Melbourne is the coastal capital of the state of Victoria in southeastern Australia. The city centre is the modern Federation Square with squares, bars and restaurants along the Yarra River. In the Southbank region, the Melbourne Arts District is home to the Melbourne Arts Centre - a performing arts centre - and the National Gallery of Victoria, which houses Australian and Aboriginal art.

Melbourne highlights

Check out Federation Square

Fed Square is an incorporated community and a well-known meeting place. Do not miss this place. It is located in front of Flinders Street Station, the main bus and train hub. The ultra-modern open and closed architecture of the house contrasts with the surrounding Victorian buildings. Live performances attract tourists and residents of the area. It hosts over 2000 events every year! These include cultural festivals, event launches, exhibitions, performances, forums, films, concerts and fashion shows - and most of them are free.

Admire the nearby buildings. Visit one of the cafes or restaurants and experience Melbourne's multicultural vibe.

Visit galleries including the Ian Potter Centre and the Australian Centre for the Moving Image, a world-leading centre for experiencing the moving image in all its forms.

Enjoy the events that are often held at Federation Square! Sit back and watch a movie on the big screen. In fact, watching major sporting events on the big screen has become a Melbourne thing. Take a stroll around the corner and admire the Yarra River. Take in the view from the steps of St Paul's Cathedral - undoubtedly one of the best views in Melbourne!

Take a walk around the corner in Gazi to dine, visit the restaurants in Flinders Lane or check out the restaurants in nearby Flinders Lane. Check out Flinders Street Station as an iconic Melbourne building.

Hop on a train at Flinders Street Station

As the busiest commuter train street in the Southern Hemisphere, Flinders Street Station is a must for all Melbourne attractions!

At Flinders Street Station, admire the beautiful yellow Victorian building, explore its interior and get lost up and down the floors. There is a creepy abandoned banquet hall on the third floor, unfortunately closed to tourists! However, you can always confidently ask the staff to let you in!

Enjoy the views from the Skydeck at Eureka Tower

Where can you find great panoramic views? Take a walk at Eureka Tower, 91 floors in Southbank. It is named in memory of the Eureka Stockade which took place in 1854 when prospecters were rebellious in the Victorian gold fields. The gold crown and silver windows in the building literally glisten as they catch the sunlight on the top of the building. Skydeck offers the highest visibility on all buildings in southern Hemisphere. For even greater excitement head out on The Edge, which stretches three metres from the building for visitors with vertigo.

Cruise the Yarra River

A boat trip is a great way to see the Yarra River and experience the local culture. There are many cruise ships on the South Shore that offer fun excursions before you start your city tour. Keep an eye out for Birrarung Marr as you sail down the river. The original name is "Birrarung", which means "River of Fog and Shadow". The Melbourne River Gardens 1-hour sightseeing cruise allows you to easily visit city attractions such as the Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne Cricket Stadium and Melbourne Tennis Centre.

Visit Captain Cook's Cottage in Fitzroy Gardens

Captain Cook's Cottage was brought to Australia from Captain James Cook's birthplace in Yorkshire, England, and built in Fitzroy Gardens. The cozy cabin gives you an insight into Cook's travels to Australia and beyond. Also in Fitzroy Gardens is this stunning Spanish-style conservatory, which is full of flowers and full of life every day. Children love the Tudor villages and fairies. Stroll through the gardens to trendy Fitzroy, where you'll find Melbourne's best vegan food, vintage shops and vibrant street art.

Delve into Melbourne's Past at the Immigration Museum

Want more information regarding those that reside in Melbourne's heart and soul? The Immigration Museum presents true stories of immigrants from all over the world. Each person coming to Melbourne had to pass customs and their evocative tales show how diverse the city is in its present state. Its permanent collection of exhibits is interactive and engaging. Expositions that are unique make this Museum attractive. Visit this region can give an interesting insight into the early European settlement and their impact on indigenous communities. This is the perfect way to explore Melbourne during the drier days.

Pay Your Respects at the Shrine of Remembrance

The majestic sanctuary sits in Kingdom Garden and was built following the First World War to commemorate the Victorians involved in the Great Battle. This poignant document reveals the sacrifices Australian military women are able to make. A key point of interest is also a celebration during Anzacal Day held in March every year and Remembrance Day held on November 11. The memorial gallery can be visited by visiting photos and artefacts from Australian military and peacekeeping operations under the monument. The building is lit at night with a spectacular ecstatical illumination.

