Often topping lists as one of the World’s Most Livable Cities, Australia’s cultural capital oozes European charm with a healthy dose of laidback Aussie style.


Getting Around

Liveried in burgundy and green with gold trim, the heritage City Circle Tram chugs around central Melbourne passing major landmarks like Docklands, Parliament House and “the grand old dame” Princess Theatre. The free service operates in a circular route and even comes with audio commentary.

The city circle tram Flinders St Station

The city circle tram passes Melbourne’s iconic sights.

Walk the City

Explore Melbourne’s maze of charming cobblestoned alleyways and arcades on a 1.5-mile trail that starts at Flinders Street Stations and weaves its way along caffeine-fueled Degraves Street, street-art filled Hosier Lane, shopping mecca Bourke Street Mall, and ends at Federation Square.

Another Good Walk

Lace up your hiking boots for Australia’s Great Ocean Walk. This 62-mile multiday hike passes along dramatic coastline and remote beaches between Apollo Bay and the iconic 12 Apostles.

12 Apostles Great Ocean Road.

Walk the Great Ocean Road.

Where to Eat

Attica

A bucket list experience, Attica’s celebrated tasting menu is inspired by native Australian ingredients made using European techniques.

Attica Melbourne

Plates at Attica.

Chin Chin

A lively Asian restaurant on Flinders Lane that often has lines out the door – because the food really is that good.

Chin Chin

Chin Chin is a lively Asian restaurant.

Cumulus Inc.

Brunching is a Melbourne institution, and Cumulus Inc.’s comprehensive breakfast selection is a hit with the locals.

Cumulus Inc

Cumulus Inc is a hit with almost everyone.

Where to Stay

The Langham

This longtime favorite exudes luxury and offers sweeping views of the Yarra River and city from its Southbank location.

The Langham

City views from the terrace.

W Melbourne

Located on buzzing, colorful Flinders Lane in the heart of the city, all the funky yet luxe W hallmarks are here.

Poolside at The W.

Poolside at The W.

Zagame’s House

Set in the heart of Carlton in Little Italy (as it’s known to locals), this boutique hotel is quintessentially Melbourne with a seriously uber hip vibe.

Zagame House Melbourne

Surprises await in this smart motel conversion.

A Unique Stay

Sleep on the roof of an inner-city parking structure in one of six funky 1970s airstreams at Notel. All trailers come with a free mini bar and one even has a hot tub!

Notel Melbourne

Notel is full of surprises. (Photo: Andrew Curtis)

Ultimate Experience

See the city from the sky on a tranquil hot air balloon ride with views of the Yarra River – champagne breakfast included, of course.

Hot air balloons parked in Melbourne

See the city from the sky on a tranquil hot air balloon ride.

Ultimate Entertainment Option

Melbourne International Comedy Festival (staged during March and April) is one of the largest comedy showcases in the world and features stand-up, cabaret, theater, street performance and more, with venues located across the city.

Melbourne Comedy Festival

The home of laughs.

Family Fun

See The St Kilda Penguins

St Kilda is home to a colony of around 1400 little penguins; catch a glimpse of them every day just after sunset at the end of the pier.

St. Kilda penguins.

See the St. Kilda penguins.

Melbourne Museum

Walk among the skeletons of 17 prehistoric animals, explore the amazing world of insects and spiders, browse more than 300 miniature models, and watch a movie on the largest cinema screens in the world.

Melbourne Museum

Melbourne Museum is one of Australia’s biggest and most loved museums.

Luna Park

For some old-fashioned family fun, take the kids to one of the world’s oldest amusement parks – located on the waterfront at St Kilda. It has 20 different rides and attractions including a rollercoaster, bumper cars, a dragon ship pendulum and a 105-foot tower swing.

Luna Park.

There’s no mistaking Luna Park.

Beyond the City

Be sure to make time for a trip down to St Kilda Melbourne’s beachside neighborhood and home to a host of excellent waterfront drinking and dining options. An hour from the city center, the Mornington Peninsula boasts beaches, wineries and quaint towns.

Acland St St Kilda.

Acland Street is St Kilda’s culinary hub.

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