Experience Travel Guides, the guides the Travel Industry trusts, are unique in that they are designed to be read in the same way as a novel. They are a valuable resource for those planning to visit a destination, a source of information for those just interested in finding out more about a country or city, and a pleasure for those armchair travelers who just enjoy a good read. Experience Melbourne highlights the more rewarding parts of the city so that those planning a visit can quickly and efficiently plan an itinerary. We locate and detail the best places to see and the top experiences to enjoy, and recommend accommodation options in all areas. All are based on the personal experience of the author. We capture the personality and the underlying cultural and historical significance of the city and the surrounding areas. We explore the wonderful churches, shops, restaurants, and museums of the Central Business District (CBD), the amazing parks and sporting facilities that surround this area, and the fascinating inner suburbs where tourism is secondary to normal life but where visitors will find amazing pubs, cafés and a coffee culture unsurpassed in most of the world. Suggestions are also made for day and extended tours outside the city. Some of these are essential if you wish to understand the Melbournians and their love of life. In the process we meet friendly, helpful people, buy unique handicrafts, eat tantalizing cuisine, and enjoy charming hospitality. As more people travel to new destinations, guide books grow in importance. Hard-copy books, however, are often out of date before they are printed and users are frustrated by experiences contrary to what is described. This book has no such problem as it was written in November 2016 and can be updated as often as necessary to keep it right up to date. Some people believe the internet has all the answers these days but be aware that many internet sites provide out of date or inaccurate information, and many are extremely biased. We have done everything possible to ensure our information is up to date and we will continue to update the book as necessary. We also accept no advertising or sponsorship so we can give an honest opinion about everything we see. Please realize, however, that no guide book can substitute for common sense. Melbourne is a great place for exploring on foot so you need to pack clothing, footwear and other items appropriate for doing just that. Melbourne is summer can be very hot while in winter it can get quite cold at night. It has rapidly changing weather so you need to be prepared for whatever the day might bring. Melbourne is a modern Western city with excellent transport and other facilities but like much of the world, many things are not cheap. The Australian dollar has lost value against the US dollar and Japanese yen in recent years but gained quite considerably against the UK pound in 2016. This has made it cheaper for Americans and Japanese but dearer for those from the UK. The Australian dollar has been fairly stable against the Euro and most Asian currencies but this can change quickly. We believe that every place in the world provides unique experiences which make a visit worthwhile. Melbourne has great sights and activities at every turn. We encourage you to explore, meet the locals, and grab each new opportunity as it arises. Travelling is fun but always do it with care and compassion. In that way your Melbourne experience can provide lifetime memories.
