Bourke Street is one of the most renowned streets in all of Melbourne. It is also known as “Second Street”, as it plays second fiddle to only Collins Street. Bourke Street gets its name from Sir Richard Bourke, Governor of New South Wales (1837) and is home to many of the city’s entertainment centres and shopping precincts.

Melbourne itself is packed with an array of attractions with tourists visiting all year round. Due to this, in popular areas such as South Yarra, hotels are a plenty with choices varying from budget options to luxury hotels. If you are in the region, consider staying at Oaks South Yarra for a comfortable stay and to be placed close to the city’s attractions such as Bourke Street.

The biggest highlight here is the Bourke Street Mall. Starting at the west of Swanson Street, this mall includes two tram tracks. The mall’s main department stores are Myer and David Jones, which are usually packed with eager shoppers. Myer is a sight to behold as it stands at nine stories, while David Jones occupies three buildings. The Mall is a treat to any shopaholic and you would be wise to allocate plenty of time for some retail therapy rather than rush through.

Beyond shopping, Myer stays true to the spirit of Christmas with a 60-year tradition, where from November to January, you get to peek at the awesome animated Christmas show in the windows. The Mural Hall with its exquisite High Tea experience is another highlight at the Mall.

GPO Melbourne, the city’s former post office, converted into a top-end shopping mall is another key highlight at the Mall. The space mainly is occupied by Swedish clothing retailer H&M. The Royal Arcade, Strand Arcade and Centrepoint Shopping Centre are some of the other shopping spaces in the region.

Bourke Street is also packed with cafes and restaurants that serve a wide variety of eateries. Also, swing by at the hip roof top bar, Madame Brussels, for sweeping views of the city’s skyline and also wind down after a busy and eventful day exploring Melbourne’s ‘second street’.

Shehera Fioni is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Catalina Forbes. Her content is based on many thrilling escapades offered to travellers across the world.

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