Standing before Melbourne’s iconic Flinders Railway Station, a neoclassical masterpiece dating back a century, I found myself captivated by its timeless beauty. The resplendent green copper dome, gleaming golden walls, stately clock tower, and more bestow upon the city’s oldest railway station, a favored rendezvous point, an air of grandeur. Interestingly, its original purpose was to accommodate a library, lecture hall, and ballroom on its upper tier. Through its arched entrance lies a 708-meter-long platform, ranking as the world’s fourth longest.
For a novice explorer, Melbourne unfurls an array of such celebrated landmarks, painting a vibrant tapestry of diverse cultures and traditions. Conceived as a quaint settlement along the banks of the Yarra River in the 19th century by the British, Melbourne was christened Naarm by the Indigenous Australians who have inhabited the land for generations. During the Gold Rush era, it earned the moniker “Marvellous Melbourne.”
The city entices wanderers to uncover its enchanting allure and diverse ambiance. Serving as the Victorian capital and Australia’s cultural nucleus for an extended period, Melbourne’s bustling streets invite leisurely strolls to appreciate a fusion of architectural styles. Amidst this urban tapestry, verdant botanical gardens, art museums, and the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) lie waiting to be explored. The kaleidoscopic lanes and arcades adorned with street art also shelter some of the city’s finest eateries, cafes, and restaurants, including a dynamic Chinatown. Melbourne, hailed as the nation’s coffee capital, boasts an array of roasters and cafes beckoning for a visit. Here, I present a travel guide crafted to spark inspiration for planning your immersive 72-hour sojourn through Melbourne.
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