Melbourne

The Ultimate Guide to Travelling in Melbourne

Melbourne, the cultural capital of Australia, is a vibrant and eclectic city that has something for everyone. From its stunning beaches and gardens to its world-class museums and restaurants, Melbourne is a traveller’s paradise. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you on a journey through the best places to go, activities to do, where to eat, where to stay, things to know, transportation options, tips, and other interesting facts about Melbourne.

Places to Go

1. Melbourne CBD

  • Bourke Street Mall: A pedestrian shopping strip lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops.
  • Melbourne Town Hall: A stunning example of Victorian architecture.
  • St Paul’s Cathedral: A beautiful Anglican cathedral with impressive stained-glass windows.

2. Cultural Precinct

  • National Gallery of Victoria: One of Australia’s oldest and most respected art museums.
  • Australian Centre for the Moving Image: A museum showcasing Australian film, TV, and video games.
  • Melbourne Museum: A natural history museum with interactive exhibits.

3. Beaches and Coastlines

  • St Kilda Beach: A popular beach with a historic pier, amusement park, and vibrant nightlife.
  • Brighton Beach: A picturesque beach with colourful bathing boxes.
  • Great Ocean Road: A scenic drive along the southeastern coast with stunning ocean views.

4. Gardens and Parks

  • Royal Botanic Gardens: A tranquil oasis in the heart of the city.
  • Fitzroy Gardens: A beautiful park with walking trails, lakes, and historic buildings.
  • Albert Park Lake: A popular spot for jogging, cycling, and picnics.

Activities

1. Sports

  • Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG): Catch a cricket or Australian Rules football game at this iconic stadium.
  • Australian Open Tennis: Watch the world’s top tennis players compete in January.
  • Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix: Experience the thrill of Formula 1 racing in March.

2. Food and Wine

  • Melbourne Food Tour: Sample the city’s best food and drink on a guided tour.
  • Queen Victoria Market: Explore the historic market for fresh produce, artisanal goods, and street food.
  • Yarra Valley Winery: Visit one of Melbourne’s nearby wine regions for tastings and tours.

3. Arts and Culture

  • Melbourne Theatre Company: Catch a performance at this renowned theatre company.
  • Australian Ballet: Watch a world-class ballet production.
  • Street Art Walking Tour: Explore Melbourne’s vibrant street art scene with a guided tour.

Where to Eat

1. Breakfast and Brunch

  • Lune Croissanterie: Flaky, buttery croissants and delicious coffee.
  • Top Paddock: A popular spot for breakfast and brunch with a focus on local ingredients.
  • Hardware Lane: A hidden laneway with cafes serving up tasty breakfast dishes.

2. Lunch and Dinner

  • Supernormal: Pan-Asian cuisine in a trendy setting.
  • Longrain: Authentic Thai food in a lively atmosphere.
  • Grossi Florentino: A Melbourne institution serving up Italian cuisine.

3. Dessert and Coffee

  • Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar: A historic cafe serving up classic Italian coffee and desserts.
  • LuxBite: Artisanal ice cream with unique flavours.
  • Short Stop Coffee & Donuts: Specialty coffee and delicious donuts.

Where to Stay

1. Budget-Friendly

  • Melbourne Central YHA: A social hostel with dorms and private rooms.
  • Urban Central Accommodation: Affordable apartments in the heart of the city.
  • Airbnb Options: Rent a room or apartment from a local host.

2. Mid-Range

  • Crown Towers Melbourne: Luxury hotel with stunning views of the city.
  • The Westin Melbourne: A modern hotel with comfortable rooms and excellent service.
  • Ovolo Laneways Melbourne: Boutique hotel in a trendy laneway location.

3. Luxury

  • Crown Metropol Melbourne: Upscale hotel with stylish rooms and top-notch amenities.
  • Grand Hyatt Melbourne: Luxurious hotel with spacious rooms and excellent service.
  • The Langham Melbourne: Elegant hotel with luxurious rooms and a prestigious address.

Things to Know

1. Weather

  • Melbourne’s weather is notoriously changeable, so be prepared for rain or sunshine.
  • Pack layers for cooler mornings and evenings.

2. Tipping Culture

  • Tipping is not expected but appreciated in restaurants and cafes.
  • Aim to tip around 5-10% of the total bill.

3. Safety

  • Melbourne is generally a safe city, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
  • Avoid walking alone in dimly lit areas at night.

Transportation

1. Public Transport

  • Myki Card: A reusable card for trams, buses, and trains.
  • Melbourne’s Tram Network: An extensive network of trams that cover most areas of the city.
  • Metro Trains: Frequent trains connecting the suburbs to the CBD.

2. Taxi and Ride-Sharing

  • Taxi: Available at taxi ranks or by booking in advance.
  • Uber: A popular ride-sharing service available in Melbourne.

3. Walking and Cycling

  • Melbourne’s Pedestrian-Friendly City Centre: Explore the city on foot using pedestrianized streets and laneways.
  • Bike Share: Rent a bike for a day or by the hour to explore the city on two wheels.

Tips

1. Get Off the Beaten Path

  • Explore Melbourne’s many hidden laneways and arcades.
  • Visit local markets, such as the Queen Victoria Market or South Melbourne Market.

2. Take Advantage of Free Attractions

  • National Gallery of Victoria: Offers free admission to its permanent collection.
  • Melbourne Museum: Offers free admission on Sundays.

3. Be Prepared for Sports Fever

  • Melbourne is sports-mad, so be prepared for crowds and festivities during major sporting events.
  • Catch a game at the MCG or AAMI Park for an unforgettable experience.

This comprehensive guide should give you a good starting point for planning your trip to Melbourne. With its vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and world-class attractions, Melbourne is a city that has something for everyone. Happy travels!