A cultural hub with Victorian architecture and modern skyscrapers. Home to art galleries, theatres, and waterfront views. Near Yarra Valley wineries and Mornington Peninsula beaches.
Melbourne, Australia's cultural capital, draws visitors with its art galleries, coffee shops, and narrow laneways. You can wander through streets filled with colorful murals, sip flat whites in small cafes, and watch sports at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The city's neighborhoods, from St Kilda with its beach to Fitzroy with its alternative atmosphere, each have their own character and things to do.
Exploring Melbourne's City Center
Start your Melbourne visit in the center of the city. At Federation Square, you'll find museums, galleries, and events. Across the street is Flinders Street Station, with its yellow exterior and clock tower. From here, you can take one of Melbourne's trams to see more of the city - the City Circle tram is free and goes past many main sights.
Immersing Yourself in Art and Culture
Melbourne's art can be found both inside and outside. Visit the National Gallery of Victoria to see Australian and international art. Then go to the streets to look at Melbourne's street art. Hosier Lane is popular, with murals covering the walls. For more information about local art, you can join a guided street art tour led by artists.
Savoring Melbourne's Food and Coffee
Melbourne has many places to eat and drink coffee. Start your day with a flat white at one of the city's specialty coffee shops. For lunch, go to Queen Victoria Market, where you can try fresh local food and dishes from different countries. In the evening, try the city's many restaurants, from expensive dining rooms to casual eateries in small lanes.
Relaxing in Melbourne's Green Spaces
Melbourne has many parks and gardens to visit. The Royal Botanic Gardens offer a calm place away from the busy city. You can walk through the gardens, or join a guided Aboriginal Heritage Walk to learn about the area's indigenous history. For a different view, you can rent a boat and row around the lake in the middle of the gardens.
Experiencing Melbourne's Unique Neighborhoods
Each area of Melbourne has its own feel. In St Kilda, you can walk along the beach and watch little penguins come ashore at sunset. Fitzroy has many vintage shops, art galleries, and bars. Spend time in these areas to see how people in Melbourne live.
Cheering at Melbourne's Sporting Events
Sports are important to many people in Melbourne. If you like sports, try to see a game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). If there's no game happening, you can take a tour of the stadium and visit the National Sports Museum. For a typically Australian experience, watch an Australian Rules Football game and cheer with the local fans.
Taking Day Trips from Melbourne
While there's a lot to do in the city, you can also use Melbourne as a starting point to explore nearby areas. You can drive along the Great Ocean Road to see the coast and the Twelve Apostles rock formations. Or you can go to Phillip Island to watch the nightly penguin parade, where hundreds of little penguins walk up the beach.
