Melbourne Car Hire

Guide to Orlando Melbourne

History

There’s archaeological evidence that Paleo-Indians were hanging out in the Melbourne vicinity way back in the late Pleistocene epoch, but the first modern settlers arrived relatively recently – in 1877. The first school was built in 1883, the local African Methodist Episcopal Church was founded in 1885 and the Naval Air Station Melbourne was opened in 1942 – it closed in 1946 and the ground was later used for the construction of Orlando Melbourne International Airport. Popular recreation attractions in or near Melbourne include Lake Washington, Wickham Park and Brevard Zoo and the city boasts no less than three branches of Brevard County Public Libraries.

Culture

If you haven’t been to Melbourne and Central Florida before, you might be surprised at its burgeoning arts and culture scene. At renowned venues like Maxwell C. King Center for Performing Arts and Cocoa Village Playhouse, you might catch headliners like Penn & Teller, Bill Maher and Yanni, as well as numerous talented local groups performing everything from musicals to experimental theatre. The Eau Gallie Arts District (EGAD) is packed with galleries and art studious (including the highly-rated Foosaner Art Museum), while both Historic Downtown Melbourne and Historic Cocoa Village are hives of creativity. Last but definitely not least, the Kennedy Space Center is a perpetually popular attraction, despite the space shuttle launch program ending in 2011.

Alternative Melbourne

If you’re looking for something a little bit different, Melbourne doesn’t disappoint. For starters, it’s a great place to see manatees. Also known as sea cows, lots of them mooch around Manatee Cove on Merritt Island and this 30-acre lagoon and wetland is lovely to explore. If that sounds a little sedate however, how about driving a tank over the top of a car, then hopping out to fire a machine gun into targets? This real-life A-Team experience is on offer at Tank America and (for most of us), it’s a once in a lifetime experience. Another quirky experience is catching a show from the Melbourne Community Orchestra – this tuneful ensemble plays free concerts at various locations across the city throughout the year and there’s always a welcoming crowd, particularly at outdoor events in the summer.

Things to do in Orlando Melbourne

Beach life

As you can tell, there’s more to Melbourne than meets the eye. But lots of visitors come here for one (albeit brilliant) reason – it’s beaches are simply the bomb. In fact, many people think they’re Florida’s finest. There are two terrific beaches here – Melbourne and Paradise – and they’re much more inclusive and relaxed than the likes of Miami beach. Free and family-friendly, activities on offer include beachcombing, surfing, splashing around in the shallows and snoozing under your umbrella. If you’re keen on fishing, why not charter a boat and see if you can catch something big enough to boast to your friends about? The other great thing about Melbourne’s beaches is that there’s a wide choice of wonderful cafes and restaurants nearby to refresh yourself – lovely.

Zoo fun

If you’re a fan of exotic, cute and unusual animals (or at least your kids are), make a beeline for Brevard Zoo. This 75-acre non-profit facility is populated by amazing critters like African bullfrogs, American alligators and crocodiles, bearded dragons, capybara, Chilean flamingos and cheetah. But this is a zoo with lots on offer for adrenaline freaks too – such as exciting kayak tours and white-knuckle zip lining experiences. When your pulse has stopped racing faster than a hyperactive hamster on a wheel, relax with an ice cold drink at the onsite café – you deserve it.

Racing action

Are you competitive? Love speed? Motorsports fan? Book your ticket’s now for the Andretti Thrill Park on South Babcock street. With its endorsement from the auto racing legend and high-energy activities like go-kart racing and laser tag, this attraction has been entertaining visitors and locals for over 20 years. There’s also miniature golf and an expansive video arcade – so be warned that with so many addictive activities, it’ll be tough to tear your kids away. Plan to spend the best part of a day here to really make the most of it.

Eating out in Orlando Melbourne

Cuban delights

As you might know, Florida is home to the largest Cuban population outside of Cuba itself, so it’s no wonder that there are several lip-smacking Cuban restaurants in the state. El Ambio Cubano is one of the finest exponents of this spicy cuisine and people have been raving about its exotic dishes since it opened in 2009. The décor is cosy and relaxed, with a smooth soundtrack of Cuban tunes accompanying favourites like tostones rollenos with pork, shredded beef or ground beef, sauteed fish with cilantro mango onion sauce, and desserts like warm, sweet Cuban pastries – delish!

Super seafood

If ocean-fresh fare floats your boat, Melbourne Seafood Station is definitely the place to be. And one of the tastiest choices here is building your own bespoke seafood basket. First, select no seasoning whatsoever, mild or spicy. Then choose two sides from the likes of garlic rice, linguini, mac and cheese, or sausage. And finally, pick your catch (or catches) from delectable royal red shrimp, rock shrimp, snow crab, and even fin fish like grouper and salmon. Wash it all down with a cold craft beer – life doesn’t get much better.

Awesome Asian

Does Thai, Japanese and Korean food tickle your taste buds? Mangetsu is your culinary capital. The delicious Pan-Asian menu features favourites like full moon dumplings, krab horns, endame, spicy chicken bulgogi, kimchee fried rice, pad Thai, green curry and California Tamaki. There’s simply so much on offer at Mangetsu that one visit is never enough – you can bet your bottom dollar you’ll return before you head home!

Transport in Orlando Melbourne

Airport

The main airport here is Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB). Carriers include Allegiant Air, American Eagle, Delta Air Lines, and TUI Airways. There are routes to Pittsburgh, Charlotte, Dallas, Birmingham (UK), Manchester, Glasgow and several other international destinations.

Public transport

Public transport in Melbourne and the Space Coast area consists of bus and trolley routes which operate designated routes covering a wide area throughout main towns and cities in Brevard County and beyond. All of these vehicles are accessible to wheelchairs and include bike racks, with larger equipment like surfboards allowed inside, provided there’s adequate room.

Driving

Driving is still the most convenient way to navigate Melbourne, Orlando and other popular Florida areas. Remember to drive on the right and observe the speed limits of 20 mph in school zones, 30mph in urban districts, 55mph on all roads and highways (unless signage indicates otherwise), and 70mph on freeways and interstate highways.