Australia’s second most populous city, the renowned metropolis of Melbourne, resides in the country’s southern-most mainland state: Victoria. From its vibrant culinary culture, to rich and vivid history, the region is bursting with stories to tell through its people, art and wilderness.
Explore Little Collins Street and Flinders Lane for the shopping and local art. The array of products will be sure to have something just quirky enough for you to take home. For more jewellery and clothing options, try Rose Street Artists’ Mall, which is just as likely to blow you away with the creative local art.
Another unique local experience in Melbourne is the Queen Victoria Market. Hailed as the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere, you can enjoy aisles of fresh produce, freshly brewed coffee, and a perfect opportunity to test your bargaining skills!
Alternatively you could take one of Melbourne’s walking tours, and cover the exciting laneways, arcades, markets and art, all in one sweep of the city.
If on the other hand, you’re looking to find some of Australia’s major department stores, you’ll find everything you need right in the city centre at Bourke Street Mall. Be prepared to explore its massive selection of everything from accessories to electronics.
In planning for that inevitable moment when you find yourself with a lighter wallet and an empty stomach, note down these excellent Halal restaurants located conveniently in the city. Little Ipoh is Crescent Rated AA and provides some Southeast Asian classics from Singapore to Thailand. You can find Middle Eastern cuisine at Lebause Café & Catering in Melbourne’s suburbs, also Crescent Rated AA. If you’re just looking for a quick meal, Burger Edge in Melbourne is Crescent Rated A and it styles itself as a gourmet burger joint. Finally Zamzam restaurant is just 1 km from the Queen Victoria Market, Crescent Rated AA it serves the unique combination of both Indian and Malaysian cuisine.
For prayers, Melbourne has 3 main Mosques. The easiest to get to from the city centre is the Mosque of the Islamic Council of Victoria. Coburg Masjid is located near the Royal Exhibition Building, and Bilal Bin Rabah Masjid is further out from the CBD.
Post-shopping, you might just find yourself itching to revel in the outdoors. Since Victoria isn’t simply a city-dwellers haven, you’ll have no lack of choices of where to head next. Phillip Island Wildlife Encounters is a must-have experience if you’re already this far south in the country. The nature park has a Penguin Parade, Koala Conservation Centre, Wild Ocean Eco Boat Tour, Seal Rocks, and even more. You’ll have few such opportunities on your travels to immerse yourself in this kind of wildlife so it is not to be missed!
Mount Buller is another fun, family experience, best enjoyed in Victoria’s winter. Skiing, snowboarding, chairlifts, toboggan rides, dog-sled rides; these snowfields have it all!
A Farmgate experience is another unique offer of Victoria. Head to Yarra Valley to pick fresh stonefruits in the orchards, go on a tractor ride farm tour, or catch a fish at Buxton Trout Farm!
If its just scenery you’re looking for, the Great Ocean Road is the ideal place for a breath-taking coastal drive. If you get tempted by the sight of the beach, stop to join in the activities, you can even go horse-riding!
For more information on travelling to Australia, the Muslim Visitor Guide by Tourism Australia and HalalTrip details what every Muslim traveller should look to experience on their trip to any of Australia’s eight major states.
Find a free downloadable copy of the guide
here.
