🇦🇺 Marvellous Melbourne: My Favourite Experiences

Last May, I went a week-long trip to Melbourne. It was a simple getaway, a relaxing holiday to explore new things and enjoy a different city. Here are my favourite experiences! 1️⃣ National Gallery of Victoria 🖼️ The NGV is a massive art gallery that is free entry to all. There is the main building (opposite the Royal Botanic Gardens) as well as the Ian Potter Centre (Federation Square). The former houses international art while the latter houses Aboriginal Australian art. Though I was not an art buff myself, the works were really interesting and visually appealing. Made two trips here! 2️⃣ Royal Exhibition Building 🎪 This building is of historical significance not only because of its connection to Melbourne’s World Expo in 1880, but also because it is the only surviving building from that era of world expos. Go for the guided tour, it was very engaging. My friend studying at the University of Melbourne actually told me they use that hall for their exams! Must feel really small! 3️⃣ Rippon Lea Estate ⛲️ Located in the southern suburbs of Melbourne stands a colonial-era mansion and garden. The guide was a really good, showing us around this relic of a gilded age. There are many interesting historical artefacts inside from the Victorian and Edwardian periods. The gardens outside is really pretty, especially the artificial lake. 4️⃣ Puffing Billy Railway 🚂 Also in the outskirts of Melbourne, I took the Puffing Billy Railway from Belgrave to Menzies Creek. The railway is powered by steam locomotives and is well-preserved. The views were incredible especially when crossing the trestle bridge. Even spotted a wallaby! Best part is that you sit on the window ledge with your legs dangling out! 5️⃣ Melbourne’s infrastructure Melbourne is a really well-planned city with great infrastructure. The public transport centres around the tram system, which is free in the inner city. (Though I have noticed that even outside of the free zone, locals simply do not tap their cards, and no one bats an eye) In the city centre, there is even free wifi on the streets! (Called “VicFreeWifi”) Hope this inspires your next trip to Melbourne! G’day! 🇦🇺 #melbourne #australia