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circuits: destination melbourne |
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MELBOURNETourist Tips: About Melbourne:
Melbourne is set around the shores of Port Phillip Bay. The city itself, laid out in a large rectangle and boasting a lively and cosmopolitan pulse, sits on the northern banks of the Yarra River, about five kilometres from the bay.
Extending around the bay are a number of inner suburbs, each with its own distinct character and personality. A short tram ride from the city centre, Melbourne’s suburban neighbourhoods are a must see for anyone wanting to experience what life here is really all about. Sightseeing:
As befits the capital of the Garden State central Melbourne has about one quarter of its area given to parks. The most popular are the Treasury,Fitzroy Garden and Royal Botanic Gardens, with their magnificent avenues of Elms, Oaks, Moreton Bay Figs and ornamental lake. The Royal Botanic Garden covers an area of thirty five hectares, contains over 10,000 species of plants, and are set in a vast area of parklands extending to the Yarra River. Sights/attractions to put on your itinerary:
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Often hailed as the sports and cultural capital of Australia, Melbourne has a long history of staging major events, from the Olympic Games, held in 1956, to Grand Slam tennis and Formula One, which are held every year. Melbourne’s resident population of around 3.5 million are strong supporters of sport and regularly known to fill stadiums to capacity for Australian Football League matches and other sporting events.
One glance at a map and it’s obvious that Melbourne is a planned city: a tidy, balanced grid of neatly angled streets. But beneath this sense of everything in its place restraint lies a restless creative energy constantly pushing back at the city’s seeming conservatism. The CBD is made up of precincts; distinct enclaves each with its own flavour and charm. Some are just a lane or two, while others cover the banks of the Yarra River or a busy CBD street. 
When time constraints dictate seeing only one major attraction, hotel guests often opt for a trip to the Melbourne Zoo, with other favourites being the Rialto Towers Observation Deck, the National Gallery of Victoria, and the Botanic Gardens. Fairy penguins reside on nearby Phillip Island. Yarra River development has brought sparkle to a one-time eyesore transformed into a vibrant entertainment district called Southgate. From the Alexandria Bridge behind Flinders Street Station, pedestrians can tour through myriad bars, shops and restaurants on the south side of the river.
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