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19 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Melbourne

Written by Karen Hastings Updated Dec 26, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Multicultural Melbourne frequently tops the list of the world's most livable cities. Visit this vibrant city at the head of Port Phillip Bay, and you'll see why it's such a popular destination. Australia's second-largest metropolis exudes an unmistakably European feel. Grand Victorian buildings recall the city's Gold Rush riches, and tree-lined promenades and a tangle of hidden laneways make exploring the city especially rewarding.

Culture is a big draw. Art lovers can get their fix at Melbourne's impressive museums and galleries. And foodies will also find plenty to love. Famous Aussie chefs flaunt their talents here, whipping up creative concoctions from around the world — you can feast on everything from Greek, Italian, and Indian cuisine to Spanish and Vietnamese.

But perhaps Melbourne's biggest claim to fame is sports. The famous Melbourne Cup horse race , held on the first Tuesday in November, brings the entire nation to a standstill. And Australian Rules football ("footy") elicits an almost religious reverence. If you're a sports lover, try to catch a game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground while you're here. Tennis fans flock to the Australian Open in early February, and Formula One followers eagerly anticipate the Australian Grand Prix.

You'll never run out of things to do in Melbourne. Explore the city's diverse galleries, cafés, and shops; stroll through lush gardens; cruise along the Yarra River; or hop aboard a heritage tram to discover Melbourne's magic.

Melbourne also boasts a busy arts calendar. Highlights include the Melbourne International Comedy Festival (March to April), and if you're looking for things to do in Melbourne in August, scoop up some tickets to the Melbourne International Film Festival. Seeking a little slice of nature? Rewarding day trip adventures lie a short drive from the city buzz.

Before you head out on your sightseeing tour, find the best places to visit in the city with our list of the top attractions and things to do in Melbourne.

See also: Where to Stay in Melbourne

1. Relax at the Royal Botanic Gardens

2. find inspiration at the national gallery of victoria, 3. check out federation square, 4. wander through melbourne's arcades and laneways, 5. get a culture fix at southbank & south wharf, 6. catch a game at the melbourne cricket ground and visit the national sports museum, 7. enjoy the views from melbourne skydeck at eureka tower, 8. attend a performance at arts centre melbourne, 9. explore the melbourne museum and royal exhibition building, 10. take a city circle tram tour, 11. meet the animals at melbourne zoo, 12. captain cook's cottage, fitzroy gardens, 13. cruise the yarra river, 14. pay your respects at the shrine of remembrance, 15. soak up the scene at docklands, 16. shop at queen victoria market, 17. take a tour of parliament house, 18. delve into melbourne's past at the immigration museum, 19. state library victoria, where to stay in melbourne for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to melbourne, melbourne, australia - climate chart.

Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens are among the finest of their kind in the world. Established in 1846, the gardens encompass two locations: Melbourne and Cranbourne.

The Melbourne gardens lie in the heart of green parkland extending south of the Yarra River , about two kilometers from the CBD. Covering an area of 38 hectares, they are home to more than 10,000 plant species from around the globe, including many rare specimens.

Highlights include the Ian Potter Foundation Children's Garden , designed to encourage the next generation of gardeners, and the Fern Gully Health and Wellbeing Garden , a tranquil spot to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The Aboriginal Heritage Walk explores the rich heritage of Indigenous Australians.

In summer, live theater is a highlight of the gardens, and a moonlight cinema is set up under the stars. Rolling lawns, lakes, large trees, and abundant birdlife make this a beautiful spot to linger and enjoy a picnic or a traditional high tea at The Terrace café.

Special events add something new to every visit. Check the calendar for seasonal programs like guided birding walks; Forest Therapy walks; ClimateWatch walks; and Lightscape, when the gardens are illuminated after dark.

No matter what time of year you visit these beautiful gardens, this is one of the best free things to do in Melbourne. Note, though, that admission is charged for some special events.

If you're short on time or mobility is an issue, hop aboard the Explorer - Melbourne Gardens . This open-sided minibus will take you on a 30-minute tour of all the garden's highlights.

Address: Birdwood Ave, South Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria

Melbourne is famous for its culture, and the National Gallery of Victoria is the jewel in the crown. It's not only the oldest public art gallery in Australia , it's also the most visited. Here, you can admire more than 70,000 works of European, Asian, Oceanic, and American art in two city locations.

The international collection is housed in the St. Kilda Road building , originally opened in 1968. The building is renowned for The Great Hall, where visitors are encouraged to lie on the floor and gaze at the colorful stained-glass ceiling.

The extensive Australian collection is held in the Ian Potter Gallery in Federation Square , featuring the history of Australian art, from Aboriginal works through to the Heidelberg School and contemporary mixed media. One of the highlights is the large triptych format, The Pioneer by Frederick McCubbin.

There's always something new to see at the National Gallery of Victoria. It presents more than 40 exhibitions a year, as well as special events, children's programs, tours, and performances. Best of all, entry to the permanent exhibitions is free .

NGV International

Address: St. Kilda Road, Melbourne, Victoria

The Ian Potter Centre

• Federation Square, Flinders Street &, Russell Street, Melbourne Victoria

When Federation Square opened in 2002 to commemorate 100 years of federation, it divided Melburnians. There were those who loved it and those who hated it. Either way, "Fed Square" has become an integral part of the city, a popular meeting place, and a great spot for tourists to start their sightseeing.

You can't miss Fed Square. It's located opposite Flinders Street Station, a major public transport hub. The building's ultra-modern design of open and closed spaces stands in striking contrast to the surrounding Victorian architecture.

Live entertainment lures locals and tourists here. With more than 2,000 events annually, you can always find a performance or festival to enjoy in the central outdoor performance space and intimate indoor venues.

And you'll find plenty of cafés and restaurants here, too. Chocolate Buddha is a favorite serving casual Japanese cuisine with beautiful views of the city.

Museums and galleries are other highlights of visiting Federation Square. The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia is dedicated to Australian art. The Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) hosts fascinating interactive exhibits on screen culture (film, TV, videos, and art); and the Koorie Heritage Trust , displays art, photographs, and artifacts from the Koorie Aboriginal people, who hail from parts of Victoria and New South Wales. Best of all, entry to these museums is free .

Fed Square is also one of the largest free Wi-Fi sites in Australia .

Address: Corner of Swanston and Flinders Streets, Melbourne, Victoria

Wandering the labyrinth of lanes and alleyways is one of the most popular things to do in Melbourne. Head to the area around Flinders , Collins, and Bourke Streets to see elegant, interesting, and quirky Melbourne at its best.

For high-end shopping, one of the most popular places to visit in Melbourne is the magnificent Block Arcade on Collins Street . With its mosaic floor, period details, and boutique shops, this is the place where late 19th-century gentry promenaded, coining the phrase, "doing the block."

You'll find everything here from Haigh's Chocolates and vintage jewelry to designer fashion, gifts, and cafés. It's also worth lining up for a morning or afternoon tea at the Hopetoun Tearooms . This Melbourne icon dates back to 1892 and is the only original shop still in the arcade today.

Cozy cafés beckon from the tangle of backstreets. Save time to order a coffee, pull up a chair, and people-watch for a while — it's a favorite Melbourne pastime.

The opulent Royal Arcade is Melbourne's oldest arcade, and Flinders and Degraves Lanes are also well worth exploring.

Southbank is the place to go for a dose of culture. Located on the banks of the Yarra River , a short stroll from Flinders Street Station, this scenic precinct is packed with shops, cafés, and cultural attractions. It's a wonderful place for a stroll along the river at any time of year.

Looking for things to do in Melbourne at night? You'll find some of the city's best nightlife here — especially in the South Wharf area, where heritage sheds are converted into lively entertainment venues. It's an evocative space after dark, when the city lights ignite and reflect off the river.

Southbank also hosts enticing alfresco cafés, restaurants, and live entertainment, and the many festivals held here throughout the year amp up the vibe.

If shopping is high on your list of things to do, you'll find an excellent arts and crafts market here every Sunday. Plus you can splurge at chic designer boutiques or grab a bargain at DFO South Wharf, factory outlet stores.

If you feel like catching a show, the Malthouse Theatre presents everything from musical theater, dance, drama, and comedy to contemporary opera and cabaret. Or catch a performance by the Melbourne Theatre Company at Southbank Theatre. Southbank is also home to Arts Centre Melbourne , the city's major performance venue.

While you're here, keep a lookout for the public art, like The Travellers steel sculptures along Sandridge Bridge and the Queen Bee gracing the side of the landmark Eureka Tower .

Looking for things to do in Southbank with kids? Climb aboard Polly Woodside in South Wharf, one of the country's last surviving 19th-century tall ships.

Melbourne is the sporting capital of Australia, so it's no surprise that a sports stadium numbers among the city's top tourist attractions. With a capacity of 100,000 and a history dating back to 1853, the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is considered one of the world's greatest stadiums. It's also the largest and oldest sports venue in Australia.

As the main stadium for the 1956 Olympic Games and 2006 Commonwealth Games, the birthplace of Test Cricket, and the home of Australian Rules Football , "the 'G" is woven into the fabric of Melbourne.

Daily tours take visitors for a trip down a memory lane of great moments in sporting history and incorporate the Australian Sports Museum , including the Australian Gallery of Sport and Olympic Museum . You can also catch a game of cricket in summer, or football during winter.

Directly opposite the MCG is Melbourne Park , home of the Australian Open tennis tournament, held every January. You can hire a tennis court, and many concerts are held here during the year.

Address: Brunton Ave, East Melbourne, Victoria

Wondering where to find a great view over the city? Head to the 91-story Eureka Tower in the heart of Southbank. This striking skyscraper was named in recognition of The Eureka Stockade, the 1854 rebellion of prospectors in the Victorian goldfields. Adding to the Gold Rush theme, the building's gold crown and gold-plated windows literally sparkle when the sun catches the top of the building.

Melbourne Skydeck , on the 88th floor, affords the highest public view in any building in the Southern Hemisphere . For even more thrills, head out onto The Edge , a glass cube that slides out three meters from the building for vertigo-free visitors. You can also buy tickets to Voyager Theatre, a Virtual Reality experience that takes you on an immersive, multisensory journey to 16 famous Melbourne attractions.

Author's Tip : Arrive at sunset to see spectacular views over the city during the day and night, when the lights twinkle as the sun slips slowly beneath the horizon.

Address: 7 Riverside Quay, Southbank, Melbourne, Victoria

Arts Centre Melbourne is the city's leading arts and culture venue. Easily recognizable by its spire, it sits on the banks of the Yarra River, near South Bank, and is a wonderful place to attend a performance of theater, dance, music, comedy, and more.

Arts Centre Melbourne incorporates a range of state-of-the-art theaters and spaces. These include the State Theatre , home to The Australian Ballet and Opera Australia; the 884-seat Playhouse ; the more intimate Fairfax Studio ; and Hamer Hall, the premier performance space for the revered Melbourne Symphony Orchestra . A short stroll away, you can attend an outdoor concert at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl in the Kings Domain Gardens.

Planning a pre-show dinner? Café Vic serves up seasonal contemporary cuisine, as well as snacks throughout the day.

While you're here, stop by the Australian Music Vault . The free exhibition here tells the story of Australian contemporary music.

A short tram ride from the CBD, the Melbourne Museum is surrounded by beautiful gardens and parkland. This modern purpose-built museum houses a diverse collection depicting society and cultures, as well as science and the environment.

Highlights include Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre ; the Phar Lap exhibit, about Australia's greatest racehorse; and the Children's Gallery , a series of hands-on activities designed to stimulate and engage youngsters. You can also stroll through a vibrant forest, and immerse yourself in a world of life-size dinosaurs.

Adjacent to the Melbourne Museum is the elaborate Royal Exhibition Building. Built in 1880 to host Melbourne's International Exhibition, the building also held the first Commonwealth Parliament of Australia in 1901. Regular tours are available, and the building is still used for exhibitions and special events.

Address: 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton, Victoria

Want to do some city sightseeing the Melbourne way? Hop aboard the City Circle Tram . Melbourne is famous for its trams, and the City Circle Tram is a free and easy way of seeing the top sights in the CBD and Docklands.

Accompanied by a commentary, the hop-on, hop-off heritage tram passes many of the grand historic buildings, including Parliament House , the Old Treasury Building, Princess Theatre, and the Windsor Hotel . Plus you can hop off at major attractions like Federation Square. The trams run every 12 minutes and take about 50 minutes to complete the entire loop.

You can board the tram at any stop along the City Circle route, seven days a week, except Christmas Day and Good Friday.

From big cats to butterflies, animal lovers will have plenty to enjoy at the 22-hectare Melbourne Zoo . Although the zoo dates back to 1862, the 250-plus species of animals have the best of modern facilities in state-of-the-art enclosures, about five minutes from the Melbourne CBD.

You'll find animals from all over the planet here. The award-winning Trail of the Elephants is an insight into the lives of the resident Asian elephants in a traditional village-garden setting. Another highlight is the Orang-utan Sanctuary , where the animals live in their treetop home. And you can wander down a bush track to meet your favorite Aussie animals, including kangaroos, koalas, and emus.

With many wild encounters, including "roar and snore," twilight music concerts, and behind-the-scenes tours of some enclosures, Melbourne Zoo offers animal lovers a fun-packed experience.

Zoos Victoria operates two other zoos: Healesville Sanctuary and Werribee Open Range Zoo , and all run important conservation programs, including breeding and recovery work for endangered species.

Address: Elliott Ave, Parkville, Victoria

Captain Cook's Cottage was brought to Melbourne from Captain James Cook's native home in Yorkshire, England and erected in Fitzroy Gardens . The quaint cottage is an insight into the life and times of Cook's seafaring adventures and exploration of Australia and other parts of the world.

Also in the beautiful Fitzroy Gardens is the magnificent Spanish-mission style conservatory , which is always filled with a vibrant floral display. Children will love the tiny Tudor village and Fairy Tree .

After strolling around the gardens, head to hipster-packed Fitzroy for some of Melbourne's best vegan food, as well as vintage shopping and vibrant street art.

Address: Wellington Parade, East Melbourne, Victoria

A riverboat cruise is not only a relaxing way to see the sights, it's also an insight into the history of the Yarra River . Many cruise companies can be found along Southbank, and it's a fun way to get your bearings before you set out to explore the city on foot.

While you're gliding down the river, keep an eye out for Birrarung Marr, originally called "Birrarung," meaning "river of mists and shadows," a waterfront parkland celebrating Aboriginal ties with the Yarra River.

If you're short on time, the one-hour River Gardens Melbourne Sightseeing Cruise gives you a relaxing tour past top city sights, like the Royal Botanic Gardens , Melbourne Cricket Ground , and National Tennis Centre .

Sitting majestically in Kings Domain gardens, the Shrine of Remembrance was built after the First World War to commemorate Victorians involved in the Great War, either abroad or at home. Today, it serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by Australian servicemen and women. It's also the central focus for ceremonies on ANZAC Day, held on 25 April, and Remembrance Day, held on 11 November each year.

In the Galleries of Remembrance under the shrine you can explore photographs, artifacts, and artwork related to Australians at war and peacekeeping operations.

Guided or self-guided tours are available daily, and the lighting on the building is particularly beautiful at night. From the balcony, you can enjoy beautiful views over the 13 hectares of surrounding parkland and the city beyond.

If you happen to be visiting Melbourne on a Sunday, you can attend a Last Post Service here at 4:45pm with bugle calls and a wreath-laying at the Eternal Flame.

Address: Birdwood Ave, Melbourne, Victoria

Docklands is Melbourne's newest waterfront entertainment precinct. With the highest concentration of green-star-rated buildings in the Southern Hemisphere, the satellite village is filled with cafés, restaurants, tourist attractions, and parklands. It's one of the most popular Melbourne attractions at night.

You'll find something here for everyone. Snap some pics at ArtVo , an interactive 3D art gallery; take the Docklands Public Art Walk; or soak up some street art scenes at Blender Studios .

Docklands is also home to Marvel Stadium and the O'Brien Icehouse , a world-class ice sports venue.

Craving some retail therapy? An art and vintage market is also held along the waterfront every Sunday, and you can shop 'til you drop at the open-air shopping mall. Dining is also a highlight. You can feast around the world on everything from Turkish and Vietnamese cuisine to contemporary Australian creations.

Address: Harbour Esplanade, Docklands, Victoria

A popular place with locals and tourists, Queen Victoria Market has been at the center of fresh produce shopping since 1878. Farm-fresh goodies are a highlight here, but the market stalls sell everything from clothing, art, and toys to that hard-to-find unique souvenir, five days a week.

Are you a foodie? You can sign up for a two-hour guided walking tour with tastings of some of the market's best treats.

Special events such as winter night markets, music concerts, and other functions are often held throughout the year.

Address: Queen and Victoria Streets, Melbourne, Victoria

Parliament House is one of Melbourne's best-kept tourist secrets. This is where Australia's first federal parliament met from 1901 through 1927, and the building's grand colonnaded exterior makes a striking landmark on Spring Street.

One of Australia's oldest public buildings, Parliament House was built during the Gold Rush, and its interior is lavishly decorated with gold leaf, chandeliers, and a superb mosaic floor .

Today, you can watch the proceedings of the two Houses in the public galleries on days when parliament is sitting. Free, informative tours are held Monday to Friday on days when parliament is not in session.

Insider's tip: Another fun way to experience this grand building is to book High Tea or a farm-to-fork lunch at Strangers Corridor, the elegant wood-paneled restaurant.

Address: Spring Street, East Melbourne, Victoria

Want to learn about the interesting people who call Melbourne home? The Immigration Museum tells real stories of people who relocated here from all over the world. Every person arriving in Melbourne had to pass through customs here, and their poignant stories help explain the city's diversity today.

The museum is located in the elegant Old Customs House , and its permanent collection is interactive and engaging. Special exhibitions add to the museum's appeal.

A visit here provides a different perspective of early European settlement and its impact on Indigenous communities. If you're looking for things to do in Melbourne on a rainy day, this is a great option.

Address: 400 Flinders Street, Melbourne, Victoria

State Library Victoria is another worthy addition to your list of free things to do in Melbourne. As soon as you approach the building, you'll be impressed by its grand heritage architecture. First opened in 1856 , the building sports an elegant sandstone facade fronted with a series of grand Corinthian columns. Step inside for more surprises.

The Ian Potter Queen's Hall is a serene, light-filled space lined with white Corinthian columns. Chandeliers and filigreed original skylights add to the grandeur here, and the space hosts one of the world's largest chess collections . During the day, students huddle here buried deep in books. At night, it transforms into a magical event space.

If you're an art and history lover, you'll enjoy browsing the multiple galleries. The free exhibitions here range from Melbourne artists to historic artifacts, like Ned Kelly's armor, and photography collections.

Undoubtedly, though, the highlight is the La Trobe Reading Room . A soaring domed ceiling crowns this magnificent octagonal space, which was inspired by the British Museum in London and the Library of Congress in Washington. Four gallery levels rise above the vast space, and light floods in through the roof's many skylights. It's one of the most photographed sites in the library. Head to the upper galleries for the best shot.

Kids, too, will find things to love here. A two-story children's castle, reading nooks, and, of course, plenty of books await at The Pauline Gandel Children's Quarter.

