Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/357188
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 3 AUGUST 2014 34 Melbourne LOCATED around Port Phillip Bay in southeast Australia, the state capital of Victoria, is a major centre of commerce, industry and cultural activity. The city is notable for its mix of Victorian and contemporary archi- tecture, its extensive tram network, parks and gardens and its diverse, multicultural society. The city cel- ebrates a wide variety of annual cultural events, performing arts and architecture. Visitors come for its shopping, res- taurants, nightlife and sporting cal- endar; most agree that it's one of the world's most liveable cities What to do? Nothing you have ever experienced will prepare you for the awe-inspiring views from the highest viewing plat- form in the Southern Hemisphere at Melbourne's Eureka Tower. Skydeck 88 is one of Melbourne's 'must see' attractions. Two dedicat- ed lifts propel visitors to Level 88 in under 40 seconds - and only Skydeck 88 can take you to "The Edge" - a switchable glass cube which slides out from the building - with you in- side. Apart from the unforgettable pan- orama, Skydeck 88 entertains the entire family with a host of activi- ties and fascinating facts. Touch and discover 'Serendipity', the six-metre long, interactive Table of Knowledge; follow the scrolling LED floor and wall displays; match the directional sounds to the Melbourne landmark or simply step on to the Terrace and expose yourself to the outside ele- ments. Melbourne Museum showcases Australian social history, indig- enous cultures, science and the en- vironment. Located adjacent to the World Heritage listed Royal Exhibi- tion Building and Carlton Gardens. More than one million tourists a year explore Melbourne's rich histo- ry in the Melbourne Story exhibition - be immersed in evocative stories and discover the icons and person- alities that have shaped Melbourne since the early 1800s. See Phar Lap, Australia's legendary racehorse, in the flesh or walk amongst skeletons of amazing animals from the past including dinosaurs, flying reptiles and megafauna among many other exciting exhibits. Opened in 1878, the Queen Vic- toria Market is more than just Mel- bourne's shopping mecca. This 19th century market is a historic land- mark, tourist attraction and an in- stitution for all Melburnians. Find fresh fruit, vegetables and seafood, clothing, baggage, toys, jewellery, new-age products and souvenirs at sinful prices. Step back in time and walk the road to the gallows in a 19th century prison, be arrested in a modern- day Police Station or put yourself on trial in court. Home to the old- est prison, historic Magistrates' Court and former Police City Watch House, Russell Street has been at the heart of crime, law and order in Melbourne since the 1840s. Most of Australia's infamous char- acters, including iconic bushranger Ned Kelly and notorious gangster Squizzy Taylor, have spent time within the walls of this amazing precinct. A ticket to the Old Mel- bourne Gaol Crime & Justice Expe- rience grants you visiting rights to the past, present and future of crime and justice in Australia. Witness the rugged splendour of the famous 12 Apostles, magnificent rock stacks that rise up majestically from the Southern Ocean on Victo- ria's dramatic coastline. Created by constant erosion of the limestone cliffs of the mainland beginning 10-20 million years ago, the stormy Southern Ocean and blasting winds gradually eroded the softer lime- stone, forming caves in the cliffs, which eventually became arches leaving rock stacks up to 45 metres when they collapsed. View the 12 Apostles at sunrise and sunset as they change colour from dark and foreboding in shadow to brilliant sandy yellow under a full sun. Melbourne is home to some of the greatest sporting events in the southern hemisphere. Check out a game of Aussie rules football where the game first began in 1859. On 6 November the horseracing world fo- cuses on Melbourne, where horses from all over the world meet for the coveted Melbourne Cup. The Emirates Melbourne Cup Tour is celebrating its 10th an- niversary this year and has begun a three-month adventure visiting 26 destinations across rural and regional communities across Aus- tralia and New Zealand giving them the chance to experience the magic of the iconic trophy. Where to stay? Experience the ultimate in luxury in close vicinity to the city's business district, fashion, shopping, sports, parks and gardens, restaurants, ca- fes and nightlife at the Langham Hotel, www.melbourne.langham- hotels.com.au. Perched on the south bank of the Yarra River the hotel offers picturesque views of the city from many of its 387 rooms. The Great Ocean Road is truly awe-inspiring with great spots like the 12 Apostles and The Loch ard Gorge. The Vue Grand, www.vue- grand.com.au, is a boutique hotel with 32 rooms to suit everyone's needs and budget. The magnificent Turret Suite has breathtaking 180- degree panoramic views, a king- sized bed, heated floor tiles, retract- able plasma screen and a spa with a view for the ultimate costal escape. Just 90 minutes out of central Mel- bourne, the Vue Grand is the perfect getaway. Take a break from the summer heat and head up to the Quay West Resort and Spa Falls Creek, www.mirva- chotels.com/quay-west-resort-spa- falls-creek, a yearlong alpine resort, 4.5 hours outside of Melbourne. The five-star resort offers uninterrupted views of the Kiewa Valley. Spend the day on the slopes followed by luxury massage that uses heat and water to relax the body at the all-day spa and round off the night with dinner and drinks at the stylish restaurant bar or café. Where to eat? If it's more than a bite to eat you're after, check out Attica, www.attica. com.au, for a true dining experience. Go for a fully-fledged eight-course meal complete with accompanying wines or a smaller tasting menu of five courses. The chefs use Tuesday night to try out new things with a degustation menu of five courses at a reduced rate. If you're travelling in company, take advantage of Attica's private dining room, which seats up to 12 people, where you can indulge in five or eight courses. In Great Ocean Road area, stop at Summer Sensations Café and Berry Gardens, www.summersensations. com.au, where you can spend a few hours picking fresh berries before having lunch at the café. Check out the delectable Boysen- berry and apple pie, berry smooth- ies and homemade berry ice-cream among other treats while the kids stay entertained in the play area. A full range of jams, dessert sauces, vinegars, cordials, chutneys and rel- ishes made on the premises are also available. Stokehouse, www.stokehousemel- bourne.com.au, makes the most of its beachfront position, cleverly catering to families and drop-ins downstairs, and turning on its best in the light, bright and newly reno- vated room upstairs for fine diners. It's a fixture on the Melbourne din- ing scene and known for its seafood, service and the bay views on offer. Book for upstairs though there can also be a wait downstairs. How to get there? Emirates offer daily flights from Malta to Melbourne with a stopo- ver in Dubai and Singapore. Flights departing from Malta on 13 August and returning on 27 August were priced at €1,554.00 including tax at the time of going to print. Total flying time is approximately 22.5 hours. TRAVEL Australia's most liveable city Check out the best views of Melbourne city from the top of the Eureka Skydeck 88 The 12 Apostles are magnificent rock stacks that rise majestically from the Southern Ocean after taking a beating from angry seas for 20 million years Catch a glimpse of some of the best racehorses whizz by in the Melbourne Cup Melbourne has been voted Most Liveable City three times since 2002 by the Economist