Overview
Melbourne is one of the world’s most liveable cities and it’s easy to see why!
This relatively young city is known for its diverse shopping, amazing choice of restaurants, cool bars and exciting nightlife, laneways filled with cafés, parks and botanical gardens to explore and a fanatical sporting culture.
Melbourne is situated along the shores of Port Phillip Bay, with the city centre located on the north bank of the Yarra River. The heart of the Central Business District (CBD) is Bourke Street Mall, a popular pedestrian walkway filled with numerous shops. The city is set up in a block-shaped grid with the main streets, Collins and Bourke, running east–west crossed by Swanston and Elizabeth streets. The easiest way to explore this city is take a tram for the ideal sightseeing experience.
To the west of the city is the Docklands, a modern, cosmopolitan area just minutes from the city centre. Federation Square and Southbank, with their distinct design and lively atmosphere can be found on the southern border. This entertainment and art precinct links the city to the Yarra River.
Melbourne has a number of intriguing inner suburbs to explore. First stop, head to Carlton where you will find a strong Italian influence and a rich cuisine. To the east of Carlton is the alternative and bohemian suburb of Fitzroy. For fashion outlets and good Aussie pubs, head to the neighbouring suburb of Richmond, which is also the home to one of the world’s best sporting grounds, the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Head towards the bay to the seaside location of St Kilda, and experience Melbourne’s liveliest, festive and most cosmopolitan area.
No matter what you are looking for in Melbourne, we are sure to have it. Whether you want to experience one of the charming suburbs, take a tram ride through the city, shop till you drop or catch a football game Melbourne is definitely a choice destination to live or visit.
See and Do
Melbourne has a number of exciting things to see and do. You will never be lost for ideas on where to go or what to see in this city that truly has it all. Here are some essentials must dos for your stay in Melbourne:
Go to an AFL game at the MCG
The Australian Football League (AFL) runs from April to September with the top eight teams qualifying for the finals. The Grand Final is between two teams with one emerging as the premier side for the year. Close to 100,000 fans pack the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) for the event and millions watch it from home. We suggest heading to a Saturday game at the MCG where you can see two teams fight it out!
Visit the AFL website »
Explore Melbourne’s Gardens
Melbourne has one of the finest collection of parks and gardens of any city in the world and the good news is that the best gardens are within easy walking distance of the city. We recommend visiting the Royal Botanic, Fitzroy, Treasury and Flagstaff Gardens. These gardens offer charming walking paths, colourful garden beds, a superb collection of trees and manicured lawns. Remember access to all gardens is free, so enjoy an afternoon in one of Melbourne’s pristine gardens.
Visit the City of Melbourne website »
Ride a tram around the City
Melbourne's famous trams are a great way to explore the city - ride the free City Circle tram for a great insight into the city. A novel dining experience is on the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant where you can enjoy fine cuisine and Australian wines while you cruise the streets of Melbourne.
Visit Metlink Melbourne website »
Visit the Tramcar Restaurant website »
Melbourne Art Centre
Melbourne’s Art Centre has always been associated with arts and entertainment in Melbourne. This cultural centre holds acts such as circus, theatre and dance.
Visit the Arts Centre website »
Como House
Como House is a colonial mansion set on five acres of historic gardens overlooking the Yarra River. Visiting the Como House will take you back through time, revealing the colonial lifestyle of the families who gave the home its life during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
Federation Square
Federation Square is Melbourne’s new meeting place and a unique cultural experience. It has a number of museums, galleries and a quality selection of restaurants, cafés and bars to enjoy.
Visit the Federation Square website »
Melbourne Museum
This is the largest museum complex in the Southern Hemisphere. Here you can learn about Aboriginal culture and history, visit a living rainforest and see Phar Lap, Melbourne Cup’s legendary horse.
Visit the Melbourne Museum website »
Melbourne Aquarium
Go underwater without getting wet. See thousands of creatures that live in the Southern Ocean at Melbourne’s newest and most state of the art aquarium.
Visit the Melbourne Aquarium website »
Luna Park
Melbourne’s Luna Park is located in the heart of St Kilda. You can enjoy all the rides, entertainment and fun you can handle. Park entry is free.
Visit the Luna Park website »
Rialto Towers
Visit the tallest office building in the Southern Hemisphere. Head up to level 55 of the 253-metre Rialto Towers for a breathtaking 360 degree view of Melbourne.
