AUSTRALIAN CENTRE CONTEMPORARY ART - The Centre is Melbourne’s leading contemporary art gallery presenting the most challenging, innovative and creative visual art of our time.  Designed by Melbourne based architects, Wood Marsh, ACCA’s distinctive steel building is in the heart of Melbourne’s arts precinct in Southbank. The landmark rust-red structure is one of Melbourne’s architectural icons.

ACCA brings the latest and most significant artwork by living artists from around the world to Melbourne audiences, and commissions new artworks by local and international artists.  ACCA is a Kunsthalle. It is the only major public art gallery in Australia focused on commissioning rather than collecting.

The CHILDREN'S GARDEN - is the perfect place for kids who love getting their hands dirty in the garden. There’s lots of fun places to explore including the Ruin Garden, the Meeting Place (which has a water feature that sprays up out of the ground in summer!), a Wetland Area, Bamboo Forest, The Gorge, Plant Tunnel, Kitchen Garden (full of yummy vegetables!) and The Rill (a gentle waterway that runs through the Garden).

MALTHOUSE THEATRE - The Malthouse Theatre at The CUB Malthouse is located in Southbank’s burgeoning arts precinct. Follow the link to see the current program for your Malthouse Theatre experience.

MELBOURNE THEATRE COMPANY - The Melbourne Theatre Company productions are located in four theatres, all located close together in Melbourne’s Arts Precinct in Southbank.  The MTC Theatre on Southbank Boulevard will hosts productions in the 500-seat Sumner Theatre and a studio season of new and cutting edge works in the 150-seat Lawler Studio to be revealed throughout the course of the year.

The long association with the Arts Centre, a short walk away on St Kilda Road, continues with the Playhouse hosting our large-scale works, while more intimate dramas will go into the Fairfax Studio

The NATIONAL HERBARIUM of VICTORIA - provides a focus for plant taxonomic and systematic studies in Victoria and provides a rich resource for botanical information. The collection supports the work of members of staff, staff and research students at local tertiary institutions, and researchers nationally and internationally. The collection contains vouchers authenticating the nomenclature of many of the living collections in the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne and Cranbourne.

http://www.anbg.gov.au/chah/resources/herbaria/mel.html

OLD MELBOURNE OBSERVATORY - in the Royal Botanic Gardens once housed the largest telescope in the world, The Great Melbourne Telescope.  The Great Melbourne Telescope was constructed in 1868 in Ireland by Hershcell for the Melbourne Observatory. For 20 years it was the largest in the world.

http://www.onlymelbourne.com.au/melbourne_details.php?id=2454

ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS, MELBOURNE - are internationally renowned botanical gardens located near the centre of Melbourne on the south bank of the Yarra River. They are 35.4 hectares (87 acres) of landscaped gardens consisting of a mix of native and non-native vegetation including over 10,000 individual species. They are widely regarded as the finest botanical gardens in Australia, and among the best in the world. The Royal Botanic Gardens are part of a larger group of parklands directly south-east of the city, between St. Kilda Road and the Yarra River known as the Domain Parklands.

www.rbg.vic.gov.au/

SHRINE OF REMEMBRANCE - In remembrance of those who served and those who died in the Great War of 1914-1918 and armed conflicts and peacekeeping duties since. The Shrine of Remembrance is Victoria’s largest and most visited war memorial and is probably Melbourne’s most recognised landmark.  It is a permanent and lasting memorial to the ANZAC spirit which is confirmed by the number of visitors to the Shrine throughout the year.  The Shrine is located on Melbourne’s most recognised boulevard, St Kilda Road, just south of the Melbourne central business district.

http://www.shrine.org.au/content.asp?Document_ID=1

The TAN RUNNING TRACK - The "Tan Track" is a 3.8km run in lush parklands of the Royal Botanical Gardens just South of the Yarra River - very near the city centre. People of all abilities and backgrounds run with the competitive runners completing one or more laps.

