Melbourne - A livable City

MELBOURNE, one of the most livable country in the world. Cosmopolitan and elegant, Melbourne has a welcoming heart. From adventurous activities to family activities, from museum to dance clubs, from restaurant to bars, from walking to ballooning, from zoos to beaches, form heritage to global fashion, from tennis to cricket, the city possesses all. Being, one of the most populous city of the Australia, the never sleeps and is always ready to suprise visitors. If you are travelling to South Hemisphere, you must visit this city.
Below I describe some places you should visit if you're visiting this great city.

National Gallery of Victoria

Made up of the NGV International and The Ian Potter Centre in Federation Square, the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is Australia’s oldest public art gallery and proudly exhibits a wide range of artworks from around the globe. A visually striking building, the slate exterior is enveloped by water as you walk towards the open entrance and are greeted by the gallery’s famous Waterwall. Sheets of glass are brought to life by rainwater collected on the roof of the NGV International building, which is recycled through the drainpipes and water treatment plant. With water shortages in Australia as an on-going concern, it is innovative design ideas such as this that make the NGV stand out.

Heide Museum of Modern Art

Located in the Melbourne suburb of Bulleen, the Heide Museum of Modern Art has had a flourishing history since the property was purchased by John and Sunday Reed in 1934. The renovated farmhouse attracted some of the most prolific figures in Australian art and culture at the time, and has since become one of the most respected houses of modern art in Australia. Consisting of the Heide Collection which is still growing today through various acts of generosity and contributors, as well as public, private and solo artist exhibitions, the museum upholds a tradition of promoting living contemporary artists who are predominantly Australian but also with a noteworthy international influence. Now comprising of three buildings (Heide I, II and III), the history can be seen from the architecture, with the old beautifully renovated Heide I standing in stark contrast to the black zinc exterior of Heide III. In addition to the museum, the public also have access to the beautiful fifteen acres of garden which boast an eclectic selection of herbs and vegetables.

Vue De Monde

Featured among Elite Traveler’s Top 100 Restaurants in the World, Vue de Monde is a fixture on Melbourne’s fine dining scene. Chef Shannon Bennett serves four- and 10-course tasting menus in a recently renovated dining room situated 55 stories above the city. Those looking for an extra exclusive experience should book the Dom Perignon Room, a Joost Baker-designed private space that seats up to 14 guests.

1806

                                      

1806 is, apparently, the year that the term cocktail was first defined in print and so it comes as little surprise that the cocktail, its history and its glorious present are a source of celebration and reverence at this elegant Exhibition Street bar. The room itself is a bit poky, but some smart use of wood panelling and red velvet makes gives the space a kind of clubby charm. The walls are lined with cabinets housing an array of vintage cocktail related paraphernalia - but all of this is mere backdrop for the main event, the drinks themselves. The list is exciting and varied, with drinks dating back to the birth of the cocktail. They use premium ingredients and have an inventive list of contemporary cocktails, which are delivered with equal care and attention to detail. They serve other drinks and have a decent wine list, but to be honest, you’d be remiss not to at least sample one of their cocktails when they’re as good as this.

Go GO BAR

Go Go Bar is the mysterious, atmospheric cocktail bar that you'll find below the popular restaurant, Chin Chin. It's the little quirks that make this place one of a kind, like the dark ambience, seasonal cocktail menu, the DIY Champagne Cocktails and a melancholic neon sign that reads 'Lonely for you only'

Moonlight Cinema

Australia’s favourite open air cinema showing advance screenings, new release and cult films in iconic inner city green spaces in Melbourne. A must visit.

Melbourne Balloon Fight

Balloon flights are perfect for visitors to Melbourne, special occasions or anyone who simply wishes to enjoy this great adventure. To top it all off after the flight you head back to level 35 of the luxurious Sofitel Hotel to enjoy a glass of champagne, a sumptuous breakfast and relive a great morning whilst still enjoying one of the best views in Melbourne.

Port Phillip

Snapper is the big catch around Melbourne – it comes into Port Philip Bay as early as September and stays until around March. Flathead and whiting also populate the bay. Covering 1,950 square kilometres, Port Phillip is the entrance to Australia's busiest port and is one of Victoria's most popular recreational destinations. Although Port Phillip is commonly referred to as 'the Bay' or 'Port Phillip Bay', Port Phillip is actually not a bay at all. It's a local port area that is actually made up of over 16 bays.

Melbourne Zoo

Over 250 species from around the world can be found in the beautifully landscaped settings of Melbourne Zoo, just five minutes from the city centre. Stroll through Asian and African rainforests, where tigers roam through the trees and monkeys swing from the branches, then take the time to stop and see eye to eye with beautiful orangutans in their special elevated exhibit. Explore the award-winning Trail of the Elephants or view koalas, platypus, kangaroos, wombats and other unique native wildlife in the Australian bush setting.

Natskin Day Spa

Natskin Day Spa Retreat, South Melbourne is a true urban day spa. Indulge yourself with one of their luxurious skin, beauty or body care treatments. You can even spend a few hours or the day in Natskin's spa retreat and experience a truly rejuvenating, sensory and relaxing spa package.Situated on boutique Coventry Street, which is only a tram away from Southern Cross Station, the spa is in the midst of great food, great shopping and great atmosphere. The spa offers first class signature treatments and water therapies, within a warm beautiful environment in which to spend some quality time with yourself.


PS - Looking forward to visit Melbourne :D

Contest for Readers :)
If you ever visit which of the above places or some other place you would visit in Melbourne?
Also, if you've visited Melbourne earlier please share your experience with us :)
( The contest will close on 5 Jan, 2014 11:59:59 PM)

This is a post for Indiblogger. Link to "Come Alive in Melbourne and Tourism Victoria website