Flinders Street Station
A historical landmark in Melbourne, Flinders Street Station and its clock face facade cannot be missed. This station was completed in 1910 and today, on an average weekday, more than 110,000 people pass through this busy station.
Royal Melbourne Zoo
Experience the wonder and diversity of the world's wildlife with a walk through the award-winning Melbourne Zoo. More than 300 species are on display every day of the year in a brilliant botanical setting only 4km from the city.
Visit the Zoo Victoria website »
National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)
The NGV has two galleries and is located on St Kilda Road displaying collections from around the world including European, Asian, Oceanic and American Art. The second gallery is the Ian Potter Centre at Federation Square housing Australian art including indigenous and non-indigenous art from the colonial period to the present day.
Visit the NGV website »
St Paul’s Cathedral
St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral is a beautiful and historical place of worship in the heart of Melbourne. It has a magnificent history that began in 1880 and its architecture is considered a masterpiece of the Gothic Revival style. Today there are regular services, weddings, musical concerts and events held at St Paul’s Cathedral.
Old Melbourne Gaol
Old Melbourne Gaol dominated the Melbourne skyline as a symbol of authority when it was built in the mid 1800s. Between 1842, and its closure in 1929, the gaol (jail) was the scene of 135 hangings including, Australia's most infamous citizen, the bushranger Ned Kelly. The jail is open seven days and you can take a day tour or a spooky night tour.
Chinatown
Chinatown is located in Little Bourke Street where grand red arches stand out at either end of the buzzing street. The flavours of Asia fill the street where you can visit restaurants like the Dragon Boat where Yum Cha is served daily. There is also an array of trinket shops and buildings worth exploring.
Princess Theatre
See a show at the beautiful Princess Theatre designed in 1886. The theatre has been refurbished twice and more recently back to its classical style. Don’t forget to grab a snack at the theatre’s Frederici’s café named after the theatre ghost who is said to be that of an actor who fell through a trap door while playing a part and died of a heart attack.
Southgate
Southgate is the place to be for shopping, dining and entertainment. Opened in 1992 and situated along the Yarra, Southgate is appealing to overseas visitors, day trippers and city workers alike.
Crown Casino & Entertainment Complex
Enjoy this dazzling entertainment complex and try your luck in the bright casino or indulge at the five star resort and spa or enjoy one of the many restaurants, nightclubs, theatres and bars on offer.
Visit the Crown Casino website »
Melbourne Surrounding Areas
Melbourne’s surrounding areas are the perfect distance for a day trip or a long weekend away. You can see everything from scenic coastline, to luscious green rainforests, beautiful beaches and world-famous penguins. Here are some top spots we suggest you see:
Great Ocean Road
The winding Great Ocean Road twists its way from Torquay to Warrnambool in Victoria’s South West. You will see stunning ocean views and amazing beachscapes, laidback coastal towns and hillside townships. Take a breathtaking walk, swim in one of the sandy beaches or discover the hidden waterfalls.
The Dandenong Ranges
Only an hour drive from Melbourne, the Dandenong Ranges is the perfect retreat away from the city. Enjoy the mountain air, luxurious hilltop retreats, charming gardens and the spectacular tall forests.
Yarra Yalley
Visit Melbourne’s beautiful and scenic wine region. Yarra Valley is one of the best wine regions in the world and home to over 55 wineries. Take a winery tour and sample some of the finest wines Australia has on offer. This region is famous for pinot noir and sparkling wines.
Mornington Peninsula
This summer holiday destination is located between Port Phillip and Western Port Bays. The peninsula’s beautiful beaches, national parks, wineries, craft and produce markets make it a delight to visit. Get involved in the water activities including sailing, fishing, scuba diving and swimming with the dolphins.
Daylesford
Treat yourself and visit the village of Daylesford where you can wander through the local galleries and antique stores. Sample the gourmet food and wine or try the regions exquisite mineral waters. Finally indulge yourself at a local spa where you can enjoy pure relaxation.
Bells Beach
Visit one of Australia’s most famous surfing beaches, located between Torquay and Anglesea. Every Easter, Bells Beach is home to the world-championship surfing contest where crowds flock to see the world’s best surfers.