The best way to explore the library is on a free self-guided digital tour . Alternatively, you can join one of the many free guided tours led by passionate volunteers. After exploring the rich history here, you can refuel with cake and coffee at one of the two on-site cafés.

Address: 328 Swanston Street, Melbourne Victoria

For first-time visitors to Melbourne, one of the best places to stay is either the city center or Southbank, with its restaurants, cafés, and lively events calendar. These tourist-friendly areas are close to prime attractions such as Federation Square; the Royal Botanic Gardens; and the labyrinth of laneways and shopping arcades around Flinders, Collins, and Bourke Streets. Here are some highly rated hotels in these areas:

Luxury Hotels:

• Steps away from St. Patrick's Cathedral and Fitzroy Gardens, the plush Park Hyatt is one of Melbourne's best hotels. Shops and restaurants lie a short stroll away, and sports fans can walk to the Melbourne Cricket Ground and Melbourne Park.
• Exuding elegance and old-world charm, The Langham, Melbourne is a romantic choice in Southbank overlooking the Yarra River. In your spare time, you can swim in the indoor pool topped by a glass roof, dine in the excellent on-site restaurant, and walk to popular shopping and entertainment venues.
• Also in Southbank, the serviced apartments of Quay West Suites are a favorite with families.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• A couple of blocks from the famous Queen Victoria Market, the Radisson on Flagstaff Gardens has a tram stop on its doorstep and offers great value within walking distance of shops and restaurants.
• Also steps away from a free tram and a five-minute walk from outlet shopping, Alto Hotel on Bourke is Australia's first carbon-neutral hotel. Its modern apartments are a great choice for families.
• A five-minute walk from Federation Square, the boutique Adelphi Hotel surprises guests with its contemporary style and personal touches.

Budget Hotels:

• Near Melbourne Park, the family-run City Centre Budget Hotel offers excellent value, with a rooftop kitchen and plenty of public transport options on its doorstep.
• Within walking distance of Flinders Street Station, the Ibis Budget Melbourne CBD has basic rooms but a fantastic location.
• Also in the budget price range, Essence Hotel Carlton lies two tram stops away from the CBD and only a five-minute walk from the Melbourne Museum, IMAX Theatre, and the Free Tram Zone. The rooms are tiny but clean, and the beds are comfy.
• Neighbours Sightseeing Tour: Fans of the long-running Neighbours TV soap opera can take a "Neighbours" Tour of Ramsay Street to see filming locations and the original Ramsay Street houses. You also have the opportunity to meet one of the cast members.
• Great Ocean Road Day Trip: The most popular excursion from Melbourne is to the Great Ocean Road and the site of the famous limestone stacks known as the Twelve Apostles. The Great Ocean Road Small-Group Eco Tour from Melbourne is an easy and fun excursion. This tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, morning tea, lunch, transport in a 24-passenger vehicle, and park admission fees for stops at Great Otway National Park for wildlife viewing and Port Campbell National Park to see the Twelve Apostles. You can also upgrade this tour to include a scenic helicopter flight.

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Day Trip Adventures : Need a nature fix? You'll find plenty of inspiring places to visit near Melbourne by car. Day trip destinations include the beautiful Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges and the golden beaches of the Mornington Peninsula . In less than a two-hour drive from Melbourne, you can also delve into the rich Gold Rush history of Ballarat, Bendigo, and the Macedon Ranges , and on the western side of Port Phillip Bay, Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula are the gateway to the Great Ocean Road .

Outdoor Adventures : If you're after some fresh air fun, check out these other places to visit in regional Victoria. Skiers will find some of Australia's top ski resorts within a day's drive of Melbourne, as well as fantastic fishing and some of the country's best hikes . If you need help planning your trip, see our article on Australia's top itineraries .

More on Australia

When is the best time to visit Melbourne?

Nov 20, 2023 • 6 min read

The summer sun brings everyone's sociable side in Melbourne © Adam Calaitzis / Getty Images

Though its visitor numbers ebb and flow, Melbourne is a great city to visit any time of year.

With cooler weather than more northerly Australian favorites such as Sydney and Brisbane, this cosmopolitan city is renowned for its indoor cultural attractions – including dining, bars, theater, live music and shopping – which can be enjoyed at any temperature. The same “anytime” rule applies to Melbourne’s role as the nation’s sporting capital – cricket and tennis are the key summer drawcards, and Australian Rules football (also known as AFL) has a huge following in winter.

If weather is a key factor in deciding when to visit, consider coming to Melbourne in the early autumn (March to April), when days are often sunny but not too hot. Any earlier and you’ll be hitting the hottest and busiest time of the year; Australia’s school holidays run from December to January, resulting in peak prices.

To minimize contact with the traveling crowds, drop by in the chilly winter months (June to August). Melburnians will still be out and about in numbers – nothing stops them from enjoying their city in any season – but tourists are less present. The spring months (September to November) are warmer but have the most unpredictable weather and the most rain.

January to February is the best time for hot, sunny weather

Melbourne’s summer technically starts in December, but that month often feels like an outlier of spring with some cold days and unpredictable rainfalls. This phenomenon is well known to the traditional custodians of Melbourne, the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. They call the December season Garrawang, separating it from the hot, dry season of Biderap in January and February.

These first two months of the year are the best time to hit the beach, perhaps at the bayside suburb of  St Kilda (take trams 16 or 96) or at the west-side haven of Williamstown (catch a train to Williamstown Beach railway station). Longer, warm summer nights are also perfect for enjoying the grand slam Australian Open tennis tournament, which takes place in the impressive Melbourne Sports and Entertainment Precinct, next to the city center.

When the sun gets too hot – the temperature can exceed 30°C (86°F) in summer – head to Melbourne’s plentiful parks and gardens with their lush green spaces and large trees providing welcome shade. Top of the list is the Royal Botanic Gardens , an oasis of greenery and lakes.

Another highlight of summer is the Lunar New Year celebrations in Chinatown (one of the world’s oldest such neighborhoods) with costumed dragons roaming the city streets. Melbourne’s annual LGBTIQ+ pride festival, Midsumma , also stages events across the city from January to February. And for live music, book a ticket to the one-day Laneway Festival in Flemington, which features multiple popular artists from Australia and overseas.

March to April is the best time to enjoy festivals and the great outdoors

The third month of the year has earned the nickname “Mad March” due to the vast number of major events crammed into it – so many they often spill over into April.

The Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park Lake appeals to “rev-heads” (as Aussies call motorsports enthusiasts), and one of the world’s largest live comedy events, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival , starts later in the month. Taking over multiple venues throughout the city (including the grand Melbourne Town Hall ), it fills the city with late-night energy and laughter for over three weeks.

The Melbourne Food and Wine Festival is also a March marvel, featuring special dining events such as the World’s Longest Lunch, which in 2023 saw 1,800 people enjoying a midday meal at a very long table in Treasury Gardens.

With the best weather of the year (not too hot or cold and with minimal rainfall), this period is also perfect for outdoor pursuits such as hiking and cycling. For a fun day trip , catch a suburban train to Lilydale, then walk or bike along the Warburton Rail Trail , which follows the route of a former railway past native trees and small towns.

June to September is the best time to soak up culture

June is when winter properly kicks in after a dip in temperatures in May, and the cold weather endures until September. Average daily temperatures over these months range from a minimum of 7°C (45°F) to a maximum of 15°C (59°F). Days are short and overcast skies are the norm, but this is one of the driest times of year.

Thankfully, this period is a great time for cozy, indoor cultural events – the queen of which is the series of Winter Masterpieces staged by the art museum NGV International and the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI). These are world-class exhibitions that attract big crowds. In previous years the NGV’s featured artists have included Picasso, Degas and Monet, while the ACMI has focused on showcasing creators such as Disney, Aardman Animations and David Bowie.

RISING , held in June, is the city’s main arts, music and food festival. It presents several innovative large-scale performances and immersive installations, ranging from ballets and circus arts to outdoor digital light projections by First Nations artists. Many are free to attend and some are quirky, like 2023’s “10,000 Kazoos,” which saw 10,000 people gather to play kazoos in Federation Square.

If you’re a film fan, check out the Melbourne International Film Festival program in August – and for the sheer architectural wow factor, buy a ticket to one of its screenings in The Capitol , a 1920s delight with an incredible illuminated ceiling.

September to December is the best time for sports fans

As the weather gradually warms with the arrival of spring, Melbourne’s obsession with Australian Rules football reaches a fever pitch during finals (playoffs). The Grand Final takes place on a Saturday in late September or early October, at which the mighty Melbourne Cricket Ground is crammed with over 100,000 cheering fans. If you can score a ticket to a game, you’ll be amazed by the good-humored energy of the enormous crowds.

Sporting fever continues throughout the Victorian Spring Racing Carnival, a series of well-attended horse races that culminate with the Melbourne Cup , one of the world's most famous horse races. It’s a public holiday in the city and a party atmosphere prevails. However, in recent years the voices of animal welfare activists have become louder in response to racehorse deaths, with countless “ Nup to the Cup ” events hosted on the same day, including high teas, drag brunches and drink specials at pubs.

If you’d rather soak up culture than attend a sporting fixture, you’re in luck. October hosts another big performing arts festival: the Melbourne Fringe . Also taking place this month is the Melbourne International Jazz Festival .

But perhaps you’d like to experience one last great sporting event before the year draws to a close. No problem – buy a ticket to the annual Boxing Day Test, a five-day international cricket match that starts on December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Don’t worry if you have no idea how cricket works; grab a seat and ask the spectators near you, who’ll be happy to explain the rules. Melbourne is good that way – casual, relaxed and welcoming to visitors in any season.

This article was first published June 2021 and updated November 2023

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Home » Travel Guides » Australia » 25 Best Things To Do In Melbourne (Australia)

25 Best Things To Do In Melbourne (Australia)

Melbourne is a hip, dynamic metropolis, with an exciting city centre, inner-city neighborhoods that are full of unique character, and lush green parks and mountain ranges where you can enjoy Australian nature at its finest.

The city is known for its many laneways, its cultural diversity, excellent dining options for all budgets, and amazing street art. It’s also known for being the coffee capital of the world, and for being regularly voted as the world’s most livable city!

Lets explore the best things to do in Melbourne :

1. Drink the world’s best coffee

It’s official: you’ll find the world’s best coffee in Melbourne, as voted by over a thousand users on website booking.com .

Melbourne beat out many of the world’s most renowned coffee cities, such as Rome and Vienna, for the title; you’ll certainly know why once you see how committed Melbourne baristas are to their craft.

It’s actually hard to find a bad cup of coffee in Melbourne: the city touts itself as a world leader in coffee and café culture, and the inhabitants are proud to be coffee snobs! Cafes in London even advertise that they have Melbourne baristas, as Australian and New Zealander baristas essentially brought high-quality coffee to the city.

Melbourne even plays host to a coffee expo, and the 2014 world barista champion Pete Licata (from the USA) has described coffee culture in Melbourne as “incredible”. If you’re a coffee lover, you’ve come to the right place.

You’ll find great coffee just wandering through the laneways of the city, and there are actually tailored tours available to coffee aficionados: check out Hidden Secret Tours or Melbourne Coffee Tours for details.

According to Yelp, the best cup of coffee in Melbourne can be found at Patricia on Little Bourke Street: it’s a tiny hole-in-the-wall place with no seating and a line-up to get in, but likely the best coffee you will ever taste! The staff are also friendly, and the place deserves the hype.

Book online: Melbourne Cafe and Coffee Culture Walk

2. Check out the amazing street art

Melbourne is very well-known for its street art, being considered one of the street art capitals of the world.

The city council has designated certain areas as approved for street artists, and the street art here is of exceptionally high quality and changes regularly; it’s a great way for budding street artists to get experience in the artistic side of graffiti, and having structured locations for this amazing creative outlet helps to reduce the levels of graffiti elsewhere, as well as adding a great urban vibe that tourists and locals both enjoy. You’ll find a map of street art in Melbourne here .

There’s even a Melbourne street art tour , run by street artists, for people who’d like a deeper understanding of what they’re seeing, how it’s made and who is involved in this fascinating underground art scene. There’s also one available on getyourguide.com .

3. Wander through laneways

An aimless wander through the many laneways of Melbourne is a wonderful way to see what this city has to offer.

City maps are available at the Federation Square Visitor Information Centre, and many hotels; some of the most interesting laneways include Centre Place, AC/DC Lane (named after the famous Aussie rock band!), Hardware Lane and Degraves Lane.

You’ll find plenty to see, do, buy and eat, and gain a new appreciation of Melbourne’s urban culture.

Available tour : Melbourne Laneways Tour

4. Visit Flinders Street Station and Federation Square

The main entrance to Flinders Street Station is a picturesque cultural symbol of Melbourne you’ll find on many postcards or tourist brochures: this gorgeous building was opened in 1910, and it is listed on the Victorian heritage register.

Inside you’ll find Australia’s busiest railway station, a small shopping area with tasty food options, and easy walking access to Southbank.

Across the road, Federation Square is another Melbourne icon, with a unique and fascinating architectural design, making the Square quite unlike anything you’ve seen before.

Once you’re at the Square, make sure that you visit the Australian Centre of the Moving Image, which has hosted fascinating displays on subjects such as Claymation, and the Ian Potter Centre art gallery.

5. Rock out

Melbourne is famous for its live music scene, particularly rock music.

There’s plenty of bands playing at any given time, and the city attracts international talent, including of the up-and-coming variety.

It’s also the home of the legendary Australian singer-songwriter-poet-author Nick Cave.

Some popular spots to catch a band include the Corner Hotel, the Evelyn Hotel, the Spotted Mallard, the Post Office Hotel, the Ding-Dong Lounge, the Esplanade Hotel and the Palais Theatre.

6. Learn how things work at Scienceworks

Scienceworks houses an exciting array of hands-on science exhibits, workshops and events.

It also includes a planetarium, a lightning room, and a mini-metropolis called Nitty Gritty Super City, that demonstrates in small-scale how a city works.

The planetarium hosts informative shows, and the Lightning Room offers 30-minute live shows that include a gigantic Tesla Coil that can generate over two million volts of electricity to produce 3 metre lightning bolts.

Children and adults alike will have a great time here!

7. Stroll the botanic gardens

The Botanic Gardens are walking distance from the city centre, and offer an oasis of calm, peace and greenery just outside of the urban bustle.

They’re a popular spot for local walkers and joggers, and the breathtaking landscapes make them ideal for a peaceful meditation session.

With more than 8,500 plant species, the botanic gardens are colorful, gorgeous and fascinating.

You could even bring a sketch book and try your hand at drawing some of the beautiful flowers or backdrops!

8. Have a gourmet Greek dinner

Melbourne has the largest Greek population of any city outside of Athens, and the close-knit, vibrant Greek community always has plenty of cultural events going on.

There’s also the wonderful Greek Precinct, where you’ll find Greek cuisine of a standard that you’d expect in Greece itself! This area also has many Greek cultural shops, and the Hellenic Museum is nearby.

If you’re in Melbourne in March or September, you may also wish to check out the Antipodes Festival or the Greek Film Festival respectively.

9. Get sporty at the MCG

The Melbourne Cricket Ground bills itself as “Australia’s favourite stadium”, with good reason.

Melbourne is a sports-mad city, and the MCG is the centre of the action.

Home to the Melbourne Cricket Club, the stadium also plays host to the wildly popular AFL, as well as international soccer, rugby and various other events.

Originally built in 1853, the stadium has been renewed many times, and is the largest stadium in Australia, as well as being the 10th largest in the world: the record for the largest crowd at the MCG is around 130,000 people.

The MCG is also home to the Australian Gallery of Sport and Olympic Museum.

Check out the MCG website for the latest on what’s on at the stadium, and catch a game of cricket or AFL to experience Melbourne’s passion for sport.

Or book a tour online: Melbourne Sports Walking Tour & MCG Tour

10. Shop till you drop

Melbourne is renowned for its world-class shopping; in particular, Chapel Street is popular with both local and international celebrities for its excellent range of high-quality clothing or visit the former Melbourne Government Post office, wich now functions as a shopping mall.

Bridge Road in Richmond is a great spot for outlet shopping, great food at budget prices, and excellent homewares.

Fitzroy is well-known for its eclectic, vintage finds, and further afield, Highpoint and Chadstone are excellent, large shopping malls with a wide range of Australian and international brands.

11. Learn about Victoria’s convict past at Old Melbourne Gaol

Old Melbourne Gaol is a museum in the city centre, which operated as a prison from its opening in 1842 to 1929. It was the site of the execution of many of Australia’s most infamous criminals, including Ned Kelly; 133 people were executed here while the prison was in operation.

The museum offers a glimpse into life in the 1800s; some mentally ill and homeless people were also interred in the prison, and the harsh conditions they were subject to seem quite shocking by modern standards.

The museum includes an impressive range of artifacts, including the death masks of many executed criminals.

The museum is considered by some to be haunted, and ghost tours are offered by the museum that tell stories recorded by visitors and staff alike.

Related tour : Melbourne Complete City Walking Tour

12. Visit the Immigration Museum

The Immigration Museum is a celebration of the melting pot of modern-day Australia, and the many cultures that have come together to make this country what it is today.

Located in the beautiful Old Customs House, the museum tells the stories of the diverse populations of Melbourne and Victoria at large, and tells of the immigration experience, the definitions of identity, and the long and arduous journey that many immigrants would have experienced on their way to Australia.

It also includes the Customs Gallery, a record of the past incarnation of the Old Customs House as the focal point for immigration, trade and shopping during the 19th Century.

13. Have a night out at the Crown Casino Comple

The Crown Casino Complex is a massive casino and resort complex adjacent to the Yarra River; it is the largest casino complex in the southern hemisphere, and one of the largest internationally.

Open 24 hours, 7 days a week, except for 3 public holidays per year, it’s great fun if you enjoy gambling, but has so much more to offer: it’s a luxury shopping destination, as well as having wonderful restaurants and pumping nightlife.

The Atrium area is gorgeous, with lovely fountains and sound/light shows, and there are pyrotechnic towers just outside the complex itself that are fascinating to watch; shooting fireballs into the night sky, they are referred to as the “Gas Brigades”, and are the largest of their type in the world.

14. Enjoy the hustle and bustle of the Queen Victoria Markets

The Queen Victoria Markets have been an important food hub of Melbourne since they were opened in 1878. Home to some of Melbourne’s tastiest produce stalls and delicatessens, you’ll find excellent cheeses, olives and smoked meats here.

The building itself is a gorgeous example of Victorian architecture, and you’ll also find many artisanal crafts made by local creatives, as well as souvenirs for your friends back home.

Various events are held at the markets during the year, so check the website to see what’s on.

Suggested tour : Melbourne Multicultural Markets Culinary Culture Tour

15. Admire Aboriginal art

There are several Aboriginal art galleries within Melbourne’s city centres and surrounds, as well as an extensive collection of Aboriginal art within the City Gallery (inside Town Hall), the Flinders Lane Gallery, the Ian Potter Museum of Art and NGV International.

Aboriginal art is lauded internationally for its beauty and symbolism, and Melbourne is an excellent spot to learn about the importance of art in indigenous culture, and the beauty of the artworks.

Available tour : Melbourne Cultural Highlights City Walk

16. Enjoy a taste of Italy on Lygon Street

The Lygon Street Italian Precinct, also known as Little Italy, is a gorgeous leafy street running through several Melbournian suburbs, with a rich café culture that introduced Melbourne to the love of high-quality coffee for which the city is now famous.

