Australia is a country that covers a vast area and is home to some of the most beautiful places in the world. From intriguing wilderness areas to bustling cities, it offers tourists a wide scope of activities and interests that will cater to all types of holiday maker. One of the most exciting cities in Australia is Melbourne. Located in the south east of the mainland, it is the capital city of the state of Victoria.

Melbourne is a lively city that can provide culture, entertainment, good food and wine. It has a public transport system that gives tourists an economical and efficient way of seeing everything the city has to offer.

Here, TravelSupermarket looks at ten best places to visit in and around the city.

Federation Square

Described as one of the most complex construction projects in Australia, Federation Square is made up of an entire city block that brings together cultural attractions, dining experiences, special events and shopping.

Federation Square is a popular venue for festivals, exhibitions, live performances and concerts and is the perfect public space to enjoy a variety of shows scheduled throughout the year. As well as hosting cultural events and art galleries, it is a shopper’s paradise, with arts, crafts and souvenirs on offer. After enjoying a day’s shopping or a visit to an art gallery, tourists can choose from a variety of dining experiences, from restaurants specialising in native and international cuisines to cafes and burger bars. There is a culinary option to suit all tastes and with every kind of budget. In addition to great restaurants, there is also a good range of bars and clubs. Visitors to the city can enjoy one of the laid-back cocktail lounges or something more lively such as a nightclub.

Ian Potter Centre

Among the cultural attractions of Federation Square is the Ian Potter Centre, which showcases the history of Australian art dating back to the colonial period. It also has many modern-day exhibits. Among the 20,000 items on display there are paintings, sculptures, photographs and textiles. The centre is renowned for having one of the most famous collections in the country.

Australian Centre for the Moving Image

The Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) is another interesting attraction. The ACMI was the first of its kind to showcase moving images, including film, TV and digital media.

Royal Botanic Gardens

For a peaceful escape from the busy city life, the Royal Botanic Gardens can be a haven and they have been described as among the finest in the world. The gardens are located on the south bank of the Yarra River, just outside the city. There are 38 acres of land and over 10,000 species of plants. It is a natural sanctuary for Australia’s native wildlife.

The Royal Botanic Gardens are renowned for the contribution to plant research they have made, which is carried out through the National Herbarium of Victoria. This is home to over 1.2 million dried plant samples, along with innumerable books and academic journals.

Southern Star Observation Wheel

Located in the Docklands area of the city, the Southern Star Observation Wheel is the country’s first such structure. The wheel is made up of 21 glass cabins that provide a magical view of the city, as well as Port Phillip Bay and even further afield.

St Kilda Beach

St Kilda Beach is an attraction for the day-time or night-time visitor. During the day, visitors can stroll along the shoreline taking in the scenery or enjoy watching the penguins that are often spotted on the beach. There is also the option to go sailing, windsurfing or kite surfing. For those that love shopping, there is an arts and crafts market situated on the esplanade.

At night, St Kilda Beach offers fine dining and specialist seafood restaurants. Some of the most popular hotels in this area also provide live music and entertainment.

12 Apostles

Along South Victoria’s coastline there is a dramatic rock formation known as the 12 Apostles. The 12 Apostles were formed over 10 million years ago by the erosion of the limestone cliffs, which then eroded further to create caves within the cliffs. The caves then turned into arches which collapsed into rock stacks over 45 metres high.

The rock structures are at their best at sunrise or sunset. Depending on the position of the sun, the 12 Apostles change colour from dark to bright yellow.

Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is 273 kilometres of scenic coastline that includes the 12 Apostles, the Otways Rainforest and Bells Beach. It is also a great place to see local wildlife such as koalas. Whale-watching and swimming with dolphins is also available on this picturesque route.

Otways Rainforest

The Otways Rainforest has what is perhaps Australia’s most beautiful natural scenery. Visitors can walk among the tall trees and plants and take in the magnificent waterfalls. Bells Beach is a popular destination for surfers but also offers fantastic views over the coast.

Yarra Valley

The Yarra Valley area of Victoria boasts famous wineries that produce chardonnay, pinot noir and sparkling-wine varieties. The Yarra River runs along the east side of Melbourne towards Port Phillip Bay. As well as sampling some of the best wines in the country, there are other attractions in the Yarra Valley. Healesville Sanctuary is home to some of Australia’s most famous native wildlife species, including koalas, kangaroos and platypus in their natural habitat.

Attractions to Visit when in Melbourne

The Melbourne Museum is waiting to be explored

Whether you are visiting Melbourne for business or leisure, why not explore the attractions on offer during the day? There is always something exciting and interesting on offer when you venture out into Melbourne’s most liveable city. Amongst the bustling cafes, friendly locals and sophisticated shops, visiting the most popular tourist attraction should undoubtedly be on your agenda. None come better recommended than the Melbourne Museum.

