Melbourne City Sights Tour (*505)

First you’ll tour through Melbourne’s city centre. Considered the shopping capital of Australia, the city and surrounding suburbs are home to modern shopping malls and boutique stores featuring world-class brands and products.

While other states may disagree, Melbourne is the sporting capital of the country. Today you’ll see the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) which hosts Aussie Rules football and was the birthplace of Test Cricket. You’ll also drive past Rod Laver Arena, the venue for the Australian Open Tennis Tournament and into Albert Park to see the Formula 1 Grand Prix track.

Next you can take a look at the imposing Parliament House. Construction of this enormous building commenced in 1855 and continued in stages until 1929. It is the largest 19th century building in Australia and is considered to be one of the finest examples of architecture from that period anywhere in the world.

A treasured icon to the locals, this is a major landmark in Melbourne and is the only surviving 19th century market in the CBD. It is also the largest open air market in the Southern Hemisphere.

Now it’s time to stretch your legs and take a look around the beautiful Fitzroy Gardens. Set on 26 hectares, these gardens were classified by the National Trust in 1974 and are highly valued for their historic and horticultural significance. Here you can visit the Conservatory for its incredible floral display, or the quaint Tudor Village.

This lovely little cottage in the heart of Fitzroy Gardens was the original home of Captain James Cook’s parents. It has been carefully restored and maintained, filled with furniture of the period and surrounded by a garden of the 18th century. Take a wander into the cottage (own expense) and you’ll be transported back in time to the 1700s.