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    Tourist Attractions in Melbourne

    The most interesting and beautiful tourist attractions in Melbourne. Photos and a brief description.

    Melbourne
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    About Melbourne

    In the first half of the XIX century, a huge piece of gold was found in the Australian state of Victoria – the largest existing at that time in the world. This event gave impetus to the beginning of the gold rush, numerous waves of emigration from Europe and the flourishing of Melbourne. For two centuries, the city grew rich and eventually turned into the most prosperous and comfortable metropolis in Australia.

    Melbourne is compared to the well-fed and prosperous cities of Switzerland, in some respects it even surpasses its European competitors. First of all, it is the industrial, economic and financial center of the country. But the city also has something to attract tourists: the historical center, consisting of buildings of the XIX century, smoothly turns into modern quarters, museums and galleries organize interesting exhibitions, and high-class restaurants will delight gourmets with dishes of world cuisine.

    Top Tourist Attractions in Melbourne

    Federation Square

    The central square of Melbourne, where hundreds of various events are held annually. The place is notable for its interesting modern architecture, there are cinemas, galleries, restaurants, a museum and venues for public gatherings. The square occupies an entire city block, on one side it is bounded by the Yarra River. Active reconstruction of the space has been carried out since the late 80s.

    Federation Square
    Royal Botanic Gardens

    Royal Botanic Gardens

    The gardens are located in the central part of Melbourne on the south bank of the Yarra River. On their territory grow species collected from all over the Australian continent, as well as brought from other parts of the planet. The main activity of the botanical gardens is the conservation and breeding of plants imported to Australia from other places, as well as scientific research in the field of detection and identification of unknown species.

    Monument of Memory

    A monument erected in honor of fellow citizens who died in the First World War. Behind the scenes, the monument is considered dedicated to all Australians who laid down their heads in armed conflicts. The structure was erected in the 30s of the XX century according to the project of veterans D. Wardrop and F. Hudson's. The classical architecture of the Athenian Parthenon was taken as a model. The monument is located on a hill on the territory of the Royal Gardens.

    Monument of Memory
    National Gallery of Victoria

    National Gallery of Victoria

    The oldest public gallery on the Australian continent. It was founded in the second half of the XIX century. The museum was opened a decade after the proclamation of the state of Victoria as an independent colony. At that time, Melbourne was actively developing and turning into a large and wealthy city. Wealthy citizens bought and donated works of art to the gallery at their own expense. Among the exhibits are antique artifacts, paintings by European artists, works by Australian masters.

    Royal Exhibition Center

    The exposition is located in a majestic Victorian building of the late XIX century, which has been awarded the status of a UNESCO monument. In the middle of the XX century, they wanted to demolish the building, but in the end it was decided to organize an exhibition center on its territory. The prefix "Royal" center received in 1884 thanks to the English Queen Elizabeth. The premises of the complex are used for various expositions.

    Royal Exhibition Center
    Melbourne Museum

    Melbourne Museum

    A large museum divided into several thematic expositions. The building also houses a research center, an IMAX cinema and an amphitheater. The museum presents both historical collections telling about the history of Melbourne, and natural science, where you can look at the skeletons of extinct dinosaurs. The cultural centers of indigenous peoples of Australia are located in separate halls.

    Princesses-Theater

    The opera house of the Victorian era, built in the middle of the XIX century. The building has been rebuilt and reconstructed several times, the last restoration was carried out in 1989. The theater even has its own "phantom of the opera", for which they always leave a free place in the auditorium. According to legend, the cast came from the singer F. Baker, who died right on stage while performing a role in the opera "Faust" in 1888.

    Princesses-Theater
    State Library of Victoria

    State Library of Victoria

    The library is considered one of the most impressive book collections in Australia. The building in the classical style was erected in the middle of the XIX century according to the project of D. Reed. At first it housed the Melbourne Museum and the National Gallery of Victoria, but later they moved to other places. The library has about 1.5 million books. The building is surrounded by a sculpture park, where the works of masters of the XIX-XXI centuries are installed.

    Melbourne Aquarium

    A modern aquarium located on the banks of the Yarra in the center of Melbourne. In the aquarium you can see representatives of the fauna of the South seas and Antarctica. Real harsh conditions with snow and low temperatures have been created for the inhabitants of the Arctic waters. Sharks, penguins, turtles, tarantulas, scorpions, various types of fish live here. The aquarium was opened in 2000, it is considered one of the best in the world.

