Melbourne

A vibrant cultural center in the land “Down Under,” Melbourne, Australia will entice you with its aromatic cafés, lush nature parks, immersive museums, and dedication to the arts. Situated on the southern coast of the Australian continent, the warm sands and turquoise waters of Brighton Beach, which hugs Port Phillip Bay, invites you to relax and sunbathe. An array of colorful and vintage bathing boxes lines the shore and makes for a vivid photo op. North of Brighton Beach, St. Kilda Beach has amusements galore, including the iconic wooden coaster of Luna Park and an amazing view of the sunsets on St. Kilda Pier. Head to the pier’s breakwater to catch a glimpse of some St. Kilda penguins, who frequent its sturdy rocks at night. The many diversions of the city center are guaranteed to entertain and delight! From the bustling Queen Victoria market, filled with delectable baked goods, fresh fruits and veggies, and unique souvenirs, to the stunning National Gallery of Victoria, whose thousands of distinct art pieces are illuminated by the glow of a stained-glass ceiling, Melbourne is a cultural and recreational haven. Stroll through quaint boutiques within the Block Arcade, learn about the city’s love of cricket at the National Sports Museum in the Melbourne Cricket Ground arena, or immerse yourself in the educational exhibits at the ever-popular Scienceworks Museum. Melbourne’s natural beauty will astound and enchant you. Make a quick trip east of Melbourne to explore Yarra Valley, which offers dozens of wineries and rich Australian wines to sample. Steps from the city center, the Royal Botanic Garden encompasses an almost hundred-acre park filled with native flora and is a great spot to unwind after a long day of exploration. Follow the coastline west to find resplendent waterfalls and national parks, including the Great Otway National Park and Port Campbell National Park, where hiking, canoeing, and a whole host of outdoor activities await. Melbourne is the perfect metropolitan hub for many Australian adventures!