Federation Square is considered my many to be the civic and cultural heart of Melbourne, located…read moreat the intersection of Flinders and Swanston Streets. It is built on a massive deck over active railway lines and serves as a major hub for art galleries, museums, and public events. After hanging out here a couple times, I didn't think that the square itself was all that impressive. Rather, the cultural opportunities (NGV Australia or the Koorie Heritage Trust for example) around the square are well worth the time and effort. There's also lots of restaurants, the river, and other opportunities for enjoyment in the immediate area.

(Visited 12/16/24 MO @ 10:00am): I couldn't tell whether or not this space was a square, but it…read morecertainly was larger nonetheless! A friend and I were on Day 3 of our 12-Day Southern Australia Explorer cruise with Princess Cruises, we took the local train into town, and after a stop at St. Paul's Cathedral, we proceeded to Federation Square. Apparently, this was one of the noted places to visit for tourists, so we headed that way. Considered a gateway to the city's art precinct and a public square, it was the civic, cultural, and community heart of Melbourne. Additionally, it was home to Victoria's three major cultural institutions: Australia's Museum Of Screen Culture (ACMI), the Koorie Heritage Trust (KHT), and The Ian Potter Centre NGV Australia https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=8P5_T0u1fojYo7LgE3IUjA for a full day of things to do. Since its opening in 2002, it has been a major event centre. In 2019, it was listed on the Victorian Heritage Register which made it the youngest building/structure in Australia to ever be recognized in this way. Was this square worth it as it was fed to us a tourist stop!? PURCHASE Towards the end of the day before we headed back to our ship, we did stop at an eatery located within Federation Square (Beer Deluxe) for some beer and snacks. There were other opportunities to spend money here, but this was it for us. Look for the review...! SERVICE Other than the apparent city workers who were cleaning in and around the area and the employees of the many varied businesses https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=wCid_kDzw81xYuto-W2mAg throughout, that was about it - 'nuff said. PARKING (Varied; N/A this instance) There was an ample onsite parking lot at various rates ($8.00AUD - $64.00AUD) based on day, event, reason, and time. However, there appeared to be a decent amount of parking on all surrounding streets (please note any posted signs), and of course the wonderful public transportation such as the tram system which we conveniently took and then walked the rest of the way - 'nuff said. ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE All at once a large open-air area with structures that housed eateries, museums, offices and more, there was nearly something for everyone. During this festive Christmas holiday, there was of course a Christmas tree decoration https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=ydcf4W5kpfUoK3vPD8LApw prominently displayed visibly from the nearby streets. Obviously, there was plenty of natural lighting (the main square was outdoors after all) while hung outdoor stage and street electric lights filled in the rest. Generally speaking, I didn't see any TVs nor heard any background music unless you were in any of the other businesses or considered the outside street traffic. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=0VrAORus1dVnwx3MpMopOA ATTIRE Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops. OVERALL Federation Square was a fine place to visit whether it was to experience some culture, dining, an event, or simply to hangout and people-watch, there were plenty of things to do. Frankly, I'd enjoy anything that happened outdoors. Getting here was a breeze, and if this wasn't your speed, at the very least it was a good meeting place. I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $0.00AUD / $0.00USD BEFORE any discounts/tip). And, I was unaware whether or not they accepted my credit card of choice (for donations and givings)... AMEX! 4.0 STARS

A quaint cottage at Fitzroy garden. Visitors can enter at a…read morefee, and they have staff dressed in clothing styled back in the day. There are costumes that visitors can also try out for a photo opportunity.

It's well worth a visit. Set in the beautiful Fitzroy Gardens and now with a stunning Information…read morecentre and cafe located right next door, Cook's Cottage is a great place to learn about the European discovery of Australia. The small cottage and its garden are beautiful and the volunteers that dress up in costumes of the era are a great addition.

AN ESTATE PERSERVED IN TIME!…read more Rippon Lea House and Garden is a perserved estate captured in time. Ever wanted to see how the wealthy from Downtown Abby might have lived? Or curious on the placement of antique levers in the home (call buttons, air vents in rooms) The grounds are excellent for bringing the family on a warm day for A picnic and photographic field trips. I highly recommend Rippon Lea for wedding receptions as the setting as a natrual wonderment. The outdoor garden is an excellent place for children to highten the senses! Discovery of beautiful florals and some wildlife that it caters to. There are a few caged rabbits and a few tropical birds and one bird named Elmo, a green tropical. Some of the food offered in the Gate house are delectable goodies! Wagon wheel biscuits, chocolate cookies, and other sweet bits. Also a good variety of packaged sandwiches and coffee. The products in the gift shop are also hard to pass up. A huge amount of the variety consist of hard to find items and or only made in Melbourne. Dont forget to take a tour of the Mansion, Its a must! Take a view of a mans only toilet from the late 1800s and a dinning room redecorated in the 1950s remenesient of the film: The Great Gatsby. A very memorable stroll through for the day at Rippon Lea will make you feel that you jumped back to late 1800s/early 1900s. Extrodinary!!!!

