melbourne
Welcome to our adopted home, marvellous Melbourne!
Melbourne is a city of contrasts—where cutting-edge culture meets heritage charm, urban bustle meets tranquil escapes, and a rich arts scene blends seamlessly with natural beauty. Often considered the cultural capital of Australia, Melbourne is a place that invites exploration, with something new to discover around every corner. Whether you're a foodie, an art lover, a sports enthusiast, or simply someone looking for an adventure, Melbourne and the state of Victoria has it all.
In short, Melbourne is a city that embraces diversity and creativity, offering a perfect blend of modern innovation and classic charm. Whether you’re wandering its laneways, enjoying a coffee at a local cafe, or venturing out to explore the incredible natural surroundings, Melbourne has a way of making you feel like you’ve found your own corner of the world, as we have.
At the heart of Melbourne, you’ll find Federation Square, a bold, modern architectural space that houses museums, galleries, and lively open-air events. It’s the place to soak in Melbourne’s artistic side while also indulging in some excellent food at one of the local restaurants or cafes. Just a stone’s throw away is the iconic Flinders Street Station, with its distinctive yellow facade and green dome, offering a snapshot of the city’s history and charm.
Escape the urban buzz and find tranquility in the Royal Botanic Gardens. It’s a lush oasis where you can unwind by the lake, take a leisurely walk through themed gardens, or even embark on a guided Aboriginal Heritage Walk to learn about the city’s indigenous roots. The gardens are a true testament to Melbourne’s love of green space and serenity.
Melbourne’s culinary scene is as diverse and dynamic as the city itself. Whether you’re after a gourmet meal, a quick bite, or a hidden gem in a laneway, you’re never far from something delicious. The Queen Victoria Market is a food lover’s paradise, offering everything from fresh produce to gourmet treats. If you’re craving something more exotic, explore Melbourne’s thriving Asian food scene in suburbs like Richmond, Footscray, or Springvale.
If you’re after beach vibes, St Kilda is the place to be. Just a short tram ride from the city centre, this coastal suburb offers a fantastic combination of outdoor relaxation and nightlife. Wander along the iconic St Kilda Pier, catch a sunset, or indulge in the area’s famous cake shops. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some local penguins by the pier at dusk!
Melbourne is a city that loves to celebrate. Whether it’s the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, or the Melbourne International Film Festival, there’s always something happening that reflects the city’s creative spirit. And, of course, Melbourne Cup Day, the “race that stops the nation”, is a celebration of horse racing, fashion, and the city’s love of a good time!
Melbourne is undeniably the sporting capital of Australia, and some might say globally. From the electric atmosphere at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) to the high-energy Australian Open tennis tournament, the city offers plenty for those passionate about sport. Even if you’re not a cricket or AFL fan, the MCG and nearby Rod Laver Arena are landmarks worth visiting for their iconic status and sheer scale.
Melbourne is Australia’s fashion capital, and its shopping scene is unparalleled. From the high-end boutiques of Collins Street to the eclectic vintage finds at Fitzroy’s Brunswick Street, the city offers something for every style. If you prefer unique, quirky goods, the Camberwell Sunday Market and South Melbourne Market are fantastic places to pick up one-of-a-kind treasures, fashion and food.
some of our faves in a little more detail
Royal Exhibition Building & Carlton Gardens: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this 1880’s building is a stunning example of Victorian architecture. It once hosted Australia’s first federal parliament and now serves as a venue for exhibitions and events. Surrounded by the beautifully landscaped Carlton Gardens, it’s a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll.
State Library Victoria: This iconic library is not only a haven for book lovers but also a visual masterpiece. It’s domed La Trobe Reading Room is a highlight, offering a serene atmosphere for reading and reflection. The library also hosts various exhibitions and events throughout the year. Make sure you take a look at the permanent Ned Kelly exhibition, including his armour (free entry).
Old Melbourne Gaol: Step back in time at this historic prison, which once housed notorious criminals like Ned Kelly. Visitors can explore the cells, learn about the history of law enforcement in Victoria, participate in interactive experiences, and maybe enjoy a ghost tour.
