Melbourne Australia

Melbourne Australia’s second most visited city is a hotspot for culture and sports addicts alike, with a diverse range of cultural events held every day and a host of world-class sports teams that call Melbourne home. This green, clean city is one of the best places in the world to live and is welcoming more visitors each year who want to experience the sophisticated Melbourne lifestyle. You can’t walk the street without stumbling on art, music, theatre, and literature events.

Main Attractions in Melbourne Australia

Festivals

Millions visit Melbourne every year to experience its huge range of cultural festivals. These include the International Arts Festival, the International Comedy Festival, and the Melbourne Fringe. Bookworms can find brilliant events at the Melbourne Writers Festival, many hosted in the beautiful Victoria Library. Smaller and more unusual Melbourne festivals include the Puppetry Festival and WebFest, the first festival that revolves around online web series.

Melbourne Museum

This is a must for anyone who is fascinated by Australia’s history. The Melbourne museum covers a vast sweep of history, from dinosaur fossils found in the area to the history of the indigenous Australian people across the development of Melbourne in the 1800s through to the present day. It’s a beautifully presented whirlwind, with an IMAX cinema and a special interactive gallery for children.

Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens:

This 38-hectare oasis in the heart of the city is home to over 50,000 plants from around the world. The gardens offer a range of experiences, from picnics on the lush lawns to guided tours and special events.

Walk along the Yarra River:

Melbourne’s scenic Yarra River is a great place to take a stroll or a bike ride. Along the river, you’ll find numerous cafes, restaurants, and bars, as well as parks and gardens.

Explore the National Gallery of Victoria:

The National Gallery of Victoria is Australia’s oldest and largest art museum, with a collection of over 70,000 works of art. It’s a must-visit for art lovers and features a diverse range of exhibits from local and international artists.

Watch a game of Australian Rules Football:

Melbourne is the spiritual home of Australian Rules Football, and watching a game is an essential part of the Melbourne experience. The season runs from March to September, with games taking place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Go shopping on Chapel Street:

Chapel Street is one of Melbourne’s most popular shopping districts, with a range of boutique stores, high-end fashion outlets, and vintage shops. It’s also home to a wide variety of cafes, restaurants, and bars.

Visit St. Kilda Beach:

St. Kilda is one of Melbourne’s most famous beaches and a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The beach offers a range of activities, including swimming, surfing, and kiteboarding, and is also home to a range of cafes and bars.

Explore the laneways and street art:

Melbourne’s laneways are a unique feature of the city and are home to some of the world’s best street art. Take a stroll through the laneways and discover the hidden gems of Melbourne’s creative culture.

Take a hot air balloon ride:

A hot air balloon ride over Melbourne is a fantastic way to experience the city from a new perspective. Flights typically take place at sunrise and offer stunning views of the city skyline and surrounding countryside.

Enjoy the city’s food and drink:

Melbourne is known for its food and drink scene, with a wide range of restaurants, cafes, bars, and nightclubs. Sample some of Melbourne’s famous coffee, enjoy a meal at one of the city’s many restaurants, or experience the vibrant nightlife.

Things to Do on Melbourne Australia

Catch Some Sport

Melbourne has been named the “World’s Ultimate Sports City”, and there are huge events held throughout the year for various sports. Melbourne is home to the Australian Open, the Australian Grand Prix, and the notoriously fun Melbourne Cup horse race. Those wanting an authentic Australian experience should catch a game of Australian Rules football (invented in Melbourne) at Docklands Stadium or a cricket match at the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground, where the first official test match was ever played. Whichever season you visit, you will find world-class sport all around you!

Coffee Culture

Melbourne is the home of Australia’s burgeoning coffee culture, and coffee is taken very seriously. The coffee from the local, cool cafes was so popular and catered to the unique Australian taste, that Starbucks has never made a profit in Australia, closing 60 stores in one year. Hit the trendy Fitzroy area and try a smooth flat white in the sunshine to truly appreciate what makes Australian coffee so special. Many of the hip cafes in Melbourne also sell some of the best food in the city, adding a delicious note to a lazy afternoon.

Federation Square:

Located in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, Federation Square is a cultural and entertainment hub. It features a range of cultural institutions, such as the Australian Centre for the Moving Image, the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, and the Koorie Heritage Trust. The square also hosts a range of events throughout the year, including live music performances, outdoor cinema screenings, and cultural festivals.

Melbourne Cricket Ground:

The Melbourne Cricket Ground, or MCG, is an iconic sports venue and home to some of Australia’s most significant sporting events, including the Australian Football League Grand Final and the Boxing Day Test match. Visitors can take a guided tour of the stadium to learn about its history and see behind the scenes.

Where to stay

Melbourne offers a range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Here are some popular areas to consider when looking for a place to stay:

Central Business District (CBD):

The CBD is the heart of the city and a popular area to stay. It offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget hostels. Staying in the CBD puts you within walking distance of many of the city’s top attractions, restaurants, and shopping districts.

Southbank:

Southbank is a popular area for tourists, with a range of accommodation options, including hotels and serviced apartments. The area offers stunning views of the city skyline and is within walking distance of the CBD, the Yarra River, and the arts and entertainment precinct.

Carlton:

Carlton is a trendy neighborhood known for its European-style cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops. The area offers a range of accommodation options, including hotels, hostels, and short-stay apartments. Carlton is also home to the University of Melbourne and the Royal Exhibition Building.

Kilda:

St. Kilda is a vibrant beachside neighborhood with a range of accommodation options, including hotels, hostels, and serviced apartments. Staying in St. Kilda puts you within walking distance of the beach, as well as a range of restaurants, bars, and live music venues.

Docklands:

Docklands is a modern waterfront area with a range of accommodation options, including hotels, serviced apartments, and short-stay apartments. The area is home to a range of restaurants, cafes, and shopping options, as well as attractions such as the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel.

It’s worth noting that Melbourne has an extensive public transport network, so even if you don’t stay in the CBD, it’s easy to get around the city by tram, train, or bus.