· AU

Melbourne

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Melbourne: Where Culture Thrives and Laneways Whisper Stories Melbourne isn't just a city, it's a feeling. A vibrant tapestry woven from world-class dining, hidden laneway adventures, and a passionate love affair with th…

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Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Melbourne.

Top Hotels in Melbourne

Top Flights to Melbourne

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Melbourne.

Tours

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

Explore a vast oasis of beautiful landscapes, exotic plants, and tranquil lakes right in the midst of the city.

Evening Stroll on Southbank Promenade

Take a relaxing evening stroll along the Southbank Promenade, enjoying the stunning cityscape views and vibrant arts scene.

Dance the Night Away at Revolver Upstairs

Experience Melbourne's nightlife at Revolver Upstairs. Enjoy live music and great vibes at this iconic venue.

Morning Walk through Fitzroy Gardens

Enjoy a peaceful morning walk through the beautiful Fitzroy Gardens, a historic park in Melbourne known for its Victorian era landscaping.

Flinders Street Station Visit

Visit the iconic Flinders Street Station, a cultural and architectural landmark of Melbourne.

Afternoon at the Melbourne Zoo

Spend a relaxing afternoon exploring the Melbourne Zoo, home to a wide range of native and exotic animals.

Visit Cooks' Cottage

Explore this small, charming heritage-listed building, a piece of history transported from Yorkshire, and discover Melbourne's connection to Captain James Cook.

Melbourne City Sightseeing Tour

Explore Melbourne's iconic spots including Federation Square, Queen Victoria Market, and more on this guided city tour.

Stroll through Hosier Lane

Discover Melbourne's famous street art in Hosier Lane, a vibrant laneway filled with ever-changing artworks by local and international artists.

Art at NGV: National Gallery of Victoria

Discover the wide array of art exhibitions at Australia's oldest and most visited art museum, the National Gallery of Victoria.

Visit Melbourne Museum

Explore the extensive collections of Australian natural and cultural history.

Federation Square

A cultural precinct in the heart of Melbourne featuring galleries, museums, and live performances.

Melbourne Laneways and Arcades

Explore the hidden gems of Melbourne's laneways and arcades, known for their vibrant street art, boutique shops, and cafes.

Jazz Night at The Jazz Club

End your evening with live jazz music at Melbourne's renowned The Jazz Club.

Shopping

Queen Victoria Market

Experience the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere with a huge variety of fresh produce, food, and goods.

Outdoor

Great Ocean Road Tour

Take a breathtaking drive along Australia's most scenic coastal route, featuring the iconic Twelve Apostles.

St Kilda Beach

Enjoy a day at Melbourne's closest beach, known for its vibrant atmosphere, palm-lined boardwalk, and iconic pier.

Afternoon Relaxation at St Kilda Beach

Relax or take a gentle swim at the famous St Kilda Beach. Ideal for some sunbathing and enjoying beachside cafes.

Yarra River Walk

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the scenic Yarra River, soaking in the sights and fresh air.

Hike at Dandenong Ranges

Explore the scenic Dandenong Ranges National Park through a guided hiking tour, offering beautiful views and a chance to enjoy the native flora and fauna.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Melbourne.

Currency

$ | AUD | Australian Dollar

Population

5.2 million

Languages

English, English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Italian, Greek

Average weather

Melbourne

Jan

26°14°

Feb

26°15°

Mar

24°13°

Apr

20°11°

May

17°9°

Jun

14°7°

Jul

13°6°

Aug

15°7°

Sep

17°8°

Oct

20°9°

Nov

22°11°

Dec

24°13°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Melbourne.

What people love

There are numerous pros to traveling to Melbourne, Australia, located in the state of Victoria. Here are some of the highlights:

Cultural Diversity: Melbourne is known for its cultural diversity, with a vibrant mix of people from various backgrounds living in the city. This diversity is reflected in the city's food, art, and events, making it a rich and dynamic place to explore.
Food and Drink: Melbourne is a foodie paradise, with a thriving culinary scene offering a wide range of dining options, from trendy cafes and street food stalls to high-end restaurants. The city is also known for its excellent coffee culture, with countless cafes serving up top-notch brews.
Arts and Culture: Melbourne is a hub for arts and culture, with numerous galleries, museums, and theaters to explore. The city hosts various cultural events throughout the year, including the Melbourne International Arts Festival and the Melbourne Comedy Festival.
Sports: Melbourne is a sports lover's paradise, with a strong sporting culture and a range of world-class sporting events held throughout the year. The city is home to iconic venues such as the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and hosts events like the Australian Open tennis tournament and the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix.
Natural Beauty: Melbourne is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including beautiful beaches, lush parks, and scenic countryside. Visitors can explore the Great Ocean Road, visit the Yarra Valley wine region, or relax in one of the city's many parks and gardens.
Shopping: Melbourne is a fantastic shopping destination, with a mix of high-end boutiques, vintage stores, and markets to explore. Visitors can shop for everything from designer clothing to unique souvenirs at locations like Bourke Street Mall, Chapel Street, and Queen Victoria Market.

