Melbourne is a little more than just a city, I reckon.
I’ve been in Melbourne’s surrounding area on and off for the past year and I’ve never gotten bored of it. It has this atmosphere that keeps me constantly wanting to go back.
I’ve seen other Australian cities during my travels such as Sydney, Brisbane, Surfers Paradise, Cairns, and Hobart but Melbs has something else going on.
With it’s quirky vibe and so much going on you can’t not love Melbourne. During the summer months the city comes even more alive by putting on festivals and events that are mostly all free which is an added bonus for the fellow broke backpackers.
I think I love Melbourne so much because it reminds me of a city called Brighton back home in England with it’s live music scene and alternative vibe. So if you’re kinda into that sort of thing, get yourself down here!
Yeah, the weather isn’t perfect all year round with it’s fairly chilly winters that remind me of the UK but in the hotter months it’s not unusual for Melbourne to hit the high thirties
St Kilda Festival
St Kilda Festival has recently passed the other weekend, I was there myself and it didn’t fail in the slightest to being one of the highlights of my summer. There’s a main stage with an ocean backdrop, huge field full of international food stands and a separate drinking field propped up on the hill overlooking the main stage. The festival is a dry zone meaning that there are only certain areas selling alcohol which I think is a good idea not only because I don’t drink but because it keeps it tame enough for a whole family event throughout the day. It’s not just in one area though, there are stages dotted all around the seafront with new music and little rave stages (which I definitely checked out) and markets stretching as far as you could see selling beautiful jewellery and clothing an just about anything really.
There were also volleyball, bubble soccer, fairground rides and all sorts going on if you fancied something a little different from hanging out at the main stage with a beer and a burrito in the sunshine enjoying the tunes.
So if you’re ever around Melbourne in February you need to check it out. It starts around midday and goes on until late at night and there’s something for everyone whether you’re a group of friends, a lone traveller wanting to make some, a family or with your significant other.
Moomba
There’s also another little festival called Moomba that I went to last year which is similar on a smaller scale and with rides and a stage and little stalls, again free. Great for a chilled day or an afternoon soaking up the sun.
St Kilda
Speaking of St Kilda festival, St Kilda itself is a really awesome place to grab some food or drinks and sit out listening to the street buskers, its near the beach for a sea stroll and genuinely just a nice place to check out away from the hustle and bustle of the main city.
Victoria Market
Melbourne’s Victoria Market which is on most days I believe is famous for it’s bargains and food market on a Wednesday night. Weather you need a new bag or something just a little different, head to the markets and grab a deal! On a hot day it provides a shelter from the sun where you can just wander around trying new foods and picking up some souvenirs. It’s really easy to get to on the trams too!
Trams
Speaking of trams, it is so easy to get yourself around the city, even for me and I have the sense of direction of a wooden spoon. In the city centre there is a free tram zone which is a godsend on major shopping days so you don’t have to trek everywhere with you masses of bags.
There’s also a tourist tram that goes in a big circle for about an hour with a commentator explaining different land marks of Melbourne and… ITS FREE! I think one goes every 12 minutes or something so If you’re tired and fancy a sit down (if it’s not too busy) seeing the sites then get yourself on one of those, they’re usually a dark brown or green colour I think and look quite old school instead of the usual flashy new ones.
The Surrounding Area
In the surrounding area of Melbourne there’s a lot to do. If you’re an animal lover, Melbourne zoo is a wonderful day out (I’ve been twice) and the aquarium is really cool too. The sky deck is meant to be really good although I’ve not been yet so check that out too.
Werribee Zoo is just outside the city which is an open zoo where you can get on a big safari vehicle and see all the animals free roaming. Another really good day out.
Bounce in Essendon which is about an hour outside the city so not really to do with Melbourne but it’s just amazing so I’m going to add it in. Its a great evening activity with a group of friends and is a fun workout for anyone else into fitness and all that jazz. I go on a regular basis to burn off any tension from the week previous and just to have a laugh at friends failing to land flips and being a big kid. It’s really good value for money and heaps of fun with trampoline dodgeball, wall running and a trampoline runway to practice flips into a big air bed. Great fun!
Melbourne is the place to be during the summer so get out there a check out all that it has to offer, you won’t be disappointed.
Happy travels.
