Melbourne, Australia

The Ultimate Guide to Travelling in Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city that offers something for everyone. From its world-class restaurants and bars to its stunning beaches and cultural attractions, there’s no shortage of exciting experiences to be had.

Places to Go

1. Federation Square

  • Address: Corner of Flinders Street and Russell Street
  • Getting There: Train Station (Flinders Street) or Tram Stop (Melbourne Museum)
  • Description: This bustling public square is the heart of Melbourne’s cultural scene, featuring a variety of events, exhibitions, and performances.
  • Must-see Attractions: The Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI), the National Gallery of Victoria, and the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)

2. Royal Botanic Gardens

  • Address: Birdwood Avenue
  • Getting There: Tram Stop (Royal Botanic Gardens) or Bus Stop (Birdwood Avenue)
  • Description: A serene oasis in the heart of the city, featuring over 8,500 different species of plants and a tranquil atmosphere.
  • Must-see Attractions: The Great Meeting House, the National Herbarium, and the Tropical Glasshouse

3. St Kilda Beach

  • Address: Marine Parade
  • Getting There: Train Station (St Kilda) or Tram Stop (Beach Road)
  • Description: One of Melbourne’s most popular beaches, offering a lively atmosphere, amusement park rides, and stunning views.
  • Must-see Attractions: The St Kilda Pier, Luna Park, and the historic Palais Theatre

4. Queen Victoria Market

  • Address: 81 Batman Avenue
  • Getting There: Train Station (Melbourne Central) or Tram Stop (Queen Victoria Market)
  • Description: Melbourne’s iconic market, offering a vast array of fresh produce, crafts, and souvenirs.
  • Must-see Attractions: The Fresh Produce section, the Craft and Gift section, and the historic Meat Hall

5. Docklands

  • Address: Newquay Promenade
  • Getting There: Train Station (Docklands) or Tram Stop (Newquay Promenade)
  • Description: A waterfront precinct offering shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
  • Must-see Attractions: The Melbourne Star Observation Wheel, the Docklands Stadium, and the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium

Activities

1. Visit a Sports Event

Melbourne is renowned for its sports-loving culture, with numerous events and venues to choose from.

  • Australian Open: January, Rod Laver Arena
  • Grand Prix: March, Albert Park Street Circuit
  • Cricket: November to April, Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
  • Football: May to August, AAMI Park

2. Explore the City’s Street Art

Melbourne is home to a vibrant street art scene, with many murals and laneways showcasing local talent.

  • Hosier Lane: A popular laneway featuring colorful murals and graffiti.
  • Degraves Street: A historic lane with a mix of old and new buildings, now home to trendy cafes and boutiques.
  • Collins Street: A stunning street featuring elaborate murals and mosaics.

3. Take a Day Trip

Melbourne is surrounded by beautiful countryside, offering plenty of opportunities for day trips and adventures.

  • The Great Ocean Road: One of the world’s most scenic drives, featuring towering cliffs, beaches, and rock formations.
  • The Yarra Valley: A picturesque region with rolling hills, vineyards, and gourmet food.
  • Mornington Peninsula: A charming region with stunning coastal scenery, wineries, and golf courses.

Where to Eat

Melbourne is renowned for its world-class restaurants, offering a diverse range of cuisines.

1. Queen Victoria Market

The historic Meat Hall offers a vast array of fresh produce, meats, and seafood.

  • Must-try: Fresh produce, including fruits, vegetables, and flowers.
  • Budget-friendly: $10-$20 per meal

2. Melbourne’s Laneways

Melbourne’s laneways are home to some of the city’s best eateries, offering a mix of local cuisine.

  • Must-try: Vietnamese BBQ at Tan Viet Noodle House (Hosier Lane)
  • Budget-friendly: $10-$20 per meal

3. Southbank Promenade

This waterfront precinct offers stunning views and a range of dining options.

  • Must-try: Seafood at The Boatbuilders Arms (Southbank Promenade)
  • Mid-range: $20-$40 per meal

4. Carlton Restaurant Precinct

This trendy area is home to some of Melbourne’s best restaurants, offering a mix of international cuisine.

  • Must-try: Italian food at Tipo 00 (Carlton Restaurant Precinct)
  • Mid-range: $30-$50 per meal

Where to Stay

Melbourne offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences.

1. Melbourne CBD

The city center is home to many hotels, offering easy access to major attractions and public transportation.

  • Budget-friendly: Ibis Melbourne (from $120 per night)
  • Mid-range: Travelodge Melbourne (from $180 per night)

2. Southbank Precinct

This waterfront area offers stunning views and a range of accommodation options, including hotels and apartments.

  • Luxury: The Westin Melbourne (from $250 per night)
  • Budget-friendly: ibis Styles Melbourne (from $120 per night)

3. Docklands

This precinct is home to many modern hotels, offering easy access to major attractions and public transportation.

  • Mid-range: Novotel Melbourne (from $180 per night)
  • Luxury: The Hotel Windsor (from $250 per night)

Things to Know

1. Public Transportation

Melbourne has an excellent public transportation system, including trams, buses, and trains.

  • Free Tram Zone: Travel on tram routes 12, 48, 75, and 96 for free within the city center.
  • Myki Card: Use a Myki card to travel on all forms of public transportation.

2. Weather

Melbourne’s climate is mild, with four distinct seasons.

  • Summer (December to February): Warm weather, averaging 25°C (77°F).
  • Autumn (March to May): Mild weather, averaging 18°C (64°F).
  • Winter (June to August): Cool weather, averaging 10°C (50°F).
  • Spring (September to November): Mild weather, averaging 15°C (59°F).

3. Safety

Melbourne is a safe city, with low crime rates.

  • Be aware of your surroundings: Take normal precautions to ensure your safety.
  • Avoid walking alone at night: Stick to well-lit areas and avoid walking alone in dimly lit streets.

Tips

1. Explore the City’s Hidden Gems

Melbourne is full of hidden gems, including secret laneways, cafes, and markets.

  • Discover new neighborhoods: Explore different suburbs, such as Fitzroy, Carlton, and Richmond.
  • Visit local markets: Check out the Queen Victoria Market, Southbank Night Market, and the Royal Botanic Gardens’ Artisan Market.

2. Take a Food Tour

Melbourne is renowned for its food scene, with many tours offering a taste of the city’s best cuisine.

  • Book a guided tour: Explore Melbourne’s laneways and try local specialties, such as Vietnamese BBQ or Italian gelato.
  • Try street food: Visit popular street food markets, like the Queen Victoria Market or the Southbank Night Market.

3. Attend a Festival or Event

Melbourne hosts many festivals and events throughout the year, offering something for everyone.

  • Book tickets in advance: Plan ahead to attend popular events, such as the Australian Open or the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
  • Check local listings: Look out for free events and festivals, like the Melbourne Fringe Festival or the Melbourne Writers Festival.