IGARSS13
@IGARSS2013
Discover Melbourne and Victoria with your family
Melbourne is Australia's second largest city and is the country's centre for sports, culture, theatre, food and fashion. To add to its appeal it also has a range of fun family friendly activities for all to enjoy. If you are visiting with your family, why not explore some of these sights and experiences and create some wonderful memories of your time in Melbourne.
Australian Rules Football
While visiting Melbourne, Australia, expect to overhear plenty of fervent sports talk about one of the country's most popular sporting games - Australia Rules Football. Also referred to as 'Aussie Rules' or 'footy', and while it takes on aspects of Rugby and Gaelic football, it's unique to Australia. 16 teams play throughout the season in in each state and territory in Australia. The majority of supporters are fiercely loyal to their home team, even if they move to live interstate.
Supporters love the game for its fast pace, varied tactics, charismatic players, and the surrounding colour and hype. AFL games are often sell-out events, so if you're keen to be part of the hysteria, book tickets to games early and grab a map of Melbourne to find your way to the sports stadium. In particular, hearing an MCG stadium or Etihad Stadium crowd of tens of thousands cheer their approval or disapproval, is a stirring sporting experience that is sure to sweep you up in the excitement of this game.
The official season runs through the Australian autumn and winter seasons, from March to the end of September when the AFL Grand Final is played. Melbourne weather during this time is generally chilly, so be sure to rug up when attending any of the Melbourne matches.
Games played around IGARSS 2013 dates
12 July 2013
Collingwood v Adelaide
MCG
7.50pm
Tickets through www.ticketek.com.au
13 July 2013
Carlton v St Kilda
Etihad Stadium
7.40pm
Tickets through www.ticketmaster.com.au
14 July 2013
Western Bulldogs v Essendon
Etihad Stadium
3.15pm
Tickets through www.ticketmaster.com.au
26 July 2013
Essendon v Hawthorn
Etihad Stadium
7.50pm
Tickets through www.ticketmaster.com.au
27 July 2013
Collingwood v GWS Giants
MCG
4.40pm
Tickets through www.ticketek.com.au
28 July 2013
Western Bulldogs v West Coast Eagles
Etihad Stadium
3.15pm
Tickets through www.ticketmaster.com.au
Eureka Skydeck
Take in some awe inspiring views of Melbourne from the highest public viewing platform in the Southern Hemisphere
Healesville Sanctuary
Experience a real spice of Australia at Healesville Sanctuary. Wander the tranquil bushland tracks and come face to face with iconic Australian animals like koalas, kangaroos, platypus and emus.
SEE the 8th WONDER OF THE WORLD in MELBOURNE 2013!
The most ambitious theatrical event of the decade brought to you by an award-winning international team.
Five years in the making, KING KONG will feature a cast of more than 40 actors, singers, dancers and circus performers, and a team of puppeteers who will bring to life one of the most technologically advanced puppets in the world - a one-tonne, six-metre tall silverback gorilla.
Set to a score of original compositions and modernised musical standards including I WANNA BE LOVED BY YOU, BROTHER CAN YOU SPARE A DIME and GET HAPPY this groundbreaking production will combine dazzling choreography, traditional puppetry, breathtaking circus skills & advanced animatronics to bring to life this timeless legend.
This astounding new multi-million dollar production will inspire wonder, romance and a sense of adventure, and will redefine the way we experience musical theatre.
www.kingkongliveonstage.comKING KONG SPECIAL CONFERENCE TICKET OFFER!
IGARSS has teamed up with King Kong to offer you a special rate when you book tickets to a Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday evening performance of King Kong at the Regent Theatre during your stay in Melbourne.
Click here to take advantage of this special offer!
Luna Park
From the moment you step inside Mr Moon's giant mouth, you are exposed to a world full of carnival flair, from the rides that send you sky-high, to historical carousel rides, Melbourne's Luna Park has been the face of fun in St Kilda for generations. The world famous roller coaster will not only provide you with heart-stopping dips and turns, but also the most stunning views of Port Phillip Bay St. Kilda has to offer.
Melbourne Aquarium
Melbourne Aquarium is an amazing underwater world. Explore four thrilling levels of aquatic adventure. Highlights include Antarctica, the 2.2 million litre Oceanarium and daily live shark feeds.
www.melbourneaquarium.com.au
Melbourne Museum
Come and say hello to Phar Lap discover Melbourne's story and Indigenous Victoria. Marvel at life size dinosaurs, weigh yourself in gold and enjoy the fun family activities. Judged Best Major Tourist Attraction in Australia 2011.
Melbourne Zoo
Experience the wonder and diversity of the world's wildlife with a walk through the award winning Melbourne Zoo. Featuring more than 300 animal species.
www.zoo.org.auNational Rugby League
The National Rugby League, or NRL as it's more widely known, is a rugby league competition for clubs from Australia and New Zealand. Started in 1998, the NRL is Australia's primary rugby league.
The season will commences mid-March and carries through until September. At the end of the season the top 8 teams on the NRL ladder qualify for the finals series. The finals involve a series of knock-out games which will leave two teams remaining - the remaining two will play each other in the Grand Final in October.
12 July 2013
Rabo Rebels v Highlanders
AAMI Stadium
7.30pm
Tickets through www.ticketek.com.au
Penguin Parade
Escape the mainland and experience unique Australian wildlife in their beautiful natural habitat - only 90 minutes from Melbourne. Come and see the fairy penguins, the world's smallest and cutest penguins
Puffing Billy Railway
Australia's favourite Steam Train, Puffing Billy travels through the magnificent forests and fern gullies of the Dandenong Ranges from Belgrave, only one hour east of Melbourne.
Scienceworks
Go on a science adventure that the whole family can enjoy! From interactive exhibitions, live demonstrations, live shows, activities, tours and much more - Scienceworks is the perfect day out for curious minds and active bodies.
www.museumvictoria.com.au/scienceworks
Sovereign Hill
The dynamic events, personalities and dramas that helped carve Australia's rugged history are played out at Sovereign Hill, an outdoor museum that tells the story of the world's richest alluvial goldrush.
Walking Tour
Whether you have an interest in food, fashion, coffee or art why not join a walking tour of the city - a great way to get up close to the action.
Baby Sitting and Child Minding Services
Your hotel will be able to recommend babysitting services to assist you during your visit.