Melbourne is the second largest city in Australia and boasts a cosmopolitan lifestyle that has made it one of the world’s great cities.  It features excellent shopping, superb restaurants, varied entertainment venues, beautiful parks and stunning architecture.  Melbourne is truly multicultural, with a friendly and welcoming attitude towards all visitors.  Shopping is a major attraction, varying from fashion giants such as Gucci and Versace to funky and innovative local boutiques and discount factory outlets.  The diverse regions around Melbourne offer a wealth of one-day trips.

SHOPPING COMPLEXES/ CENTRES:

• Melbourne city centre – For one-stop shopping, you can’t beat department stores like the vast Myer or David Jones which lie at the centre of a labyrinth of laneways and arcades filled with a treasure-trove of retail stores
• Chadstone Shopping Centre – Known as the fashion capital, with 101,000 square meters of shopping it is one of the largest regional centres in Australia
• Chapel Street, South Yarra – The home of classy labels and chic designer stores
• Factory outlets – Spend hours browsing the wonderful warehouses and factory second shops selling cheap designer clothes, homewares and accessories
• Bridge Road, Richmond – Budget shopping at its best – shop after shop of bargains of all sorts, only minutes by tram from the central city

BAZAARS:

• Queen Victoria Market  - This legendary market has been a Melbourne favourite since 1878. Every fresh foodstuff you can imagine is sold there, along with souvenirs, gifts, clothing, jewellery and luggage at often ridiculously low prices
• Prahran Market – A classy market with the finest of Melbourne food
• Sunday Art Market at Southbank - A chance to buy that gift with a difference
• St Kilda Esplanade Arts and Crafts market – Set beside the beach, it was originally created to give local artists an outlet for their work and features leatherwork, glass, paintings and sculpture
• South Melbourne Market – Melbourne’s second-oldest market was established 125+ years ago with an eclectic mix of bargain buys and gourmet food

DAY TRIPS:

• Victoria’s alpine region  - Experience the high country with its snow-capped peaks (in June, July, August and September) providing fun for children and an adventure for those seeking some action
• Victoria’s goldfields - Experience Australia’s exciting goldrush era at the historical outdoor theme park Sovereign Hill, Ballarat
• Phillip Island Nature Park  - Home to one of Australia’s most popular wildlife attractions, the world famous Penguin Parade.  It is an island adventure of wetlands, wildlife and breathtaking coastlines
• Puffing Billy Historic railway – An historic steam train still running regularly in the nearby Yarra Valley area, close to the Healesville Sanctuary where Australia’s native animals can be seen
• Warrook Cattle Farm – Experience real country living on a working cattle and sheep farm, en route to Phillip Island
• Great Ocean Road - a spectacular coastal drive taking you past seaside villages, rugged cliffs and idyllic beaches; including the world renowned 12 Apostles rock formation

ISLAMIC SERVICES:

• Many Halal restaurants, take-aways and bakeries
• More than 20 Mosques
• More than 25 Halal butchers