Overall, Melbourne offers a diverse range of experiences for travelers, from cultural attractions and culinary delights to natural beauty and sporting events.

Enjoy your trip to Melbourne!

What to know

Some potential cons of traveling to Melbourne, Victoria, Australia include:

Weather: Melbourne is known for its unpredictable weather, with four seasons in one day being a common occurrence. This can make it difficult to plan outdoor activities and may require packing a variety of clothing to accommodate the changing conditions.
Cost of Living: Melbourne is one of the most expensive cities in Australia, so travelers may find that accommodation, dining out, and transportation costs are higher than in other parts of the country.
Crowds: Melbourne is a popular tourist destination, especially during peak travel seasons, festivals, and major events. This can lead to crowded attractions, longer wait times, and difficulty finding accommodations.
Traffic: Melbourne is a large city with busy traffic conditions, especially during peak hours. Navigating the city by car can be challenging, and parking can be expensive and hard to find.
Distance: Melbourne is located in the southern part of Australia, which means that it can be a long journey to reach from many other countries. Travelers may experience jet lag and fatigue from the long flight.
Time Zone Differences: Depending on where you are traveling from, you may experience jet lag due to the significant time zone differences between Melbourne and other parts of the world.
Bushfires and Heatwaves: Australia is known for its hot and dry climate, which can lead to bushfires and heatwaves during the summer months. Travelers should be aware of any potential fire warnings and take necessary precautions.
COVID-19 Restrictions: As with many destinations around the world, Melbourne may have COVID-19 restrictions in place that could impact travel plans. Travelers should stay informed about the latest regulations and guidelines.

Overall, while Melbourne is a vibrant and culturally rich city with much to offer visitors, it's important to be aware of these potential cons when planning a trip to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Melbourne, the capital city of the state of Victoria, Australia, has a rich and diverse history. Here is a detailed overview of its history, significant events, historical figures, and important landmarks:

Early History and Indigenous Heritage

Indigenous Inhabitants: The area now known as Melbourne has been inhabited by Indigenous Australians of the Kulin nation for thousands of years. The Wurundjeri, Boonwurrung, and Wathaurong peoples were the primary custodians of the land.
Cultural Practices: The Indigenous peoples had a rich culture involving intricate social systems and extensive trade networks. Ceremonial sites, scar trees, and rock art are part of their enduring legacy.

European Settlement

1835: Melbourne was founded by settlers from Van Diemen's Land (now Tasmania). John Batman and John Pascoe Fawkner are often credited as significant figures in the city's founding. Batman is known for his controversial "treaty" with Indigenous leaders, which was later annulled by the government.
1837: The settlement was named Melbourne, in honor of the British Prime Minister William Lamb, 2nd Viscount Melbourne.

Growth and Development

1850s Gold Rush: The discovery of gold in Victoria in the 1850s led to a massive influx of migrants, making Melbourne one of the world's richest cities. The gold rush brought wealth and a building boom, leading to the construction of many significant buildings.
1854: The Eureka Rebellion, a significant event in Australian history, occurred in Ballarat, near Melbourne. It was a miners' uprising against the colonial authority and is considered a pivotal moment for Australian democracy.

Federation and Modernization

1901: Melbourne became the interim capital of Australia after the federation of the Australian colonies. It served as the seat of government until Canberra was established in 1927.
Early 20th Century: The city continued to expand, developing a strong industrial base. The introduction of trams and extensive rail networks facilitated urban growth.

World War and Post-War Era

World War II: Melbourne played a crucial role as an industrial hub during the war. The city experienced significant population growth due to post-war immigration, particularly from Europe.
1956: Melbourne hosted the Summer Olympics, the first held in the Southern Hemisphere, which significantly boosted its global profile.

Cultural and Economic Development

1970s-1980s: Melbourne underwent a cultural renaissance, establishing itself as a center of arts and education. The city's diverse cultural scene flourished, with numerous festivals, galleries, and performing arts venues.
1990s-Present: Melbourne has consistently been ranked as one of the world's most livable cities, known for its vibrant culture, coffee culture, and sports enthusiasm. The city is home to numerous cultural events, including the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Melbourne Film Festival, and the Melbourne Cup horse race.

Important Landmarks

Flinders Street Station: An iconic railway station and a symbol of the city, known for its distinct architecture.
Federation Square: A cultural precinct and meeting place, home to galleries, museums, and art installations.
Royal Exhibition Building: A UNESCO World Heritage site, it was the location of the first Australian Parliament.
Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG): A major sports arena, crucial to the city's sporting life, especially for cricket and Australian Rules Football.
Shrine of Remembrance: A war memorial dedicated to the men and women of Victoria who served in World War I and subsequent conflicts.

Melbourne continues to thrive as a multicultural metropolis with a dynamic economy, diverse population, and a rich cultural life.