Melbourne is often referred to as Australia's garden city, and Victoria as the Garden State, for good reason. There is an abundance of parks and gardens close to the CBD with a variety of common and rare plant species amid landscaped vistas, pedestrian pathways, and majestic tree lined avenues that help make Melbourne one of the world's most livable cities. There are also many parks in the surrounding suburbs of Melbourne such as in the in the bouroughs of Stonnington and Booroondara, south east of the CBD. Victoria - Garden State, was used on Victorian car number plates up to 1995 and many regional towns have well tendered botanic gardens, parks and tree lined avenues.
Accessible and approachable, Melbourne has long been known as a city of few sights but plenty of lifestyle, a place to sit and enjoy a coffee or stroll in a park rather than traipse round museums and tourist attractions. However, successive governments have transformed the city, and now high-rise buildings and new developments are popping up like mushrooms. The shift towards the Yarra river that kicked off in the mid-1990s with the waterfront development of Southgate, Crown Casino and Melbourne Exhibition Centre is complemented by the new Federation Square opposite Flinders Street Station. CityLink, a network of city bypasses connecting the freeways out of the city, began operation in late 2000, the same year that the brand-new Colonial Stadium and Melbourne Museum opened their doors, and major refurbishment of the National Gallery of Victoria is finishing up.
This construction frenzy is to continue unabated with the Dockhands project. In the next ten to fifteen years an entire new waterfront city will rise from what is at present an urban wasteland. Depending on the outcome (and one's point of view, of course) the Docklands might add an exciting new dimension to the city or create yet another manifestation of shallow, hedonistic materialism in the vein of the casino. Looking at the artists' impressions of the future slick waterfront city, however, the association of "Gold Coast on the Yarra" does not seem terribly far-fetched.
North of this area of redevelopment, the Central Business District (CBD), bounded by Latrobe, Spring, Flinders and Spencer streets, offers some fine public buildings and lots of shops, with the Old Melbourne Gaol exerting a ghoulish fascination and a new museum in the Old Customs House sheds light on Victoria's immigration history. On all sides, save the downtown west, the CBD is surrounded by gardens; few cities have so much green space so close to the centre. To the north a wander through lively, century-old Queen Victoria Market will repay both serious shoppers and people-watchers, while the newly built Melbourne Museum in the tranquil Carlton Gardens draws on the latest technology to give an insight into Australia's flora, fauna and culture. In the east the CBD rubs up against Eastern Hill , with its government buildings and landscaped Fitzroy Gardens , from where it's a short walk to the venerable Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) , a must for sports fans. To the south is the previously much-maligned, muddy Yarra River , which is slowly being turned into an attraction. You'll get a rewarding view of the city skyline on a stroll along the riverbanks in front of Southgate and the casino, and a unique look at underwater life at Melbourne Aquarium on the opposite side of the river, while the best way to appreciate the changing vistas of city and parklands is on a boat cruise . South of the river, the Victorian Arts Centre , whose highlights are the Performing Arts Museum and the National Gallery of Victoria, forms a cultural strip on one side of St Kilda Road, while on the other Government House and the impressive Shrine of Remembrance front the Royal Botanic Gardens , where along with the soothing greenery you'll get a dose of horticultural education.
Melbourne attracts large numbers of tourists, particularly young backpackers. It also hosts a disproportionately large number of spectator sports. Melbourne's restaurants are numerous, and are generally of reasonable quality and good value. As one would expect from a city its size, Melbourne contains all manner of pubs, bars, and nightclubs. There are a variety of interesting things to see outside Melbourne proper but still within a day trip of Melbourne.
Melbourne is home to The Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre.
Several universities are also located in Melbourne, including Deakin University, La Trobe University, Monash University, RMIT University, Swinburne University of Technology, the University of Melbourne, and Victoria University of Technology.
St Kilda is Victoria's busiest beach.
National Tennis Centre, Melbourne is a world class sporting and entertainment venue built in 1988 in Flinders Park, it comprises a 15 000 seat main stadium with a retractable roof and other outdoors courts.
Chinatown is a distinctive and well known area of Melbourne which dates back to the gold rush days the 1850s. Importantly, Melbourne's Chinatown is the longest continuous Chinese settlement in the western world. Chinatown essential character and main focus is along Little Bourke Street from alleys which link the area to Bourke St and Lonsdale St.
Melbourne's Tullamarine Airport is 22km northwest of the city on the Tullamarine Freeway.
Melbourne Hotels Accommodation - Hotels in Melbourne Australia
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 HILTON ON THE PARK- MELBOURNE, 192 Wellington Parade, Melbourne, Victoria, 3002, Australia
The Hilton on the Park — Melbourne occupies a unique position in the city. Situated next to the beautiful Fitzroy Gardens, it is only a five-minute walk from the city's downtown shopping and commercial district, and is directly opposite the Melbourne Cricket Ground and Melbourne Park Tennis Centre.
