Things To Do
in Melbourne
Melbourne, Australia, often celebrated as the cultural capital, is renowned for its vibrant arts scene, extensive shopping districts, and a diverse culinary landscape influenced by global cultures. This city, cradled by the banks of the Yarra River, boasts an impressive skyline, sprawling gardens, and an intricate web of laneways filled with street art, cafes, and music venues.
It hosts a plethora of events throughout the year, including the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Australian Open Tennis Grand Slam, and is also the sports capital, with a passionate dedication to Australian Rules Football.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $80 - $250
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $3 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $70 - $150
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $50 - $100
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at the Queen Victoria Market where you can sample fresh produce and local goods. Enjoy a coffee at one of the many cafes while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.
Head to the South Melbourne Market for a delicious lunch, sampling artisanal foods. Spend some time browsing unique boutiques and taking in local artwork.
Visit the iconic laneways for dinner at a trendy restaurant. Finish the day with a stroll along the Yarra River, taking in the city lights.
Leave Melbourne early to explore the beautiful Yarra Valley. Stop by a winery for a leisurely wine tasting experience.
Enjoy lunch at a local bistro with views of the vineyards. Take a scenic drive through the hills, visiting more wineries or local cheese makers.
Return to Melbourne and unwind with dinner at a rooftop restaurant. Enjoy the evening views of the skyline as you reflect on a lovely day.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Vibrant cultural scene with numerous festivals, galleries, and museums.
- Excellent public transportation system, making it easy to navigate the city.
- A diverse and multicultural environment with a rich variety of cuisines.
- High standard of living with quality healthcare and education facilities.
- Beautiful parks and gardens, including the Royal Botanic Gardens.
- Cost of living can be high, particularly housing and rent prices.
- Weather is often unpredictable with occasional extremes, including cold and rain.
- Traffic congestion can be a significant issue in peak hours.
- Public transportation can become crowded during rush hours.
- Limited job opportunities in certain industries compared to other major cities.
Best Activities in Melbourne
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy a peaceful stroll through beautifully landscaped gardens, take a guided tour, or have a picnic in a serene environment.
Take a leisurely cruise along the Yarra River, admiring the city skyline and enjoying the scenic views.
Relax on the sandy shores of St Kilda Beach, indulge in watersports, or explore nearby attractions like Luna Park and St Kilda Pier.
Rent a bike and ride along the picturesque Yarra River, discovering charming riverside paths and parks.
Explore the expansive Royal Park, featuring lush greenery, walking trails, and opportunities for birdwatching and nature appreciation.
Tours
Uncover the best of Melbourne with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Melbourne
Visit one of these nice places.
Offering panoramic views of Melbourne from the Southern Hemisphere's highest viewing platform.
Scenic gardens offering a variety of picturesque landscapes and photo opportunities.
Iconic public square with contemporary architecture, offering a unique urban backdrop for photos.
Famous for its colorful bathing boxes and stunning views of the coastline.
Various rooftop bars in the city offering stunning city skyline and sunset views.
Food in Melbourne
Melbourne Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional Australian savory pie filled with minced meat and gravy, often topped with tomato sauce. Try iconic pies at 'Harry's Cafe de Wheels' or 'Pie Thief'.
Must-Try!
A square sponge cake coated in chocolate sauce and rolled in desiccated coconut. Head to 'Burch & Purchese Sweet Studio' for innovative lamington variations.
A meringue-based dessert topped with cream and fresh fruits. Sample delicious pavlovas at 'Laurent Bakery' or 'Brunetti'.
A quintessential Aussie breakfast featuring Vegemite, a savory spread made from brewer's yeast. Enjoy it at any local cafe or breakfast spot.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Melbourne better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Explore this historic market for a wide range of fresh produce, local delicacies, and street food stalls offering diverse global cuisines.
Visit the various food truck parks around the city for an array of street food options, from gourmet burgers to Asian fusion dishes.
