Melbourne Is A Must For Senior Visitors

One of this senior’s daughters recently returned from Melbourne after spending a week there. She found it to be one of the most beautiful cities she had ever visited. Considering having been to Paris, Rome, London, Prague, Vienna and Budapest, that is quite a statement.

She had spent time in Sidney as an undergraduate studying wildlife on a University Program, so she is well acquainted with Australian city life and culture.

Melbourne, Victoria’s coastal capital, is a city of stately 19th-century buildings and tree-lined boulevards. Yet at its center is the strikingly modern Federation Square development, with plazas, bars, restaurants and cultural events along the Yarra River. Melbourne is the second most populous city in Australia and is said to be “The World’s Most Liveable City

Founded by free settlers from the British Crown colony of Van Diemen’s Land on 30 August 1835, in what was then the colony of New South Wales, it was incorporated as a Crown settlement in 1837. It was named “Melbourne” by the Governor of New South Wales, Sir Richard Bourke. It was officially declared a city by Queen Victoria in 1847, after which it became the capital of the newly founded colony of Victoria in 1851.

Seniors Enjoy Australia’s Cultural Capital

Lonely Planet notes that stylish, arty Melbourne is a city that’s both dynamic and cosmopolitan, and proud of its place as Australia’s cultural capital.  Sport is also crucial to the fabric of the town, taking on something of a religious nature. Melburnians are passionate about AFL football (‘footy’), cricket and horse racing, and also love their grand-slam tennis and Formula One car racing.

Melbourne is an international cultural center spanning major events and festivals, drama, musicals, comedy, music, art, architecture, literature, film and television. The climate, waterfront location and nightlife make it one of the most vibrant destinations in Australia.

The city’s annual cultural events and festivals include Australia’s largest free community festival—Moomba, the Melbourne International Arts Festival, Melbourne International Film Festival, Melbourne International Comedy Festival and the Melbourne Fringe Festival.

The culture of the city is an important drawcard for tourists, of which just under two million international overnight visitors and 57.7 million domestic overnight visited during the year ending March 2014.

 Seniors Discover the Excitement and Beauty Of Melbourne

Senior visitors are invited to discover Melbourne’s secret laneways and rooftops, the cultural hub of Federation Square, buzzing bars, boutiques and eateries, and the iconic MCG. Experience St Kilda, the Royal Botanic Gardens, bohemian Brunswick Street and the nation-stopping excitement of the Spring Racing Carnival.

Seniors are also invited to join world class events such as the Australian Grand Prix.  Take a day trip to the Mornington Peninsula or to Phillip Island for fairy penguins. TripAdvisor with over 250 attractions to enjoy places the Botanical Gardens high on their list.

Seniors, check with Qantas Airlines and your travel agent and put Melbourne on your travel bucket list. It’s on mine. -jeb