Melbourne
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Gay Travel Melbourne
Melbourne is the more sophisticated, European cousin to Sydney’s sun-drenched Australian vibe. The city is very continental, in both attitude and architecture. Melbourne centers around its business district, a compact grid system that’s anything but square. While on paper the CBD is all right angles, the narrow, hidden alleyways that aren’t on a map are where Melbourne really happens. Turn off the main thoroughfares, and you will inevitably discover a locals-only restaurant or an indie Australian music act sweating away on stage.
The CBD has Australia’s best dining. From dim sum in Chinatown on Lonsdale Street, to spanakopita in the Greek District, the food in the CBD is international and satisfying. The nightlife is energetic and world-class but there’s also a slew of wholesome daytime activities. There is wonderful shopping to choose from and a bevy of museums in Federation Square, which you’ll find at the southern edge of the CBD (near the Flinders Street train station).
While the many galleries and museums encompass classic, modern, and indigenous works, the Australian Center for the Moving Image (ACMI) is also wonderful. The ACMI pays homage to the art of video, be it profound documentary or nonsensical abstract images. The museum has various futuristic booths with high-quality screens, comfortable seating, and headsets that allow visitors to screen any one of a dozen current features.
Metlink is Melbourne’s extensive network of trams, trains and buses, and will take you any place that your own two feet can’t. During the wetter winter months of May through October, this system is incredibly useful! Travelers should also be appropriately insulated, because Melbourne’s intense and unpredictable weather can leave the unprepared soaking wet and cold.
