcase the best in movie culture. There are also two theatres, a shop, café and bar. You can even try your hand at cutting-edge video games that have yet to be released on the market. Leave yourself plenty of time – you’re going to need it!
8. Pound Bend
By Aldie [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)]
? Yarra River Ct, North Warrandyte (Warrandyte State Park)
The Yarrra River runs through Melbourne and was a rich source of ore for goldminers in the 1800s. In 1870, they diverted the Yarra through a tunnel to facilitate dredging, and thus created the Pound Bend. The mouth of the tunnel provides a magnificent urban swimming hole, perfect for a quick dip on a hot day. It’s a favourite with locals, located in its very own State Park in the heart of the city. Don’t forget to bring your towel!
9. Take in the View from Above
? Lui Bar, 525 Collins Street
If you want to get a stunning view of the Melbourne skyline, there are several spectacular (and cheaper) options than lining up at the Eureka Tower. There are dozens of bars and restaurants that offer Australian food, Australian wines – and a view of the city that can’t be beat.
A few suggestions include Lui, Naked for Satan, and the Rooftop Bar. Of special interest is Easy’s, where you can enjoy your burger and fries while sitting in a train carriage that’s been plonked on top of an office block in Collingwood.
10. Aussie Rules at the MCG
By mugley (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mugley/335833205/) [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)]
? Brunton Avenue, Richmond
Alright, we cheated. Taking in a footie game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground makes everyone’s top ten list of attractions. But for good reason.
In 1853, the Melbourne Cricket Club was relocated to the MCG when the tracks of Australia’s first steam train were laid straight through the cricket oval. Since then, it has become hallowed ground to sports fans across the country. The first ever cricket test match was held at the MCG in 1877, and it played host to the 1956 Olympic Games. Every September, 100,000 fans pack the stands for the Australian Football League Grand Final.
Tours are given on non match days, or you can stop into the National Sports Museum. And there’s always time for a pie and a beer.
