A Family Experience From Melbourne

I have never been to anywhere outside India. So, if I end up winning then I would love to bring my family along to the “Cosmopolitan, elegant and chic” -  Melbourne. That would mean extra work and extra expense, but the benefits will be undoubtedly worth it.

Family trips help create amazing memories. Years and even decades after family vacations, children will still be able to tell funny stories about the time that they had while swimming in the sea, watching a Giraffe, or while camping in the hills. As a couple too, we love to remember stories of the romance on our trips, looking at the photographs.

Moreover, I firmly believe in introducing the concept of traveling to children when they are young, and they’ll grow up understanding that there is a huge world outside of their hometown. They’ll have firsthand experiences that will help them in their growing years and beyond, and then they will pass down their love of travel to their own children and grandchildren! 

Keeping this in mind I informed my family consisting of me, my husband, grand parents & 2 dear children, that I am planning a vacation. So each of us should prepare a list of things they want to do in their vacation. And then accordingly I will decide on the place, which has something to offer for everyone. (Although I had Melbourne on my mind. But I wanted to check that everyone wants to go there, which would require that what they want is there in the city)

Prepared by Family

So, after getting the list I clicked open the Melbourne website. I matched the things in the list with the various attractions and locales in the city. I was absolutely amazed to find that Melbourne had everything for every age group be it children, young or older people.

After Matching with Melbourne

Melbourne - The World's Most Liveable City, was founded in 1835 by settlers from Launceston in Van Diemen's Land and was named by Governor of New South Wales Sir Richard Bourke in 1837, in honor of the British Prime Minister of the day, William Lamb, 2nd Viscount Melbourne. Melbourne was officially declared a city by Queen Victoria in 1847. A city as old as this has a strong historical and cultural presence with a plethora of  ornate Victorian-era structures

The list of 11 experiences as a family we would love to bring back from Melbourne are  - 

• Historical - Melbourne founded in 1835 by settlers from Launceston in Van Diemen's Land and was named by Governor of New South Wales Sir Richard Bourke in 1837, in honor of the British Prime Minister of the day, William Lamb, 2nd Viscount Melbourne. Melbourne was officially declared a city by Queen Victoria in 1847. A city as old as this has a strong historical and cultural presence with a plethora of  ornate Victorian-era structures, heritage sites and glorious examples of art. Melbourne Museum, Sovereign Hill, Old Melbourne Gaol Crime & Justice experiences will be on our list. My mother in law, father in law and children will all love these attractions. 

• Cultural - With its many art galleries like National Gallery of Victoria with around 65000 artworks, film festivals, orchestras, choral and opera productions, vibrant live music scene, Melbourne is often called the cultural capital of Australia. Then Federation Square, located right across the road from Flinders St station in Central Melbourne is an entertainment and cultural center. There are also many concerts and exhibitions throughout the year. In our visit we would love to visit some of these places to learn and understand the culture of the people of Melbourne. 

• Sports - Melbourne is the unofficial sporting capital of Australia with the most famous Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), the Rod Laver Arena where the Australian Open final is played and Flemington Racecourse for the famous Melbourne Cup horse race. 

• Water Sports - With a rich underwater world of marine life, shipwrecks, kelp forests and colorful corals, water sports like Sailing, Snorkeling and Scuba diving will be a great experience to bring from exotic city of Melbourne. 

• Shopping - The best experience a woman can have anywhere is shopping be lit local produce, fashionable clothes or souvenirs while travelling. Queen Victoria Market is a historical landmark where shoppers go in search of freshest produce , cheese, fresh bread, wine etc. In my list it is the top most place to go when in Melbourne. Other than that there are goodies galore to explore across the various lanes under the bright lights of the retail departmental stores. From fresh designer clothes, small trinkets to chic home items, Melbourne is just bursting with shopping destinations.

• Food & Wine - Home to world's some of the most famous chefs and now the current destination of Master Chef Australia 2013, Melbourne is rich in hottest restaurants, aromatic cafes and exotic wines. We would love to explore the Lygon St lined with Italian restaurants, Little Bourke St in the CBD for Chinese and Ackland St in St Kilda is lined with restaurants offering all types of cuisines. Being a Coffee lover, my father in law will want to have freshly brewed coffee in the laid back coffee shops along with cellar door tastings at winery restaurants.

• Nightlife - Melbourne has many nightclubs, pubs, bars and live music events, giving rhythm to the night life and adding romance, where you can dance from dusk to dawn. A fun experience for all the young generation.

• Nature - One of the most popular things to do when travelling to any place is getting close to the Mother nature. Inhale the fresh air on the trip down the Great Ocean Road. The highlight of the Great Ocean Road is a collection of limestone stacks known as the 12 Apostles which are one of Australia's most iconic landmarks. Other than that Melbourne is home to some great parks and gardens to explore. Not to miss visiting the Melbourne Aquarium and Zoo for children to discover the rich wildlife and marine life. A great experience for the family to bring from the city which is the most livable city in the world as of 2012. 

• Fun - We are looking for thrill seeking experience with the kids at the iconic Mr Moon gates adventure park or Luna Park which is the ultimate destination for fun in Melbourne, the buzzing atmosphere is packed with rides, attractions, parties and activities for the whole family to enjoy. Even the Galactic Circus, Australia's largest indoor interactive theme park is not to be missed with family. High in the air, a balloon flight is also on our list of experiences to bring which is a great way to discover the city treasures.

• Relaxing - Lastly, at the end of the trip we would love to have some me time where we can get refreshed to return to face the world again. Home to natural mineral springs, geothermal waters and spas, Melbourne is just the right place to offer a great luxury and relaxing experience.

And other than these experiences, we would bring a great family fun filled Learning experience from Melbourne which we would remember all our lifetime.

There is always something new and exiting to discover in Melbourne. So, guys & gals, single or with family .............its your time to visit Melbourne NOW !!

Melbourne For Children

For Everyone

All pictures are via