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There's a lot to see and do in Melbourne, particularly if you're a fan of the arts. If you're keen to soak up as much culture as possible while in the city then you certainly won't be disappointed, as there are over 100 galleries in just this particular Australian metropolis alone and you will probably struggle to fit everything you want to do in just one trip. Those who can't decide just where to begin should perhaps make their way to the Heide Museum of Modern Art, located just 15 minutes outside the city's central business district. This gallery was where artists Sidney Nolan, Albert Tucker and Arthur Boyd - among others - translated Australian modernism and you will certainly have a great time if you go along to see some of the museum's numerous collections. This particular gallery is in fact made up of 16 acres of buildings, gardens and sculpture parks, so you don't even have to miss out on any of that famous Australian sun, since many of the exhibitions can be found outside. Make sure you check out the modernist building designed by McGlashan and Everist, the Albert & Barbara Tucker Gallery, the Osage Orange Groves and the heritage-listed Victorian farmhouse. Other highlights include the Kitchen Garden and the Yarra frontage, which will take you along to the Heidelberg Artists' Trail. Once you've seen all there is to visit here, why not head on to the National Gallery of Victoria? This is the oldest public art gallery in the whole of Australia after being founded in 1861 and its various exhibitions are divided between two sites - NGV International on St Kilda Road and the Ian Potter Centre in Federation Square, the latter of which has some of the gallery's 20,000 works of Australian art on display. NVG International is also home to a Kids Space, which you might want to go to if you have young children with you - although adults are sure to enjoy themselves as well. Works from a number of collections and exhibitions can be found here and kids aged eight and above can have a lot of fun discovering art and exploring multimedia in the museum, as well as trying out a few hands-on activities. And don't worry too much about working up an appetite - there are several restaurants at the NVG, such as the Tea Room and The Crossbar Cafe. Persimmon could be a particularly good choice for all, however, with its menu of seasonal Australian produce. If you want to explore a few public galleries while in Melbourne then you won't be disappointed either. You could have fun if you head to the Bundoora Homestead Art Centre, built in 1899 and now registered by Heritage Victoria and certified by the National Trust. The programme of displays changes from time to time, while there are also public lectures put on occasionally. Seasonal afternoon teas and light lunches can be enjoyed at the licensed cafe. While all these art galleries are definitely worth investigating, you must also make sure you don't neglect Melbourne's museums. If you want a great day out for all the family, then head to Scienceworks, where the Melbourne Planetarium can be found. Youngsters in particular are sure to enjoy a day out at this museum and will most likely have a whale of a time in the lightning room, where live shows are put on using a Tesla Coil that is capable of generating two million volts of electricity and produces three-metre bolts of lightning. The Sportsworks space is also waiting to be discovered here, boasting over 20 body-in and hands-on experiences that provide visitors with the best sporting challenges around. Younger children - those aged between three and eight years old - could also get a kick out of Nitty Gritty Super City at Scienceworks. Here, they can improve their building skills in the construction zone, check out a recycling factory, spend some time in the exhibition cafe or record their very own weather report. While adults are sure to have fun at Scienceworks, they might also like to spend some time at the Immigration Museum, a gallery devoted to telling the tales of all those who migrated to Victoria from all around the world. Here, you will find interactive computer displays, contemporary shows of memorabilia and lots of moving images depicting the lives of people who have moved to Victoria from the 1800s to the present day. Sights include a 1950s ocean liner, a 1900s steamer and a 17-metre replica ship. You could also take a walk down the Golden Mile Heritage Trail - which begins at the Museum and takes you past 80 buildings and other attractions throughout the city. Book cheap flights to Melbourne and you can enjoy a host of galleries and museums on a culture-filled trip. Find low-cost airfares to Melbourne airport at Netflights for an inexpensive way to travel to Melbourne.
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