'Must Do' Melbourne
With the Conference providing the perfect backdrop, why not experience a long weekend Moomba holiday in Melbourne like you’ve never experienced before?
With a multitude of things to do just a short walk from the Conference venue, the central location of the conference caters for every interest.
With centres of sport, art, culture, shopping, and tourist attractions encompassing the venue’s picturesque surrounds, conference‐goers will have a multitude of things to see and do immediately at hand.
As a world renowned centre of culture, Melbourne has something for everyone.
Whether it’s a ballet recital, a fettuccine carbonara, cheering a fierce hip and shoulder, playing a hand of blackjack or just a romantic stroll along the Yarra to the botanical gardens, Melbourne’s top attractions are all within strolling distance.
...so what’s to see?
Sport & Leisure
Sport & Leisure
Australian Rules Football is a Melbourne institution. And what better places to see AFL teams fight it out than the word‐class stadiums at Docklands (indoor) and the 100,000 seat Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
The MCEC of Australian Rules Football (and some say the heart of Melbourne), the MCG, sits within view of Southbank’s office blocks and adjacent to both Birrarung Marr and the home of Australian Open Tennis at Melbourne Park (also open for public play). The MCG also houses the Australian Sporting Museum, an interactive museum for all ages containing memorabilia and memories from a variety of Aussie sporting icons.
For those who like to be a participator rather than just a spectator of active pursuits, the Yarra River provides some of Melbourne’s most scenic bike paths. If you prefer to sweat it out on foot, Melbourne’s Botanical Gardens “Tan Track” is the ultimate circuit. Just a light jog or walk from Southbank’s hotels and shopping precinct, the Tan Track is famous for its leafy locale whilst infamous for its challenging Anderson Street Hill. A great way to work off that sumptuous dinner!
A gentle stretch, yoga session or even picnic within the tranquil surrounds of the gardens however might be just the touch for those looking to take it easier.
Dining & Food
A Culinary Smorgasbord
Melbourne’s proud multicultural heritage has bestowed upon it some of the best restaurants and cuisine any connoisseur could ask for. With the finest class options residing both North and South of the Yarra River and nearby the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, you’re sure to find plenty of what you like.
Highlights include top‐end cuisine at Breezes, Nobu and Number 8 in Crown while Red Emperor at Southgate provides a delectable Yum Cha menu with stunning views. Al fresco lunchtime dining in Melbourne’s laneways is an experience not to be missed and of course there’s the saucy Italian dishes only a short hop away in Lygon Street, Carlton. For those looking for something exotic, the bright atmosphere of Melbourne’s Chinatown provides a lively setting with a menu to match.
No matter what your taste in venue or menu or whether you want to try something familiar or completely new, Melbourne has a restaurant to entertain every one of your senses!
Melbourne Shopping
A Shopper’s Delight
With iconic departments stores like Myer in the centre of the city and Southgate and Crown shopping precincts just a short walk away from the conference venue, Rotarians will have plenty of opportunities to shop or just browse during their spare time.
And there’s plenty of options just a short ride away by public transport. Whether it’s a love of fashion to be indulged on Chapel St in Prahran, a desire for bargains to be discovered on Bridge Rd in Richmond, or a hankering for variety and fresh produce at the Victoria Market in North Melbourne, you can find it all.
Melbourne offers the lot – from the factory outlets (a huge collection of which can be found at Melbourne’s DFO just across the river from the Convention Centre on Spencer Street) to the trendy confines of Melbourne Central (spectacularly built around the old lead shot tower now surrounded by a giant cone of glass) and the boutiques of converted mail centre, Melbourne GPO.
Art, Music & Theatre
A Love of The Arts
Southbank is truly the hub of Melbourne’s arts precinct, with the State Theatre and Hamer Hall (The Melbourne Concert Hall) housed beneath the spire of Melbourne’s Arts Centre. With ballet, stage shows and concerts shown year round, the world class venues are the ultimate place to watch all the big shows.
The National Gallery of Victoria is dually situated at both the Ian Potter Centre at Federation Square and the main collection upon St Kilda Rd next to the Art Centre. With highlights including permanent displays of Aboriginal art, Heidelberg School painters and old masters, the St Kilda Rd premises waterwall entrance itself is something to be seen.
And for those who love theatre, the Melbourne Theatre Company’s innovative and captivating 500 seat theatre in Southbank provides an intimate experience to catch come of Australia’s best acting talent.
...And What Else?
If you have some great ideas for things to see and do in Melbourne, we’d love to hear your secrets! Send your tips of things to see and do in Melbourne to Victor Sullivan at v.sullivan@unicol.unimelb.edu.au
