Melbourne is a place where people come to get involved and many people live in Melbourne who originally come from other parts of Australia, and the world. Much like Berlin, it is a hub for students, artists and musicians who combine to bring the city to life. Melbourne’s migration history means that many cultures and communities are represented no where more noticeable than in the city’s restaurants and cafes.
Melbourne grew tall during the goldrush of the 1850’s and this is reflected in the grandeur of the architecture in the city streets and although a young city by world standards, has a unique history which includes outlaws such as Ned Kelly, sporting heroes and of course over 40 000 years of Aboriginal art, culture and dreaming.
Here are some of the ways you can experience Melbourne’s history and culture:
Museum Victoria Actually spread out over three campuses, Museum Victoria covers all things scientific at Scienceworks, history and biology at Melbourne Museum and the Victoria’s immigration history at the Immigration Museum.
National Gallery of Victoria The National Gallery of Victoria holds two collections, both of which are comparable to any Europe has to offer. NGV International holds works of overseas artists, while NGV houses the Australian and Indigenous collections.
Koorie Heritage Trust This cultural centre tells the ongoing story of
Victoria’s Indigenous population through displays, music and art. Tours are available and Aboriginal art is often on sale.
Graffiti You can’t miss it. Melbourne is covered with graffiti in it’s many laneways and alleys as well as the obligatory rail line. However, street stencil art has become quite prolific and in doing so, iconic, with even Banksy adding his spray-can specialty to the mix.
Eureka Tower For the best views of Melbourne, head up the highest building in the Southern Hemisphere, the Eureka Tower and stand on the glass observation deck. People sometimes get married here, but we suggest taking photos.
St. Kilda Beach Take a tram down to St. Kilda beach and, should weather permit, duck in for a swim in one of Melbourne’s nicest city beaches. A cold beer is also enjoyed looking out over the bay from the Esplanade Hotel, or for kids (including big kids) Luna Park is just the ticket.
Melbourne Cricket Ground For those interested in the unique Australian sports of cricket and
Australian Rules Football, the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) holds a sports museum and runs tours throughout the week. Your chance to stand on Australia’s hallowed sporting turf.
Federation Square Set between the banks of the Yarra River and Flinders Street Station, you can’t miss Federation Square (often called Fed Square). It is the ‘art’ of Melbourne where live outdoor shows are often seen, plus a variety of restaurants and pubs are available in the area. The square is also home to the Racing Museum, NGV Australia, the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) and SBS television studios.
Old Melbourne Gaol Ned Kelly is Australia’s most infamous bushranger (outlaw) who was hung by the neck until dead at the Melbourne Gaol. A good place for history buffs to get their taste of the macabre and gold rush fever.
Shrine of Remembrance Located on St. Kilda road (near NGV International) the shrine honours Australians who have been killed in war. There is also a small museum dedicated to preserving the history of the various conflicts Australian’s have been involved in.