The surface is mainly smooth gravel and shaded for its entire length by magnificent trees. On its northern side, the running trail follows the Yarra River and looks across to Olympic Park. The Yarra River bicycle path, which follows the course of the river for many kilometres to the east, links with the Tan track.  More walkers, joggers and runners are using the tan track around the Botanical Gardens than ever before, according to the City of Melbourne. The track is the most used council facility an it would be fair to say that this is THE PLACE to run in Melbourne and the sights are best at lunchtime or between  5.00 - 7.30 most evenings.  If walking the suggestion is to walk anti-clockwise.

NEAR  5 - 10  Minutes Walk:

ALBERT PARK GOLF COURSE - Albert Park is a Par 72, fully public championship golf course located in the heart of Melbourne and is the home of the Victorian PGA Championships, played every October.  The course runs alongside the racetrack for the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix, and is a most picturesque location. There isn’t a better public access golf course in Melbourne.

Local residents began playing golf and developing the initial course in 1899, and 1999 marked the centenary of what is now the Albert Park Golf Course. The course is closed during the Australian Grand Prix but open at all other times, and Bookings are essential.

ALBERT PARK LAKE - boasts 225-hectares of beautiful parkland including a picturesque lake and network of trails. It is located in the City of Port Phillip, approximately three kilometres from the Melbourne CBD and is the venue for many of Victoria's popular public events. The park is a beacon to sporting and recreation enthusiasts with a superb 18 hole golf course, golf driving range, walking and cycling tracks and on-water activities. Other facilities include picnic tables, barbecue areas, playgrounds, restaurants and toilets. Albert park is also an important sanctuary for wildlife and vegetation.

GOVERNMENT HOUSE - because of its commanding position, has been part of the city's consciousness since its construction. It provides a focal point for the central business district which faces south over the Yarra River. Its tower can be glimpsed from a variety of locations in the inner suburbs such as Richmond, South Yarra, Toorak and the City of Melbourne. From high-rise buildings in the city the full splendour of its location within extensive parklands can be appreciated.

MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE - is steadily taking its place on the world stage as the centre for chamber and small ensemble music-making and development in Australia.

From the outset, Melbourne Recital Centre has positioned itself as an internationally focused facility.  It sought advice from the world's best in designing the building;  venues have been built to match  'world's best practice', with leading-edge technology and craftsmanship. Melbourne Recital Centre has won numerous awards for architectural excellence

http://www.melbournerecital.com.au/  

MELBOURNE SPORTS & AQUATIC CENTRE - Melbourne's newest sports and aquatic centre is also its best. The MSAC houses state of the art training and recreation facilities for a range of sports from swimming and basketball to table tennis and badminton. Squash and volleyball facilities are also available for hire. It does tend to become quite busy in the pool area, mainly due to the fact there is a 75 meter competition pool, diving area, 25 meter pool, wave pool and toddlers pool, definitely something for everyone looking to cool off.

NATIONAL GALLERY of VICTORIA,  INTERNATIONAL - Since 1861, the National Gallery of Victoria has been displaying art works for the enjoyment of the community. In the mid-1990s, the gallery acknowledged that its St Kilda Road building could no longer successfully meet the demands of its growing collection and extensive exhibitions schedule.  The Victorian State Government agreed to an extensive redevelopment of the site, and also contribute towards the funding of a second NGV building at Federation Square.

The Collection is split between The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia at Federation Square, home of Australian art, and NGV International at St Kilda Road, the redeveloped building dedicated to the gallery's magnificent international artworks. Our visitors have two wonderful NGV buildings dedicated to bringing art and people together.  

http://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/  

http://www.theartscentre.com.au/discover/venues/sidney-myer-music-bowl.aspx

SOUTH MELBOURNE MARKET - The market is Melbourne's oldest continuing market - it has been there since 1867. Located entirely undercover and close to the city and public transport, it is one of Melbourne's most popular markets. The trading hours for Friday will be changed from February 2010. The closing time used to be 6.00pm but will now be brought back to 5.00pm.   Other times (8.00am to 4.00pm on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday) remain unchanged. 

Anytime is a fabulous time at South Melbourne Market. Go for to shopping and ramble, discover new fresh produce or simply enjoy the street scene. Be seen sipping a margarita or eating sensational Spanish, Chinese or Sicilian cuisine under the umbrellas in Cecil Street.