You’ll find world-class Italian dining here, as well as Italian produce and culture stores, the beautiful Lygon Buildings (built in 1888), and shopping boutiques.

17. Visit the Block Arcade

The Block Arcade is a retail precinct housed in a gorgeous heritage shopping arcade, opened in 1892. Rich in history and boasting stunning architecture, the Block Arcade is a step into the nostalgia of the past, as well as housing some lovely luxury boutiques, and the quirkly Art of Dr. Seuss gallery, the Hopetoun tearooms and Haigh’s chocolates.

18. Have a picnic at the Carlton Gardens, and visit the Royal Exhibition Building

The Carlton Gardens complex are a 26-hectare site containing the Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne Museum and Imax cinema.

The site is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and is an easy walk from the city centre.

It’s well worth a visit for the immaculate gardens, lovely fountains and beautiful architecture.

The gardens are a lovely spot for a stroll, and to get to know a diverse range of Australian and international flora (and occasionally fauna!) You can also often catch events here, including gardening festivals.

Included in : Melbourne 3-Hour Small Group Tour

19. Go penguin-spotting at St Kilda

St Kilda is full of attractions for tourists and locals alike, from the delicious cakes of Acland Street to the community gardens and the thriving nightlife.

There’s also a gorgeous beach, with famous Victorian beachhouses, and a pier; surprising to many, this busy suburb of Melbourne has some unexpected residents, a colony of the St little penguins! This colony established itself in the 1970s on the St Kilda breakwater, and arrive just after sunset every night of the year, being particularly numerous in summer.

Penguin guides are on duty during the daylight savings period, to answer any questions about the penguins that you may have.

They do request that visitors treat the penguins, their nesting sites, eggs and chicks with respect: they love their family as much as you do!

Top-rated Day Trip available: Phillip Island: Penguins and Wildlife Full-Day Tour

• 20.  Go bushwalking in the Dandenong Ranges

The Dandenong Ranges is a gorgeous mountain range on the outskirts of Melbourne, and it’s a perfect spot for walkers, cyclists, hikers, nature-lovers and bird-watchers.

The breathtaking scenery in the ranges make it a popular tourist destination, both for active travellers and for romantic getaways; it’s also a popular spot for wedding photos.

You’ll find many charming little towns within the ranges, fantastic farm-gate produce, and the famous Puffing Billy steam train.

Recommended tour : Dandenong Ranges Tour by Puffing Billy Train

21. Catch a festival

Melbourne is renowned for its festivals; it’s worth checking out the visitor centre in Federation Square, or looking online, to find out what’s going on during your visit.

Some particularly popular festivals include White Night (an illumination festival in the inner city), the Lonsdale Street Greek Festival, Cultural Diversity Week, the Lunar New Year celebrations, the Midsumma Festival, the Moomba Festival and the Christmas Festival.

22. Go on a safari at Werribee Open Range Zoo

The Werribee Open Range Open Zoo is a bit of a trek from the city centre, but it’s well worth it: this African-themed safari-style zoo allows you to get very close to a wide variety of exotic animals.

It also hosts various events, including the Rhythm of Africa.

It’s a great spot to keep younger travelers entertained, but also a lot of fun for wildlife-loving adults.

Book online :  Werribee Open Range Zoo Admission Ticket

23. Go gallery-hopping

There’s over 100 galleries in Melbourne, ranging from small studio galleries to the huge NGV, and with almost any art style you can imagine, including Melbourne’s iconic Heidelberg style.

If you’re an art lover, then you may wish to spend several days getting to know Melbourne’s vibrant art scene.

You’ll find some of the better-known galleries listed here . One currently very popular is the Immersive Art Gallery .

24. Go on a wooden roller-coaster built in 1912

Luna Park opened in St Kilda in 1912, and the Scenic Railway started operating in the same year.

This rollercoaster holds the honor of being the world’s oldest continually operating rollercoaster, and while it looks quite rickety by today’s standards, it’s a fascinating taste of what theme parks of the past must have been like.

Luna Park charges a small $5 entry fee for those wanting to visit the park without going on any of the rights (to help cover the preservation of the park). Even if you’re not a fan of theme park rides, you can still get some great photos on the grounds, and the rich history of the site makes it worth visiting in its own right. If you change your mind and want to go on any of the rides the entree fee will be deducted from the ticket price.

25. Take a river cruise

The Yarra River that separates Melbourne city centre from Melbourne is home to many stunning views, and taking a cruise down the river is a great way to experience this important part of Melbourne.

Many cruise operators operate on the river, so you can pick and choose which suits your needs and budget the best.

It’s also possible to kayak down the river with a kayak tour operator; keep in mind that the water quality of the Yarra is very low, so if you capsize you will need to shower and get changed as soon as possible.

25 Best Things To Do In Melbourne (Australia):

• Drink the world’s best coffee
• Check out the amazing street art
• Wander through laneways
• Visit Flinders Street Station and Federation Square
• Learn how things work at Scienceworks
• Stroll the botanic gardens
• Have a gourmet Greek dinner
• Get sporty at the MCG
• Shop till you drop
• Learn about Victoria's convict past at Old Melbourne Gaol
• Visit the Immigration Museum
• Have a night out at the Crown Casino Comple
• Enjoy the hustle and bustle of the Queen Victoria Markets
• Admire Aboriginal art
• Enjoy a taste of Italy on Lygon Street
• Visit the Block Arcade
• Have a picnic at the Carlton Gardens, and visit the Royal Exhibition Building
• Go penguin-spotting at St Kilda
• Catch a festival
• Go on a safari at Werribee Open Range Zoo
• Go gallery-hopping
• Go on a wooden roller-coaster built in 1912
• Take a river cruise

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The Ultimate Travel Guide to Melbourne – Best Things To Do, See & Much More

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A Brief History of Melbourne

Melbourne fact file, getting to melbourne, getting around melbourne, top 10 neighborhoods to visit in melbourne, top 10 melbourne attractions, 10 unique & quirky things to do in melbourne, top 5 best beaches in & around melbourne, top 10 secret & hidden cool bars, top 10 breakfast & brunch spots in melbourne, top 5 melbourne places for coffee lovers, top 10 shopping areas & markets, 15 melbourne tips, hacks, & advice, 10 fun facts about melbourne, top 5 day trips from melbourne, how to stay safe in melbourne.

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As the sporting and cultural capital of Australia, Melbourne has plenty to offer visitors from all over the world. From the rooftop bars and designer boutiques that give the city a cosmopolitan feel, to its plentiful array of historical buildings and landmarks — Melbourne has something new to discover on every corner. You can immerse yourself in Melbourne’s rich Victorian heritage at the Royal Exhibition Building, one of the oldest remaining exhibition pavilions in the world. Or walk a mile in the shoes of the early western settlers, who found themselves paying for their crimes in the eerie but fascinating Melbourne Gaol.

Step straight back into the 21st century at the Scienceworks with plenty of interactive exhibits that link Melbourne’s industry, heritage, and applied technology in one place. Or enjoy the wonderful collection of museums and art galleries dotted throughout the city.

If food is your thing, Melbourne will certainly not disappoint. From traditional Aussie fare to cool contemporary cuisine, there’s a wealth of restaurants, cafes, bistros, and bars to keep your taste buds tempted. A nice cool beer is always on the menu, and so are some of the finest wines in Australia, many of which are produced in the neighboring wine regions and breweries of Victoria.

The city of Melbourne was first founded on the Yarra River in 1835 and went on to enjoy significant growth up until 1850, despite remaining a relatively rural settlement. The Gold Rush in 1851, however, totally transformed the area from a colony of smallholdings into a hotbed of immigration and development, which would later establish Melbourne as Australia’s major financial center.

The State of Victoria saw a major influx of new settlers all looking to strike gold! With them came a steady flow of provisions for housing, food, and mining equipment, which helped over £100 million worth of gold to be plucked from the region in the 1850s alone. With Victoria now being a very wealthy colony, the fortunes of the new Victorians flourished.

The International Exhibition of 1880 placed Melbourne firmly on the map as an important trade center for wool, wheat, and other agricultural products, as well as being Australia’s most refined city.

Despite suffering during the depression of the 1930s, the city rose again in the mid to late 20th century, becoming home to headquarters operations for a lot of the country’s largest companies (many of whom are still based in the city today). Now a culturally diverse city offering some of the best living standards throughout Australia, Melbourne has come a long way from its humble rural roots.

Tip: Flying to Australia? We’ve created a super in-depth guide on the best ways to fly to Australia using points and miles.  

Melbourne is Australia’s second largest city and is considered by many to be the cultural and sporting capital of Australia. For all of its fine restaurants, elegant buildings and historically important landmarks, the city is also extremely welcoming and has a multicultural feel that appeals to most visitors.

If you’d like to know some useful facts and figures before you visit, here are a few to get you going:

Population: 4.8 million

Area (including greater metropolitan area): 9,992.5 square kilometers

Official Language: English

Other Languages Spoken: Melbourne is home to residents from all over the world, and as many as 251 languages can be heard throughout the city every day.

Religion: The major religion of the country is Christianity. In Melbourne this is broken down into the Roman Catholic Church, the Anglican Church, Eastern Orthodox, and the Uniting churches.

Current Prime Minister: Malcolm Turnbull

Time Zone: The standard time zone for Melbourne is UTC+10:00 (Coordinated Universal Time), changing to UTC+11:00 when daylight savings time (DST) is in operation.

Currency: Australian Dollar AUD

Country Dialing Code Prefix: +61

Emergency Numbers: Dial 000 and ask for the service you require (police, fire service, or ambulance service)

Open space: 9% (including parks and gardens)

Taxi Cabs: 7,544

Cafes and Restaurants: 2,336

Beaches: Over 30 designated public beaches plus many more private inlets and coastal spaces.

Australia may well be the smallest continent on Earth, but it is a vast region surrounded by water on all sides. Most visitors reach Australia by air, and flight times can be pretty long even from neighboring countries.

Flying Into Melbourne

Opened in the 1970s, Melbourne Airport (also known as Tullamarine Airport) is the only international airport serving the city of Melbourne , and the second busiest airport in Australia .

Avalon Airport, Essendon Airport, and Moorabbin Airport also service the city, but are limited to internal or cargo flights only.

Tullamarine Airport provides international flights to destinations all over the world and is serviced by the following airlines:

Air Asia, Aircalin, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air Mauritius, Air New Zealand, Air Vanuatu, Capital Airlines, Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Emirates, Etihad, Fiji Airlines, Garuda Indonesia Airlines, Hainan Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, Japan Airlines, Jetstar Airlines, Latam Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Philippine Airlines, Qantas Airways, Royal Brunei Airlines, Scoot, Sichuan Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Sri Lankan Airlines, Thai Airlines, United Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, Virgin Australia, Xiamen Air

Once you’ve landed on Australian shores, finding your way to the city of Melbourne is quite straightforward.

Traveling From the Airport to the City

Melbourne Airport offers a dedicated shuttle service from the terminal to the city itself. The SkyBus is the main airport shuttle, which leaves from 2 locations outside the terminals and operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. SkyBus runs to and from Southern Cross Station and leaves every 10 minutes for most of the day.

Tickets are $19 one-way or $38 return for adults; up to 4 children can travel for free. The journey time is usually between 20-40 minutes depending on traffic.

There are other shuttle buses available that run directly to some of the inner-city hotels. Prices range from $18-$25 depending on destination, and there is no need to change buses at Southern Cross Station.

Public transport can also take you from the airport into the CBD (Central Business District). Using a low-cost myki card, you can enjoy a leisurely route on both the train and the bus to reach your accommodation. The 901 bus to Broadmeadows station will let you catch a train for the remaining 40-minute trip to Flinders Street in the CBD. Services run at 15-minute intervals during the week, and every half hour at night and on weekends. Costs vary depending on your destination.

There are currently no direct train links between Melbourne Airport and the city center. If you do want to take the train, you would need to hop on the 901 bus to Broadmeadows Station and then catch the Craigieburn Line train into the city center. You’d need to allow well over an hour for this journey.

There are plenty of taxis located in designated ranks outside the exits of Melbourne Airport. The journey can take anywhere between 40-60 minutes (or sometimes more during busy periods), and it will cost you around $60 for a single journey.

You can pre-book a taxi to pick up you and your luggage from inside the airport if this is simpler. Taxi services like rideways.com and taxicode.com will allow you to book your pickup online.

Uber drivers also operate in and around Melbourne, and you can arrange your pickup simply by using the app on your Smartphone.

Trams are a major form of public transportation in Melbourne, with a network covering over 250 kilometers in the metro area. The City Trams are free, but they don’t extend all they way to the airport. You would need to reach Southern Cross station before enjoying a tram ride or 2.

Once you’ve arrived in the city, there are plenty of options for affordable, reliable, and easily accessible public transportation.

To travel on the Melbourne bus system, you’ll need to purchase a myki card. These cost $6 for adults and $3 for children, and they need to keep a positive balance in order for you to travel. Your myki card can be topped up at over 800 retailers throughout the city. Alternatively, you can purchase a myki explorer pack that combines a ready-to-use myki card with helpful information and special offers for visitors to the city. When you leave, you can even donate your myki card to charity.

Buses run all over the city from around 6:00am until 9:00pm most days, and the Night Network runs all night metropolitan trains, trams, and late night buses on weekends.

You can find more information about bus routes and timetables at Public Transport Victoria .

Trams have been an iconic sight in the city since 1885, and the network now offers over 490 trams covering 24 routes and 1,763 tram stops. It is the largest urban tramway network in the world…and better still, the City Tram Zone is entirely free to travel on! This makes it a great way to explore the inner-city areas. Trams run most days from 8:45am until around 4:00pm.

Again, further details on tram routes and timetables can be found at Public Transport Victoria .

Taxis and Ubers are also plentiful on the streets of Melbourne, and you can hail a car, pick one up at a designated taxi rank, or pre-book a trip online. Melbourne taxis display a light on top of the cab roof and are usually painted yellow, silver, or white. Drivers are required to wear a uniform in the city and display an identity card on the dashboard at all times.

Information about taxi firms, fares, and regulations can be found at the Taxi Services Commission website.

Melbourne’s metro trains run between the outer suburbs and Flinders Street Station. The City Loop is Melbourne’s very own underground system; although small, it offers quick and easy access to 5 stations within the central business district. If you want to travel further into the suburbs or out into Victoria, Southern Cross Station is the main hub for both regional and interstate rail services in and out of Melbourne. You can use your myki card on trains covering the metro area, but trains into the suburbs and beyond will need additional tickets.

For more information about ticketing, fares, and timetables, visit the Public Transport Victoria website.

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Melbourne is collection of different neighborhoods, each one bringing their own unique character and charm into the city. To really get to know Melbourne, spend some time moving between the different suburbs and developing a real taste for the Melbourne way of life.

Melbourne CBD

The Central Business District (or CBD) is the beating heart of the city of Melbourne. From the open spaces, royal gardens, and docklands eateries to the high-end shopping opportunities in Bourke Street Mall and the Melbourne Centre, the city has plenty to see and do. With first class restaurants, cool cafes, boutiques, and old arcades on every corner, a day spent exploring the CBD is a day well spent.

If you want to step back in time, the Old Melbourne Gaol and the Melbourne Aquarium sit nestled among the modern commercial buildings, adding gravity to the district. Meanwhile, the museums and galleries of Federation Square add grandeur. Students, families , and travelers are often seen mixing with commuters on their lunch hours — the CBD is open to everybody.

Where to stay:

• The Langham
• Mercure Welcome

An inner suburb of Melbourne, St Kilda is a beachside neighborhood frequented by backpackers, families, and anyone looking to enjoy the great outdoors. From the glorious mansions of days gone by to the historic Sea Baths and wild rides at Luna Park, St Kilda has a traditional seaside resort feel about it.

Sip coffee on the sea front while you watch the yachts sail by, or sample some of the great cake shops to be found on Acland and Carlisle streets. When night falls, the area’s pubs and music venues fill up with loud music and late night revelers.

• The Blackman
• Melbourne Parkview

Carlton is well known for the wide selection of cafes and restaurants tucked within the Lygon Street Italian precinct, giving this area the local moniker of “Little Italy.” It is also home to the historic Melbourne General Cemetery and Princes Park, playground for Melbourne’s very own Carlton Football Club.

With plenty of leafy avenues and open spaces to enjoy, Carlton Gardens themselves contain the contemporary Melbourne Museum and the domed 19th Century Royal Exhibition Building that has World Heritage status. Carlton is vibrant and friendly, with a truly cosmopolitan feel.

• Carlton Terrace
• Rydges on Swanston
• Best Western Plus

Fitzroy is home to all things alternative in the city of Melbourne. If something is cool and kooky, you can find it here. Secondhand book stalls, vintage clothing stores, quirky boutiques, and independent retailers can all be seen on Brunswick Street. Or stop for a bite in any of the awe-inspiring vegan, vegetarian, or alternative cafes and restaurants dotting the area.

Fitzroy is renowned throughout the whole of Australia for its street art, music scene, and bohemian feel, and it is also the main home of Melbourne’s Fringe Festival . Come and enjoy cocktails with the cool creatives just a short bus ride from the CBD.

• Quest Royal Gardens
• Melbourne Metropole Central

Richmond is a multicultural suburb that welcomes residents from all over the world. It’s best known for Victoria Street, or “Little Saigon,” which is brimming with Asian grocery stores and eateries serving pho and bánh mì. If you’re looking to grab a bargain, the Bridge Road factory outlets offer great valuing clothing, furniture, and design stores.

Many of the historic old buildings that formerly filled the area have been given a new lease on life as cool bars and happening music venues. A little rough around the edges, Richmond has a young but edgy vibe.

• Andre’s Mews
• Richmond Hill Hotel

Williamstown

Williamstown is a highly desirable suburb to visit, and it gets pretty busy all year round. Located right on the waterfront, Williamstown offers a rare combination of open spaces, good facilities, and a wide variety of options all within easy reach of the CBD.

It has lots of residential areas, so Williamstown is a nice place to stop for coffee or ice cream, and the area has a safe, welcoming feel to it. Parking is a nightmare though, and everywhere from the beach to the street can be packed on weekends.

• Quest Williamstown
• Punthill Apartment Hotel

South Yarra

South Yarra is an upmarket suburb of the city that is popular with aspirational professionals and young families. Art deco apartments facing the Yarra are highly sought after, as are well-preserved mansions like the famous Como House.

The streets here are filled with swanky boutiques, fine restaurants, art galleries, and cocktail bars, and Toorak Road or Chapel Street are the places to see and be seen. The Royal Botanic Gardens meet South Yarra at its most northerly point, making them the perfect place to enjoy a jog or picnic away from the apartments and nearby streets.

• Oaks South Yarra
• Hotel Claremont

The Docklands area of the city has been heavily regenerated over the past 20 years and is now a contemporary development full of high-rise apartments and office blocks. Dominated by the colorful Melbourne Star Observation Wheel that keeps a watchful eye over proceedings, the area is now full of big-name shops and ample opportunities for waterside dining.

Pedestrianized plazas are family friendly, and there are public murals, sculptures, and light displays to enjoy. This area is mostly a resort destination, but has a family feel encouraged by visitors coming to see sporting events at Etihad Stadium or enjoy Harbor Town’s mini-golf and sports car simulators.