Explore Melbourne Museum and Royal Exhibition Building

Melbourne's museums are located in the city center, surrounded by beautiful gardens and parks. Modern museums have collected a large number of collections that depict social and cultural life, science and the environment. Highlights include the Bunjilaka Cultural Centre, the Phar Lap exhibition featuring Australia's greatest racehorses and the Children's Gallery offering a range of hands-on activities designed to encourage young people to take action. You can pass through a vibrant forest and find a huge dinosaur world. A few meters away from the Melbourne Museum is a magnificent Royal Exhibition Hall.

Hounted Old Melbourne Gaol

Old Melbourne Gaol is a city centre museum that served as a prison from 1842 until 1929. It was the execution site for many of Australia's most notorious criminals, including Ned Kelly; 133 people were executed here during the prison's operation.

The museum offers a glimpse into life in the 19th century. Some of the mentally ill and homeless were also buried in prisons, in conditions they endured that seem quite appalling by modern standards.

The museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts, including the death masks of many executed criminals.

Considered by some to be haunted, the museum offers ghost tours that tell stories recorded by visitors and staff.

Attend a performance at Arts Centre Melbourne

Arts Centre Melbourne is regarded as a world-class arts and cultural institution in Victoria. The easy to recognize structure sits at the banks of the Yarra River near SouthBank. It is an incredible venue to watch theatre, dance, music, comedy and other activities. The Arts Centre Melbourne includes numerous high-performance theatres and venues. The State Theatre hosts The Australian Ballet and Opera Australia. The theatre has 84 seats and the more intimate Fairfax Studio and Hamer Hall, the premier venue to present The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. You'd be well served by a concert at a nearby venue like Sidney Myer.

Aboriginal art galleries

Although Australia is called a "young country", we cannot forget, that this country is home to the oldest civilization in the world (60,000 years!) and unfortunately was overshadowed by colonization.

There are several Aboriginal art galleries in and around Melbourne's city centre, with the City Gallery (in Town Hall), Flinders Lane Gallery, the Ian Potter Museum of Art and the NGV International Museum housing a large collection of Aboriginal art.

Aboriginal art is internationally renowned for its beauty and symbolism, and Melbourne is a great place to learn about the importance of art in Aboriginal culture and the beauty of artwork.

The Koorie Heritage Trust is an Aboriginal non-profit organisation and the best way to learn more about Aboriginal culture in and around the region of Victoria State!

Get a Culture Fix at Southbank & South Wharf

Need some cultural change? Take a trip on the south bank. This picturesque neighborhood sits along the Yarra River, a few minutes walk from Flinders Street Station and offers shops, cafes and cultural attractions. Definitely the best place to stroll down the river during the winter months. What are some of the best nightlife experiences in Melbourne? You may discover the best nightlife in the City here – particularly in the South West wharf, where historic barns are turned into lively entertainment spaces. It is evocative during dark when the lights in downtown ignite and reflect off the river.

Check out the amazing street art

Melbourne is known for its street art and is considered one of the street art capitals of the world. Organizing a venue and encouraging a variety of creative activities is one of the easiest ways to gain a graffiti experience.

The city council has designated certain areas for street artist approval, the street art here is very high quality and is changed regularly; it is a great way for aspiring street artists to gain experience in graffiti art, and this amazing The structured location of the creative venue helps reduce graffiti levels elsewhere and adds a great urban vibe that attracts tourists and locals alike.

Book a street artist-led Melbourne Street Art Tour for those who want a deeper understanding of what they see, how it's done and who's involved in this fascinating underground art scene.

Meet the animals at Melbourne Zoo

All animals are welcome at the 22-hectare Melbourne Zoo. Although it was established in 1862, the animals have been in modern-day enclosures located just a few minutes from Melbourne's CBD. You have animals of every kind in this place. This award-winning trail for elephants provides insight into life of Asian elephants in their native villages. Other highlights are Orangutan Sanctuary, where the animals reside in the trees. You can even wander through bush trails and encounter some of the most famous Australian wildlife including birds like emus, kangaroos and leopard.

Relax at Royal Botanic Gardens

Botanical Gardens are only a short walk from town center and offer an oasis of peace and greenery amidst bustling cities. The area is renowned for walking and running in its surrounding area and the breathtaking landscape make it ideal for meditations. It has over 8500 species which make it aesthetically attractive, colourful & fascinating. If you have a sketchbook you can also draw the flower backdrop!

