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As one of Australia’s most vibrant cities and boasting a regular appearance on lists of world’s greatest cities to live in, you can be sure that your time in Melbourne will be wonderful. For a solo traveler, finding a city where your sociability can flourish is always key. In Melbourne’s case, you will find that its areas are conducive to friendly interaction with locals and other travelers. So read on to find out about some of the city’s sights and activities, and if you’re looking for hostels in Melbourne then check out HostelBookers.com.
St. Kilda
Once somewhat of a forgotten slum of inner Melbourne, this suburb of Port Phillip has enjoyed a revitalization over the years thanks to an influx of young people. Today it boasts an exciting assortment of bars and beach scene restaurants, providing solo travelers a great space to make friends.
Brunswick
This area you might consider to be one of Melbourne’s hippy neighborhoods. A laid-back atmosphere and a decent amount of restaurants will welcome you and hook you up with friends of the alternative ilk.
Richmond
Head to Richmond whenever you decide to check out the Yarra River and the Botanical Gardens, and get a taste of Australia’s second largest city’s Little Vietnam. You’ll find a whole lot of bars and restaurants, surely enough to please the palette of the day. Definitely check out The Green Refectory.
Shopping and Night Markets
Swanston Street is the most well-known place to find bargains in Melbourne. The basement shops are especially unique and your eyes will be quite busy. Otherwise, spend a few days exploring the eclectic mix you’ll find at world-renown Queen Victoria Market. Collins Street is where you’ll find top brand boutiques. Melbourne is also known for its night markets, Koorie being the indigenous artisan one, and Suzuki being the best place for late snacks.
Yarra Valley Wine Region
Take a day trip outside the city to the Yarra wine region, named of course after the city’s river, where you can taste some of Australia’s globally-recognizable wines. If you get on a tour, it’s a great way to connect with other travelers.
Phillip Island
Another trip will bring you 87 miles out of the city, across a concrete bridge to Newhaven on Phillip Island. It’s famous for its surfing, motorsport and for a unique species of penguin that comes marching ashore a national park. The beaches are quite beautiful, and are alone worth the trip. With over 3 million visitors per year, you’re sure to bump into like-minded solo travelers.
Royal Botanical Gardens
There’s nothing quite like a stroll through the beautiful vegetation of Melbourne’s Royal Botanical Gardens. Make sure to charge your camera. It’s a great place to go with new friends.
Melbourne Lanes
Melbourne enjoys a special architectural treat that its history has afforded it. Narrow lanes and arcades that have been converted in many cases to indoor shopping centers abound in the downtown area. Somehow, finding yourself in narrow streets once used for horse carts is always enchanting.
After spending some time in Melbourne it will come as no surprise that it is one of the world’s best cities to live in. You should feel happy in the knowledge that you won’t be alone for long. You might also consider hanging out longer on a work holiday visa; there’s no better way to get to know a place and its people.