• Crowne Plaza
• Vibe Savoy Hotel
• The Great Southern Hotel

Situated on the waterfront, Southbank is renowned for great restaurants, amazing public art displays, and upmarket shopping opportunities. The crowds here are sophisticated and worldly; they come to enjoy cultural venues like the Malthouse Theatre (based in a restored brewery) and the state-of-the-art Melbourne Recital Centre’s classical concerts.

The Crown Casino Complex is also nearby, making it a popular part of the city for high rollers. If you want to ensure you’re caught looking super-cool, check out the many al fresco fine dining experiences on the promenade, or spend your night sipping craft beer in a cargo shed.

• Crown Metropol
• Travelodge Hotel Southbank
• Urban Central

For the upwardly mobile and culturally aware, Brunswick offers a laid-back multicultural vibe that is popular with the young, alternative crowd. With plenty of live music venues, upbeat pubs, and beer gardens to choose from, Brunswick is not just a night out: it’s a lifestyle. At the heart of the area lies the Sydney Road, with all its Middle Eastern and Mediterranean eateries, unusual stores, quirky cafes, and lounge bars. Consider this area hipster heaven for Melbourne.

• Best Western
• Victoria Hotel
• Dolma Hotel

Hot Tip: If you enjoy unique accommodations, check out these boutique hotels in Melbourne .

As with most large cities, there are lots of things to do in Melbourne. Here are 10 of the top attractions you definitely should try to see on your trip.

1. Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

Opened in 1846 and spread over 89 acres, the Gardens offer a slice of paradise within the city, as well as providing a home to over 8,500 species of plants and the wildlife that coexist with them. For a relaxing day out and a real feel for Australia in times gone by, the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria can’t be beaten.

Visit: Open daily from 7:30am to sunset. Entry is free.

Get There: Use tram stop 19, which is the Shrine of Remembrance/St Kilda Rd stop. Via bus, take Route 605 to Melbourne Observatory/Birdwood Avenue.

2. Eureka Skydeck 88

Ride the fastest elevator in the southern hemisphere to the 88 th floor for unparalleled views over Melbourne from the Eureka Skydeck 88 . If that doesn’t impress you, try The Edge , a glass-covered cube that dangles you 300 meters over the city. If you don’t want to enjoy the breathtaking views while suspended in a large transparent box, there is also a nice coffee shop for a more relaxed option.

Visit: Open daily from 10:00am. The Skydeck costs $20 and The Edge costs $12.

Get There: Flinders Street train station is just a 5-minute walk over the Yarra River

3. Federation Square

Federation Square is a large mixed-use area in the heart of Melbourne. Packed with a variety of cafes, restaurants, and bars, it also includes shops selling everything from groceries to souvenirs to high-end fashion. The Square makes a great meeting place in the center of the city, and it’s also home to a wide variety of pop-up shows and exhibitions. Federation Square has a creative program that showcases talent all year round.

Visit: Open 24 hours a day

Get There: Flinders Street train station is the nearest stop; it’s practically right on top of the square.

4. Southbank and Arts Centre Melbourne

Instantly recognizable with its 162-meter spire, the Arts Centre opened in 1982 and is now home to Melbourne’s ballet, opera, theatre, and everything else artistic and creative. The centre often holds outdoor concerts set against the skyscrapers of downtown Melbourne, with lights that dance to the music. With plenty of free entertainment and a full program of events throughout the year, the Southbank and the Arts Centre are always worth a visit.

Visit: Open 7 days a week from early morning to late evening

Get There: Use tram stop 14, Arts Precinct

5. National Gallery of Victoria

Opened in 1968, the National Gallery of Victoria (or NGV) is Australia’s oldest, largest, and most visited art museum. It houses works from across the art world, including Picasso, Monet, Rubens, and many others. For art lovers, the NGV is a must-see.

Visit: Open daily from 10:00am to 5:00pm. Entry is free.

6. Melbourne Cricket Ground

Visit the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground , or “G” as it’s known locally, and take a tour of the impressive stadium, with its vast dressing rooms and adjoining function suites. Have a look to see what’s on at the G when you’re there, as it might be something you’d hate to miss — tickets for many events (including cinema screenings) are easily available.

Visit: Tours are 75 minutes and run between 10:00am and 3:00pm daily. Tickets start around $25, depending on the level of tour you choose.

Get There: Use the tram stop MCG – Hisense Arena/Melbourne Park

7. Melbourne Museum

Opened in 2000, the Melbourne Museum is the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere. The sprawling complex contains various exhibits, from natural history to cultural displays as well as cinemas, cafes, an amphitheater, and much, much more.

Visit: Open daily from 10:00am to 5:00pm. Tickets are $15 for adults and free for kids.

Get There: On the tram, take route 86 to the corner of Nicholson and Gertrude Streets. By bus, use the Rathdowne Street stop.

8. Captain Cook’s Cottage

Built in 1755, Captain Cook’s Cottage is the oldest building in Australia. It was transported brick by brick from England to Melbourne in 1934. Today, it serves as a historical and cultural center and is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the country.

Visit: Open daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm. Tickets cost $6.50 for adults.

Get There: By tram, use route 48 and get off at Wellington Parade

9. Shrine of Remembrance

Built in 1934, the Shrine of Remembrance is the Victoria state memorial to Australians who served in global conflicts throughout the nation’s history. Inspired by classical architecture, the Shrine was designed and built by WWI veterans. Special exhibitions and events are held throughout the year, providing an ever-changing experience.

Visit: Tours available daily from the visitor’s center at 11:00am and 12:45pm. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.

Get There: Take tram route 21 to Dallas Brooks Dr/Domain Rd

10. Melbourne Star Observation Wheel

An easy one to spot, the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel stands next to the river and affords amazing views over the city. Flights last 30 minutes and can range from a simple sightseeing trip to a champagne trip, or even a wedding in your own private cabin.

Visit: Open 11:00am to 7:00pm (May to August); 11:00am to 10:00pm (September to April). Prices start at $16.50.

Get There: Take the tram route 86, Bourne Street

If you’re looking to get off the tourist trail and want some quirkiness from your visit, here are 10 more things you can do with your time in Melbourne.

1. Kryal Castle

Australia’s only medieval castle, Kryal Castle is home to brave knights, dueling warriors, dragons, mysteries, mazes, and plenty of medieval adventures. The kids will absolutely love it, and once they’ve slayed the dragon and conquered the maze, they can even have a go at archery.

Visit: Open Saturday & Sunday from 10:00am to 4:00pm, as well as school and public holidays. Tickets start at $35.

Get There: Grab the train to Ballarat Station.

2. Cat Cafe

What could be better than enjoying a latte in a homely cafe surrounded by dozens of friendly, happy, rescue cats? Melbourne’s Cat Cafe (the first one in Australia) does just that. Operating primarily as a cat rescue and a cafe second, the kitties are the priority and are spoilt rotten. You’ll get spoilt too, with a steaming hot cup of coffee and a slice of homemade cake.

Visit: Open daily from 10:00am to 6:00pm. 1-hour sessions cost $12 and must be booked in advance.

Get There: Take the tram to Melbourne Central on Elizabeth Street. The cafe is nearby in Guildford Lane.

3. Crafternoon

The perfect place to keep the kids happy, Crafternoon is a cafe where you can eat and create all under one roof. Choose from creating with playdough, painting, badge making, or a heap of other educational and fun sessions to keep the children entertained while you enjoy high tea. It’s not just for little people either — adults can also try their hand at something crafty while there.

Visit: Open daily (except Thursdays) from 8:30am to 4:00pm

Get There: Located on Sydney Road in Brunswick

4. Guided Boat Tours at the Royal Botanic Gardens

Capture the historic beauty of the gardens from a watery vantage point. Jump on board a wooden punt and enjoy a serene cruise around the islands dotted throughout this picturesque ornamental lake. Your own personal guide will talk you through the Gardens’ history, flora, and fauna. Perfect for stress-free sightseeing!

Visit: Guided boat tours run from 10:15am-5:00pm (September to May) and 11:00am-3:30pm (June to August). Tickets start at $25 per person.

5. Make Your Own Gin

At Bass & Flinders Distillery , you can make your very own gin. First you’ll take a masterclass in gin distillation, and by the end of the tour will have created not 1 but 2 unique flavors of gin. You’ll get a large bottle of it to take with you afterward, and the distillery will keep your recipe on file so you can order more when you run out (or decide to gift your creation to friends).

Visit: Book 2-hour classes in advance for $140 per person

Get There: The distillery is located on Red Hill Road in Red Hill

6. Western Water Treatment Plant

If heavy machinery and large civic operations are your thing, a tour around the Western Water Treatment Plant will show how the plant works and let you experience the scale and environmental importance of the site. Take a guided tour around the treatment rooms and processes to learn how energy is captured from methane gas and how the nearby wetlands are looked after.

Visit: Tickets start at $12 for adults, and tours must be pre-booked

Get There: The plant is located in Werribee and easily accessible by car

7. Eerie Ghost Tours

If you like all things ghost related, Eerie Tours offers ghost tours around some unique sites, including a cemetery, a sprawling old asylum, and an unused gaol. There are talks and tales along the way, and if you’re lucky you might come face-to-supernatural-face with a ghost or 2. Not for the faint-hearted!

Visit: Prices start at $27.50 per adult (less for kids)

Get There: Tours are based in Ararat, Ballarat, and the Gold Rush Cemetery, and must be pre-booked

8. Join the Circus

You no longer have to run away to join the circus; now you can do it while you’re here in Melbourne! Circus Oz offers classes in all things circus, including trapeze, hula hoops, German Wheels, acrobatics, flying, and even tumbling. They offer classes for both children and adults, and you can also book tickets to see one of their shows. Circus Oz does not use animals in their performances.

Visit: Prices vary depending on the course

Get There: Based in Johnston Street, Collingwood. Take the 86 tram to Johnston St/Smith St.

9. Neighbours Tour

For fans of the long-running show, the Neighbours Tour is a once in a lifetime opportunity. You will be taken on a guided tour of the Ramsey Street set, as well as other key locations used in the show. There’s a very strong chance you’ll meet one of the stars on your tour, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take photos and learn exclusive story details too.

Visit: Open Monday to Friday. Prices start at $59 per adult.

10. The Colonial Tramcar Restaurant

The Colonial Tramcar Restaurant is an authentic Colonial tramcar that has been transformed into a 5-star dining experience. The beautiful wagons cruise through the city streets as you enjoy freshly prepared cuisine surrounded by Victorian history and opulence. The restaurant will arrive back at the departure point at the end of the evening, and bookings can be in short supply.

Visit: Open daily year-round. Prices start at $90 per person, including all food and drink.

Get There: Take the tram to stop 125 Normanby Road

Melbourne offers some of the best beaches in Australia  within just a few miles of the central metro area. If you’re looking to make the most of the coast, here are the top 5 best beaches in and around the city.

Brighton Beach

Brighton Beach is an ideal spot for swimmers, sunbathers, and surfers alike, set against a backdrop of over 80 brightly colored beach boxes. The suburb itself is one of the most sought after parts of the city, and it’s located just to the east of the CBD. You can reach Brighton Beach easily by car or bus, and the nearest station is Brighton Beach.

With plenty of gourmet food outlets and contemporary retailers, you can spend your days on the long stretches of soft sandy beaches surrounding Brighton and Port Phillip, and then have a cool drink in the shade in one of the most popular and upmarket parts of Melbourne.

St Kilda Beach

You won’t find many waves at St. Kilda Beach, but you’ll still find plenty to enjoy. A hotspot for both tourists and locals, St Kilda Beach is a picturesque stretch of soft white sand that is always popular with photographers and film crews. Kite surfers, paddle-boarders, cyclists, and runners love the long straight palm-covered stretches, and there is more than enough beach to go around, no matter how busy it gets.

This beach is also really close to the cafes and restaurants on Acland Street that are perfect for a break from the sun. You can even make the beach your final destination after a busy day racing around the attractions at Luna Park. The best way to reach St Kilda Beach is by hopping on the 3a, 16, or 96 tram from the CBD.

Williamstown Beach

Known locally as “Willy Beach,” this small family-friendly beach is a hit with locals and tourists as well. Being in a popular residential area just a stone’s throw from the city, you can while away the day admiring the sea in front of you, or take in the stunning views of Melbourne just behind you.

This beach is also home to the historic Gem Pier, which offers spectacular unobscured views of the city skyline and looks resplendent thrust out to sea. With plenty of local cafes, shops, and other attractions, Willy Beach is great for kids of all ages. The nearest station is Williamstown Beach.

Mordialloc Beach

If you want a trip to a beach with more than just sand and water to keep you entertained, “Mordi” beach could be just what you’re looking for. With its very own Windows on the Bay restaurant, a children’s playground, and dedicated BBQ and picnic areas, Mordi Beach is a big hit for families, groups, and social gatherings. There is also a bike path that runs all the way back to the suburb of Mentone if you fancy sightseeing on 2 wheels.

Situated in the southern suburb of Kingston, Mordi beach can get very busy during weekends and holidays, so head down there during the week if you want the beach to yourselves. Mordialloc Station is closest, but it’s still about a 1.5 kilometer walk away from the main beach areas.

Elwood Beach

Elwood Beach is a swimming beach offering excellent facilities and long stretches of soft clean sand. It is close to local cafes and restaurants and only about a 20 minute drive from the city. For these reasons, Elwood Beach is very popular among families with young children, giving it a safe, family vibe all year long.

This beach makes the perfect base from which to explore the area’s other beaches, since you can walk around the bay to Brighton Beach or even St Kilda. Elwood offers a rare no boating zone, which is great for swimmers. Sadly, there are no local train or tram stations nearby, but you can easily reach Elwood Beach by car or bus.

Melbourne is renowned for its exceptional bar scene, so it’s tough to create a top 10 list. However, we’re big fans of quirky hidden bars, so here are some you should check out when in the city.

1. Jungle Boy, 96 Chapel Street, Windsor

To find this hidden cocktail bar, you first need to locate Boston Sub, a tiny American sandwich shop in Chapel Street. Head inside and make for the cooler door. Go through, and you’ll step into the tropical surroundings of one of the funkiest cocktail lounges in Melbourne. Plant yourself at the bar and start on the spritzers before getting sucked into the tiki-themed cocktails, each more inventive than the last. Jungle Boy also serves food.

Visit: Open daily from 5:00pm until 1:00am. The nearest tram stop is Windsor.

2. Eau De Vie, 1 Malthouse Lane, Melbourne

Skillfully tucked away down Malthouse Lane, you’ll need to keep yours eyes out for an unsigned service entrance and head inside. You’ll know you’re in the right place if you’re not chased out by some angry chefs, but instead welcomed by waistcoated greeters fresh out of 1920s Chicago.

Eau De Vie is a Prohibition-themed bar channeling all very best parts of vintage Americana. You can sit at the bar or share a private booth and get started on the best cocktails in the country. Behind a bookcase is another secret area, the Whiskey Room, that’s a whole new level of whisky drinking awesome.

Visit: Open Monday-Thursday 5:00pm to 1:00am, Friday & Saturday 4:00pm to 1:00am, and Sunday 4:00pm to 11:00pm. No Tommy guns please!

3. Hihou, 1 Flinders Lane, Melbourne

On Flinders Lane near the corner of Spring Street lies this amazing Japanese bar and restaurant. Keep your eyes peeled though, as the entrance is really easy to miss. Hihou offers a superb variety of worldwide fare all given a unique Japanese twist. There is also a wonderful cocktail menu on offer too.

If you choose to dine upstairs, you’ll be asked to remove your shoes as you’ll be sitting at traditional Japanese low tables. If you’re dining downstairs, usual rules apply.

Visit: Open Monday-Wednesday 5:00pm to midnight, Thursday-Saturday 5:00pm to 1:00am. Nearest station is Flinders Street.

4. Sister Bella, 22 Drewery Place, Melbourne

The ultimate in stripped-down hidden bar chic, this place is not easily spotted when passing by. Should you make the effort, though, you will be rewarded with a visit to one of the quirkiest bars in the city. Word of mouth advertising is all they’ve used here, so everyone else you see will have explored their way inside too.

The drinks menu is refreshingly basic, which fits the décor perfectly. A tattooed and cool staff will make you feel right at home as you take a seat on the recycled furniture to take in the surroundings.

Visit: Bar open Monday-Saturday 4:00pm to 1:00am, Sunday 4:00pm to 11:00pm

5. Murmur, 17 Warburton Lane, Melbourne

Melbourne’s only dedicated piano bar, Murmur is a hot spot with a drinks menu thicker than an old phone book. Serving fine drinks and cocktails from around the world as well as amazing food, this relaxing bar offers an oasis from the bustling city outside. A great place to impress that special someone in your life (or simply indulge your inner connoisseur), Murmur will forever raise your food and drink standards. It’s 1920s chic for the 21st century.

Visit: Open Monday-Friday 4:30pm to 11:00pm, Saturday & Sunday 4:30pm to 1:00am

6. Loch & Key, 34 Franklin Street, Melbourne

The first thing you need to do here is find the Captain Melville Bar in Franklin Street. Once inside, look for a bookcase that gives way to a rickety staircase. This leads you to Loch & Key , a semi-secret but fabulous bar and lounge. You can remain fed and watered here until the sun comes up, all accompanied by 70s funk and electronica.

The food is experimental and delicious, but it’s the drinks you’ll come here for. Loch & Key’s bar staff will serve you anything from a cold beer to an outlandish cocktail — including everything in between.

Visit: Open Sunday-Thursday 5:00pm to 5:00am, Friday & Saturday 5:00pm to 7:00am

7. Marrakech, 25 Bank Place, Melbourne

Hidden underneath Bank Place, Marrakech is a Moroccan-themed bar that offers the latest R&B and soul music in sumptuous surroundings. Grab a comfortable booth and soak up the softly-lit décor while sipping fine cocktails and enjoying delectable cuisine.

They also have Shisha pipes, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the Moroccan vibe. There are always special offers available, and you can find out about these on the Marrakech website before you go.

Visit: Open Monday-Thursday 11:00am till late, Friday 3:00pm to 3:00am, Saturday 6:00pm to 3:00am, Sunday 6:00pm till late

8. Bartronica, Basement, 335 Flinders Lane, Melbourne

Bartronica is Melbourne’s first vintage arcade bar. Indulge your 80s inner child with this hidden bar that’s packed with retro arcade games. Once you’ve found the place, grab a beer or one of the many weird and wonderful cocktails and get on a classic machine like Mortal Kombat, Sonic, or Mario Kart. When you need to get some air, you can head out into the beer garden, which has been set up to feel like it’s in downtown New York .

Visit: Open Wednesday-Saturday 4:00pm to 1:00am

9. The Alchemist, 361 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy

This unusual drinking spot is decked out like an alchemist’s lab: everything’s covered in gold and festooned with old flasks and lab equipment. The Alchemist has an extensive wine list and probably one of the best and most experimental cocktail menus in Australia. Mixologists here can make anything you can think of — they’re as good at turning booze into cocktails as an alchemist is at turning lead into gold. Tapas-style food fills the gaps while live jazz on Tuesdays and Thursdays soothes the ears.

