A Beautiful Way To See The Most Iconic Views Of Melbourne

While Melbourne often takes a back seat to Sydney, there are many reasons to visit the beloved region of Australia. According to WhereIg, Melbourne is located atop Port Phillip natural bay near the southern tip of the continent. Dubbed the "cultural capital of Australia," Melbourne has something for everyone and there is no shortage of entertainment. From theaters and museums, to live music venues and food events, Melbourne has a festival for pretty much anything and most of them are free. The beautiful city also strives to be the best at everything, most notably its impressive coffee, sports, and excellent culinary efforts. From heavily coffee-scented alleyways to a plethora of dining options, Melbourne strives to be the best and offer top-tier memorable bites and service to both locals and visitors alike.

It comes as no surprise that as the region has drastically increased in popularity, it just happens to be Australia's most liveable city. Based on a report by the Economist Intelligence Unit, Melbourne snagged one of the top spots out of 173 cities studied, via Study Melbourne. From the intricate infrastructure to public offerings, there are many things to admire about the city. It's simply the hub of all things trendy and a slice of perfection. But what is the best way to explore the relatively flat region and make the most of your trip?

Visiting Melbourne is often viewed as a bucket list destination. So when planning your trip, consider a strategic way to take it all in. While there is a magnitude of options in this tech-forward city, opt for a view from the top. Getting in a hot air balloon is not only one way to embrace the scene, it's the road less traveled. The unique adventure offered by Picture This Ballooning grants visitors an over-the-top full experience and breathtaking views you wouldn't be able to obtain otherwise. According to the website, the balloon ride lasts about an hour and reaches an altitude of 500–2,500 feet in elevation, depending on the weather. 

While atop, the ride will grant views of some of the main attractions in Melbourne, such as the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the Shrine of Remembrance, the Albert Park Formula 1 racetrack, the Yarra River, and much more. Booking a ticket with the company, which has been around since 1997, will also deliver more than the balloon ride. Guests can also receive a full champagne breakfast at Level 35 of the Sofitel Hotel after the thrill ride to reflect on the views. Queue up "Such Great Heights" by Postal Service and grab a light coat, a ticket from the top is truly a beautiful way to experience the many wonders of Melbourne.

According to Budget Direct, Melbourne welcomed 39.5 million visitors in 2019, a number that has decreased due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is expected to increase in the upcoming years. With increased travel on the horizon, there are many other ways to take in the spectacular city, such as public transit and ride-share. The two ride-share companies that are easily accessible are Uber and Ola. Shebah is a third option which is an all-female service.

There are plenty of public transit options in the bustling city of Melbourne. The tram called the City Circle offers a free method of transportation to explore the central business district, the Metro offers an underground city loop, and the bus comes in handy for lesser traveled or less-touristy areas of the city. While public transit is readily available in a variety of forms, consider walking a majority of the trip. Exploring Melbourne on foot will allow you to check out the nooks and crannies of this artist hub as well as tons of eateries and graffiti by local artists (per the City of Melbourne).

If a hot air balloon ride is not on the list, no problem. You can still receive a spectacular view from The Edge at the Melbourne Sky Deck. According to its website, the Melbourne Sky Deck is the world's only moving glass structure that dangles guests about 88 floors above ground level to deliver postcard-worthy views, including the coastline complete with the prettiest waters in the world.