Phillip Island
Phillip Island is well known for its Penguin Parade where tourists folk in thousands to see this spectacle. Phillip Island has a selection of beautiful beaches from wild surf to sheltered bays. Enjoy the many cafés and restaurants along the main street in Cowes or eat fish and chips on the beach.
Shopping
Melbourne has it all when it comes to shopping – think Melbourne, think shopping! Known as the shopping capital of Australia, Melbourne is the place where you can buy just about everything. Visit the large department stores like David Jones or Myer or shop through the network of lanes and arcades dotted throughout the city. Whatever you are looking for, Melbourne is sure to have it.
Bourke Street Mall
Here you will find Melbourne’s main department stores located between Swanston Street and Elizabeth Street. See the street performers and buskers performing in the mall, as you shop.
Melbourne Central
Melbourne Central is situated on the corner of LaTrobe and Swanston Streets, covering over two city blocks and filled with over 300 shops to suit all budgets. Don’t miss the historic Shot Tower, a centre point at this fashion, food and entertainment mecca.
Chapel Street
A reputation for being Melbourne’s style capital, this is where you will find cutting edge fashion and style. With over 1000 stores to choose from and stretching over two kilometres, Chapel Street can be found between the exclusive suburbs of South Yarra and Prahran.
Laneways & Arcades
Here you will find designer boutiques, quirky souvenir shops and a delightful choice of cafés. The Block Arcade is considered the grandest of them all in Melbourne, featuring huge mural ceilings and mosaic floors, its design is inspired from the cities of London, Milan and Paris.
Melbourne Markets
Queen Victoria Market
A historic landmark and tourist attraction, the Queen Victoria Market has over 1000 stores and sells absolutely everything. The open air market sells meat, fruit and vegetable, clothing, shoes, baggage, toys, pets, travel goods, jewellery and souvenirs. You can find this market on the corner of Elizabeth and Victoria Streets.
South Melbourne Market
South Melbourne Market is a large undercover market with a wide range of produce and general goods located on the corner of York and Cecil Streets in South Melbourne. This market is famous for its dim sims, with the locals swearing they are the best in the world.
Prahran Market
Located nearby to Chapel Street, Prahran Market is the longest running market in Australia with a focus on fresh and unique produce, cooking demonstrations, entertainment, tours, free children's activities and organic produce.
Sunday Market at the Victorian Arts Centre
With over 150 stalls undercover, this is the perfect place to shop for a unique gift. This market sells handmade ceramics, textiles, Australian timber woodwork, jewellery, photography and paintings.
Eat
Melbourne is one of the best destinations in the world for dining. It caters to all desired tastes and has a staggering choice of affordable and high quality restaurants representing every known cuisine in the world. Eating out in Melbourne is notably less expensive than the USA, UK or Western Europe and first-rate restaurants and cafés can be conveniently found in both the inner and outer suburbs of Melbourne.
Where to eat out in Melbourne? This depends on your budget, taste and the ultimate experience you are seeking. It is easy to spend well over $100 per person for a meal or you can also eat very well for less than $10.
In the CBD, you will find the best restaurants hidden in laneways where their contemporary and artistic flair offer a unique Melbourne dining experience – see Flinders Lane, Centre Place and Degrave Street. For an impressive choice of restaurants and cafés, visit Southbank, Federation Square and Docklands where the atmosphere is always lively and buzzing. A popular eating out area is Chinatown where you can expect to find Chinese restaurants. However go a little deeper and you can choose from Greek, Indian, Japanese and modern Australian.
Some other stand-out eating areas, in and around Melbourne, that are well worth checking out include Lygon Street where you will find Melbourne’s ‘Little Italy’, Brunswick Street where the mood is alternative, fashionable and arty and Little Saigon located in Victorian Street for the ultimate Vietnamese experience. For an exquisite choice of modern restaurants take a stroll along Chapel Street. A Melbourne favourite is Acland Street in St Kilda where you can indulge in delicious cake shops and cafés.
To find out all the best places to eat in Melbourne we recommend reading:
- The Age Cheap Eats
- The Age Good Food Guide
You can find these guides at a local book store or newsagency.
