The Best Travel Guide to Melbourne

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Melbourne

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Oceania Australia Melbourne

Overview

Melbourne The guide was updated: 2024-07-11

Melbourne is an artistic powerhouse with a vibrant and multicultural soul. Nicknamed "Paris of the southern hemisphere", Melbourne is not only known to be Australia’s cultural hotspot, but is also famous for its major sporting events and its culinary delights from all across the world. With its high-rise city centre and far-reaching suburbs, it is hard not to be dragged in by the life of the capital of Victoria, but day trips to the wild nature of the state are also extremely attractive.

Facts

Population:	5.3 million (2024)
Currency:	Australian Dollar (AUD) $1 = 100 cents
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	Ambulance, fire or police: 000 (call 112 if using a mobile without network) Poisons information: 13 11 26 Lifeline: 13 11 14
Newspapers:	Herald Sun: www.heraldsun.com.au The Australian: www.theaustralian.com.au The Weekly Times: www.weeklytimesnow.com.au The Age: www.theage.com.au Southern Cross Austereo
Website:	www.visitmelbourne.com
Opening hours:	Most shops and businesses are open between 9am and 5:30pm on weekdays and Saturdays. Sunday trading is also becoming more common with shops being open from 10am to 4pm.
Tourist information:	Melbourne Visitor Hub at Town Hall Corner Little Collins & Swanston Street, Melbourne +61 3 9658 9658 Open daily 9am–5pm whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au

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Section in Melbourne

It is not without reason that Melbourne is often dubbed the world’s most livable city: the vibrant metropolis has plenty of attractions to visit and landmarks to see. Here are some of the main attractions that should be on your bucket list.

Federation Square

Federation Square

This futuristic plaza is one of the most complex and ambitious construction projects ever undertaken in Australia, serving as Melbourne’s civic centre with cafés, restaurants, an amphitheater and several museums such as the Ian Potter Centre that showcases Australian art. There’s also a farmers market every Friday and a book market on Saturdays.

St Kilda

St Kilda

St Kilda is one of the liveliest and most colourful areas of Melbourne right on the Hobsons Bay. Acland and Fitzroy streets are the main roads with bars, restaurants and shops. The cake shops are just too tempting! St Kilda Beach is a popular spot for late afternoon walks and for watching the sunset.

Melbourne Zoo

Melbourne Zoo

The zoo in Melbourne is one of the world’s oldest, famous for its large collection of native animals in a spacious bush setting. There are over 2,000 creatures to admire here, and it is located only minutes north from the city centre, making it a great place for the whole family.

Melbourne Museum

Melbourne Museum

This innovative museum for visitors of all ages houses an Aboriginal centre, a rainforest, the set for the world famous TV show "Neighbours", and much more. Learn Melbourne’s history and how the city developed into a sprawling Metropolis post the gold rush of the 1850s.

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

Arguably one of most beautiful botanic gardens in the world and the perfect place for a relaxin picnic with a view. It displays more than 50,000 plants and is undisputedly one of Melbourne's most popular tourist attractions. Definitely worth a visit on a sunny day in Melbourne.

Melbourne Skydeck — Eureka Tower

Melbourne Skydeck — Eureka Tower

Towering 279 meters (975 ft) above ground level, Eureka Tower's Skydeck offers breathtaking 360-degree views of Melbourne, with an on-site cafe if you want to enjoy the sight for a while longer. It is the perfect place to relax after a long walk around town.

Old Melbourne Gaol

Old Melbourne Gaol

The Old Melbourne Gaol was established in 1841 and remains a fabulous insight into Melbourne’s historical past. The notorious bushranger Ned Kelly, along with dozens of others, were once executed within its walls. The night tours are spookily good. Also a great place for fans of escape rooms.

Melbourne Aquarium

Melbourne Aquarium

The Melbourne Aquarium contains multiple marine animal species native to the Southern Ocean and the Antarctic. One of its highlights is a 360-degree fish-bowl viewing area. If you dare, try diving with the sharks! You will also find the largest collection of seahorses and sea dragon species in the world.

Immigration Museum

Immigration Museum

This museum gives an excellent account of immigration to what today is modern Melbourne over the last 200 years, using audio and visual displays. The museum continues to explore the topic of migration via an ever-changing array of fascinating temporary exhibitions.

Phillip Island

Phillip Island

This nature reserve offers plenty to entertain visitors, but its definitive highlight is the nightly parade of penguins returning ashore and heading to their sand dune homes at sunset after spending the day hunting for fish. Expect to sight anywhere between a couple of hundred to a couple of thousand penguins.

Brunswick Street

Brunswick Street

When in Melbourne, one must visit the bohemian Brunswick Street in Fitzroy, an area well known for its many bars, cafés, restaurants and unique boutiques that remain busy any hour of the day. Catch an indie music performance, see an art display or shop around for something unique.

Winebus Winery Tours

Winebus Winery Tours

Enjoy a full day tour with Winebus and visit four wineries, obviously with wine tasting included. The knowledgeable tour guide will share insights and show you around. It also includes a one course á la carte lunch at the Oakridge Winery restaurant.

St Paul's Cathedral

St Paul's Cathedral

St Paul's Cathedral is located in Federation Square. This beautiful and historic building is set right next to modern buildings and is a good example of the old meeting the new. The cathedral is built in neo-Gothic style and was consecrated in 1891.

Australian Sports Museum

Australian Sports Museum

Sport is a very important part of Melbourne culture and Australian Sports Museum displays wonderful collections of cricket, football, Olympic Games, soccer and many other sports artefacts. This is a great place for the whole family; the younger visitors will certainly enjoy the on-site interactive games.

Funfields

Funfields

Funfields is located 40 kilometres north of Melbourne and is an outdoor family fun park with rides to suit all ages. Here you can enjoy limitless rides all day on all the attractions including toboggans, go karts, water slides, pony express carousel, the water playground and much, much more.

Great Ocean Road

Great Ocean Road

A trip along the Great Ocean Road offers magnificent views over the southern coast of Australia. The Twelve Apostles, large rocks rising out of the sea, are an especially interesting sight en route. Go on a guided tour, rent a car or a campervan to fully experience this amazing place.

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