National Gallery of Victoria (NGV): Australia’s oldest and most visited public art museum, the NGV houses an extensive collection of international and Australian art (free entry, charges apply to visiting exhibitions).
Hosier Lane (no link available): A vibrant open-air gallery, Hosier Lane is renowned for its ever-changing street art. It’s a must-visit for those interested in contemporary urban art and photography. For a unique self guided tour of Melbourne’s laneways download this or for street art this one. Wander through the laneways for the city’s hidden gems filled with boutique cafes, street art and independent shops.
Arts Centre Melbourne & Australian Museum of Performing Arts: The Arts Centre is Melbourne’s premier venue for live performances, including theatre, music, and dance. The upcoming Australian Museum of Performing Arts, set to open in December, will showcase a vast collection of over 850,000 items, including iconic pieces like Kylie Minogue’s golden hot pants. There are also bars and restaurants onsite.
St Kilda Beach: A popular spot for both locals and tourists, St Kilda Beach offers a relaxed atmosphere with opportunities for swimming, kite surfing, and enjoying the sunset. The nearby pier and Luna Park add to its charm.
Top New Restaurants
Melbourne’s culinary scene is ever-evolving. Recent additions like Marmelo, offering Portuguese cuisine, and Maison Batard, serving French fare, have garnered attention. For a taste of Bengali flavours, check out Kolkata Cricket Club at Crown Casino.
Some of the best are
Day Trips & Surrounds
Dandenong Ranges: Just a short drive from the city, the Dandenong Ranges offer scenic views, walking trails, and the famous Puffing Billy Railway. It’s a great destination for nature lovers and families.
Great Ocean Road: A scenic drive along the coast, featuring landmarks like the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge.
Phillip Island: Famous for its nightly penguin parade, where little penguins waddle ashore at sunset.
Yarra Valley: Victoria’s premier wine region, offering vineyard tours and tastings.
Mornington Peninsula: Known for its beaches, hot springs, wineries and charming seaside towns.
Both GetYourGuide and Viator offer a variety of tours and experiences in and around Melbourne. See Tripadvisor for all of the above and including restaurant, hotel, flights and rental cars. Check out Lonely Planet for guidebooks.
You can reach Melbourne easily from most major Australian cities with Jetstar who you can either book with direct or via Skyscanner. Check out booking.com and Luxury Escapes for some great Melbourne hotel stays.
Public Transport
Myki Card (Essential for Public Transport): Myki is Melbourne’s electronic ticketing system, used across trains, trams, and buses. How it works: Purchase a Myki card at any train station, online, or at 7-Eleven stores. Top-up your Myki card with credit (available via the Myki website, app, or at Myki machines). Touch on and touch off when using trains or buses. For trams, you only need to touch on at the start of your trip. Where to use: Myki works on trains, buses, trams, and regional trains in Melbourne and surrounding areas. Visitor Pack: If you’re a tourist, consider getting a Myki Visitor Pack that comes preloaded with credit and offers discounts on major attractions.
Free Tram Zone City Centre (CBD): The Free Tram Zone covers the central business district (bounded by La Trobe, Spring, Spencer, and Flinders Streets). You can travel freely within this zone without needing a Myki card. Great for sightseeing, as major attractions like Federation Square, Flinders Street Station, and the Royal Botanic Gardens fall within this area.
Trains: Melbourne’s train network is extensive and connects the city to both the inner suburbs and regional Victoria.
Main Stations: The main central hub is Southern Cross Station, but Flinders Street Station and Melbourne Central are also key stations. Trains run frequently, especially during peak hours, with services every 10-15 minutes. Metro trains run across several lines with various routes heading to different suburban and regional areas.
Trams: Melbourne has one of the largest tram networks in the world, covering much of the city and the inner suburbs. Trams are great for short distances, but can be slower due to traffic. If traveling outside the Free Tram Zone, remember to touch on and touch off with your Myki card. City Circle Tram (Route 35): A free service looping around central Melbourne, providing a great way to explore major attractions like the Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne Museum, and Federation Square.
