An interesting article appeared in the Age today discussing some of the "landmark" proposals Melbourne has seen in the past, everything from Grollo's dockland tower to Canals and a Central Park. The latest is making a beach on the Yarra!

What sort of landmarks do people think Melbourne need?

http://www.theage.com.au/national/imaginary-melbourne-20080824-41fc.html

We need a major theme park. This is always great for the kids.

Nothing!!! I don't want Melbourne to become a "Disneyland" type destination like Gold Coast. That's what makes Melbourne great, the fact that is is "subtle"

Just thought of another one - bring back Moomba - properly. Huge floats (not Zig & Zag), maybe massive balloons like the Maceys Thanksgiving Day parade.

Sydney has the Mardi Gras.

hahahah I remember moomba! It was awesome. I used to go as a kid and loved it. I don't know where the money in it was, but seeing those huge flats was so much fun.

This got me thinking about festivals and culture, i wonder how come we don't have anything live Carnivale in Rio or like the Mardi Gras in Sydney. Is it a product of our culture?

Hi accountjockey,

I loved Moomba as well, that's a great suggestion. Not sure about the "Carnivale" type festival, but i do think it's a product of Melbourne culture. We are more relaxed, and possibly too lazy to have one :) We do have a big festival scene though that has boomed in the last 10 years. Goodvibes is one that I can think of which is massive, and also the Big Day Out. They draw pretty big crowds, and I know that some people even travel here from OS for them.

AJ