NOAH A Shoppers Delight QV, Emporium & Melbourne Central only Steps Away

I spent a weekend in Melbourne Central and still couldn't fit everything in. Tram 35, the free heritage City Circle tram, is narrated, easy to follow, and a must-do for seeing the city centre and Docklands. Stop at Flinders Street Station and take a walk along the river. I also recommend Melbourne Central Station, where you can see parts of RMIT and walk over to Chinatown. It was a much more memorable trip than I expected.

The inflatable installation made my visit to Melbourne Central such a fun, creative experience. It brought colour and life to the shopping centre and made the space feel even more vibrant. I like that there's often something unique going on, from pop-ups to seasonal decor and installations. With the shops and food choices, it's an easy place to spend a few hours in the city. The famous Marionette Watch is a highlight for me, the large gold mechanical clock that opens on the hour with moving figures and music. The historic Coop's Shot Tower beneath the glass dome is another special Melbourne landmark. Both are worth seeing if you're in the CBD.

There's a huge spread of food and shops, including two big food courts upstairs, so you're likely to find something you like. Down the escalator are Coles, LiquorLand and the train station, with a short underground walk to Metro Tunnel State Library Station. The stores range from 'Lego' crocs 🤷 to 'Hello Kitty'. You'll also find budding pianists busking in the food court and pop-up designer boutiques under the clock. Don't miss the clock under the "Shot Tower" for its chimes. They go every 15 minutes, so get there at least a minute early.

Taking the Melbourne city tour was a great experience. The beautiful architecture, lively streets, and iconic sights stood out. Exploring Federation Square and the bustling laneways really gave me a feel for the city's culture and atmosphere.