Exploring Melbourne: Australia’s beautiful cultural capital

Melbourne, the cultural capital of Australia, is as beautiful as it gets. The coastal metropolis with a cosmopolitan ambiance attracts thousands of visitors each year. It’s quite easy to see why the city is referred to as Australia's cultural capital; there are galleries, museums, gardens and nature reserves.

The places to visit in Melbourne are not short of a wonder in themselves and the city has left the world amazed with its tree-lined avenues, pretty lanes, and resplendent Victorian architecture.

Let’s have a look at some of the most prominent tourist attractions in Melbourne:

Federation Square, also known as Fed Square, is the heart of Melbourne's cultural attractions and world-class events. It first opened in 2002 and has been attracting millions of visitors ever since. It is one of the city’s best tourist attractions located at the intersection of Flinders and Swanston Streets. It has also won a number of prestigious awards for its architecture and design.

One of the most famous places to visit in Melbourne is the Melbourne Zoo. It is located in the Royal Park premises in Melbourne's Parkville neighbourhood, which is about 4 km from the city centre. The zoo is home to over 320 species of animals. This place is a must-see in Melbourne for animal lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Melbourne is home to Australia's largest, oldest, and most impressive art museum known as the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV). The museum, founded in 1861, houses a vast collection of artworks. One can find art from Europe, Asia, and the Americas here.

The Eureka Tower is Melbourne's one of the tallest observation decks standing at 297.3 m (975 ft) high. This is the place worth visiting if you want panoramic views of the city. You'll be whisked from the ground level to the 88th floor in under 40 seconds. You can trade the views of the Skydeck for the thrills of The Edge if you're feeling brave. The Edge is a glass square with a floor that is completely clear, providing unrivalled views from every angle.

St Kilda Beach is one of the city's most well-known tourist attractions. Summer in Melbourne isn't complete without having spent a day at St Kilda Beach. There is also a plethora of enthralling activities that draw walkers, joggers, kite surfers, and swimmers. People can see the resident population of tiny penguins burrowing in the rocks as they walk down to the St Kilda Pier.

The Royal Botanic Gardens are located in the wealthy South Yarra neighbourhood. One can walk along the Australian Forest Walk in the Royal Botanic Gardens, admiring local species and plant life along the way. The ambiance is absolutely romantic here. Visit Ornamental Lake for a special treat. Those interested can also join a short guided tour from the shore on a punt, a small boat that allows you to see the garden from a different perspective.