Next up on Winter Sun Holiday Destination is Melbourne, Australia. With temperatures of 22-24 degrees during months November and December, I highly recommend the sensational coastal city as one to be added to the bucket list.
Where to stay in the city?
Melbourne offers lots of options for a family-friendly stay in a number of hotels. You’ll usually find them in well-maintained suburbs with excellent rates during the last quarter.
My top picks are Mantra, at St Kilda Road with a price of US $333 per night for a 2 bedroom apartment with balcony, Imagine Marco at South Bank for USD $296 per night for a 2 bedroom apartment with landmark view and Park Regis Griffin Suites at USD $296 per night for a 2 bedroom apartment, all perfect for a family of four.
Food, Fun, Shopping and Festivities, all in one place
Australia besides being a tourist favorite is also known for its festivals held on through different times of the year. December is the best time to be here if you want to be part of some exciting events, some of which are free to participate in.
Things To Do
From December 3-4 at Federation Square, you are part of the Ethical Lifestyle Festival which will host fashion shows, film screenings, some ethical marts, entertainment shows, and much more, all completely free of charge.
To get a glimpse of wildlife takes the kids to Melbourne Zoo. The place is home to more than 300 species with the Butterfly House being one of the main attractions. The zoo is open seven days a week from 9 am to 5 pm. The entrance for kids is free during school holidays and weekends. Adults need to pay USD $23.8 per person.
Scienceworks is a science museum where kids can indulge in some fun and knowledge building science activities. It is open all week from 10 am to 4:30 pm and only closes on Good Friday and Christmas. Kids are free to enter while adult ticket costs around USD $11.
Australia is one of the few places kids will get to see live penguins and for that Melbourne Aquarium is the place to be. Open from 9 am to 6 pm daily. Family tickets can be purchased online for almost US $82. The price counts for 2 adults and 2 children.
For a breathtaking view of the city ride in one of 21 luxurious, air-conditioned cabins of the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel, which is the Australian version of the famous London Eye. Open every day from 11 am to 9:15 pm. Tickets for 2 adults and 2 children start at USD $66 per flight.
Enjoy a free tram service by getting on one of the City Circle Trams on Melbourne’s Central Business District. A tram arrives every 12 minutes and is a circular ride crossing well-known tourist attractions such as the Parliament, Melbourne Star, Fitzroy Gardens, and more.
Shopping
Held every first Sunday of the month the Hawthorne Makers Market at Hawthorn Arts Centre from 10 am to 3 pm, is where you can stroll around 70 stalls and shop some handmade jewels, crafts, accessories, cards, homeware, and baked goods.
With a plethora of dining and shopping options in Melbourne, it can be really hard to decide where to go. I’ll suggest Melbourne’s Central Business District area for all your shopping needs as well as some good food tasting. Checkout Bourke Street Mall for contemporary fashion brands, Melbourne Central for a vast variety of specialty beauty and fashion stores, and Queen Victoria’s Markets for some food, grocery, and bargain deals.
For dining head to Straits Cafe for some to munch on some local cuisine along with gluten-free options, Sezar for some Middle Eastern and European taste and for a variety of Asian cuisine such as Indian and Japanese go for Conservatory.
What about come and go?
The easiest modes of travel around the city are trams, trains, and buses. You can make a Myki card and use it on all these mediums hassle-free. Charges for a full fare card are around USD $5 and children and senior citizens Myki costs around USD $2.50. You can also travel by taxi which starts at a USD $2.33 fare. And don’t forget the free tram service at Melbourne’s Central Business District.
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In a nutshell
Melbourne is “the best winter sun holiday destination come true” experience. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t come to this amazing city for a memorable stay. Did you just say yes? 🙂
Here are other winter sun holiday destinations Cuba, The Canary Islands, Egypt, Oman, The Maldives, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Malaysia, Orlando, and Cancun.
Check out cheap flights and airline tickets here!
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Hey Tarden, well laid out website and full of useful info including the youtube video and of course the searching options
You know surprisingly, Melbourne is one of those places that I’ve always wanted to go to because I’ve always heard such good things about it. From here, it’s pretty apparent why that is now. There sounds like so many things to do and it looks beautiful just from the pictures, I can’t even imagine how good it must look in person. I’ll certainly be adding this to my bucket list lol, thanks!
Hi Jasmere,
Glad you liked it.. come back next week for a new location 🙂
Great post, Melbourne looks great and is going on the bucket list! Thanks for the info.
Justin
Hi!
I like your post a lot. It is very detailed and thorough. I am planning on visiting Melbourne next year. I`ll be staying with my relatives, so I don`t have to worry about hotels. Providing info about prices for tickets is very helpful in calculating my budget. I would like to attend at least one match at the Australia Open. Thank you for this!
Barbara
Hi Barbara,
Glad you like it and let me know how the experience of the Australian Open was. It’s on my bucket list of tournaments to attend!
Great article, especially the pictures! My wife always wanted to go to Austrailia and thanks to your article Melbourne is probably going to be our first place to visit! Thanks!
Hi Oliver! glad to hear that! You will love Melbourne! there is something for everyone