Visit: Open Sunday & Wednesday 3:00pm to 11:00pm, Thursday-Saturday 3:00pm to 1:00am

10. Pizza Pizza Pizza, 16 Meyers Place, Melbourne

This is a popular and very busy pizza place that does delicious New York-style pizzas with a variety of toppings. What’s that got to do with this list? Well, if you ask a member of staff to see the “special menu,” you’ll be taken through a secret door to a hidden retro-inspired bar out back! Here you can still enjoy delicious pizza, but you can also add a few cocktails to your order to help wash it down a bit better.

Visit: Pizza Pizza Pizza is open Tuesday-Thursday 12:00pm to 11:00pm, Friday 12:00pm to 3:00am, Saturday 6:00pm to 3:00am

Breakfast is the best meal of the day in Melbourne, and with so many great eateries to choose from you’ll never go hungry! Here are our top picks.

1. The Kettle Black, 50 Albert Road, South Melbourne

One of the finest cafes in the city, The Kettle Black offers amazing dishes at great prices that will set you up for the day ahead.

Need to blow the cobwebs away from the night before? They also have wine, beer, and a range of breakfast cocktails to go with their delicious menu. This place also serves a mean cup of coffee.

Visit: Open Monday-Friday 7:00am to 4:00pm, weekends and public holidays 8:00am to 4:00pm

2. Top Paddock, 658 Church Street, Richmond

Set in a beautiful location, this trendy cafe serves up some gorgeous dishes at reasonable prices. The menu is healthy and varied, and it’s accompanied by a fine range of beers and wines (as well as all-day cocktails).

Top Paddock is like a traditional cafe and kitchen, only much better. It’s the perfect spot for a quick breakfast or a long coffee break, whether you’re meeting friends or need a quiet moment to yourself.

Visit: Open Monday-Friday 7:00am to 4:00pm, weekends 8:00am to 4:00pm. The kitchen closes at 3:00pm though, so don’t dawdle!

3. Rudimentary, 16-18 Leeds Street, Footscray

Shipping container bars are getting popular all over the world, and now you can visit one in up-and-coming Footscray. Rudimentary offers breakfasts ranging from light bites to a pork belly extravaganza, none of which will seriously dent your wallet.

Add to this fantastic coffees and other drinks, and you can easily lose a whole day in this amazing venue. Rudimentary is also a community space that aims to contribute to the evolution of a vibrant part of Melbourne, as well as break the current trend of high rise developments.

Visit: Open Monday-Friday 7:30am to 3:30pm, weekends 8:00am to 3:30pm

4. Bowery to Williamsburg, 16 Oliver Lane, Melbourne

This American diner is styled after a New York subway station, complete with signage and bustle! The amazing menu fuses hearty American classics with unique Melbourne touches for some unbeatable dishes. From BBQ bacon cheeseburgers to pastrami sandwiches and key lime pie, you can find it all at Bowery to Williamsburg .

They also do the best American breakfast in town with pretzels, bagels, waffles, and eggs all fresh every morning. You can join the other diners in this deli-style eatery, or have your food wrapped to go.

Visit: Open Monday-Friday 7:30am to 3:00pm, weekends 8:00am to 3:30pm. Closed on public holidays.

5. Auction Rooms, 103-107 Errol Street, North Melbourne

This 150-year-old auction house certainly looks its age from the outside. Venture in, however, and you’ll be greeted with industrial steel and concrete, as well as the buzz of contented diners.

The Auction Rooms serves food from the Middle East, Mexico, and America and does a great selection of all-day breakfast, eggs, and sides. There are also cocktails, beers, and wine, as well as Small Batch coffee (made by the original owner who started the Small Batch company).

Visit: Open Monday-Friday 7:00am to 5:00pm, weekends 7:30am to 5:00pm

6. The Grain Store, 517 Flinders Lane, Melbourne

Offering German, French, and Mediterranean-infused cuisine, The Grain Store cooks healthy meals in a bright space with industrial looks and a homely vibe. The daily breakfast menu includes plenty of healthy fare as well as more hearty fodder.

Their weekend brunch menu is absolutely stunning and available until 3:00pm. You can choose from bacon, eggs, salmon, or even pork belly, among other mouthwateringly lazy breakfast suggestions.

Visit: Open Monday-Friday 7:00am to 4:00pm, weekends 8:00am to 4:00pm

7. The Farm Cafe, 18 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford

What started out as a trestle table and coffee machine has evolved into an excellent rustic eatery, offering hearty country foods as well as healthy lighter options. Their breakfasts are made with love and flavor, and the menu includes a variety of fresh local fare: homemade sausage rolls, granola, and a gut-busting farmers breakfast. Located on an actual farm, The Farm Cafe is the perfect spot for weekend bunches with the kids.

Visit: Open Monday-Friday 9:00am to 4:00pm, weekends 9:00am to 5:00pm

8. Cafe Ora, 156 Parkington Street, Kew

Hidden away in a tired parade of shops is this gem of an owner-operated cafe. Serving fine coffees to suit all tastes, they also offer fresh, healthy food made with herbs and spices grown out back. Breakfasts come in all shapes and sizes, alongside first-class coffee and ice cream too.

Visit: Open Tuesday-Friday 7:00am to 4:00pm, weekends 8:00am to 4:00pm

9. Lights in the Attic, 38 Camberwell Road, Hawthorn East

This suburban cafe is well worth hunting down, as it offers an Asian infusion on traditional breakfast choices. Try the salmon scrambled eggs with Benito flakes or the Nourish bowl, a superfood fusion dish that will provide all the energy you’ll need for the day. Lights In The Attic also serves fresh fruit, eggs, and steaming hot coffee.

Visit: Open Monday-Friday 7:30am to 3:30pm, Saturday 8:00am to 3:00pm, Sunday 8:30am to 3:00pm

10. Mr Hendricks, 469 Whitehorse Road, Balwyn

This family-run cafe offers French-inspired foods created by 2 chef brothers with a wealth of culinary experience. The menu is loaded with amazing dishes that wouldn’t be out of place in a top-end international restaurant.

With all-day breakfasts, a breakfast cassoulet, crispy eggs, and even vanilla brioche toast, these boys are really raising the breakfast game in Balwyn! Oh, and in case you were wondering, Mr. Hendricks is the name of the family dog.

Visit: Open Tuesday-Friday 7:30am to 4:00pm, weekends 8:00am to 4:00pm

If you thought only cities like London and Seattle had cool coffee covered, think again. Melbourne has one the most incredible coffee cultures in the world. Every neighborhood brings something new to the mix, making it irresistible to stop and watch the world go by while sipping on the black stuff in the mild Melbourne climate.

Want to know where to find the very best coffee in the city? Check out these top 5 places for coffee lovers.

1. Market Lane

Market Lane is a specialty coffee roastery, cafe, and retailer born and based in Melbourne. With 5 shops throughout the city, they roast their own beans at their Parham Market roastery and are dedicated to sourcing some of the finest coffee from around the world.

Owner Fleur Studd and chief roaster Jason Scheltus were both big names in the Melbourne coffee scene in their own right. Together, they created a coffee company that is focused on not just providing fantastic tasting coffee, but also on educating every customer about the journey of the humble bean.

2. Proud Mary

Proud Mary is a specialty coffee roaster, cafe, coffee educator, and retailer that is dedicated to producing exceptional coffee, and who takes their roasting very seriously. So much so that you can visit their “Aunty Peg’s” roastery to learn all about the beans, brew your own gear at the shop, or enjoy a one-to-one brew from your own personal barista.

Nolan Hirte, the founder of Proud Mary, is now recognized as a pioneer of the specialty coffee industry in Australia. Having come face to face with the harsh reality of coffee farming during a trip to Bali , he decided to find a way to bridge the gap between farmer and consumer, and shortly afterward Proud Mary was born. Based in Collingwood, the cafe has a vibe that is perfect for locals who enjoy living in one of the quirkiest suburbs of the city.

3. Code Black

The guys and gals at Code Black describe their establishment as “a laboratory, a workshop, and a hub for connoisseurs of the dark art and science of coffee.” We can assume from this statement that they take their coffee very seriously indeed. Located in the trendy suburb of Brunswick, Code Black has created a coffee shop that perfectly matches the interests and inspirations of the local alternative music scene.

If the coffee they brew isn’t quite strong enough for your dark soul, they’ve also launched their very own brand of hot chocolate. Cocoa Jackson consists of a beautiful Venezuelan to give you a dark chocolate kick. Quirky, cool, and unashamedly dark…Code Black is probably just named after the way they take their coffee.

4. Industry Beans

When brothers Steve and Trevor Simmons set up in a tiny garage and began roasting coffee for themselves, they always had their eyes on bigger things. Now situated in a former warehouse in the super cool suburb of Fitzroy, the boys at Industry Beans are now pouring house blends for all to enjoy.

With a strong emphasis on sourcing the very best specialty-grade green coffee from across the globe, the team at Industry Beans creatively applies scientific methodology to the coffee roasting process. They can reveal the complex and distinctive qualities of each single origin coffee, which in the end, makes for a really great cup!

5. Patricia Coffee Brewers

In-house, artisanal coffee flows aplenty at this trendy standing-room-only spot. With their own blends ground on-site, Patricia Coffee Brewers offers a simple choice of black, white, or filter coffees for all to enjoy.

A joint venture between Bowen Holden and Pip Heath, Patricia Coffee Brewers is a quality-driven coffee bar in the heart of Melbourne. Their exceptional service meets carefully crafted coffees, and everyone who steps inside their tiny storefront knows they’re in for a coffee-shaped treat.

Melbourne offers some of the greatest shopping experiences in Australia. From designer boutiques to vintages markets, you can find it all within the city center itself. You may have heard of Chadstone, the largest shopping center in Australia but here are ten others.

1. Emporium Melbourne

The Emporium is the largest Australian luxury shopping area, offering a wealth of designer clothing stores and boutiques as well as over 30 food outlets. Situated on the corner of Lonsdale and Swanston streets, the complex also features large Myer and David Jones department stores.

With 225 stores providing a fusion of fashion, culture, food, and art all located in the central CBD, the Emporium is frequented by locals, commuters, and visitors alike.

Visit: Open from 10:00am until 7:00pm (9:00pm on Thursday and Fridays), and easily accessed by public transport

2. Queen Victoria Village (QV)

Known locally as the “QV,” the Queen Victoria Village is home to both Australian and international designer stores, a wide variety of restaurants, and some of Melbourne’s finest retailers. Occupying an entire city block, the QV is famous for its unique open-air design, with 120 stores running down each of its laneways.

There is also an international food court located in the basement of the building. The retail venue plays host to a wide variety of lifestyle events and shows throughout the year.

Visit: Open daily from 10:00am to as late as 9:00pm on some days.

Get There: Offers over 1,500 car parking spaces, but can also be reached by any tram or bus line.

3. Melbourne Central

The Melbourne Central shopping center is a large modern complex featuring shops, offices, and access to the city loop underground railway below. Refurbished in 2005, the complex now offers a wide range of shops and food stalls that are well-suited to their central location within the CBD.

Almost as well-known as some of the shops are the architectural delights on display. Coop’s Shot Tower, The Marionette Watch, The Glass Cone, and The Vertical Cone have all been built over the years to add interest to this city center retail and commercial complex.

4. Bourke Street Mall

Bourke Street is one of the main thoroughfares in Melbourne’s Central Business District (CBD). It is well-regarded as a hub of entertainment and shopping in the city, and is a popular tourist destination. In recent years the area has become pedestrianized and is only accessible on foot or by tram, allowing visitors to explore the area at their leisure.

If you are looking to enjoy the full city center experience, Bourke Street has everything you need: great shops, fine food, and plenty of the authentic Melbourne atmosphere.

Get There: Nearest stations are Flagstaff Station or Southern Cross Station. Trams 86, 95, and 96 all stop in Bourke Street itself.

5. DFO South Wharf

Centrally located in Melbourne CBD and next to the popular upmarket Docklands suburb, DFO South Wharf is a factory outlet complex offering well-known branded goods for majorly discounted prices. Similar to the outlet stores normally found on the outskirts of major towns and cities, the DFO South Wharf offers all the fun of bargain hunting right in the city center. It also hosts a variety of cafes, bistros, and restaurants so you can enjoy a whole day’s shopping under one roof.

Visit: Stores open from 10:00am until 6:00pm every day, except Friday when they offer late night shopping until 9:00pm.

Get There: Nearest train station is Southern Cross, which is about a 15-minute walk away. Or, hop on any trams traveling along Swanston Street and St Kilda Road that stop at Federation Square, or the corner of Flinders and Swanston streets.

6. Prahran Market

Known as “the food lovers market,” Prahran Market offers a wide range of high quality fruit and vegetables, certified organic produce, sustainable seafood, free-range meat and poultry, and more. Having been on the same Commercial Road site for over 125 years, the market offers a variety of stalls and shops selling every type of food you could imagine. The market also has a dedicated Market Square where there are community performances, cafes, and a children’s playground.

Visit: Located in the suburb of South Yarra. Open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 7:00am until 5:00pm, and 10:00am until 3:00pm on Sundays. Closed Mondays and Wednesdays.

7. Queen Victoria Market

The Queen Victoria Market is a major landmark in Melbourne and the largest open air market in the Southern Hemisphere. Standing at around 7 hectares, the marketplace is both historically and architecturally important (and is actually listed on the Victorian Heritage Register). Visitors can expect to find a wide variety of fresh, high-quality produce and specialty shopping including clothing, art, and interior goods.

Visit: Open from 6:00am most mornings, closing times vary depending on the day. Night market during the summer months on Wednesdays from 5:00pm until 10:00pm. Closed Mondays.

Get There: Located between Queen Street, Victoria Street, and Peel Street, the market can be reached by train using either Melbourne Central or Flagstaff Stations. Alternatively, take tram 19, 57, or 59 to stop 7, Elizabeth St (or tram 58 to stop 9, Peel St).

8. The Rose Street Market

Rose Street Market is an artists’ market where everything on sale is handmade. Widely known as a platform for emerging artists, it is a great place to find one-off pieces of art, unusual fashion, unique jewelry, and work from local photographers.

Occupying an abandoned yard in Fitzroy, Rose Street Market is the creative hub of the CBD and the city’s most important home for independent art and design.

Visit: Market held every Saturday from 11:00am until 5:00pm.

Get There: Best reached by tram using the 96 from Bourke St (get off at stop 16) or 11 from Collins St. (get off at stop 17).

9. Fitzroy Market

The Fitzroy Market  is a community project that has been running since 2010. Selling a variety of secondhand clothing and goods, handmade items, and homemade food, the market is put on by the community and benefits partner organizations in education. There is always a welcoming atmosphere, lots of live music and entertainment, and a real neighborly spirit, making the market a lovely place to be on a sunny Saturday in Melbourne.

Visit: Market held on the 3rd Saturday of every month from 10:00am until 3:00pm at the Fitzroy Primary School.

Get There: Take trams 86 (travel to Smith St), 96 (travel down Nicholson St), and 112 (travel down Brunswick St). Or, buses 200, 201, 203, 205, and 207 all stop at nearby Johnston Street.

10. Camberwell Market

Camberwell Sunday Market is Melbourne’s premier vintage market, and it offers a wide range of secondhand goods and crafts. It sells anything retro and is the perfect place to find antiques, collectables, vintage clothing, handmade crafts, vinyl, musical instruments, knick knacks, and much more.

Visit: Market held every Sunday morning (except the Sunday before Christmas Day) from 7:30am until 12:30pm.

Get There: Take the train to Camberwell Railway Station, or bus routes 612 or 285 to Camberwell Junction.

Visiting foreign lands can be an expensive business, especially if you’re planning to spend any time in a major city. While Melbourne may not be the most expensive destination in the world, it certainly isn’t the cheapest either. Try these top hacks to help your vacation budget stretch a little further.

1. Explore Your New Surroundings

Getting your bearings needn’t be boring. Melbourne is a wonderful city to just roam around and explore for free. Take in the city center and browse the streets as you get a feel for that authentic Melbourne atmosphere. When you run out of steam, there are plenty of parks and green spaces to relax in.

2. Go to the Museums

While away the hours taking in the free galleries and museums dotted thought the city. The National Gallery Of Victoria has a vast collection of art from all around the world, and The Australian Centre for The Moving Image offers incredible interactive exhibits.

3. Take a Trip to the Beach

Melbourne may be a vibrant and bustling city, but you’re never more than a few miles away from the nearest beach. Australia has some of the finest beaches in the world, and the coast surrounding Melbourne is certainly no exception. Enjoy free sunbathing, surfing, or swimming at any of the beaches surrounding the city.

4. Soak up the Arts Scene

Melbourne is a very creative city full of musicians, magicians, buskers, breakdancers, and much more. You can catch any number of free outdoor performances all across the CBD and into the suburbs. Bourke Street, Southbank, and Federation Square are virtually guaranteed to have something going on nearly every day of the week.

5. Visit the Markets

Melbourne is full of amazing markets, and you’ll be able to find one that offers everything you need on pretty much any day of the week. From the vast and historical Queen Victoria Market to the foodies’ favorites at Prahran Market and everything in between, you will never be short of a bargain or 2.

6. Shop the Outlets

DFO South Wharf is a shopping complex dedicated to designer bargains. With 3 levels of shops and hundreds of outlets to choose from (as well as cafes and eateries), a visit to the DFO is a great day out.

7. Eat Away From the Riverside

Those waterside views will definitely add extra bucks to your brunch. If you want to enjoy fine food for less money, eat away from the docklands, Bourke Street, and main streets when you can.

8. Shop Around for Somewhere to Stay

Like many big cities, staying in the main tourist districts can be expensive. In Melbourne, even the hostels can be on the pricey side, so check out backpacker groups on social media for the best deals, or see if you can find an apartment share for your time in the city.

9. Go to a Gig

The north side of the city is famous for its live music venues and bohemian atmosphere. Dance the night away with free or cheap tickets to any of the area’s many music bars including the Tote , the Evelyn , Bar Open , or the Night Cat .

10. Eat the Oysters

If you want to live the high life without paying a high price, try eating oysters with a glass of Prosecco while overlooking the Yarra at Arbory Bar and Eatery , Melbourne’s longest and most affordable bar.

11. Drink Coffee

Melbourne has an uber cool cafe culture, and you can quickly become a complete coffee expert by enjoying free coffee tasting sessions at many of the first-class coffee shops and roasters throughout the city.

12. See the City From the Water

If you want to get a different perspective of the city, hop on a ferry from Southgate to Williamstown and explore the suburb’s historic waterfront, as well as the famous Castlemaine warship for just $18.

13. Make Use of the Visitor Shuttle

The visitor shuttle stops at 13 points around the city and offers an audio commentary for your journey. Learn about the history of Melbourne at your leisure, and jump on and off as you please.

14. Workout for Free

Princes Park is home to the Carlton football club and is a stunning place to go for a run, bike ride, or even a workout in the outdoor gyms during your stay in Melbourne.

15. Work the Transport System

Travel is not hugely expensive in Melbourne, but you can save money by taking advantage of the free trams, free off-peak travel, and the easy walking distance between many of the tourist areas.

Want to impress your hosts when you finally touch down in Melbourne? Wow them with your superior knowledge using these fun facts.

1. Traffic Management

Melbourne is home to the first ever traffic lights installed in Australia. They were first tested in mid-1928 at the intersection of Swanston and Flinders streets to address the growing problems of simultaneous vehicle control and increased pedestrian traffic.