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HILTON MELBOURNE AIRPORT, Arrival Drive , Melbourne Airport , Melbourne, Victoria 3043 , Australia
Hilton Melbourne Airport, one of the finest airport hotels in the world, is only metres from Melbourne International Airport and connected via covered walkways to both the domestic and international terminals.
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BEST WESTERN MILL PARK MOTOR INN, 14 THE LINK - Melbourne, VC, Australia
The Newly Built Best Western Mill Park Motor Inn Is Located In The Heart Of The City Of Whittlesea, Just A 25 Minute Drive From Melbourne Cbd And Melbourne International Airport. Experience The Luxury Of The Well Appointed Accommodations Whilst Exploring The Local Area That Offers Attractions To Suit All Ages And Budgets. Our Attentive Staff Takes Pride In Providing Personalized Service, Which Has Become A Hallmark Of Our Hotel. So Whether It Be Business Or Leisure You Can Be Assured That The Best Western Mill Park Motor Inn Will Take Good Care Of You During Your Visit.
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BEST WESTERN CITY LIMITS HOTEL , 20 22 LITTLE BOURKE STREET - Melbourne, VC, Australia
Best Western City Limits Hotel Is A Boutique Property Of 32 Studio Apartments Ideally Located In The Entertainment Precinct Of Melbourne S Cbd. Nestle Among Restaurants, Bars, Theatres And Shopping Precincts All Of Melbourne S Charms Are At Your Doorstep When Staying At Best Western City Limits Hotel. Fully Refurbished In 2002, All Our Rooms Are Tastefully Decorated And Equipped With All The Modern Conveniences Expected Of A Four Star Property Including Kitchenette And An En Suite Bathroom. When Next Traveling To Melbourne, Stay At Best Western City Limits Hotel Where Our Experienced And Friendly Staff Are On Call 24 Hours To Ensure Your Stay Is An Enjoyable One.
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BEST WESTERN BELL MOTOR INN , 2 PATTERSON STREET - Melbourne, VC, Australia
The Best Western Bell Motor Inn Is Located North Of The Central Business District Of Melbourne In Preston. The Meeting Room Will Accommodate Up To 40 Guests, And Our Landscaped Heated Outdoor Pool Area Is Sure To Be Enjoyed. We Also Offer Off Street Parking. Our 33 Rooms Are Well Appointed And Offer Refrigerators, Cable Television With Movie Channels, Radio, Iron And Ironing Board, In Room Coffee Maker And A Desk/Work Area With Dataports And Fax Connection. Star Rating Of 3.5.
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BEST WESTERN MELBOURNES , 703 PARK STREET - Carlton North, VC, Australia
Let The Best Western Melbourne S Princes Park Motor Inn Be Your Gateway To An Unforgettable Australian Experience. Ideally Located On The City Edge With The Picturesque Royal Parade As A Beautiful Backdrop, The Elegance Of The City Of Melbourne Is Merely A Stones Throw Away.
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BEST WESTERN BILLANOOK , 420 MAROONDAH HIGHWAY LILYDA - Melbourne, VC, Australia
Situated At The Gateway To The Beautiful And Historic Yarra Valley, The Best Western Billanook Country Inn Is Ideally Located For Both City And Local Buisness Trips And Scenic Country Sightseeing. The Area Abounds In Attractions, Most Of Which Are Within A 15 Minute Drive. The Gourmet And Winery Regions Of Yarra Valley, The Delights Of The Dandenong Ranges, The National Rhodendron Gardens, Healesville Sanctuary And Puffing Billy Steam Train Are Nearby. Shops, Restaurants, Clubs And Local Train Station Within Walking Distance. Come, Relax And Enjoy Your Stay In Comfortable And Pleasant Surroundings.
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BEST WESTERN CITY PARK HOTEL , 308 310 KINGSWAY - Melbourne, VC, Australia
The Best Western City Park Hotel Is Only Minutes Away From Melbourne S Famous Attractions, Such As The Crown Casino Complex, Botanical Gardens, The Arts Centre, The Grand Prix Track, Federation Square, Southbank, St. Kilda Road, Melbourne Aquatic Centre, South Melbourne Market And St. Kilda. The Minute You Walk Into Our Foyer, You Are Welcomed By Our Friendly Staff, Who Are There To Make Your Stay As Comfortable As Possible. Our Boutique Style Hotel Has Many Facilities And Unlike The Large Busy Hotel, We Are Able To Offer You A More Personal Service, Making Your Stay With Us A Relaxed And Enjoyable One. Our Terrific Location Makes The Best Western City Park Hotel The Perfect Accommodation Choice For Your Next Family Holiday Or Business Trip. Star Rating of 3.5.
