Melbourne
Visited in 2008 and 2010
At a glance
- Country
- Australia
- Region
- Victoria
- Population
- 5.4 million
- Best time to go
- March to May, October to November
- Main airport
- Melbourne Tullamarine (MEL)
- Coordinates
- 37.82°S, 144.97°E
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Overview
Melbourne takes its coffee, food, art and sport very seriously. Behind the grid of grand Victorian streets is a web of laneways full of cafés, street art and tiny bars, and every neighbourhood has its own personality.
It is famous for having four seasons in one day, so pack layers. Beyond the city, the coast, wine country and the Great Ocean Road are all within easy reach.
Things to see
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Photo: WANG.PC, CC BY 2.0 Hosier Lane
The best-known of the laneways, its walls covered in constantly changing street art.
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Photo: Bob T, CC BY-SA 4.0 Queen Victoria Market
A huge historic market for fresh produce, deli food and souvenirs, with night markets in some seasons.
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Photo: Shkuru Afshar, CC BY-SA 4.0 National Gallery of Victoria
Australia's oldest public gallery, with international art on St Kilda Road and Australian art at Federation Square.
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Photo: Johntorcasio, CC BY-SA 4.0 Royal Botanic Gardens
Sweeping lawns, lakes and plant collections south of the river, ideal for a picnic.
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Photo: Flickerd, CC BY-SA 4.0 Melbourne Cricket Ground
The city's sporting cathedral; catch an AFL match in winter or cricket in summer.
Tickets and tours
Things to do
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Photo: Biatch at en.wikipedia, Public domain Coffee and laneway brunch
Pull up a stool in Degraves Street or Centre Place and do as the locals do.
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Photo: Bobak Ha'Eri, CC BY 3.0 Drive the Great Ocean Road
Sea cliffs, surf beaches and the Twelve Apostles along one of the world's great coastal drives.
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Photo: Dietmar Rabich, CC BY-SA 4.0 Afternoon in St Kilda
Walk the pier and foreshore, then eat cake on Acland Street.
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Photo: Senning Luk, CC BY-SA 2.0 Yarra Valley wineries
Rolling vineyards and cellar doors about an hour east of the city.
Where to stay
CBD
Central and walkable, with the laneways and free trams on the doorstep.
Hotels in CBDFitzroy
Bohemian and creative, with independent shops, bars and live music.
Hotels in FitzroySouthbank
Riverside hotels near the arts precinct and the Botanic Gardens.
Hotels in SouthbankSt Kilda
Beachside and relaxed, a short tram ride from the centre.
Hotels in St Kilda
Getting around
Trams are the easiest way around, and rides within the CBD Free Tram Zone cost nothing. Use a myki card for trams, trains and buses.
The SkyBus runs between the airport and Southern Cross station in around 20 to 30 minutes.
When to go
Autumn and spring are mild and pleasant. Summers can bring hot spells, and winter is cool and grey but the best time for the footy.
Plan your trip to Melbourne
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.