The Melbourne Museum is a must for anybody who likes to indulge in a little bit of learning and discovery of surprising insights about other cultures, the environment and the world around us. Located in Carlton Gardens, the Melbourne Museum houses a permanent collection in eight galleries, including one just for children. Open daily, the permanent exhibition Bugs Alive! is a must-see, where you are invited to view over 100 species of live insects and spiders and interact with a range of exhibits. If creepy crawlies aren’t your thing, come and have a deep sea experience with Marine Life, where you can journey to the bottom of the ocean to discover Victoria’s amazing sea life. Another great exhibition is the Dinosaur Walk, where you can walk amongst skeletons of some of the most amazing and enigmatic animals from the past.

Relax in style at Punthill – accommodation with a difference

After an incredible day of mental stimulation, enjoy a relaxing and peaceful night’s rest at Punthill Serviced Apartments. With three convenient locations in the Melbourne CBD such as Flinders Lane, Little Bourke and Manhattan, and two in South Yarra – South Yarra Grand and South Yarra, you will feel right at home in the stylish and spacious serviced apartments on offer from Punthill Apartment Hotel. Contact us for accommodation that is close to all the best spots in Melbourne – only at Punthill.

Top Restaurants in Melbourne for Dining Out

Melbourne’s food and wine culture is brimming with an array of restaurants, cafes and eateries available to cater for any taste or budget. Here, we look at 5 restaurants that are considered some of Melbourne’s best, receiving high industry praise for their top class service and culinary delights.

• Vue de Monde

French Cuisine at its finest. The prices may be high to dine at this Melbourne restaurant icon, but with an array of delectable dishes and views from the 55^th floor of the Rialto, you can be sure that you’ll have a dining experience like no other. Vue de Monde is located on Collins Street close to Crown Casino.

http://www.vuedemonde.com.au/

• Rockpool Bar & Grill

Set on the picturesque Southbank, Rockpool Bar & Grill serves modern Australian cuisine with aplomb. The restaurant is located inside Crown Casino and offers a simplistic dining décor that exudes class without flamboyance. Cuisine features seafood and steaks prominently.

http://www.rockpool.com/

• Ezard

Situated on Flinders Lane, Ezard combines Australian cuisine with Chinese and Thai influences to deliver a Melbourne dining experience that is truly unique. As far as Melbourne CBD restaurants go, Ezard has long been regarded as a truly memorable dining option.

http://www.ezard.com.au/

• Flower Drum

Flower Drum is often considered Melbourne’s best Chinese dining option, delivering an array of high end culinary delights. Situated on Market Lane in the Melbourne CBD, the restaurant is an icon of the city’s dining scene.

http://www.flower-drum.com/

There is a cavalcade of more options to choose from when it next comes time for you to select a Melbourne restaurant to dine at. If you are stuck, contact the team at Punthill today and we will be more than happy to advise you – enquire about our great Melbourne accommodation options available to suit your travel needs.

Punthill can provide you with world class accommodation when in Melbourne. Visit the Melbourne news section for more great ideas & events in Melbourne.

Tony Bennett, Burt Bacharach and more on tour in Melbourne

Melbourne is a hub of quality music concerts year round, and during April 2012, the trend will be no different. A host of world-class musicians will be descending on the city to perform in front of their beloved Melbourne fans during the month of April, making it vital for you to get in the know and purchase tickets before they sell out!

Two of the biggest names in showbiz, Tony Bennett and Burt Bacharach will be just two of the performers touring Melbourne during April.

Bennet brings his world renowned stage show to the Regent Theatre on the 2^nd and 4^th of April, providing fans with the chance to see this Grammy Award-winning artist sing classics like “Steppin’ Out With My Baby” and “I Left My Heart In San Francisco”. His worldwide record sales are in the millions, highlighting those tickets to his shows will be difficult to come by.

Similarly, Burt Bacharach is playing his Farewell to Symphonies Tour on Thursday 19^th of April, also at the Regent Theatre. This legendary composer will be showcasing just why he is a winner of eight Grammys and has been awarded as The Greatest Living Composer.

If you’re looking to travel to Melbourne during April for these or many other music gigs featuring throughout the city, book accommodation with the experts at Punthill. We’ll be able to advise just which of our CBD locations best suits your Melbourne travel needs.

Punthill provides you with its top 5 things to do in Melbourne, offering up the best of the best so you don’t miss out during your stay. Stuck for things to do? Not sure which attraction to head to first? Utilise this handy top 5 list and see the sights of Melbourne that everyone raves about.

1. Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
If Melbourne is the home of sport, then the MCG is its heartbeat. No matter what time of year, you’ll be able to venture down to the ‘G or surrounding Olympic Park Precinct to watch a host of sporting action – from AFL & NRL through to Tennis and Soccer.

2. Royal Botanic Gardens
Set just south of the Melbourne CBD, the Royal Botanic Gardens is a natural sanctuary for visitors to relax and unwind in – whether it’s a picnic with friends or a stroll at sunset. It’s Melbourne’s answer to Central Park.

3. Block Arcade
Block Arcade in the Melbourne CBD is full of fantastic shopping and culinary options that are sure to impress any visitor. It’s one of Melbourne’s top shopping destinations. Situated on Collins St.

4. National Gallery of Victoria
Opened in 1861, this is Australia’s oldest art gallery. Showcasing a wide range of exhibits and pieces, the National Gallery allows you to delve into Melbourne’s rich art and culture scene.