2. Chocolate History

Chocolate lovers have a lot to thank Melbourne for. Chocolate makers MacRobertson’s Steam Confectionery Works, located in the suburb of Fitzroy, were the original inventors of the Cherry Ripe in 1924, the Crunchie in 1929, and the Freddo Frog in 1930. They continued to produce these for many years until the company was sold to Cadbury in 1967.

3. Name Change

Melbourne was originally named Batmania after one of the city’s founding fathers, John Batman. Upon discovering the first settlements of central Melbourne, he declared the location as being a “nice place for a village.” The name never stuck, however, and the land would later be christened Melbourne, after Lord Melbourne, then the Prime Minister of Britain.

4. Heating Up

Melbourne can get pretty hot. As you would expect anywhere on the Australian continent, the sun is almost always shining on this city. Sometimes, though, it gets a little too hot to handle: the maximum temperature ever recorded in Melbourne was 115.5 degrees Fahrenheit (46.4 degrees Celsius) in 2009!

5. Big Window

The world’s largest stained-glass ceiling is located in Melbourne’s National Gallery of Victoria. It was designed by Australian artist Leonard French, and his geometric masterpiece is known as the Persian Rug of Light. It measures a whopping 60.9 x 15.24 meters and features 224 tiles in a kaleidoscope of colors.

6. Feeling Foxy

According to the RSPCA, Melbourne is officially the fox capital of the world. There are apparently anywhere between 6 and 23 foxes per square kilometer in the urban area of the city. Despite these numbers, it’s still quite rare to see one, and the urban fox is very much revered.

7. Bath Time

Melbourne used to be very well known for its public bathing. Residents would happily jump in the Yarra, the sea, and the City Baths to keep cool on hot sunny days. Such was its popularity that there are still more than 1,800 bathing boxes scattered around the city’s beaches.

8. Fancy a Beer

The now world-famous Australian beer Fosters was first brewed in Melbourne in 1888. Even thought it was originally brewed by American brothers William and Ralph Foster right here in the city, it went on to become synonymous with the “Aussie” love for a nice cold tinnie.

9. One for Sport Lovers

As a city, Melbourne is utterly obsessed with sports and is the only city in the world to have 5 international standard sporting facilities on the fringe of its central business district: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Docklands Stadium, Rod Laver Arena, Hisense Arena, and Olympic Park in Melbourne Park.

10. No Down Time

Keeping with the sports theme, one of Australia’s most famous games, Australian Rules Football was invented in Melbourne in 1858 by Tom Wills and his friends as a way to keep cricketers fit during the off-season.

You can’t come all the way to Melbourne and not explore at least a little bit more of Victoria. Even if you don’t stay long, try and take at least one of these awesome day trips away from the city during your visit.

1. Great Ocean Road, Victoria

As one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world, a trip along the Great Ocean Road is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Stretching from the towns of Torquay to Nelson, the 249-mile roadway winds alongside the wild and windswept Southern Ocean coast of Victoria.

The road will take you through Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula, the Great Otway National Park, and the Shipwreck Coast as you explore local towns and villages, stopping at iconic locations along the way.

The Great Ocean Road is approximately 2 hours south from Melbourne CBD, and you can spend days traveling its entire length at your leisure.

2. Yarra Valley

The Yarra Valley is packed with award-winning vineyards, tasting rooms, and wineries. Many visitors to the region come to learn about the fermentation process and join in with an organized wine tour. There are many to choose from throughout the region, from a simple half-day tour to a full week away in a winery.

Many of the vineyards have been transformed into exclusive estates, offering spas, restaurants, and even rooms for visitors to stay with them overnight. Prices will vary depending on the tour and location you choose, but half-day private tours start at around $50 per person, while overnight stays will obviously be much more. Find out about tours in the region at Yarra Valley Wine .

3. Mornington Peninsula

Just an hour outside Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula offers miles of stunning coastlines and pretty seaside towns, as well as local wineries and impressive restaurants.

Go cycling, horseback riding, golfing, surfing, or visit a winery or a national park…or just relax on the beach. The Mornington Peninsula has something for everyone. You can drive there from Melbourne using the M1 and the Western Port Highway. If you want to take the train, you can connect from Frankston through Hastings to Stony Point on Westernport Bay. Or if you would rather go by bus, they travel from Melbourne to all areas, and local bus routes operate around each Mornington Peninsula village.

4. Phillip Island

Phillip Island is a very popular day trip destination from Melbourne. You can watch the Penguin Parade from Summerland beach, or spot the fur seals gathering off the coast from The Nobbies Centre . If you’d rather, you could simply stop and spend some time with the koalas at the Conservation Centre . The island is also well known for motorcycle and car racing events held at the Phillip Island Circuit if man-made entertainment is more your thing.

Around a 90-minute drive away from Melbourne, you can reach the island by car using the M1, the M420, and the A420. Private coach trips from the city are also available, or you may be able to access the island using the V-Line train service . Tickets for the attractions vary in price depending on what you wish to see. General viewing tickets for the Penguin Parade are $25 per adult, whereas a guided ranger tour of the parks could be as much as $90 per adult. Find prices, times, and park information at the Phillip Island website .

5. Dandenong Ranges

The Dandenong Ranges make for a great day out away from hustle and bustle of the city. Soaring forests, fern glades, and some of the world’s tallest flowering trees can all be found here. There are also pretty villages and rustic farms, and you can jump aboard the historic Puffing Billy Steam Train to see them all. A trip on the steam train will cost from $59 per adult and $29.50 per child.

The Dandenong Ranges are about an hour away from Melbourne by car using the M1 freeway, Ferntree Gully Road, and the Burwood Highway. If you’d rather use public transport, you can also get there using the  V-Line train service  from Melbourne. There are many options for day tours and accommodations for longer stays.

Melbourne has relatively low crime figures for a city of its size, meaning that you should be able to relax and enjoy your time there. That said, all travel comes with risks, and you should always be aware of your surroundings and take the appropriate precautions.

Emergency Contacts in Melbourne

• If you are the victim of a crime, have been in an accident, or need urgent assistance in relation to a fire, call 000 and ask to speak to the police, ambulance, or fire department.
• If you need to contact the police in relation to a non-urgent matter, call 131 444.
• If you need advice or assistance about a Maritime and Aviation Rescue , call 9674 3000.
• If you need travel information, updates about disrupted or canceled services can be found at Public Transport Victoria .

Keep Safe in the City

• In a crowded area, stay aware of what is going on around you and keep together in groups. If there is a chance you could become separated, arrange a meeting point prior to travel.
• Pickpockets and thieves operate all over the world. To ensure that you are not a target, keep your mobile phones, wallets , and purses safely tucked away, and never leave them in plain sight.
• If you are eating out, keep your handbags or briefcases out of sight under your chair in bars and restaurants, or use a table clip if the venue provides one.
• Never accept drinks from strangers and always keep yours with you in crowded bars.

Visiting Public Places

• Never leave your bags unattended.
• Always carry your wallet or purse close to you.
• Carry backpacks forward-facing in crowded areas.
• Keep mobile phones and other devices out of sight when not in use, and never leave them in your back pocket or coat pocket.
• Before you travel, make a note of your electronic serial numbers (ESNs).
• If your valuables are lost or stolen, dial 131 444 for the nearest police station. You will need to make a full report as soon as possible.
• Do not carry large amounts of cash on you, and if you are using an ATM, be sure nobody is looking over your shoulder as you enter your PIN.

At Your Hotel

• Always keep your passports and other valuables in a locked room safe if available.
• Keep a note of your hotel’s phone number and address with you at all times. If you get lost, you can use this to find your way back.

The National Security Hotline is the single point of contact for the public to report possible signs of terrorism. It also provides information to callers on a wide range of national security matters. Visit http://www.nationalsecurity.gov.au or call the National Security Hotline at 1-800-123-400.

Weather Conditions

Melbourne has a hot climate and strong UV rays all year round, which may be warmer than some visitors are used to. To ensure you’re not at risk from the sun, always take the following precautions:

• Slip-on sun-protective clothing.
• Slop on SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen at least 20 minutes before sun exposure, and reapply every 2 hours outdoors.
• Slap on a wide-brimmed hat that shades your face, neck, and ears.
• Seek shade.
• Slide on sunglasses.

At the Beach

Only swim on lifeguard-patrolled beaches between the red and yellow flags. Remember to always apply proper protection against the sun, even on cloudy days.

Bites and Stings

If you are concerned about a bite or sting, visit the Symptom Checker at healthdirect.gov.au . If you or anyone in your party is suffering from chest pain, loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing, turning blue, or is badly bleeding, call 000 immediately.

Forest Fires

Bush fires are a real concern in Victoria. Before you travel, make sure you know how to safely deal with fire in a bush environment and what to do if a fire begins to spread. You can find all the information you need on the Forest Fire Management Victoria website.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is melbourne best known for.

Melbourne is regularly voted as one of the most livable cities in the world. It is also known for its street art and coffee culture.

How do you travel around Melbourne?

Melbourne has many transport options such as trains, buses and taxis but the trams are very popular. Trams are a unique way to explore the city and have a good network in the city center and nearby suburbs.

Where should I go for a day trip in Melbourne?

There are plenty of options for day trips from Melbourne including:

• Great Ocean Road
• Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade
• The Mornington Peninsula
• Grampians National Park
• Wilson’s Promontory National Park

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About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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Melbourne   Travel Guide

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Why Go To Melbourne

More than four million people call this big small town home. Yes, Melbourne is a big small town, and no, it's not an oxymoron. See, it contains all the trappings of a major metropolis – vibrant neighborhoods, award-winning cuisine, notable things to do  – but Melburnians manage to do their urban hustle at a leisurely pace. Burrowed in wine country beside Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne's natural landscape anchors its laid-back personality. When you're sampling wine in the nearby Yarra Valley or sipping a flat white at one of Melbourne's charming sidewalk cafes, there's no way you can't relax.

That said, don't be mistaken: There are some high-octane activities awaiting you. The nightlife is epic, with diverse venues ranging from bumping clubs to hole-in-the-wall concert stages. It's also a powerhouse for sports; one visit to the Melbourne Cricket Ground will cement that in your mind. For travelers who want a seemingly paradoxical vacation – a stress-free vibe in an exciting metropolis – Melbourne is the place for you.

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• # 11 in Best Places to Visit in Australia and The Pacific in 2023

Best of Melbourne

Best hotels in melbourne.

• in Art Series-The Blackman
• in InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto
• in Quay West Suites Melbourne

Best Things to Do in Melbourne

• # 1 in Shrine of Remembrance
• # 2 in Port Campbell National Park
• # 3 in Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne

Popular Tours

Great Ocean Road Tour Plus Koalas, Forest Walk and Morning Tea

(635 reviews)

from $ 94.11

Great Ocean Road Small-Group Ecotour from Melbourne

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Melbourne Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best times to visit Melbourne are between March and May and September and November. These shoulder seasons feature moderate temperatures and tourist crowds, plus lower airfare rates. In the summer months (North America's winter months) of December to February, Melbourne bursts at the seams with hot, sweaty tourists, while June through August (Melbourne's winter season) affords cold weather and fewer travelers.

Weather in Melbourne

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

• Silence those r's  One of the key differences between Aussie English and American English is the removal of "r" sounds from words like the city's name. To sound less like a tourist and more like a local, take out the "our" in Melbourne and replace it with an "i" to get "Mel-bin."
• Order a flat white This milky coffee drink is a staple in Oz. We can almost guarantee you'll be asking your local barista to learn the recipe.
• Prepare to party Melbourne is known for its roaring nightlife, especially in neighborhoods like St Kilda and South Yarra-Prahran. You'll also find a variety of pubs, clubs and live music venues in the central business district.

How to Save Money in Melbourne

• Hop on the City Circle Tram This free tram  – which conveniently stops near attractions like the State Library Victoria and the Melbourne Museum – travels in a circular route and gives visitors a great overview of the city.
• Fill up at lunch Most establishments raise their menu prices at night, so consider eating your largest meal of the day at lunch.
• Buy an iVenture Card  These passes cover entrance fees for more than 30 attractions, tours and river cruises. Several iVenture Cards are available, including a combo pass with a day tour, a multi-attraction option and an unlimited attractions card for three or seven consecutive days.

Culture & Customs

Melbourne is much smaller than Sydney , but this southern Australia city exudes the same joie de vivre . The events capital of Down Under attracts families and casual travelers with its laid-back vibe.

Americans find it easy to adapt to the Melburnian way of life for several reasons. Firstly, the official language here is English, meaning there's no language barrier to overcome. Secondly, the official currency – the Australian dollar – is worth a little less than the U.S. dollar, so you'll be able to afford the city's food, accommodations and attractions.

One stressful factor here is getting behind the wheel of a car. Driving can feel quite erratic. First, the Aussies drive on the left side of the road. Melbourne also permits hook turns (or turning from the farthest lane across all traffic lanes), which is opposite of what you'll find in the U.S. For more information about driving, check out Melbourne's Getting Around section.

Sports are a way of life in Melbourne. We highly recommend a visit to the Melbourne Cricket Ground to watch a footy (or rugby) match or a cricket game. Keep in mind that Melburnian footy follows Australian Football League (AFL) rules, while Sydney and Brisbane 's most popular form of footy abides by National Rugby League (NRL) rules.

What to Eat

Melbourne is a city of cafes. You'll find them tucked within central Melbourne's alleyways and clustered together throughout trendy neighborhoods like South Yarra-Prahran, St Kilda and Fitzroy. Try a flat white, an Australian coffee specialty that's similar to a latte but with more espresso and less milk. Popular coffee shops include Brother Baba Budan and Café Andiamo in the central business district and Two Birds One Stone Cafe in South Yarra-Prahran.

Though most of the city's residents were born in Australia, Melbourne's sizable British, Indian, Chinese, Italian and Greek communities have greatly influenced the area's culinary offerings. (In fact, Melbourne is home to the largest Greek-speaking population outside of Europe.) Three neighborhoods – Chinatown, Lygon Street (also known as Little Italy) and the Greek Precinct – specialize in Chinese, Italian or Greek shops and restaurants. As a result, you'll find an array of top-notch ethnic fare throughout the city.

For some of Melbourne's best Asian bites, head to Chinatown to eat at Rice Paper Scissors or Longrain . If you're craving Italian, consider dining at Scopri or Da Guido Melbourne la Pasta , both of which sit on or near Lygon Street. Some of the Greek Precinct's best Greek specialties are offered at Stalactites , while modern Greek fare like crab souvlaki  (a kabab-style dish traditionally made with lamb) and pork-stuffed spanakopita  (a savory pastry with layers of spinach, feta cheese and phyllo) can be found at Gazi Restaurant and The Press Club in the CBD. Other ethnic favorites include the Armenian-focused Sezar , the Middle Eastern- and Mediterranean-influenced Maha and the British-inspired Dinner by Heston Blumenthal .

But if you're looking for an Australian-style meal made with local ingredients like Wagyu beef, barramundi (a type of fish found throughout the country) and blue mussels, you're in luck: Melbourne offers a variety of Australian eateries. Most of the city's favorite Australian restaurants, including ezard and Eau De Vie , reside in the CBD.

Melbourne also makes some of Australia's best wine (for travelers who are 18 and older). Five wine regions – the Yarra Valley , Mornington Peninsula, Geelong, Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges – are located within 50 miles of the city. Hundreds of wineries can be found throughout these wine regions, all of which specialize in chardonnay, shiraz and pinot noir. Other wine varieties like pinot grigio and cabernet sauvignon are produced at select wineries as well.

Getting Around Melbourne

The best way to get around Melbourne is by tram. Trams operate throughout the day and offer multiple routes that criss-cross the city. There's even a  free tram designed just for tourists. You can also board Melbourne's buses and trains with the same myki ticket that you'll use for trams. While taxis and rental cars are available, they'll both cost more than public transportation. To avoid the hassle of adjusting to Melbourne's quirky road rules, it's best to avoid driving here.

The Melbourne Airport (MEL) is about 16 miles northwest of downtown Melbourne. You can take a SkyBus from the airport into the city for AU$ 19 ($15). You can also hire a taxi or rent a car.

Entry & Exit Requirements

A valid U.S. passport is required to enter Australia. You can stay in the country for up to 90 days as long as you acquire an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), an electronic visa that costs AU$20 ($15) and can be obtained here . Airlines and travel agents may also apply for ETAs on your behalf. For more information, visit the U.S. State Department's website .

On a sunny day, head across the Yarra River for breathtaking views of the Melbourne skyline.

Explore More of Melbourne

Things To Do

Best hotels.

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Home » Oceania » Australia » Melbourne

39 BEST Places to Visit in Melbourne (2024)

Melbourne is a multicultural haven, full of foods and cultures that can’t be found in the same concentrations in any other city in Australia. And that’s part of what makes the city such an exciting place to visit, because you will be able to eat, shop, and experience things that come from all over the world. This is a city that you visit because you want to experience that diversity in a very Australian way!

However, Melbourne isn’t all great food, it’s also gained a reputation lately as one of the most dangerous cities in Australia. A lot of this is media hype, but there are places in Melbourne that should be avoided if you want to have a safe and happy visit to the city. This isn’t hard to do, especially with our ultimate list of the best places to visit while you’re Down Under in Melbourne!

Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighbourhood in Melbourne:

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The CBD is the centre of Melbourne. It’s the neighbourhood at the heart of the action and is home to Melbourne’s most renowned sights and quality places to stay, which is why the CBD is the best area in Melbourne for sightseeing and exploring.

• Admire the architecture of the iconic Flinders Street Station.
• See your favourite fish and aquatic animals at SEA LIFE Aquarium Melbourne.
• Step back in time at the Old Melbourne Gaol.

Backpacking Melbourne is simply a must. The city has so much to offer for every traveller that you could spend weeks just exploring the different neighborhoods. Since not all backpackers can stay for this long, we’ve created an epic Melbourne itinerary . It might just be a guideline but at least you can be sure to fit in all of the important hotspots.

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#1 – National Gallery of Victoria

• Perfect for art lovers.
• Includes some world-class displays and paintings by the greatest masters from the past.

Why it’s so awesome : This gallery is actually made up of two different venues, the NGV International and the NGV Australia, both of them containing world-class art. There are also a number of exhibits by Aboriginal artists, which means that you can check out this part of Australia’s past and present.

What to do there: Make sure you don’t miss the Rembrandt, Tiepolo, and Bonnard that makeup part of this gallery’s permanent collection. The entrance also boasts a water wall that’s a great place to take photographs to remember your day by!

#2 – The ACMI – Cool place to see in Melbourne with friends!

• See Australia’s largest moving image collection.
• The venue also hosts some of the best exhibitions and shows in the country!

Why it’s so awesome : If you love the movies, then you need to check out what’s on at the ACMI while you’re in the city. This venue has hosted favorites like David Bowie Is and the DreamWorks Animation: The Exhibition . Basically, if it has to do with the cinema and the biggest and best exhibitions in Melbourne, then it’s probably going to be held at this venue.

What to do there: Before you arrive in Melbourne, check out what shows they have on at the ACMI. And don’t think for a minute that this venue only shows movies. In fact, it’s held Melbourne’s most popular talks, events, and blockbuster exhibitions over the last decade. And if you enjoy the show, make sure you check out the shop on the way out for some great souvenirs.

