Throughout the world, the word docklands usually refers to waterfront or harbour based properties that were originally setup during the industrial revolution. As the more established cities in the world went through their respective revolutions, waterfront properties were gradually snapped up by corporations seeking to be closer to their raw material drop off points to help reduce transport costs. In the beginning waterfront areas comprised of factories and warehouses with inner suburbs. As the world evolved and major industries were exported to cheaper regions the docklands went into decline. By the1980s many major cities had vast regions of abandoned waterfront property. These gradually became known for their ghettos and crime alleys. However in the mid nineties London sparked an urban rejuvenation project to turn their disused docklands into a contemporary high end business and residential hub full of modern skyscrapers and trendy penthouse properties. The project was a success and land prices soared thanks to the central location and prime views across the water. The success was adopted by many major cities including Melbourne that started the Waterfront City project. Projects such as the Etihad Stadium had already paved the way for urban rejuvenation of the docklands. Hence in the early 2000’s a one billion dollar program was initiated to help develop the Melbourne docklands into a premier retail and residential hub. Walking through Waterfront City one can only be awed at the significant transformation from grimy, dark and disused to modern, trendy and entertaining. The views over the Victoria Harbour are truly breathtaking as you stroll along wide paved walkways with comfy benches to sit and reflect as you gaze upon the deep blue waters, waving at passing ships. Visitors looking to have some fun at Waterfront City are well catered to. The ICEHOUSE is a world class ice skating and entertainment centre comprised of two Olympic size skating rinks. Whether you are a professional or a beginner you can skate all throughout the week and partake in the specialised winter sports gym and then sit back and enjoy a refreshing hot beverage at the café. Boat lovers are sure to enjoy the fresh new Marina. Considered the largest in Melbourne, visitors can park their pleasure craft at public moorings and enjoy a day at the Waterfront City. Water taxis are available throughout Melbourne to help transport visitors to the docklands via the best views of the city. Do not own a fancy sail boat but want to try your hand at it? No problem the Waterfront City offers a three hour experience where you weigh anchor to Port Philip Bay and back. The most recent attraction to be completed at Waterfront City is the Southern Star. Similar to the London Eye and Singapore Flyer, this giant observation wheel is based around a seven pointed star. Made up of air-conditioned cabins, the wheel offers unparalleled views across Victoria Harbour and the Melbourne cityscape. Visitors feeling the retail itch need only head to the plethora of malls and shops at Waterfront City to satisfy their indulgent pleasure. The Harbour Town is an open air shopping complex with a mix of trendy boutiques and bargain brands to suit everyone’s budget. Noted as Melbourne’s most glamorous store, Designer House comprises a vast array of local and international brands selling everything from clothes to jewellery. Its tranquil interior is a welcome escape from Melbourne’s hectic Central Business District. After a long day spent exploring the wonders of Melbourne, one wishes to relax and be pampered. There are many Melbourne spas dotted around the city that will help one relax and rejuvenate. The Chuan Spa Melbourne for example is a popular choice among Melbourne day spas. Offering a combination of both traditional eastern and cutting edge western treatments, the Chuan Spa Melbourne offers a variety of package combinations to help guests unwind according to their needs.
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