5. Melbourne Zoo
Australia’s oldest Zoo showcases more than 350 animal species and is the perfect place to visit with children. The Melbourne Zoo is situated near Carlton, making it ideal as a short day trip destination from the CBD.
Melbourne is full of fantastic things to see and do with the above being just a brief taste. If you’d like to learn more about the sights and sounds of the city, contact the team at Punthill – we’re experts when it comes to the very best Melbourne has to offer. Also enquire with us about which of our Melbourne accommodation options suit your itinerary.

When looking for accommodation in Melbourne there is no better place to stay than Punthill. Choose from the following locations in Melbourne;

Flinders Lane |  Little Bourke |  Manhattan |  South Yarra Grand |  South Yarra |  Stanton |  Burwood |  Dandenong |  Essendon |  Knox |  Oakleigh |  Williamstown

Six accommodation options under 10 minutes from the track

Punthill is proud to provide a range of Melbourne serviced apartments in close proximity to Albert Park for visitors to the 2012 Formula One Grand Prix. GP time is a big occasion every year in Melbourne, with both supporters and opponents of the race making their voices heard in what is always an interesting lead up.
Running from March 15-18 at the iconic Albert Park Lake, The Melbourne F1 Grand Prix attracts around 300,000 visitors each year. With this in mind it is vital to snap up hotels and accommodation early and, with 6 serviced apartment locations all positioned under 10 minutes from the action, Punthill has exactly what you need.

Punthill’s accommodation options for the 2012 F1 Grand Prix in Melbourne

Punthill Stanton:

• Minutes from the track
• Two and three bedroom apartments
• Fully equipped kitchen
• Separate living areas
• Laundry facilities

Punthill South Yarra Grand:

• Studio, one and two bedroom apartments
• Fully equipped kitchen
• Separate living area (apartments only)
• Work station
• Private balcony
• Reverse cycle heating / cooling

Punthill South Yarra:

• Studio and one bedroom accommodation
• Fully equipped kitchen (excluding studios)
• Internet
• Direct dial phone
• TV / DVD Player
• Ironing facilities

3  Punthill CBD Options:

• Punthill Flinders Lane, Little Bourke and Manhattan provide easy access to Albert Park
• Under 10 minutes’ drive
• Simple public transport access
• In the heart of Melbourne’s CBD

All Punthill’s hotel accommodation options for the Melbourne Formula One Grand Prix have easy access to public transport options, ensuring you can enjoy your stay without having to worry about parking.
When it comes to hotel accommodation for the F1 GP in Melbourne, always turn to the dynamic options offered by Punthill – call 1300 731 299 and our team will be able to assist you with your booking enquiries.

From 16th – 29th Jan Melbourne is immersed in tennis fever. Every year the players get better and we lose sleep over some nail biting matches..

For two weeks in January, Melbourne Park is the place to be, as the best tennis players in the world fight it out to secure the prestigious Melbourne Grand Slam title.

Dont waste anytime booking your travel and accommodation arrangments for what will be another fantastic year of world class tennis.

Travelling to Melbourne for business? Punthill Melbourne CBD hotel apartments and South Yarra Grand have the best deal going around town at the moment! Don’t pay extra for internet and stay in a One bedroom apartment for only $149.00. Pretty hard to beat a deal like that. View our Melbourne CBD corporate accommodation package for more details.

*subject to availability.

PUNTHILL APARTMENT HOTELS offers a great range of apartment hotel accommodation options with twelve locations in Melbourne and one on the North Shore of Sydney.

In Melbourne CBD, Punthill Little Bourke serviced apartments is located in the heart of cultural China Town. Punthill Flinders Lane in Melbourne CBD is nestled amongst Melbourne’s famous quirky laneways and eclectic cafes and Punthill Manhattan is located in the Paris end of Melbourne adjacent to the beautiful Treasury Gardens.

If a classy South Yarra location is more your style, why not choose to stay at our serviced apartments at Punthill South Yarra Grand or Punthill Davis Ave. Other Melbourne locations include Punthill Burwood, accommodation at Dandenong, Essendon holiday apartments, Knox serviced apartments, apartment accommodation at Oakleigh and apartments at Williamstown, Melbourne.

Or, when travelling to Sydney stay at Punthill –North Shore. Situated on Pacific Highway in Lane Cove North close to the Lane Cove Tunnel and with easy freeway access to the city or to the west and north, this stylish and contemporary 4 star hotel has a restaurant, gym and pool area.

We are very pleased to announce that Obscura Gallery, one of Australia’s exciting contemporary art spaces, will be displaying a selection of artworks by some up and coming Melbourne artists right here at our very own Punthill Flinders Lane!

OPENING NIGHT Thursday 22nd September 2011 6.30 pm – 8.30 pm

FEATURE ARTISTS Michelle Lee, Mark Alsweiler, Cam Scale, Autumn Tansey, Abby Storey, Antonietta Convino-Beehre, Kimerley Munro, Andrea Higgins & Jurgen Loos