Melbourne, Australia’s cultural capital, rivals Sydney not just in size, but in spirit, making it a premier destination for dining, tourism and the arts. Its labyrinth of vibrant laneways, historic arcades and sky-high rooftop bars gives the CBD a distinctive character, while beyond lie a constellation of eclectic suburbs, each with its own identity.
The city has plenty to offer, but Melburnians especially pride themselves on their world-class coffee culture, thriving live music scene and enduring love of sport – from Aussie rules football (affectionately known as “footy”) to the Australian Open tennis tournament staged every January at Melbourne Park. They also champion the multicultural fabric. Woven from more than 200 nationalities, this diversity is vividly expressed in the food, festivals and artistic life, making it one of the world’s most cosmopolitan places to live and visit.
Credit: takepicsforfun/Getty Images
Credit: Katharina13/Getty Images
Where to start
Begin in the CBD, where Victorian architecture, Australian history and contemporary energy converge. Directly opposite photogenic Flinders Street Station – Australia’s oldest railway station, first opened in 1854 – lies Fed Square, home to art museums, restaurants and outdoor concert venues. Just next door, the neo-Gothic spires of St Paul’s Cathedral welcome more than 400,000 visitors annually. In the opposite direction flows the Yarra River, its banks lined with promenades and bridges that invite leisurely walking tours. River cruises depart from Federation Wharf and Southbank. For those looking for family activities in Melbourne, nearby Birrarung Marr Playground provides a lively space for children to unwind amid native flora and sculpted terraces.
Credit: SOPA Images/Getty Images
Credit: Charlie Rogers/Getty Images
How to get around
Few things are more quintessentially Melbourne than its electric trams weaving through the city. Luckily, most of the CBD is covered by the Free Tram Zone, beyond which you’ll need to purchase a Myki card . This card also covers travel by train or bus – make sure to top up regularly so you don’t run out of funds. The free City Circle Tram connects popular tourist spots like Fed Square and Old Melbourne Gaol with famous theatres, gardens, stadiums and markets. Shared e-bikes can also be hired, along with ride-share services. For those who prefer exploring at their own pace, Melbourne is a great city for walking.
Credit: CUMULUS
Credit: Barry Winiker/Getty Images
Credit: Caretaker's Cottage Melbourne
Where to eat and drink
Coffee culture is a Melbourne mainstay. Wander down the multi-block laneway Degraves Street to enjoy bountiful choices for a cuppa or an outdoor meal alike. Queen Victoria Market and South Melbourne Market also offer vendors and cuisines galore.
City dining packs a vast array of unique flavours, with Australia’s proximity to Asia contributing a strong culinary influence. Experience hawker-style dining at Chin Chin, watch chefs at work from your seat at Supernormal or savour self-proclaimed “unauthentic Indian cuisine” at Daughter In Law. Melbourne’s Chinatown has no shortage of destinations for dumplings, ramen, hot pot and yum cha – plus the fine dining stalwart Flower Drum . You can also head to MoVida for modern tapas, and to Gimlet or Cumulus Inc . for upmarket European dishes.
Drinking culture is booming across Melbourne, from airy rooftop hangs to hidden speakeasy-style gems. Cookie boasts a prodigious range of beers and cocktails, while Caretaker’s Cottage focuses on the latter and has been named one of the best bars in the world. But if you’re just after a frosty pint of draught from a proper Aussie pub, you’re still absolutely in the right place.
Credit: National Gallary of Victoria
Credit: Grant Faint/Getty Images
Things to do
Here, culture looms large – from a teeming theatre district and world-class performances at the Arts Centre to a colourful array of street art. The National Gallery of Victoria and Melbourne Museum are both essential for visitors, while ACMI offers a free, screen-based exhibition for the whole family. Live music thrives at mid-sized venues like The Forum and The Palais, as well as at larger arenas and in intimate bars.
Hop on a tram down to St Kilda, a beachside suburb on Port Phillip Bay that houses the vintage amusement park Luna Park. Further afield are the beach-laden Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island, whose resident fairy penguins have attained rock-star status.
Credit: Mikkel Vang
Credit: 1 Hotel Melbourne
Credit: 1 Hoetl Melbourne
Where to stay
The city’s luxury hotels pack plenty of personality. Perched on the Yarra River and decked out in swathes of indoor plants, 1 Hotel showcases sustainability and wellness. W Melbourne on Flinders Lane is a triumph of design, extending to its restaurants and even a hidden cocktail bar. Grand Hyatt is another top pick which situates you comfortably amongst the high-end shopping pleasures of Collins Street.
Credit: Francesco Riccardo Iacomino/Getty Images
Credit: Barry Mangham 500/Getty Images
When to visit and what to pack
Any time of year is right for a trip to Melbourne, but you’ll definitely want to dress for the season. Make sure to bring lots of layering options, because the city is famous for its changeable weather. It’s wise to bundle up during winter, when you’ll see locals donning coloured scarves to represent their footy team. During the peak of tennis and cricket season in summer, you’ll want a hat and copious suncream before heading to Melbourne Cricket Ground. As for spring and autumn, expect milder weather that still has a mind of its own.