VICTORIAN ARTS CENTRE - From sipping on something refreshing on the decking of EQ Cafébar overlooking the Yarra to catching the latest free exhibition at Gallery 1, the Arts Centre has something for everyone.  The  Theatre Buildings, under the Spire, showcase world-class theatre and performance while the city's most inspiring music program is showcased in the adjoining Hamer Hall and the Sidney Myer Music Bowl in the lush surrounds of Kings Domain, close to the Botanic Gardens.  It has the largest collection of Australian art outside of the major art galleries as well as free and low-cost activities from educational programs to Summertime Grooves contemporary music series on the Lawn Stage.

NOT SO FAR  10 - 15 Minutes Walk:

CROWN CASINO & ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX is a casino and entertainment precinct on the south bank of the Yarra River.  Crown's current casino complex opened in 1997. It is one of the central features of the Southbank area in the CBD and the Crown Promenade fronts onto the waterfront as part of Southbank Promenade.

FEDERATION SQUARE - Meet at Federation Square. Everyone else does. Ever since this landmark cultural and entertainment destination was opened to the public, Melburnians and visitors have been gathering here. Locals have embraced Fed Square as a true reflection of their city, with rich cultural experiences, a diversity of places to eat and drink, unique shopping and a wealth of information to welcome visitors. Fed Square is where cultures meet, friends meet, minds meet and worlds meet. No wonder all of Melbourne is saying, 'Meet you at Fed Square!'

http://www.fedsquare.com/index.cfm?pageID=16

The Melburnian idiom "I'll meet you under the clocks" refers to the row of clocks above the main entrance, which indicate the departure time of the next train on each line; another being "I'll meet you on the steps", referring to the wide staircase leading into the main entrance of Flinders Street Station. Both are a popular meeting places as it is at the intersection of two of the city's busiest thoroughfares. The station is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register. 

http://www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au/stop/view/19854

MELBOURNE & OLYMPIC  PARK TENNIS CENTRE - came into existence in 1995 and, as the name suggests, is the product of the joining together of two distinct venues; Melbourne Park and Olympic Park. As well as hosting an extensive range of events such as international tennis, athletics and cycling, dirt bike races, ice skating, music concerts and family shows. Located 5 minutes drive from Melbourne’s CBD and separated from the Botanic Gardens by the Yarra River, Melbourne & Olympic Parks comprises:

Melbourne Park comprises of Rod Laver Arena, (15,000 seats), Hisense Arena, (10,000 seats), Melbourne Park Function Centre, (2,200 sq. metres), Margaret Court Arena, (6,000 seats), Two show courts, 19 further outdoor Plexicushion tennis courts and sic indoor tennis courts.

MELBOURNE TOURISM INFORMATION OFFICE - Discover the beauty, sophistication and diversity of Melbourne at the Melbourne Visitor Centre. Conveniently situated on the corner of Swanston and Flinders Streets directly across from Flinders Street Station, make the Melbourne Visitor Centre you first stop when you come to town. Managed by the City of Melbourne, the friendly staff are experts in travelling and experiencing Melbourne and Victoria. They love their city and can’t wait to help you get the most out of your visit.

http://www.fedsquare.com/index.cfm?pageID=145

http://villagecinemas.com.au/Cinemas/Crown.htm

WALK ANYWHERE FOR:

Home to the Melbourne Storm Rugby League Club and 2009 Premiers.  The Thunderdome the unofficial name already given by Storm members for the first purpose built rectangular in Melbourne.  It is currently under construction on the site of Edwin Flack Field, located on Olympic Boulevard and in the Sports and Entertainment Precinct.  The stadium will include training facilities and office accommodation for Melbourne Storm, Melbourne Victory, Melbourne Football Club, Melbourne Heart, the Victorian Rugby Union.  The new stadium will feature a distinctive "Bioframe" design, with a geodesic dome roof covering much of the seating area, whilst still allowing light through to the pitch.  The exterior of the stadium will also be covered in thousands of LED lights, which could be programmed to display a variety of patterns and images, setting it on par with the Beijing National Aquatics Centre.

GO STORM!!