Nightlife
Melbourne offers a great pub culture with a number of bars, pubs and watering holes on offer, appealing to everyone needs from relaxed to upbeat. If you wander the city’s streets and narrow lanes you will discover places in which to enjoy a drink, kick back or dance until dawn. Choose from cocktail lounges, wine bars and vibrant pubs to underground dance dens and unsigned doors that conceal a warm welcome. The best pubs and bars are often hidden in Melbourne and are hard to find, but once you find them, you’ll have found a gem!
To help you seek out these hidden bars, we recommend grabbing a pack of Bar Secrets available from bookshops and newsagencies for $9.95.
Here are some key spots we recommend you check out:
City
The city has a lively drinking scene where you’ll find bars hidden down alleyways, at the top of staircases, in luxury hotels and entertainment precincts including Federation Square, Southbank and Crown Casino.
Fitzroy
Fitzroy has a cosy mix of pubs and bars where you can chill out and enjoy the cool and laid back surroundings. Brunswick Street does get rather crowded so check out Gertrude Street for a quieter option.
Prahran
The cool place to go out in Melbourne, this place is about attitude and a slick style! Commercial Road is also home to the vibrant and colourful gay scene. But if you’re looking for the ultimate pub crawl head down Greville Street, with a number of unique bars and cafés to explore.
St Kilda
St Kilda is a happening place for a night out, and is well known for its big pubs and beer gardens. Have a beer and watch the sunset over the beach. It’s a great way to spend your Saturday afternoon, watching crowds of revellers pass you by.
Nightclubs
Melbourne has a lot to offer when it comes to nightclubs from massive disco style clubs to small exclusive, boutique night spots. The place to be seen is always changing, so to find out the most popular spots in town check out the entertainment sections of Friday’s papers.
Events
Melbourne holds a number of exciting events throughout the year, whatever your interests are Melbourne will have a festival, event, party or parade to celebrate it. Here is a calendar of key events taking place throughout the year.
Calendar of Events
| Event Name | Month |
| Cricket at the MCG | January - February |
| Pier to Pub swim in Portsea | January |
| Australian Open Tennis championships | January |
| St Kilda Festival | February |
| Grape Grazing | February |
| Moomba Festival | March |
| Australian Formula One Grand Prix | March |
| L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival | March |
| Melbourne Food & Wine Festival | March |
| Rip Curl Bells Beach Surf Classic - Geelong | March |
| International Flower & Garden Show | April |
| Melbourne International Comedy Festival | April |
| Melbourne International Film Festival | July – August |
| Melbourne Fringe Festival | September |
| Royal Melbourne Show | September |
| AFL Grand Final | September |
| Oktoberfest | October |
| Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix | October |
| Melbourne International Arts Festival | October |
| Spring Carnival Racing / Melbourne Cup | November |
| Carols by Candlelight | December |
Sports
In Australia, Melbourne is considered the “home of sport”, with many Melburnians not only passionate about their sport but considered fanatical supporters. This city comes to a complete standstill for two of the biggest events in the year - a horse race and a game of AFL.
Australian Football League (AFL)
The AFL is almost a religion in this town with everyone obsessed with footy! There are 16 teams, 10 from Melbourne and six from interstate. The season kicks off in March with the Grand Final in September; here two teams fight it out at the MCG to be awarded the Premiers for the year. Games traditionally occur over the weekends and tickets can be bought at the venues.
Australian Open Tennis Championships
For two weeks in January, see the top players from around the world compete in the first global Grand Slam tournament of the year at Melbourne Park.
Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival
The spring racing carnival runs over October and November at various racing venues throughout Melbourne. It is as much about horse racing as it is about what’s hot in fashion. A public holiday is celebrated in Melbourne every November and the nation comes to a standstill to watch the famous Melbourne Cup horse race.
Motor Sports
Melbourne hosts two key motor sports each year, the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix held every March around Albert Park and The Australian Motorbike Grand Prix, a three-day event held on Phillip Island in October.
Cricket
The cricket season in Australia is from October to March at the MCG. Melbourne hosts summer international test matches, one-day internationals and the Pura Milk Cup. The Boxing Day test is a tradition in Melbourne and sells out quickly every year.
Soccer
Since Australia’s exceptional performance in the 2006 World Cup in Germany, Australians have embraced the sport of soccer with a renewed passion.
Melbourne has its own soccer team, Melbourne Victory, who are part of the ‘A League’ competition.
Visit the Football Australia website »
Other recent sporting events held in Melbourne include the Commonwealth Games held in March 2006 and the World Swimming Championships held in March-April 2007.
