Melbourne's laidback pace is ideal for taking pleasure in its elegant Victorian architecture, its abundant parks and gardens, as well as its many cultural exhibits. Majority of the city's key sights are just a short distance from one another. Melbourne is definitely the self elected Australia’s cultural capital. This claim is backed by its many finest theaters, festivals, art galleries, performances and topnotch restaurants. Some places that you should take note in your list when planning for a Melbourne holiday are:

Healesville Sanctuary

This sanctuary opened back in 1934 and it specializes in local Australian wildlife. The Healesville Sanctuary is among the greatest places in Australia to visit and observe some exotic Australian creatures. Some examples of wildlife that you could see here are koalas, wombats, kangaroos, and above all, platypus. This site has kept platypus ever since the 1930s. In the 1940s, it also became the first location in the world to actually raise a platypus in captivity. Another site here is the Australian Wildlife Health Center that offers a behind the scenes picture of an authentic wildlife hospital.

National Gallery of Victoria

This gallery has been exhibiting one of the richest and most impressive art collections in Australia since 1861. The ongoing growing art collection actually outgrew its St, Kilda Road home and back in 2002m, the art collection was divided in two. The native Australian art works are presently displayed in the contemporary Ian Potter Center. Meanwhile, the international works of art are still exhibited at the National Gallery of Victoria.

Luna Park

You could also drop by Luna Park when you are in St. Kilda. This park opened back in 1912 and it is the city’s iconic amusement park. Luna Park is owned by Lindsay Fox, who is a transport magnate. This park is identified with its gigantic, moon face entrance. The picturesque railway is the oldest constantly operated roller coaster in the whole world. The beautifully restored carousel here is, in fact, listed in the heritage records. You would be able to find sixteen rides as well as three roller coasters in the area. You would not need to pay admission to Luna Park but you would have to purchase tickets for actual rides at the ticket box.

Melbourne Museum

This is located at the Carlton Gardens, and it is the country’s largest museum. It is home to nine main exhibition areas, which include an indoor rainforest, some dinosaur exhibits, the mind and body gallery, as well as the insect and butterfly collection that showcases real life insects. The Bunjilaka Aboriginal Center, which is a living cultural center, is a place dedicated to the Koorie people of Victoria. You would also be amazed by Bugs Alive, which magnifies the world of bugs into a human scale. The renowned Melbourne Museum is also the final resting place of the most famous Australian racehorse named Pharlap. You would also see here an interactive and multicolored children's museum. This complex is also home to the IMAX Theater that provides a huge movie screen.

Melbourne Accommodation

You would definitely feel at home with the fantastic Melbourne accommodation offered here. If you are searching for opulence, the city has plenty of luxury hotels that would be perfect for your Melbourne holiday. Or, if you are the type that craves a sweet, cozy home, a serviced apartment would let you rest in style and comfort. Other Melbourne accommodation options include backpackers, cabins, bed and breakfasts, caravan parks, motels, cottages, holiday houses, resorts, as well as self contained units. Whatever your budget or preference may be, the city could provide you with the best accommodation to ensure that you have an ideal Melbourne holiday.

The author is a contributor for the travel website Cheap Holiday Accommodation. This offers many travel suggestions, articles, as well as other information on Melbourne http://www.cheapholidayaccommodation.com/victoria/melbourne/accommodation