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#3 – The Great Ocean Road

• An absolutely amazing place to get pictures –  bring your camera.
• You’ll see some of the best scenery in the state from this road.
• Make sure you get a glimpse of the famous Twelve Apostles!

Why it’s so awesome : This drive is a little way out of Melbourne on the Great Ocean Road, but it’s an absolute must-see while you’re in the city. This drive is one of the best in the country, with stunning ocean vistas running alongside the road for miles. There are several great beaches where you can stop off along the way and you’ll get the chance to see the Twelve Apostles. These are imposing rock formations that rear up out of the ocean like sentries.

What to do there : You can take a load off and book a Great Ocean Road Reverse Tour where you’ll beat the crowds, yet still be with a bunch of like-minded travellers. Or, you can hire a car and take the drive up on your own if you’re confident enough. Make sure you stop along the way, there are a lot of different lookout points where you can take pictures, so take advantage of them. Remember to stay safe while taking selfies though, by not leaning too far over that lookout point railing (that water is freezing). If you prefer, you can join an ecotour . And look out for koalas, it’s not uncommon to see them by the side of the road or trying to cross!

#4 – The Queen Victoria Market – A great place in Melbourne if you love to shop!

• If you’re looking for a bargain, this is where you’ll find it.
• A great place to bargain hunt.
• And if you’re sick of eating in restaurants, buy some fresh produce and make your own!

Why it’s so awesome : This is an open-air market that’s filled with people who are passionate about their products and want to share them with everyone. It’s where the locals go for fresh vegetables, meat and small goods, but it’s also become popular amongst tourists for its relaxed vibe and great food. You’ll find everything at this market from food to clothes and toys, so wander the aisles and see what you can discover.

What to do there: The market is closed Mondays and Wednesdays so make sure you pick the right day to go. And while you’re there, wander the stalls looking for a bargain or for a unique souvenir to take home with you. When you’re done, check out some of the food options in the area. There’s a doughnut van called the American Doughnut Kitchen that makes juicy, gooey concoctions that are to die for!

#5 – Eureka Skydeck

• Not the tallest building in the world but with a unique twist that will scare you to pieces!
• You’ll get some amazing pictures from this spot as well as a view of the whole city.

Why it’s so awesome : Australia doesn’t have enormous skyscrapers like other countries so they can’t compete when it comes to tall observation decks. Instead, they choose to compete in another way. The Eureka Skydeck is hair-raising, in the best sense of the word. The Edge extends three meters from the 88th floor of the Tower and is designed to creak when you walk on it. So basically, you’re walking on glass that sounds like it’s going to break under your feet.

What to do there : This Skydeck is only for people with strong stomachs and nerves of steel, but once you’re up there the view is worth the fright. You can even  book in advance  to get exclusive offers and the chance to upgrade to the Edge Experience (which involves a glass cube 300m above ground with you inside it). It’s the best view of Melbourne you’ll get in the city, and you should try going up there at night if you want to see the city’s lights against the dark. We understand if heights aren’t your thing though and you’d prefer to  stay in an Airbnb  with great views instead.

#6 – The Astor Theater

• For lovers of old movies.
• A unique Art Deco building that turns heads!

Why it’s so awesome : The Astor Cinema has been in operation since 1936 and is the last cinema with a single screen in Melbourne. The building is Art Deco and the insides hark back to the old days of theater, with golden curtains and a distinctly old-world feel to everything. The movies on offer match that impression. The theater shows a mix of classic and new films as well as film festivals, independent films and double features for the really hardcore movie fans.

What to do there : This theater has a lot of special events and the sumptuous surroundings make a movie feel that much more amazing. You can get a cheap ticket on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, so check out what’s showing, take your friends with you, and enjoy a 1930s cinema experience!

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#7 – The Royal Botanic Gardens – A nice quiet place to see in Melbourne

• A serene space with lots of green areas and places to sit in the grass.
• You can take a tour through the garden or just go for a walk on your own and see what you can find.

Why it’s so awesome : Everyone needs a break from the city sometimes and the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne will give you the rest you need. These gardens contain more than 8,500 species of plants, lush lawns and pristine water features, which all make it the best place in the city to sit down and revitalize.

#8 – Brunswick Street – One of the more unique places to visit in Melbourne!

• The best place in the city to find retro clothes!
• A slightly quirky area that’s a remedy for the modern city.

Why it’s so awesome : Melbourne is a busy modern city, but it still has its alternative side and the center of that is Brunswick Street. This is where you’ll find shops, people, cafes and restaurants that are all a bit different. The vibe is determinedly bohemian, and you’ll find everything from great second-hand bookstores to the best vintage clothes shops.

What to do there : Make sure that you check out the vintage clothes shops. Melbourne is famous for them and there are several of them in this area. Try Vintage Sole , Yesteryear Vintage Clothing and Hunter Gatherer just to name a few. And other than that, just wander and see what you can find. This is a great place for people watching too as the vibe is relaxed and cool and attracts that kind of crowd too.

#9 – The Curtin House

• All of Melbourne on six floors.
• Some of the best shopping and restaurants in the city all in one place!

Why it’s so awesome : Spending time at the Curtain House is like seeing all of Melbourne in one shot. This house has six floors of interesting, amazing and weird shops that have become famous for their variety. The only reason you’ll need to hide your money while traveling in Melbourne is here because of the risk that you’ll spend all of it in one go. You’ll find a specialist bookshop, hairdressers, restaurants and the best bars in the city all packed in together.

What to do there : Explore of course! Have a haircut, look for books and clothes and make sure you check out the bar and band room at the famous Toff in Town. When you’re tired, you can get a meal and spend the rest of the night at the Rooftop Bar, overlooking the city. In fact, if you don’t have much time in Melbourne, you can get a pretty good snapshot of the whole city just by spending a day in this building.

#10 – Chinatown

• An area established in the 1850s that’s now the longest continuous Chinese settlement in the western world.
• The oldest Chinatown in the southern hemisphere.
• So many amazing restaurants you’ll be spoiled for choice.

Why it’s so awesome : This Chinatown district has been in Melbourne for over 160 years and it shows no signs of slowing down. It’s packed full of restaurants, shops and sights, the likes of which you’ll rarely see outside of China, and is a fascinating and busy place to spend an afternoon and evening.

What to do there : Make sure you explore the shops, karaoke bars and duty-free stores, but mostly you should go to Chinatown to eat. There are so many amazing restaurants in this area that you’ll probably have trouble picking one, so don’t even try! Instead, go from one to the other and eat snacks, mains and desserts at different places.

#11 – Old Melbourne Goal – Possibly one of the most important places to visit in Melbourne

• A creepy and sometimes grisly look at the past.
• You can see the armor left behind by famous Australian outlaw Ned Kelly, with blood still attached!

Why it’s so awesome : Australia was once a giant open prison and so a visit to a small prison should be way high on your Australia itinerary. You may have your complaints about the modern criminal justice system but one look at the past will probably change that. This place is a haunting reminder of just how bad things got in the past and it will definitely make you grateful for the modern day. The goal opened in 1845 and is one of the oldest buildings in Melbourne. 133 people were hung in this building, so there are a lot of ghost stories about it.

What to do there : There’s lots to see and do in this goal. You can wander around the creepy, historical building on your own, experience a modern-day arrest procedure, and stand in the dock of the Court. And if you’re interested in exploring the more ghostly side of the goal, there are regular one-hour tours where you’ll learn all the grisly details. Also, make sure you have a look at the armor and death mask of famous Australian outlaw Ned Kelly. He’s an icon and almost a role model to the locals, so his blood-soaked armor holds pride of place.

#12 – St. Kilda – A great place in Melbourne if you love to shop!

• You might not think of Melbourne in connection with beaches, but it has St. Kilda!
• If you like cake, you’ll love this area.
• A great place for people who love to shop.

Why it’s so awesome : There are two main strips in St. Kilda that you need to see. The first is Fitzroy Street, with high-end designer stores and restaurants. And the other is Acland Street, which is where cake lovers come to put their blood sugar through the roof. This street has been famous for its cakes since 1934 and there are several cake shops along with it that you absolutely must experience!

What to do there : Go with an empty stomach and eat some cake! Better yet, stay in a hostel in St. Kilda so you can eat cake for breakfast! You’ll find everything from Cheesecake to vanilla slices and chocolate creations that will test your willpower and the strength of your trouser waistline! And afterwards, go down to the beach and work it off paddle boarding , or just sit in the sand and digest.

#13 – The Melbourne Museum

• The perfect place to learn more about Australia’s history.
• It’s a huge space, so it’s best seen in small bites.

Why it’s so awesome : This museum is enormous and filled with displays, cinemas, postmodern art and interactive areas. It’s a great place for the whole family too as there are permanent galleries just for children as well as a wealth of interesting displays where they can interact with the exhibits and learn through play. For adults who are interested in Australian history, there are displays about some interesting and slightly unusual facets of it.

What to do there : This museum is huge so it’s usually best if you make the choice to see only a few displays. The display dedicated to Phar Lap, Australia’s most famous racing horse, is a must-see as long as you’re not squeamish. The horse’s body is preserved and on display, so maybe don’t let the kids see it. There’s also a slightly disturbing display about the history of mental health treatment in Australia. It’ll make you very grateful that you were born in modern times.

#14 – The Cherry Bar

• Australia’s best live music scene.
• You’ll probably see some up and coming bands at this venue!

Why it’s so awesome : Melbourne is the center of the live music scene in Australia and this bar is the reason why. Over the years, it’s booked some of Australia’s best up-and-coming talent as well as the country’s biggest bands and singers.

What to do there : Just enjoy the scene. This small bar is famous for the quality of the acts it books and yet it hasn’t changed in over a decade. It’s still a little, rough and ready bar with graffiti on the walls. And that roughness is all part of the bar’s charm.

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#15 – Yarra Valley – A must-see for foodies!

• The best food in the city just outside the city.
• A stunning natural area with amazing, rolling landscape.
• If you like wine, you absolutely must try the options in the Yarra Valley.

Why it’s so awesome : Melbourne is a huge sprawling city where we recommend first-time visitors stay in the CBD . You wouldn’t think that there could be a green, lush area so close to it until you reach the Yarra Valley. Less than an hour from the CBD, this is the state’s best food and wine destination and you’ll find wineries, cellars and gourmet dining establishments everywhere.

What to do there : If you like wine, you’ll be in heaven. Take a winery tour around to the best wineries in the region and then put some food in your stomach to soak up all that alcohol at one of the many amazing restaurants set amongst the rolling green hills. And if you’re in the mood for something sweet, visit the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery for the best sweet snacks in the region. Join a gourmet tour to really get the full experience.

Wonder how to spend a weekend in Melbourne? Head over to our   insider’s Weekend in Melbourne guide!

#16 – Lygon Street

• The little Italy of Melbourne!
• If you enjoy Italian food, you’ll find amazing bars, eateries and pizzeria in this area.

Why it’s so awesome : Melbourne is an intensely multicultural city and nowhere is this more clear than in Little Italy on Lygon Street. This area contains some of the best restaurants and eateries in the city as well as dessert shops, books stores and independent theaters.

What to do there : Eat your way across Italy. The bars and restaurants in this area are top-notch and you can go from one to the other enjoying a variety of courses. When you’re ready to walk around and work off all the food, check out the Readings Bookstore and the independent theater La Mama. You’re bound to find something to do!

Pssst! Haven’t packed yet? Check out our ultimate  Australia Packing List  to know what to bring with you on your Australian adventure!

#17 – Abbotsford Convent

• There’s a lot of history in this place, and you can feel it the moment you walk in.
• Today, it’s a bustling center for artists and other creatives.
• It’s surrounded by amazing gardens.

Why it’s so awesome : This site was a convent in the 1800s, then an orphanage and an aged care facility. And the weight of that past can be felt the moment you step onto the grounds and look up at the gothic spires. Now, it’s a creative hub, with amazing art inside and stunning surroundings. So if you’re looking for a bit of history and a relaxed, natural area, this is the place to visit.

What to do there : Australia doesn’t have a lot of history, its western history is only a few hundred years long after all, but what it does have is fascinating. Explore this site and the history it represents but enjoy the present as well. The artwork in the galleries and the gardens are amazing and are well worth seeing. And when you’re hungry, try the restaurant on site. It’s a vegetarian restaurant where you pay what you think the meal is worth.

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#18 – Federation Square

• There’s always something going on in this area, just find out what’s on and be part of it.
• This area contains interesting and divisive architecture.

Why it’s so awesome : This community hub has a geometric design that has caused a lot of argument over the years and yet it’s still the center of the city. There’s always something going on in this area including events, talks, performances, markets and activities. So no matter what you enjoy, chances are that you’ll find an event in this area that you’ll love!

What to do there: Before you arrive in the city, check out what’s on in Federation Square and make sure you attend the events that you’re interested in. But if that’s too much effort, just show up when you have a free afternoon! There’s sure to be something going on there that’ll interest you.

#19 – The MCG

• The incredibly violent football that Australians call AFL!
• There’s nothing like the comradery that comes from being in the crowd during an Australian football game.
• Fun for all ages.

Why it’s so awesome : Australians love their sport and AFL in particular and yet this game is nearly incomprehensible to outsiders. That doesn’t matter though, because the best part of the game is the sense of comradery. At sports events in Australia, there’s no anger or aggression against opposing teams. Instead, there is a general sense of community and togetherness that’s hard to beat.

What to do there : If you’re there in the right season, you can watch a game with a meat pie in one hand and a beer in the other. But even if you’re in Melbourne during the off-season, there are lots of sports played in the MCG including cricket. And make sure you check out the National Sports Museum while you’re there for a snapshot of Australia’s obsession with everything sports-related.

#20 – Phillip Island – A very cool place in Melbourne to go for a day

• A place for animal lovers.
• Remember that the penguins are wild animals so don’t try to touch or feed them.
• You’ll take some of the cutest pictures ever on this island.

Why it’s so awesome : Phillip Island is a short way from Melbourne and is basically a beach island that’s populated by animals. There’s great swimming and surfing on this island, but the animal watching is the real draw. You’ll see seals and tiny penguins marching across the sand like soldiers. And that’s a sight that sticks with you.

What to do there: Enjoy the wildlife! There are more seals on this island than people and the tiny penguins are quite possibly the cutest thing ever! Every evening at the same time they come ashore at the beach and march towards their burrows, and this is something everyone should see at least once.

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#21 – The Crown

• A huge entertainment complex with everything you could want to do in one place.
• If you want a fun, easy afternoon, this is where you can have it.

Why it’s so awesome : The Crown is basically a big entertainment complex that contains everything you could want for a fun, easy day out. There are a huge number of shops of all descriptions, eateries, theaters, nightclubs and cafes, so no matter what time of day you go there you’ll find something happening.

What to do there : Wander around the shops, duck into one of the many cafes for a coffee, and then round out your afternoon by eating at one of the many restaurants in the complex. You can also spend some money in the casino or go dancing. And if you get bored with that, the Crown is located over the river, so have a stroll along the promenade to work off all that food!

#22 – The Shrine of Remembrance – Possibly one of the most important places to visit in Melbourne

• A memorial for all the people who died in war.
• A sobering but important place to visit.

Why it’s so awesome : Not everywhere you go when you’re on holiday will be fun and amazing. It’s also important to visit the places that make you think, remember and acknowledge the sacrifices that made our current world possible. The Shrine of Remembrance was built to honor the victims of the First World War. But over time, it has become a memorial to all the Australians who died in every war. The site is beautifully lit up, and the architecture is reminiscent of Roman buildings.

What to do there : Take a moment to remember the sacrifices of the people who came before while you visit this venue. These types of memorials are important because they remind everyone of the cost of hate and fear, so spend some time remembering the pain of the past in the hope that it won’t be repeated in the future.

#23 – Chapel Street

• A fun and vibrant area where you can shop and get a great meal.
• There are a number of important buildings in the area, so make sure you have a wander and check them out.

Why it’s so awesome : This street is filled to the brim with boutiques, restaurants and entertainment areas. It’s a vibrant area where you can check out the latest fashions in clothes and food while you enjoy watching some people watching.

What to do there : While you’re in Chapel Street, make sure you do more than shop. Some of the oldest and most important buildings in the city are in this area, so take the time to explore. Have a look at the Jam Factory , the Prahran Town Hall and Prahran Market.

#24 – The Immigration Museum

• A must-see for history buffs!
• A museum that teaches you about the importance and the role of diversity in society.

Why it’s so awesome : Australia has a strange and sometimes tragic history and most people who live there came from all over the globe. You can explore this history through the Immigration Museum, which emphasizes the importance and the role of diversity and immigration in the past and in the present.

What to do there : If you want to understand more about Australia’s history then you can explore the museum on your own. The museum’s collection of resources and information is vast, so spend some time getting to know this side of this highly diversified country.

#25 – St. Paul’s Cathedral

• One of the most important landmarks in the city.
• The center of the Anglican religion in the city.
• You can visit to worship or just check out the architecture.

Why it’s so awesome : This museum is located on the corner of Flinders Street and Swanston and is one of the most important landmarks in the city. The building is an unusual yellow-brown color because it’s made from sandstone and limestone, which is highly unusual for this type of construction. It was completed in 1891 on the site where the first public Christian service was held in 1835.

What to do there : The inside and the outside of the building are well worth a look as they were designed by some of the best architects alive at the time. The building is distinctly Victorian in design, reflecting Australia’s past, and the colors and design really stand out and are different to everything else in the city. Make sure that you spend some time in the interior as well as it features rich and contrasting colors and elegant stonework.

#26 – Degraves Street

• One of the best laneway’s in Melbourne.
• If you enjoy Paris, you’ll like the Parisian feel of this street.

Why it’s so awesome : Melbourne is famous for its laneways. You can turn down one and find yourself in a completely different place, even a different country. And Degraves Street is one of the best and the most famous in the city. It connects Flinders Lane and Flinders Street and has a real Parisian feel to it, with a surfeit of cafes and laneways.

What to do there : This is a great place to have a meal, dessert or coffee. There are also some great places where you should try some wine before you explore the shops. Make sure you look around the stationary store Il Papiro and eat some gelato at Pidapipo before you go.

#27 – Lune Croissanterie

• This store represents a dream and just how good it can be when dreams come true.
• If you enjoy croissants, you’ll absolutely love them at this store.

Why it’s so awesome : This store was created by brother and sister team Kate and Cameron Reid and it’s fast become the most popular patisserie store in the city. The croissants are just about good enough to die for and the crowds inside the store and the line outside of it back that up.

What to do there: You’ll have to wait in line to get into the store, but it’s absolutely worth it. The croissants are created in a climate-controlled lab and they’re perfectly crisp and golden with layers of pastry. Make sure you try the plain croissants because they’re incredible, but take some other varieties home with you as well.

#28 – The Adelphi Hotel Pool – One of the more unique places to visit in Melbourne!

• Swimming is a fact of life in Australia, and if you’re going to do it, you might as well do it in a truly amazing pool.
• Not for the squeamish!

Why it’s so awesome : Australia is hot, which is why the locals swim every chance they get. If you need to cool off, then why not do it in the most famous pool in Melbourne? The rooftop pool at the Adelphi hotel is glass-bottomed and it actually hangs out over the street below. This means that you can watch tiny little people scurrying below while you get some exercise.