Buses: Buses serve the areas that are not covered by trains or trams, especially outer suburbs and more remote destinations. Buses have designated stops along their routes, and timetables are available at stations or online. They are less frequent than trains or trams, but still an important mode of transport, particularly for local commutes.
Cycling and Walking Bike Share: Melbourne offers a Bike Share program where you can hire bikes for short trips around the city. There are numerous docking stations located around the CBD. You can sign up and pay for bike rentals through the Melbourne Bike Share app. Cycling Infrastructure: Melbourne has a growing network of dedicated bike lanes and paths, making it a bike-friendly city. Popular routes include the Capital City Trail, a 29-km loop around the inner city, and the Yarra River Trail. Bike Rentals: Many bike shops around the city offer rentals for exploring the city or heading out on longer rides.
Walking: Melbourne is a very walkable city, especially within the central business district (CBD), where most of the key attractions are located. The city is laid out in a grid pattern, making it easy to navigate by foot. Take a self-guided walking tour or explore Melbourne’s famous laneways, which are filled with cafes, restaurants, and vibrant street art.
Ride-Sharing (Uber, Lyft, etc): Uber, Ola, and DiDi are widely available throughout Melbourne, providing a convenient and often more affordable alternative to traditional taxis. Simply download the app (Uber or others), enter your pick-up and drop-off locations, and a driver will arrive to take you to your destination. Ride-sharing services are great for door-to-door transport, especially if you're traveling outside public transport hours or to less accessible locations.
Taxis: Taxis are available for hailing on the street or via phone, or you can use taxi apps like 13CABS or Ola. Taxi ranks are located throughout the city, particularly near train stations, major shopping centers, and tourist areas. Cost: Taxi fares are generally higher than those of ride-sharing services, and they are charged by distance and time.
Renting a Car: If you plan to explore beyond Melbourne, such as the Great Ocean Road, Yarra Valley, or Phillip Island, renting a car is a great option. Rental companies such as Hertz, Avis, Budget, and Europcar have offices at Melbourne Airport and across the city.
Driving in Melbourne: The city centre can be quite busy, and parking is often expensive. It’s advisable to check parking rates in advance, particularly in popular areas. Trams always have the right of way in Melbourne, so be cautious around tram stops and tracks.
Airport Transfers
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL)
SkyBus: A popular and affordable option for getting from Melbourne Airport to the CBD. It runs regularly, and the trip takes about 20-30 minutes, dropping passengers at Southern Cross Station. Taxi/Ride-sharing: Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber can take you directly to your accommodation. The journey takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. Car Rentals: If you want the flexibility of a rental car, you can pick one up directly from Melbourne Airport.
Avalon Airport (AVV)
Avalon is a smaller airport located around 50 km from Melbourne. SkyBus also operates between Avalon Airport and the CBD. Alternatively, taxis or ride-sharing services are available.
Melbourne’s Free Services
Free Tram Zone: Central Melbourne (CBD) is covered by the Free Tram Zone. This means you can travel for free within this area without needing a Myki card. This zone includes major attractions such as Federation Square, Flinders Street Station, Southbank, and Queen Victoria Market.
City Circle Tram (Route 35)
The City Circle Tram is another free service that loops around the CBD and passes key landmarks such as the Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne Museum, and Docklands. The tram runs every 12 minutes, making it a convenient way to tour Melbourne without spending a cent.
Useful Apps for Getting Around PTV (Public Transport Victoria): The PTV app provides real-time information on trains, trams, and buses in Melbourne, including timetables, routes, and Myki top-up options.
Google Maps: A reliable app for directions, whether you’re walking, using public transport, or driving.
Uber/Ola/DiDi: Apps for booking ride-share services, with live tracking and fare estimates.
Melbourne Bike Share: If you’re cycling, this app allows you to rent and return bikes across the city.
Tips for Getting Around Melbourne Peak Hours: Melbourne’s public transport can get busy during rush hour (around 7:30-9:30 AM and 4:30-6:30 PM), so plan your travel accordingly.
Weather: Melbourne’s weather is unpredictable, so dress in layers and carry an umbrella in case of rain.
Traffic: If you’re driving, be prepared for congestion in the CBD, especially during peak times.