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BEST WESTERN RIVERSIDE , 474 FLINDERS STREET - Melbourne, VC, Australia
Fully Self Contained Ultra Spacious, One, Two And Three Bedroom Apartments, Accommodating Up To Eight Persons, And Most Featuring Spectacular Views. The Best Western Riverside Apartments Is Located On The Top Three Floors Of An 18 Story Building. Riverside Is Immediately Adjacent To Crown Casino, Melbourne Aquarium, Melbourne Observation Deck, Exhibition And Convention Centre And Southbank Restaurant Precinct. The Complimentary City Circle Tram Stops At The Front Door Giving Easy Access To Mcg, Docklands Stadium, Tennis Centre And Major Department Stores. Amenities Include Large Living/Dining Room, Fully Equipped Kitchen, Laundry, Air-conditioning, Cable Television, Free On-site Parking, 24 Hour Reception And Daily Cleaning Service. The Best Western Riverside Apartments Is An Ideal Place For Families, Groups Or An Extended Stay
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BEST WESTERN CAUSEWAY INN , 327 BOURKE STREET MALL - Melbourne, VC, Australia
Boasting Melbourne's Best Address On Bourke Street Mall, We Are Opposite Of Myer Department Store And The General Post Office. Surrounded By Boutiques, Cafes And Theatres, Whilst Just A Short Walk To Melbourne Cricket Ground, Telstra Dome, Southgate, Crown Casino And Melbourne Park Tennis Centre. Recently Refurbished, Our 3.5 Star Hotel In Melbourne S Most Central City Location Offers Comfortable Rooms Featuring Bar/Refrigerator, Tea/Coffee Facilities, In-house Movies, Air Conditioning, And Electronic Key Cards. Hotel Facilities Include Guest Laundry, Lounge/Bar, 24-Hour Reception, And Tour Desk. Star Rating 3.5.
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Holiday Inn ON FLINDERS MELBOURNE , 575 FLINDERS LANE , MELBOURNE , 3000
Holiday Inn On Flinders is a truly friendly and personal boutique-style hotel perfectly located in the financial hub of Melbourne. The perfect base for any business traveller close to the Melbourne Convention Center, Melbourne Exhibition Centre, World Trade Centre and Stock Exchange. The hotel's facilities cater also to the needs of leisure travellers, with most of Melbourne's sightseeing spots, art and cultural centres within easy reach, including Telstra Dome sports stadium and the Docklands precinct. Spencer Street Interstate Railway Station is just a 2 minute walk away and the International Airport can be reached via direct freeway access in easy 20 minutes.
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Crowne Plaza Hotel Melbourne,
1-5 SPENCER STREET , MELBOURNE 3005
On the banks of the Yarra River, Crowne Plaza Melbourne is a relaxed walk from the City Centre, the Southbank Entertainment Complex, Melbourne Aquarium, Telstra Dome and city shopping.Crowne Plaza Melbourne is integrated into the Melbourne Convention Centre and directly opposite the Exhibition Centre, a feature which makes it an ideal choice for those seeking a conference venue.At Crowne Plaza Melbourne, you will experience the full range of hotel facilities and services at reasonable prices. Refurbished guest rooms provide the comfort of a home away from home with free morning newspaper, full size iron/ironing board, hairdryer, minibar, remote control television, alarm clock, individually controlled air conditioning, 24 hour room service, express check-out, radio, direct STD/IDD telephones.Providing support for the business traveller, the complimentary Business Centre is available 24-hours per day. After a busy day, experience the relaxing and comfortable atmosphere of our informal Corporate Lounge or our Lobby Bar - the perfect venue to meet with friends, colleagues or clients.Diners will be delighted with the authentic Chinese cuisine at the Dragon Boat Restaurant or the delicious steaks at Clarendon St Grill. Both venues overlook the Yarra River.Whether you are in Melbourne for business or pleasure you will find no where more conveniently located than Crowne Plaza Melbourne.
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Holiday Inn Melbourne Airport,
1 CENTRE ROAD MELBOURNE AIRPORT , VICTORIA , 3045
Perfectly located to cater for your travel needs, the Holiday Inn Melbourne Airport is convenient for a stopover or for catching an early morning flight. Offering a relaxed atmosphere and stylish amenities, guest rooms have been designed with comfort and functionality in mind. Our friendly staff can easily arrange everything for you, including wake-up calls and our free airport shuttle. Recharge your batteries with a quick bite or cocktail in the Vargas Restaurant and Bar. To make life easier, flight arrival and departure times are displayed on a FIDS monitor in these areas. The Hotel is located only 400m away from the Melbourne Airport on the corner of Melbourne Drive and Centre Road. Free airport transfers are available. Driving distance from Airport to Hotel is only 3-5 minutes, and the hotel is located 20km from Melbourne Central Business District. Holiday Inn Melbourne Airport offers free guest parking and 7 days free car storage.
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