What to do there: You don’t have to stay in the hotel to use the pool, but you do have to pay an entrance fee. Just grab your towel and enjoy the view. And once you’re done, you can always try one of the hotel’s restaurant options for amazing meals and first-rate service.

#29 – The Spleen Bar – A great place to visit in Melbourne at night

• A casual bar with a great reputation for amazing comedy!
• If you’re looking to explore the lighter side of the city, you’ll find it at this bar.

Why it’s so awesome : This bar is small and unpretentious and yet it’s been operating for more than 15 years. In fact, it’s become the go-to bar for cheap drinks and snacks as well as an unbeatable Monday night comedy lineup. All the biggest acts in Australia try out their new material at this bar, so prepare for a laugh.

What to do there: If you want to see the comedy shows on Monday, arrive early so you can get a seat. The Spleen Bar isn’t large, and entrance is free, so you don’t want to miss out. Then just grab a drink and enjoy the show. The quality of the shows are consistently good and who knows, you might see a star!

#30 – Centre Place

• The home of Melbourne’s best street art.
• You’ll have lots of chances to take some great photos in this area.

Why it’s so awesome : This alley has great food, amazing shopping and some of Melbourne’s best street art as well. The art changes regularly because of the repainting schedule, so even if you’ve seen it before, it’s worth stopping by to see if there’s anything new.

What to do there : Eat, shop, and take photos of street art. Get there early if you want to explore without the crowds, but otherwise be prepared to have a lot of stranger in your pictures.

#31 – The Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Center

• An important venue that teaches visitors about Aboriginal Culture.
• Celebrate the vibrant stores and culture of Australia’s first people.

Why it’s so awesome: The Australian Aboriginal culture is vibrant and filled with stories and this museum seeks to teach some of those stories to the public. To this end, you’ll find lots of artworks, traditional performances and storytelling rituals in this museum. And you’ll walk away knowing more about this ancient culture than you did before.

What to do there: You’ll find a lot of fascinating exhibits in this area, particularly if you don’t know very much about the Aboriginal culture. Don’t miss the Deep Listening Space, where you can listen to Aboriginal people telling their cultural stories about creation and the time after it. Also, make sure you check the schedule of events while you’re there so you don’t miss any performances or exhibits.

#32 – Hamer Hall – One of the nicer places in Melbourne to sightsee!

• One of the city’s best concert halls.
• It’s also the only place in the city where you don’t have to ride in an elevator to see amazing views.

Why it’s so awesome : Hamer Hall is one of the best concert halls in the city, with lots of great shows, but the real draw is the view. You can walk up the stairs on the outside of the hall until you get to the top where you can get stunning views of the city and the riverside.

What to do there : Go there in the early evening and watch the sunset paint colors over the city. Make sure you do it on one of the days when there’s a show on at night too because this is the best place for concert music and theater performances in the city.

#33 – Readings – A great place to visit in Melbourne if you are alone/traveling solo

• An independent bookstore that’s one of the most popular places in the city at night.
• For book lovers and story lovers of all kinds.

Why it’s so awesome : A lot of bookstores have vanished recently, killed off by technology, but there are some that are going strong because they’ve learned to adapt. This bookstore has taken hold of the night crowds in Melbourne, with late night book readings that draw in audiences even at 10pm on Saturday nights.

What to do there : Make sure you go to one of the readings if there’s one on while you’re in the city but check out the store during the day as well. This bookstore has a great range, helpful staff, relaxing vibe and a strong sense of community to it, which is why it has lasted despite technological advances. And when you’re done in the bookstore, you’ll be in Lygon Street, which is one of the best areas for tourists. So check out the other stores in the area as well.

#34 – The Arts House

• The perfect place to see an innovative new show.
• The shows at this theater are experimental and cutting edge.
• You’ll pay less to see a show than you would at the bigger venues.

Why it’s so awesome : If you love the theater but don’t really have the money to see a big show then you can see something amazing at this venue. The Arts House stages cutting-edge local shows at around half the cost you’d pay anywhere else. This venue provides high-quality shows, so no matter when you go, you’ll get to see something that you’ll enjoy.

What to do there : Check the schedule of what’s on at this venue while you’re in the city. The owners of this venue like to push the margins, which is why they stage shows that are innovative and unusual. This includes theater, and dance, as well as digital, visual and live art shows. They also have art festivals throughout the year so check out what’s on while you’re there.

#35 – Hawker Chan – An unknown (but awesome!) place to see in Melbourne!

• Asian street food in the middle of an Australian city!
• Michelin starred food at a fraction of the normal price.

Why it’s so awesome : Australia is very close to Asia and sometimes that’s super obvious such as when this country adopts its food trends. In Singapore, street food is often served in hawker centers, with lots of stalls gathered together. And in Melbourne’s Hawker Chan, this has been adopted to Australian tastes. This location serves simple food, but it’s good enough to have people lining up around the corner for it!

What to do there: Get there early if you want to avoid the lines but be prepared to wait anyway. Try the chicken soya dish for a fraction of the price you’d find anywhere and see why this location got its Michelin stars.

#36 – Heide Museum of Modern Art

• The best modern art museum in the country.
• This venue champions Australian art of all descriptions.
• Make sure you check out the garden as well!

Why it’s so awesome : This museum was founded by John and Sunday Reed, collectors who supported the local modernist movement in the 1930s and 1940s, and it’s still going strong in this spirit. It’s filled with Australian modern artists and artwork, and it’s worth seeing just to experience the Australian creative spirit up close.

What to do there : Take some time to check out the art work first, but once you’re finished there, go out to Heide’s green sculpture park. You’ll find iron cows and an idyllic green area with metal sculptures all nestled next to the river bank. This is an awesome place to sit and relax while you enjoy the farmyard feel.

#37 – The Nicholas Building – An awesome place to visit in Melbourne for half a day!

• An art deco icon in the city.
• This old building has been turned into a hive for creative minds.

Why it’s so awesome : This is ten stories of shopping and adventure that was first built in the 1920s. You’ll find everything here from boutique retailers to art studios and tailors, all in one place. You won’t find anything ordinary to buy here, which is what makes it the perfect place to pick up some unusual items for yourself or for friends back home.

What to do there : You could spend a whole afternoon in this building just exploring the ten floors, and you probably will too. Make sure you check out RetroStar for vintage goods, Mattt for handmade satchels, and L’ucello the specialist haberdasher. You’re bound to come away with something beautiful and unusual when you visit this spot, so just keep your eyes open and go with it.

#38 – Beach Road – One of the most incredible free places to go to in Melbourne

• One of the most scenic roads in the state.
• Perfect if you want to take lots of photographs of Australia’s stunning natural scenery.
• If you love the beach, then there are plenty of chances along the road for you to indulge in that love.

Why it’s so awesome: if you love the idea of driving down winding, seaside roads but don’t have the time to do the Great Ocean Highway, then this is a great alternative. This road twists along the southeastern side of Port Phillip Bay from Brighton all the way to Mordialloc and there are amazing ocean views all the way along. The road also travels through some of Melbourne’s richest areas, so if you want to see how the wealthy live in Australia, this is the perfect place to do it.

What to do there: Take your camera, some friends and snacks and just enjoy the drive. There’s nothing quite like riding along an ocean road with the wind in your hair and your camera at the ready, so make sure you enjoy the experience. Also, take your swimmers along with you and have a dip at Half Moon Beach. It’s shaped like its name and is set at the bottom of an atmospheric, slightly intimidating scrub-covered cliff. Just be careful and remember that Australian beaches are usually rougher than what you would get overseas. So, if you aren’t a strong swimmer, stay close to the shore.

#39 – The Forum

• An atmospheric and historic building that plays host to the best rock and roll shows in the city.
• If you love architecture, you’ll enjoy this unusual building.

Why it’s so awesome : This building went up in the 1920s and is a lavish nod to Moorish architecture. It almost went derelict over the years but was saved and became the city’s best location for great rock and roll artists and shows. The inside of the building is amazing too. When you step inside, you’ll see that the ceiling is blue and dotted with lights like you’re looking at the night sky and the walls are designed to look like a gothic courtyard. This makes it an awesome place to see the kings and queens of rock and roll.

What to do there : The Forum was refurbished in 2017 and all the original features are now out in the open for you to enjoy. Make you sure have a close look at the mosaic floors, which were hidden until the renovation. But what you really want to see in the Forum is one of the shows. In the past, the venue has played host to stars like Nick Cave as well as comedy and theater performances. So, when you have a free night, see what they have on and grab yourself a ticket!

Get insured for your trip to Melbourne!

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Find out what people want to know about the best places to visit in Melbourne

Which places in Melbourne can you visit today?

To find out which places are open today, check out Klook or Airbnb experiences . They offer guided tours, classes and entry tickets to some of the best attractions in Melbourne.

What can you do in Melbourne for free?

Budget backpackers especially love these free places to visit in Melbourne: – Brunswick Street – The Great Ocean Road – The Spleen Bar

Are there any places to visit in Melbourne for families?

The whole crew will love these amazing places to visit in Melbourne: – The Melbourne Museum – Lune Croissanterie – The Royal Botanic Gardens

Which are the best places to visit in Melbourne during summer?

When it’s hot outside, visit these cool places in Melbourne: – National Gallery of Victoria – The Queen Victoria Market – The Curtin House

Melbourne is the second largest city in Australia, and it’s filled with an amazing amount of diversity. This is what makes the food so great and it also affects the vibe of the city too, making it progressive, edgy and exciting! With this complete guide to the city, you’ll be able to find the best experiences in the city that suit your taste, your budget, and the amount of time you have to spend there.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Alexandria Zboyovski

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Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

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• Number of domestic overnight visitors Melbourne, Australia 2018-2023, by purpose

Over 3.6 million domestic overnight visitors traveled to Victoria's capital, Melbourne, Australia to visit friends and family in the year ended December 2023. The second most prevalent reason for making trips to Melbourne among domestic overnight visitors was for holiday purposes.

Number of domestic overnight visitors to Melbourne, Australia from 2018 to 2023, by purpose of visit (in 1,000s)

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Other statistics on the topic Domestic tourism in Australia

• Number of domestic overnight visitors Australia 2023, by state visited
• Direct tourism GDP Australia FY 2006-2023
• Number of domestic visitors Melbourne, Australia 2018-2023, by type of trip
• Number of domestic visitors Sydney, Australia FY 2014-2023, by type of trip

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Statistics on " Domestic tourism in Australia "

• Domestic visitor contribution to direct tourism GDP Australia FY 2014-2023
• Domestic tourism share of direct tourism GDP Australia FY 2014 to 2023
• Number of domestic overnight visitors Australia 2014-2023
• Number of domestic day visitors Australia 2014-2023
• Leading destinations of domestic overnight visitors Australia 2023
• Leading destinations for domestic overnight visitor expenditure Australia 2023
• Number of domestic overnight visitors Australia 2023, by purpose of visit
• Leading destinations of domestic visitors on day trips Australia 2023
• Leading destinations for domestic day visitor expenditure Australia 2023
• Number of domestic day visitors Australia 2023, by state visited
• Number of domestic day visitors Australia 2023, by purpose of visit
• Number of domestic overnight visitors NSW Australia 2022, by region visited
• Domestic overnight visitor expenditure NSW Australia 2022, by region visited
• Number of domestic overnight visitors NSW Australia 2023, by purpose of visit
• Number of domestic overnight visitors Sydney, Australia 2013-2022, by purpose
• Number of domestic overnight visitors Queensland Australia 2023, by region visited
• Domestic overnight visitor expenditure Queensland Australia 2023, by region visited
• Number of domestic overnight visitors Queensland Australia 2023, by purpose of visit
• Number of domestic visitors Brisbane, Australia 2018-2023, by type of trip
• Number of domestic overnight visitors Brisbane, Australia 2018-2023, by purpose
• Number of domestic overnight visitors Victoria Australia 2023, by region visited
• Domestic overnight visitor expenditure Victoria Australia 2023, by region visited
• Number of domestic overnight visitors Victoria Australia 2023, by purpose of visit
• Number of domestic overnight visitors Western Australia 2023, by region visited
• Domestic overnight visitor expenditure Western Australia 2023, by region visited
• Number of domestic overnight visitors Western Australia 2023, by purpose of visit
• Number of domestic visitors Perth, Australia 2018-2023, by type of trip
• Number of domestic overnight visitors Perth, Australia 2018-2023, by purpose
• Number of domestic overnight visitors South Australia 2023, by region visited
• Domestic overnight visitor expenditure South Australia 2023, by region visited
• Number of domestic overnight visitors South Australia 2023, by purpose of visit
• Number of domestic visitors Adelaide, Australia 2018-2023, by type of trip
• Number of domestic overnight visitors Adelaide, Australia 2018-2023, by purpose
• Number of domestic overnight visitors Tasmania Australia 2023, by region visited
• Domestic overnight visitor expenditure Tasmania Australia 2014-2023
• Number of domestic overnight visitors Tasmania Australia 2023, by purpose of visit
• Number of domestic visitors Hobart, Australia 2018-2023, by type of trip
• Number of domestic overnight visitors Hobart, Australia 2018-2023, by purpose

Other statistics that may interest you Domestic tourism in Australia

• Basic Statistic Direct tourism GDP Australia FY 2006-2023
• Basic Statistic Domestic visitor contribution to direct tourism GDP Australia FY 2014-2023
• Basic Statistic Domestic tourism share of direct tourism GDP Australia FY 2014 to 2023
• Premium Statistic Number of domestic overnight visitors Australia 2014-2023
• Premium Statistic Number of domestic day visitors Australia 2014-2023

Domestic overnight trips

• Premium Statistic Leading destinations of domestic overnight visitors Australia 2023
• Premium Statistic Leading destinations for domestic overnight visitor expenditure Australia 2023
• Premium Statistic Number of domestic overnight visitors Australia 2023, by state visited
• Premium Statistic Number of domestic overnight visitors Australia 2023, by purpose of visit

Domestic day trips

• Premium Statistic Leading destinations of domestic visitors on day trips Australia 2023
• Premium Statistic Leading destinations for domestic day visitor expenditure Australia 2023
• Premium Statistic Number of domestic day visitors Australia 2023, by state visited
• Premium Statistic Number of domestic day visitors Australia 2023, by purpose of visit

Domestic tourism in New South Wales

• Premium Statistic Number of domestic overnight visitors NSW Australia 2022, by region visited
• Premium Statistic Domestic overnight visitor expenditure NSW Australia 2022, by region visited
• Premium Statistic Number of domestic overnight visitors NSW Australia 2023, by purpose of visit
• Premium Statistic Number of domestic visitors Sydney, Australia FY 2014-2023, by type of trip
• Premium Statistic Number of domestic overnight visitors Sydney, Australia 2013-2022, by purpose

Domestic tourism in Queensland

• Premium Statistic Number of domestic overnight visitors Queensland Australia 2023, by region visited
• Premium Statistic Domestic overnight visitor expenditure Queensland Australia 2023, by region visited
• Premium Statistic Number of domestic overnight visitors Queensland Australia 2023, by purpose of visit
• Premium Statistic Number of domestic visitors Brisbane, Australia 2018-2023, by type of trip
• Premium Statistic Number of domestic overnight visitors Brisbane, Australia 2018-2023, by purpose

Domestic tourism in Victoria

• Premium Statistic Number of domestic overnight visitors Victoria Australia 2023, by region visited
• Premium Statistic Domestic overnight visitor expenditure Victoria Australia 2023, by region visited
• Premium Statistic Number of domestic overnight visitors Victoria Australia 2023, by purpose of visit
• Premium Statistic Number of domestic visitors Melbourne, Australia 2018-2023, by type of trip
• Premium Statistic Number of domestic overnight visitors Melbourne, Australia 2018-2023, by purpose

Domestic tourism in Western Australia

• Premium Statistic Number of domestic overnight visitors Western Australia 2023, by region visited
• Premium Statistic Domestic overnight visitor expenditure Western Australia 2023, by region visited
• Premium Statistic Number of domestic overnight visitors Western Australia 2023, by purpose of visit
• Premium Statistic Number of domestic visitors Perth, Australia 2018-2023, by type of trip
• Premium Statistic Number of domestic overnight visitors Perth, Australia 2018-2023, by purpose

Domestic tourism in South Australia

• Premium Statistic Number of domestic overnight visitors South Australia 2023, by region visited
• Premium Statistic Domestic overnight visitor expenditure South Australia 2023, by region visited
• Premium Statistic Number of domestic overnight visitors South Australia 2023, by purpose of visit
• Premium Statistic Number of domestic visitors Adelaide, Australia 2018-2023, by type of trip
• Premium Statistic Number of domestic overnight visitors Adelaide, Australia 2018-2023, by purpose

Domestic tourism in Tasmania

• Premium Statistic Number of domestic overnight visitors Tasmania Australia 2023, by region visited
• Premium Statistic Domestic overnight visitor expenditure Tasmania Australia 2014-2023
• Premium Statistic Number of domestic overnight visitors Tasmania Australia 2023, by purpose of visit
• Premium Statistic Number of domestic visitors Hobart, Australia 2018-2023, by type of trip
• Premium Statistic Number of domestic overnight visitors Hobart, Australia 2018-2023, by purpose

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• Travel Advice

Virgin suspends direct flights from Adelaide to this major hotspot

Virgin Australia has suspend its direct service from this Aussie city to Bali after a delay in the delivery of 10 new Boeing planes.

Airline asks passengers to BYO cutlery

Major airline to end services at four airports

Mind-blowing flying car makes history

Virgin Australia has suspended its direct service from Adelaide to Bali after a delay in the delivery of 10 new Boeing MAX planes.

Travellers keen to head to the hotspot from the Aussie city won’t be able to do so between April 28 and June 9 as the airline awaits the delivery of the new aircraft.

Holiday-makers can still fly from Adelaide to Bali — but will now have a travel time up to 14 hours as the aircraft will have to go via Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne and transfer to a connecting flight.

Those who have booked a flight during the impacted period will be contacted directly by the airline or their travel agent to provide alternative arrangements or “be offered a full refund”, the airline said.

“We have made the decision to continue suspension of direct Adelaide-Bali services from June 2024 due to various factors including the delayed delivery of new aircraft,” a Virgin Australia spokesperson told enews.com.au.

“We acknowledge this decision will be disappointing for some guests and we sincerely apologise for any inconvenience.

“Guests booked to travel between Adelaide and Bali from June onwards will be directly contacted by Virgin Australia or their travel agent to provide alternative arrangements, including connecting flights to and from Bali on the booked day of travel via Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. Where an alternative is not suitable, guests will be offered a full refund.”

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News.com.au understands the suspension of the route is to manage impacts to the airline’s international and domestic schedule as a result of the delayed delivery of new aircraft.

“Guests who wish to discuss alternative arrangements available to them, including travelling via an alternate port, are encouraged to reach out to the Virgin Australia Guest Contact Centre on 13 67 89,” the spokesperson continued.

Meanwhile, Jetstar operates up to 14 direct flights a week between Adelaide and Denpasar.

A major five-star airline has asked business class passengers whether they would be happy to bring their own cutlery aboard its aircraft.

Aussies will have to consider alternative airlines when flying between US states after one of the country’s major carriers decided to cut services.

A mind-blowing flying car has made history after conducting the world’s first flight with a passenger.

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