    Melbourne Aquarium
    St. Paul's Cathedral

    St. Paul's Cathedral

    The cathedral of the Anglican Church, built in the Gothic style. The building is located in the historic center of Melbourne and, along with other structures of the past centuries, forms the cultural heritage of the city. The cathedral was erected in the late XIX – early XX centuries, at first it was the tallest structure in the city, but modern high-rise buildings gradually obscured it from the views of passers-by. An organ made by master T. Lewis was delivered from England especially for the temple.

    St. Patrick's Cathedral

    Cathedral Catholic Cathedral in Gothic style, built for the needs of Irish immigrants. The cathedral was given the status of a "minor basilica", that is, the pope can stay here if he arrives in Melbourne. The mosaic for interior decoration was made in Venice, amber glass is installed on the windows instead of standard stained glass. The construction of the cathedral lasted 40 years, and was completed in 1939.

    St. Patrick's Cathedral
    Eureka Tower

    Eureka Tower

    The second largest skyscraper on the Australian continent, it reaches a height of 297 meters. The building was built in 2006 according to the project of a local architectural agency. The name "Eureka Tower" was given in honor of the gold prospectors' uprising of 1854 in Victoria. The skyscraper consists of 92 floors. One underground floor and 9 ground floors are occupied by parking, the remaining floors are residential.

    Flinders Street

    The main railway station of Melbourne, located in the central part of the city. In 1854, a wooden station was located on this site, the first in Australia. In 1882, it was decided to erect a full-fledged station, and 37 years later the first steam locomotive left Flinders Street. Just a few years later, the station became the busiest in the world. The building was restored in the 70s of the XX century at the request of the public (initially the authorities wanted to demolish the outdated structure).

    Flinders Street
    Queen Victoria Market

    Queen Victoria Market

    A large market in the city center, where products and delicacies from all over the world are sold, including Turkish sweets, Italian prosciutto and Russian buckwheat. There are also rows with shoes and clothes, products of local aborigines, animal skins. The market offers a wide variety of fruits, cheeses, seafood, sauces, smoked meats. The prices here are slightly lower than in the supermarket, but there are always a lot of people and quite noisy.

    Captain James Cook's Cottage

    A small stone mansion located in the eastern part of Melbourne. This is the house of James Cook's parents, which was originally located in the English village of Great Ayton. In 1933, the house was bought by the Australian government and moved to Melbourne. This event was timed to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the city. The money was allocated by a local entrepreneur R. Grimweid.

    Captain James Cook's Cottage
    Old Melbourne Prison

    Old Melbourne Prison

    A museum complex located on the territory of a former prison. The building was built in 1841 and was used for the detention of prisoners and military. In 1924, the institution was closed, and in 1972, a museum was opened in it, where prison attributes are exhibited: personal belongings of criminals, death masks and other horror. Thousands of tourists are eager to visit this place because of rumors about ghosts that live in gloomy corridors.

    Albert Park

    The track of the international Formula 1 race, where the Australian Grand Prix races have been held since 1996. In the 50s of the XX century, Melbourne Grand Prix races were held on this track, but at that time it was an unpopular event due to the high costs for riders and the remoteness of the continent from Europe. Albert Park is an urban highway surrounded by greenery, it is laid around an artificial lake.

    Albert Park
    Melbourne Cricket Ground

    Melbourne Cricket Ground

    The ground was originally intended for playing cricket, but gradually turned into a large multifunctional complex, where football matches, rugby championships, concerts and various cultural events are held. The stadium was built in the middle of the XIX century and modernized several times during the XX century. The modern arena accommodates about 100 thousand spectators, up to 130 thousand people gathered for some events.

    Melbourne Zoo

    The oldest zoo in Australia, founded in 1862. At first, the zoo served as a temporary shelter for pets imported from other continents. On the territory of the zoo, the animals experienced an adaptation period and later went home. Over time, exotic species began to appear, and the zoo acquired its modern look. It is home to tigers, lions, monkeys, giraffes, elephants, Madagascar lemurs, rare birds and inhabitants of the Australian savannah.

    Melbourne Zoo
    Corona Casino

    Corona Casino

    One of the best gambling houses on the continent, a large entertainment complex located in the heart of Melbourne. Hundreds of thousands of tourists and locals visit this casino every year. There are more than 2.5 thousand slot machines and 350 gambling tables on the territory. There is also a restaurant, a bowling club and nightclubs. The "Crown" complex houses the "Palladium" — the largest concert venue in the city.