Top 6 Things To See In Melbourne (Apart From The F1).

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The new F1 season is upon us!  Over 300,000 fans are expected to descend upon Melbourne. They’re intent on soaking up the atmosphere and watching some of the best drivers in motor racing history.

The opening race of the Formula 1 calendar has been held at Melbourne nearly every year since 1996.  Albert Park is considered to be one of the most exciting tracks on the F1 calendar. Another great weekend of racing is almost guaranteed. Last year’s winner, Nico Rosberg will be looking for an early advantage over team mate Lewis Hamilton. Although, never write off the rising star that is Daniel Ricciardo.

We know that not everyone is a petrol head!  We thought we’d bring you some of the biggest highlights and best places to visit in and around Melbourne.  Enjoy our suggestions to try once the racing is over. Or you may simply want a break from the noise and crowds! So, in no particular order, here are our Top 6 Things to See in Melbourne …

Melbourne Cricket Ground

Yes it’s another sporting venue, but the Melbourne Cricket Ground is a stunning reminder of Australia’s obsession with cricket. The 11^th largest stadium in the world, the MCG is capable of holding 100,024 spectators. It is also home to the National Sports Museum which houses a number of permanent exhibitions. There’s plenty to see if you’d rather not relive England’s latest Ashes thrashing.

The NSM is home to 2,500 items that detail Australia’s love of sports. This includes the Olympics, Australian Rules football, and the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.

Tickets for the MCG tour start at $20 for adults.  Discounts are available if you buy a combined Tour and National Sports Museum ticket.

Yarra Valley Wine Tour

If you’re more interested in a break from the city, you should head out to the Yarra Valley. Established in 1838, Victoria’s wine country millions of visitors each year. This should tell you everything you need to know about the area.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking it’s just wine that’s made here. There are several breweries producing high quality beer that also deserve a visit. Not forgetting the fantastic restaurants too.

If you’re driving or you’re not a big wine tasting person, the Healseville Sanctuary is the best place in Australia to see native animals in their own habitat. Alternatively, take to the skies and explore the Yarra Valley by balloon.

The Great Ocean Road

Sticking with the day trip option, why not head down the Great Ocean Road. Built by survivors of the 1^st World War, it’s the world’s largest War Memorial. It stretches for 151 miles along the south eastern coast of Australia.

Recently voted Australia’s Best Road Trip (although we think The Great Forest Trees Drive runs it close!), the Great Ocean Road is one of the World’s most stunning drives. We know that driving along a road with epic views can be annoying. The driver rarely gets to see much. If you’d rather take a stroll to take in more of the scenery, there are numerous walks along the way. The Surf Coast Walk at Torquay is one of the best.

Collins Street

Regarded as Australia’s Premier Street, Collins Street is a must visit destination.  It’s perfect if you want to shop for designer wear, browse expensive jewellery stores, or simply see some of the stunning buildings that line this famous street. The “top end of town” or the “Paris end” is where you’ll find the most exclusive shops. Little Collins is home to Melbourne’s designers and offers something a little different.

One of the more stunning buildings you’ll see is the Old Treasury Building. It is considered to be one of the finest 19^th Century buildings in Australia. It’s now a museum showcasing a number of permanent and temporary exhibitions.

Collins Street is also home to a number of hidden bars. They offer everything from cocktails to Tequila. So when you’re done shopping and want a well-deserved rest, the Gin Palace is well worth a visit!

Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne

Originally the site of a swamp, the Royal Botanic Gardens were established in 1846. They now include over 50,000 species spread over 94 acres in the heart of the city. The Gardens attract almost 2 million visitors every year. They’re home to a diverse plant collection which includes camellias, rainforest flora, succulents and cacti, roses, herbs, perennials, and plants from Asia and California.

The Gardens are also home to a variety of native wildlife species including kookaburras and black swans.

Eureka Skydeck and Edge Experience

Almost 300 metres above Melbourne is the observation deck. It’s the highest public vantage point in the Southern Hemisphere; the Eureka Skydeck. Located on floor 88, visitors take a 40 second lift to one of Melbourne’s biggest attractions high above the city.

The Skydeck offers unbelievable 360° panoramic views of Melbourne and the surrounding areas. Sights include the Central Business District, Docklands, and Port Phillip Bay. This really is an experience not to be missed. But if you’ve got a head for heights and want to experience something completely new, why not upgrade to the Edge Experience?

Simply stand in a glass cube. It slowly moves out of the building until you’re suspended almost 300 metres above the ground. Imagine having nothing beneath your feet but a few inches of glass!

In Melbourne for the Grand Prix? Why not send us your photos, either of the action or at one of the locations above.

If you have any other recommendations, be sure to leave a comment below. Or if you’re on the lookout for more Top Travel Tips why not follow us on Facebook and Twitter and sign up to our Newsletter? Be the first to hear when we’ve discovered the latest holiday deals and ideas.