Royal Botanical Park in Melbourne has been rated among the best in the world. The gardens were created in 1844 and are located in two locations: Melbourne and Cranburn. Melbourne Gardens sit in the midst of lush green parklands south on the Yarra River just 2 kilometers from Melbourne City Centre. It covers 38 hectares and houses over 10,000 plants from across the globe including many unusual varieties. Highlights include the Ian Potter Foundation Children's Gardens which is aimed at encouraging upcoming gardeners.

Spot penguins in St Kilda

From delicious pies on Aklan Street to community gardens and a thriving nightlife, St Kilda is full of attractions for tourists and locals alike.

There's also a beautiful beach with famous Victorian beach houses and a marina; to the surprise of many, this bustling Melbourne suburb has some unexpected residents, a colony of little holy penguins! Established in the 1970s on St Kilda's breakwater, this colony arrives every evening after sunset, especially in summer.

Penguin guides are on duty during the summer to answer all your penguin-related questions.

They ask visitors to respect the penguins, their nests, eggs and chicks: they love their family as much as you do!

Luna Park in St Kilda

Visit a historic amusement Luna Park, which exists since 1912, the same year the Scenic Railway began operations.

The wooden roller-coaster is the oldest continuously running roller coaster in the world, and while it looks rather shaky by today's standards, it's a fascinating experience from theme parks of yesteryear.

Luna Park charges a small $5 admission fee (to help preserve the park) from those who wish to visit the park without giving up any rights. Even if you're not a fan of theme park rides, the venue is great for photos, and the site's rich history makes it worth a visit. If you change your mind and wish to join one of the rides, the admission fee will be deducted from the ticket price.

Bushwalking in the Dandenong Ranges

The Dandenong Ranges are beautiful mountains on the outskirts of Melbourne, ideal for hikers, cyclists, hikers, nature lovers and bird watchers.

The stunning views of the mountains make it a popular destination for active travelers and romantic getaways; it is also a popular location for wedding photos.

The mountains are full of charming towns, wonderful produce and the famous Puffing Billy steam train.

The Melbourne Cricket Ground

The Melbourne Cricket Ground names itself as "Australia's most popular stadium" for good reason. Melbourne is a city that loves sports, and MCG is at the heart of it all.

The stadium is home to the Melbourne Cricket Club and is home to the popular AFL as well as international football, rugby and a variety of other events.

Originally built in 1853 and undergoing numerous renovations, the stadium is the largest stadium in Australia and the tenth largest in the world: the MCG record for the most spectators is around 130,000.

MCG also houses the Australian Sports Gallery and the Olympic Museum.

Visit the MCG website for stadium updates, watch a cricket or AFL game, experience Melbourne's passion for sport, or book a Clic A Tour.

Food tour

Melbourne is a foodie's paradise. You can eat food from all over the world. There is also something for every budget. We highly recommend planning your itinerary around food!

Drink the world's best coffee

It is official if you want the most delicious coffee in Sydney, voted for by more than 1,000 people through booking. Melbourne beat many famous coffee towns like Vienna, Rome and Rome for this title; it is easy for anyone to understand if a Melbourne barista's devotion is apparent. The city of Melbourne claims to be the world leader of the cafe industry and its citizens are proud of their coffee addiction! In London, coffee shops advertise a Melbourne barista, as Australia or New Zealand's baristas have essentially brought good coffee into London.

Have a gourmet Greek dinner

Melbourne has the greatest Greek population of a city outside Athens and its close-knit, lively Greek community regularly hosts cultural activities. There is also the Greek precinct where Greek cuisine is typical as you would expect in Greece! There are several cultural attractions in the vicinity and Hellenic Museum is nearby. If you live in Melbourne in March or Sept. You might also be interested in visiting the Greek and Antipode Festivals.

Some taste of Italy

Lygon Street Italian Precinct, also known as Little Italy, is a beautiful tree-lined street that cuts through several of Melbourne's suburbs and has a rich coffee culture that introduced Melbourne to what the city is now known for for its passion for quality coffee love.

Here you'll find world-class Italian food, Italian food and cultural shops, the beautiful Lygon building (built in 1888) and boutiques.

Melbourne shopping

Melbourne is known for its world-class shopping environment especially Chapel Street which is known for its excellent clothing collection and its incredibly stylish interior and exterior. Bridge Road in Richmond offers good shopping outlets at reasonable prices and good homewares. Fitzroy is well-known for its eclectic vintage finds, but High Point is an excellent, large retail mall with a huge variety of international brands.

Wander through Melbourne's Arcades and Laneways

Walking through streets or alleys in Melbourne is an exciting experience. Visit Flinders, Collins & Bourke Streets for an elegant, interesting Melbourne that is unique.