Wow! This really is a slice of Hollywood heaven in Melbourne. The heritage house and gardens are…read moreregularly open to the public (National Trust members are free). The ground are extensive and include a veggie patch, fernery, lake, boating house & waterfall (to name a few). I would highly recommend bringing your camera if you are a photographer, both for the amazing house and views on offer. Bring your family and friends to check out the historic house & gardens, remember to stop at the coffee shop for afternoon tea before you leave!

This is an absolutely delightful place hidden among the rugged bushland that happens to be Yarra…read moreBend Park. The first time I came down here was to meet some friends, and it is certainly one of those rather lovely places in which to do that. In a way it is a cross between a kiosk, a café, and a full blown restaurant, that also gets into the business of lending out row boats for those people who simply want to go back to the 17th Century, when wealthy people would play rowboat on the local pond. In a way, this is one of those perfect places for afternoon tea with friends, especially on a public holiday.

This was one of my favourite places in the 80s and it hasn't been updated our repainted since. The…read morebest thing about it is the nature. Unfortunately I can't really recommend the kiosk and they even charge a credit card surcharge, just like in the 80s.

Located on level 3 of Melbourne's historic GPO, Alto is a modern event space with panoramic city…read moreviews, floor to ceiling glass walls, chandeliers and a raw industrial feel that makes the venue perfect for entertaining. I was fortunate enough to attend Alto for a corporate event and was very impressed by the versatility of the space, including the outdoor deck. Another highlight was the exceptional catering provided by Damm Fine Food. The event was to celebrate the Melbourne branch of a global company. Ingeniously, Damm Fine food created an extensive selection of hors d'œuvres representing each country in which the office was located. I highly recommend checking out Alto and Damm Fine Food for your next event designed to impress!

Absolutely sign up for a guided tour to view this building. You start the tour at the museum next…read moredoor and then walk over to the Royal Exhibition Building. You get to walk in and take as many pics as you'd like. Then, you go down stairs into the basement. And then, on the way back you go up to the rooftop. The rooftop has great views of the city and surrounding areas. I took a ton of pics up there and we had a great time. After that, you'll walk back down to the 2nd floor and take more pics inside. I can't believe how much original stuff is still here. Great way to spend an hour.

Beautiful Heritage listed building that ins now over 140 years old. Great for photos. The…read moreMelbourne Museum is nearby, and there are many excellent cafes and restaurants just short walk away, Garry Image by Aspect Property Photography https://www.aspectpro.com.au/

This is a function centre and there could be a different thing on every time you come…read more It was once a theatre but is now a function centre. It is a beautiful old building for Melbourne. It can sit about 300 with a large bar area or host 15 to 20 stands during a promotion event inside. There is a sizeable outside area that has vehicle access and can be used for vans or cars used in the event. There is limited street park and very close to the Alfred hospital so parking can be difficult. There quick access from trams on St,Kilda Rd or buses in Punt Rd. This is a great place to hold the right function.

What a glorious blue stone building. This place would make a stunning wedding reception venue or a…read morehell of a 21st location. Situated next door to the now "Project" (ex Belgian Beer Garden Bluestone), it's close to tram's so getting there is a breeze from Flinders Street. I went on the day they hosted Pinot Pallooza, so it was squishy, take away the stands and red wine and it would be a beautiful place for any event.

So I worked on this piece of writing recently whereby I interviewed a bunch of people from…read moreAbbotsford Convent about their ghost stories from the place. There are plenty. The main kind of repeated story (four people told me independently of a similar experience) is of a sudden rush of anxiety when climbing the eastern stair well in the main convent building. The anxiety builds to a kind of terror as the people enter the nuns quarters and has forced people to avoid this part of the building altogether. I can't say I experienced this myself, but there are certainly some spooky nooks and corridors in this complex. The convent conduct a walking tour of the place on weekends and though they won't highlight the 'haunted' spots, the place has such an amazing history (from Indigenous meeting place, through the convent and girls-home years, and into its existence today as a buzzing arts and social hub) that it's well worth the few dollars. Alternatively, you can pick up a brochure from the office and take yourself to the south eastern breezeway that cuts through the former laundries of the girls home. Stay after dark... I dare ya.

If you are in need of a weekend away but can't manage it then may I suggest a visit to Abbotsford…read moreConvent? The Convent feels world away from Melbourne despite its proximity to the CBD. There is something about the spacious grounds, historical buildings and range of eateries that promotes relaxation and escape. Maybe it's just after the battle to find a parking spot in nearby streets anything feels serene in comparison. When exploring the various buildings and grounds of the Convent you feel as though you are discovering something new. Whether it be a new favourite dish, a new piece of art in the gallery spaces or a new view of the Yarra. This space is very hospitable. It hosts markets, conferences, tours and you can also book various area's of the Convent for functions. On my last visit a wedding was underway and the happy couple appeared to be in love with the location, and hopefully each other. Grab a table at the Bakery or a spot on the lawn and write me a postcard!