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XIV maltatoday, Sunday, 8 March 2015 Travel Australia's most liveable city Melbourne Located around Port Phillip Bay in south-east Australia, the state capital of Victoria is a major centre of commerce, industry and cultural activit y. The cit y is notable for its mix of Victorian and contemporary architecture, its extensive tram network, parks and gardens and its diverse, mul- ticultural societ y. The cit y cel- ebrates a wide variet y of annual cultural events, performing arts and architecture. Visitors come for its shopping, restaurants, nightlife and sporting calendar; most agree that it's one of the world 's most liveable cities. What to do? Nothing you have ever expe- rienced will prepare you for the awe-inspiring views from the highest viewing platform in the Southern Hemisphere at Mel- bourne's Eureka Tower. Skydeck 88 is one of Melbourne's 'must see' attractions. Two dedicated 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 inside. Apart from the unforgettable panorama, Skydeck 88 entertains the entire family with a host of activities and fascinating facts. Touch and discover 'Serendip- it y', the six metre long, interac- tive Table of Knowledge; follow the scrolling LED f loor and wall displays; match the directional sounds to the Melbourne land- mark or simply step on to the Terrace and expose yourself to the outside elements. Melbourne Museum showcases Australian social history, indig- enous cultures, science and the environment. Located adjacent to the World Heritage listed Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens, more than one million tourists a year explore Melbourne's rich history in the Melbourne Story exhibition – be immersed in evocative stories and discover the icons and personali- ties that have shaped Melbourne since the early 1800s. See Phar Lap, Australia's leg- endary racehorse, in the f lesh or walk among skeletons of amaz- ing animals from the past – from dinosaurs, f lying reptiles and megafauna among many other exciting exhibits. Opened in 1878, the Queen Victoria Market is more than just Melbourne's shopping mecca. This 19th century market is a his- toric landmark, tourist attraction and an institution for all Melbur- nians. 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 oldest prison, historic Magistrates' Court and former Police Cit y Watch House, Russell Street has been at the heart of crime, law and order in Mel- bourne since the 1840s. Most of Australia's infamous characters, including iconic bushranger Ned Kelly, and no- torious gangster Squizzy Taylor have spent time within the walls of this amazing precinct. A ticket to the Old Melbourne Gaol Crime & Justice Experience 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, mag- nificent rock stacks that rise up majestically from the Southern Ocean on Victoria'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 limestone, forming caves in the cliffs, which eventually became arches and when they collapsed rock stacks up to 45 metres high were left isolated from the shore. 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 foot- ball, where the game first became organised in 1859. On 6 Novem- ber the horseracing world focuses 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. How to get there? Emirates offer daily f lights from Malta to Melbourne with a stopover in Dubai and Singapore. Flights departing from Malta on 19 March and returning on 2 April were priced at €1,265.00 including tax at the time of going to print. Total f lying time is ap- proximately 22.5 hours. 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 Check out the best views of Melbourne city from the top of the Eureka Skydeck 88