For luxury shopping, a favourite location in Melbourne will always be the beautiful blocks in Collins Street.

Block Arcade is a retail precinct located in a beautiful Grade II listed shopping mall, opened in 1892. Rich in history and stunning architecture, Block Arcade is a nostalgic step back from the past and is home to some lovely luxury boutiques. The mosaic floors, historic detail, or boutiques are the location where the late 19th-century gentry promenaded and coined the term "Do the Block".

You will find everything from chocolates and antique jewellery to designer fashions, presents and cafes. Don't miss quirkly Art of Dr. Seuss gallery, the Hopetoun tearooms and Haigh’s chocolates.

Shop at Queen Victoria Market

A popular destination amongst residents and tourists, this landmark historical symbol has been the central hub for Fresh Products Shopping since 1878. Agricultural produce and gifts are a highlight here but markets sell anything from clothing, art and toys to a rare unique souvenir, five days a week.

You can also book an optional 2-hour guided tour that includes tastings of some of the most popular foods.

Transport

The best way to get around is by public transport. If you're not going to travel farther from Melbourne, you don't need a car - and it's probably more trouble than it's worth. There is a range of trams, trains and buses to get you from A to B. You need to buy MYKI, the best option for visitors is myki Explorer, which includes myki Money. If you live in the city center, use the Free Tram Area.

Take a City Circle Tram Tour

How do we get to Melbourne? Board the City Circle Tram. Melbourne is famous for its trams, and the city centre tram system allows you to visit some of Melbourne's top attractions for free and easily. The Hop-on-Skip-Away tram passes many of the most important historic sites such as the Houses of Parliament, the Old Treasury Building, the Royal Palace and the Windsor Hotel. You can also visit major landmarks such as Federation Square. Every 12 minutes, the whole journey takes about 50 minutes. Trams are available every day at any stop on the City Circle, except Christmas Day and Good Friday.

Nightlife in Melbourne

Melbourne's nightlife is diverse, with clubs, bars, restaurants, entertainment venues such as cinemas and karaoke shows, games such as bowling and billiards, and even casinos and bush adventures. Melbourne has it all, from the loudest nightclubs and some of the world's hottest celebrity musicians on the DJ booth, to the quietest bars and pubs where you can enjoy an after-get off work drink and chat with friends and even strangers!

In addition to the usual party havens and bars, Melbourne's best nightlife includes a night lane with bowling, golf, boccia, table tennis and swimming pools where you can hang out with your friends all night long. Sports fans can cheer on their favorite teams on the screens of one of the city's many luxury sports bars, while music lovers can sing in karaoke clubs or dance to live band performances in high-end clubs.

Tips for Melbourne visitors

If you don't plan to travel from Melbourne for a few days or live in the suburbs, there is no need to rent a car. Public transport is your best option for getting around the city and seeing the best of Melbourne.

Be prepared for any weather. The adage of four seasons in one day applies to this city. Bring a raincoat, umbrella and sunscreen when visiting Melbourne.

The summer months in Melbourne are from December to February, they are the peak tourist season in Melbourne. There are more crowds and the accommodation prices are higher.

Melbourne can be visited all year round, although the city really shines in summer and spring. Winters in Melbourne can be cold, but there will be no snow in the city centre. Even when it's cold, there are still plenty of fun activities on the show. Of course, you can also slip into the cozy bar with fireplace anytime.

Visiting Melbourne always check the events. This can help you plan your attendance at one of our great events, or it can do the exact opposite, helping you avoid major weekend events (like the Australian Open or Grand Prix) and the consequent hotel bookings or skyrocketing prices.

Choose your place to stay wisely If you're only in Melbourne for a short time, choose your community carefully. Think about the must-do things on your Melbourne trip. Are you going to spend time on the beach? Do you want to stay up late drinking in a cool bar? Need a quiet place for your kids to sleep at night? Each Melbourne neighbourhood has its own pros and cons, so it's definitely worth considering before booking.

Melbourne's Central Business District (CBD) is home to many of the city's top attractions, but you should research outside the field. Experience Melbourne's 'local' life in communities such as Fitzroy, Collingwood, Carlton, St Kilda, Prahran and South Yarra, and even further afield such as Brunswick and Northcote. It's located outside the city where most Melburnians live and play, so there are plenty of cool cafes and restaurants to explore, bars to drink, live music venues to enjoy, and shops to spend.

Caution! Smoking is banned on some main streets!

Just walk around! Melbourne doesn't have some of the big, shiny tourist attractions that other capital cities have, so the best way to visit them is to wander around and find something you like.