Outdoor Activities
Melbourne offers a variety of outdoor activities to get involved in.
Jogging
Some of the best spots for jogging in Melbourne include The Tan, a track around the Royal Botantic Gardens, Albert Park Lake and the St Kilda foreshore.
Roller Blading
In-line skating is a favourite summer activity. Try the tracks around Port Phillip bay including along Brighton and St Kilda beaches.
Canoeing
Take a canoe down the scenic Yarra River. If you visit the Studley Park Boathouse or the Fairfield Boathouse located north of Richmond they can help with all hiring needs.
Other activities that are easy to get involved in around Melbourne include surfing, cycling and hiking.
Weather
Melbourne is well known for having four seasons in one day. Sunny and warm one moment and cold and windy the next. With its unpredictable weather you never know what each day may bring.
Melbourne’s seasons are:
Summer: December – February
Autumn: March – May
Winter: June – August
Spring: September – November
Below are the average monthly temperatures throughout the year.
| | Temp ( °F) | Temp ( °C) | Rainfall |
| | Average Daily | Average Daily | Average Monthly |
| | Max | Min | Max | Min | in | mm |
| January | 79 | 59 | 26 | 15 | 1.8 | 48 |
| February | 79 | 60 | 26 | 16 | 1.9 | 50 |
| March | 75 | 57 | 24 | 14 | 2.1 | 54 |
| April | 70 | 53 | 21 | 12 | 2.3 | 59 |
| May | 63 | 50 | 17 | 10 | 2.2 | 57 |
| June | 57 | 44 | 14 | 7 | 1.9 | 50 |
| July | 57 | 44 | 14 | 7 | 1.8 | 48 |
| August | 59 | 44 | 15 | 7 | 1.9 | 49 |
| September | 63 | 48 | 17 | 9 | 2.2 | 58 |
| October | 68 | 50 | 20 | 10 | 2.6 | 67 |
| November | 71 | 53 | 22 | 12 | 2.3 | 59 |
| December | 75 | 57 | 24 | 14 | 2.2 | 58 |
For more information, visit the Bureau of Meteorology website.
Entertainment
Melbourne has it all when it comes to entertainment whether you’re seeing a stand up comedy show, enjoying live music at a pub or dressing up in your best to attend the glitz and glam of the theatre. Whatever takes your fancy, nightlife is Melbourne is sure to keep you happy. For all your entertainment needs, check out the entertainment section in Friday’s papers.
Live Music
Melbourne has a thriving pub-rock scene where internationally successful acts like AC/DC and Jet began their careers. Pubs such as the Esplanade Hotel (Espy) and The Prince in St Kilda are true institutions for live bands to play. Check out the Corner Hotel in Richmond, a major player in the live music scene and all-round great pub.
Theatre
Melbourne’s theatre scene debuts everything from off beat independent productions to ritzy and well known musicals straight from Broadway or the West End. There is no theatre district in Melbourne, but the main theatres are the Princess Theatre on Spring Street, Athenaeum and Regent Theatres on Collins Street and The Forum Theatre on Flinders Street.
Comedy
Melbourne has a great stand up comedy circuit. Regular nightspots like the Comic’s Lounge or the Last Laugh Comedy Club showcase comedians, good or bad. The International Comedy festival held in April each year draws popular comedians and acts from around the world.
For more information on what’s showing in Melbourne and to buy tickets to any of these events go to the following websites:
Transport
Getting around Melbourne couldn’t be easier with trains, trams and buses to get you from A to B. To see the city sights, take advantage of the free city circle tram that regular runs around the city.
Visit Metlink Melbourne website »
For information on getting to and from Melbourne airport, click here.
Media
To keep up to date with all the latest news and information while you are in Melbourne here is a list of all the major publications:
The Herald Sun
Australia’s biggest selling daily newspaper distributed in Victoria.
The Age
The Age is a respected and leading news source owned by Fairfax.
Australian Financial Review
Providing national business and financial news and analysis, political commentary and opinions.
The Australian
This is Australia’s national daily newspaper.
mX Melbourne
A free publication distributed weekdays, wrapping up the days news, events and gossip. You can find these around the CBD or at your closest train station.
City Weekly
A free glossy magazine given out each Thursday, featuring Melbourne news, accommodation and city jobs.
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