With every new region comes countless unique opportunities that you can not experience just anywhere. Victoria, Australia is a melting pot of unparalleled experiences that will make you fall in love with the state with each and every step you take. Here is a list of amazing opportunities to take advantage of in and around Victoria's capital city and cultural hub, Melbourne. Explore the street art. Melbourne is a bustling hub of art. While many cities find graffiti slanderous, Melbournians take pride in their beautiful street art. Take a stroll through the city and come upon alleyways full of old and new creations, and maybe even happen upon a creation in the making. Hosier and Rutledge lanes are some of the most iconic places to view these beautiful pieces, but keep your eyes open and you will notice art everywhere you go. Attend an event at the Melbourne Cricket Grounds. Australians take their sports very seriously. The MCG is the largest stadium in Australia, the tenth largest stadium in the world, and the largest cricket stadium in the world; and it is proudly located right in the heart of Melbourne. Whether you are attending the stadium for an AFL (Australian-rules football) game in the winter, or a Cricket Test match in the summer, you are guaranteed to have an amazing time. In a packed stadium of 100,000 passionate people, would you not think so as well? Visit the Brighton Bathing Boxes. Situated on Dendy Street Beach, a short public transport ride from the city, are the famous Brighton Bathing Boxes. These quirky, bright boxes were built nearly a century ago, and 82 of the originals still stand - distinctively lining the shore. These colorful bathing boxes are hands down one of the most photographed destinations in Melbourne, and for good reasons. However, if you are thinking about getting in on the exclusivity of owning one of these beautiful pieces of art - think again. The boxes are held tight, and passed down through generations. If one does go on the market to the public, only residents of the Bayside area can inquire and purchase for upwards of $300,000 USD. Worth moving and spending a small fortune to stylishly sit back on the beach? Maybe. Take an adventure down the Great Ocean Road. One of the world's most scenic coastal drives. Grab some friends and a rental van and head down the coast of Victoria, exploring breathtaking views and heaps of history for days. Must see and do on the journey: Instagram the Twelve Apostles, recount the story of Loch Ard Gorge and London Bridge, surf at Bells Beach, explore the town of Lorne, hike through Great Otway National Park. No matter where you go or what you do, you are guaranteed to be blown away every second spent down the Great Ocean Road. Shop at the Queen Victoria Market. Melbournians love their markets. Queen Victoria Market has been open since 1878 and is the largest, most popular of the city's market life. Make sure to check out their daily schedule, especially if they have special markets going on. If you make it during the winter months, the Queen Victoria Winter Night Market is quite a treat - boasting stalls of specialty items and food trucks galore. Stroll through Fitzroy. Melbourne is an ideal destination for both hipsters and bohemians alike. Fitzroy, one of many of the city's chillest suburbs, is the perfect spot for anyone to bring out their inner hippie. Be sure to store hop on the search for the coolest vintage, locally made goodies, and check out the amazing street art during your stroll from store to store. After you have spent half of your bank account, spend the other half perusing the many picturesque cafés and later, bar hop through Brunswick Street and get your shimmy on on Smith Street. Discover live music and festivals galore. Along with markets, Melbournians love showcasing and celebrating their art with loads of live music and festivals. Keep up-to-date on Facebook and Instagram of upcoming events, and be sure to check out a few that pique your interest. Festivals and live music are great spaces to socialize and have a carefree, genuine time with people who share the same interests as you. Catch a splash and a giggle. Along with rugby, cricket and AFL, surfing is a favorite amongst beach town locals. When in Australia, you have got to try the sport at least once! Take a short drive (or tram/train ride) outside of the city to any of the amazing surf beaches, hire a board and a wetsuit for a few hours, and get out into the ocean (try to catch a lesson if you are a beginner). Victoria is home to Torquay, venue of the Rip Curl Pro, a legendary surfing competition. If you are visiting over Easter, be sure to check it out!
If you ever get the opportunity to visit this beautiful, vibrant state, boasting one of the "world's most livable cities," take it and run with it. I promise this, you really have to try hard to have a boring day in Victoria.
xoxo, Samantha
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AuthorHi, I'm Sam. Welcome to my blog! Archives
September 2018
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