Établis en 1846, les Jardins botaniques royaux magnifiquement aménagés de Melbourne abritent une superbe collection de plus de 50 000 plantes de toute l’Australie et du monde entier. Passez quelques heures à vous y promener, en observant les magnifiques cygnes noirs et les oiseaux aquatiques qui y ont élu domicile. Le Plant Craft Cottage vend des produits d’artisanat uniques, tandis que l’Observatory Café est le lieu idéal pour de légers rafraîchissements. Plus formel, le restaurant Terrace accueille quant à lui des événements privés et d’entreprise.
Également connue sous le nom de Galerie nationale de Victoria, la NGV International est un musée d’art historique situé au cœur de Melbourne. Établi en 1861, il demeure célèbre comme le plus ancien espace d’exposition d’art public du pays. Le bâtiment du musée fut construit selon les plans de Sir Roy Grounds et remodelé par Mario Bellini. La vaste collection de la NGV incorpore des œuvres d’art natif, de l’art contemporain, des œuvres impressionnistes et des objets d’art colonial, entre autres genres. Divers objets d’art reflètent l’évolution de l’art australien et l’influence des techniques européennes. Les œuvres les plus célèbres incluent Shearing the Rams de Tom Roberts et The Pioneer de Frederick McCubbin. Les artéfacts internationaux présentés à la NGV couvrent de nombreuses catégories, parmi lesquelles l’art du Pacifique, les textiles européens, l’art asiatique et l’art mésoaméricain. Le musée abrite également une section dédiée à la photographie qui présente plus de 15 000 œuvres.
S’élevant à près de 300 mètres d’altitude, Eureka Skydeck 88 est la plus haute plateforme d’observation publique de l’hémisphère Sud. Située au 88e étage de l’Eureka Tower, elle offre des vues plongeantes sur le centre de Melbourne, y compris le fleuve Yarra et Federation Square. Pour les amateurs de sensations fortes, l’attraction à ne pas manquer s’appelle The Edge, un cube en verre qui est progressivement éloigné du bâtiment, donnant l’impression d’être suspendu dans l’espace. Âmes sensibles, s’abstenir, mais c’est une expérience vraiment inoubliable.
The National Sports Museum is located in the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in the north eastern sector of the new stand. This museum exhibits the sports memorabilia awarded to Australian sports men and women all at one place. Achievement of success in sports is celebrated, thereby inspiring the Australian youth to set definite goals, achieve them with fair play and win laurels. The country's sporting heritage is preserved and appreciated in this one-of-a-kind museum.
The biggest development in Melbourne since the gold rush, Crown Entertainment Complex opened up a previously rundown area of the Yarra River and turned it into a gold mine for retail outlets. The four levels of the complex house restaurants, bars, designer fashion shops, entertainment venues, a 24-screen cinema complex, a five-star hotel - and of course the casino, which attracts an international clientele and is now Victoria's biggest tourist attraction. The Showroom, Odeon Cabaret and Mercury Lounge often host international acts. An age limit of 18 years applies to the gaming rooms and bars.
Multicultural Melbourne has been created by people from all over the world. Whether they left their homelands by choice or by force, their experiences are relived at the Immigration Museum, beginning with the long sea voyage on a real sized boat, brought to life with true stories from past immigrants. The Museum is often used by researchers and schools to trace migratory patterns and family trees. The cafe and the gift shop will tempt you to prolong your visit.
Brightly coloured tapestries hang from the walls and artists wander in regularly for workshops, just as they have done for countless millennia. The Koori Heritage Trust Inc. safeguards a way of life that was born in the Stone Age and survived the onslaught of the white invader.There are many artefacts, weapons, utensils and other memorabilia on display as well as Koori artists hard at work on selected days. With the gift shop selling a range of books and memorabilia, the Koori Heritage Trust is a first stop for anyone wanting to learn more about Australia's true cultural roots.
Established in the 19th Century, the Old Melbourne Gaol is Victoria's oldest surviving prison. The gaol, now operating as a heritage museum, is stationed within a bluestone building that opened in 1842. During its tenure, it housed thousands of inmates, most notably the infamous Ned Kelly, who was held here until his execution in 1880, after standing trial for crimes including murder, bank robbery, and resisting arrest. It functioned as a prison until 1924. Today, the site is well-preserved and its architecture untouched, save modern conveniences later added for visitors. The museum spans three stories of the prison building, with displays ranging from historical accounts, to personal belongings of former inmates. The gaol also features a 40-minute interactive Watch House experience complete with staged arrests. Brave souls can explore the erstwhile prison by candlelight via a Night Tour.
Situated on the outskirts of the city, Carlton Gardens surround the magnificent Royal Exhibition Building and new Melbourne Museum. Featuring colorful flower beds, vintage carved fountains and glistening lakes, this is a great spot for a quick escape from the bustling city surrounding it. Housed within the garden is the famous Hochgurtel Fountain, which is a landmark by itself. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Carlton Garden is certainly the pride of the city and is surely a must visit attraction.
One of three venues by Museum Victoria, the Melbourne Museum explores natural and cultural history in seven unforgettable galleries. Three focal points of the museum are the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre, the Children's Museum, and the open-air Gallery of Life, which exhibits Victoria's precious flora and fauna. Documentaries and films can be seen on a giant IMAX screen by buying a combined ticket. The Melbourne Museum has won awards like the RACV Award, Qantas Australian Tourism Award, and a Royal Australian Institute of Architects award for its outstanding designs and displays, and its significance as a tourist attraction. Three themed cafes and restaurants provide refreshments on site.
The Rose Street Artists' Market is a unique concept of giving budding artists an outlet to showcase their work. It is regarded as a hidden treasure by the people of Melbourne. The work found on this street has impressed many. You may find a lot of unusual stuff, like furniture designs, fashion ensembles, intricate jewelry or paintings. Over 600 individuals sell their work here. They have developed this unique concept of having numerous displays and artists, where you can meet each one individually and buy their stuff. The market also features live entertainment for visitors.
Fondé en 1862, le zoo de Melbourne est le plus ancien d’Australie et le troisième plus ancien du monde. Il a énormément changé au fil des ans, remplaçant les vieilles cages et fosses à barreaux par des clôtures plus respectueuses des animaux. Le zoo est divisé en zones bioclimatiques utilisant l’immersion paysagère pour aider les animaux à s’acclimater à l’environnement australien, et est l’un des précurseurs du programme de reproduction en captivité du gorille des plaines. La maison des papillons, le parc des lions et l’espace des primates figurent parmi ses sections les plus populaires. En été, les locaux s’y rendent en masse pour assister aux sessions de jazz à la tombée de la nuit.