Discover a bustling market offering fresh produce, artisanal products, and ready-to-eat gourmet treats from local vendors.
Don't miss this annual event featuring a spectacular selection of Asian street food stalls and night market ambiance.
Venture to this multicultural market showcasing diverse food vendors with offerings from around the world.
A popular spot housing a rotating selection of food trucks serving up tasty street eats and sweet treats.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Melbourne, it's important to acknowledge and respect the Indigenous culture of the land on which the city is built. This involves understanding and appreciating the diverse cultural traditions of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
When in public spaces in Melbourne, it's customary to be mindful of personal space and to demonstrate courteous behavior towards others. This includes maintaining a reasonable distance and being aware of noise levels in order to respect the comfort of those around you.
A cultural norm in Melbourne is the value placed on punctuality and respect for time. Being on time for appointments, meetings, and social engagements demonstrates consideration for others and is generally expected in social and professional settings.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Melbourne with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Melbourne
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Melbourne, Australia. It is generally not expected to tip in restaurants, bars, or taxis. However, if you receive exceptional service, a small tip or rounding up the bill may be appreciated, but it is not mandatory.
In Melbourne, Australia, payments are commonly made using credit or debit cards, as well as cash. Contactless payments are widely accepted in most establishments. It is important to note that some small businesses may have a minimum spend for card payments. Additionally, mobile payment methods such as Apple Pay and Google Pay are also gaining popularity.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Melbourne.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a great time to visit Melbourne when the city comes alive with blooming flowers, pleasant temperatures, and numerous outdoor events.
Summer in Melbourne brings warm weather, perfect for enjoying the city's beaches, outdoor festivals, and al fresco dining.
Autumn offers mild temperatures and stunning foliage, making it an ideal time for exploring Melbourne's parks and gardens.
Winter in Melbourne can be chilly, but it's a great time to experience the city's vibrant arts and culture scene, cozy cafes, and winter sports.
Melbourne at Night
Hiking in Melbourne
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic area with a variety of walking trails, lush rainforest, and stunning views.
Features a vast network of paths, stunning waterfalls, and tall mountain ash trees, perfect for hiking enthusiasts.
Offers peaceful walking trails around the reservoir and beautiful picnic spots surrounded by nature.
Known for its diverse wildlife, scenic viewpoints, and various trails, catering to all levels of hikers.
Features many walking tracks with views of the surrounding countryside and offers a unique granite landscape.
A riverine setting with many walking tracks along the Yarra River, allowing for tranquil hikes close to the city.
Offers trails that wind around a large lake, and is popular for both walking and mountain biking.
Located along the Maribyrnong River, it provides a variety of walking paths and scenic views.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Melbourne through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Melbourne by plane.
The primary international airport serving Melbourne, located about 23 km north of the city center.
Located about 15 km northeast of Geelong and approximately 15 km from Melbourne, Avalon serves as a secondary airport for low-cost carriers.
Often referred to in discussions about Melbourne's airport options, Tullamarine is essentially another reference to Melbourne Airport.
Located approximately 713 km north of Melbourne, it is Australia's busiest airport and serves as a major international gateway.
Located around 1,370 km north of Melbourne, it is another major international airport in Australia.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Melbourne, primarily of British and Irish descent.
Includes a variety of communities such as Italian, Greek, and Chinese Australians, contributing to Melbourne's multicultural landscape.
Includes significant populations from countries such as India, China, Vietnam, and Malaysia, reflecting increasing immigration.
The indigenous inhabitants of Australia, with a growing recognition and celebration of their culture in Melbourne.
A diverse group including Lebanese, Afghan, and other Middle Eastern backgrounds, contributing to cultural diversity.
Includes communities from countries such as South Africa, Sudan, and Ethiopia, representing the African diaspora.
The Soul of Melbourne
Discover the essence of Melbourne through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A fast-paced contact sport that combines elements of rugby and soccer, Australian Rules Football is immensely popular in Melbourne, especially during the AFL (Australian Football League) season.
Cricket is a major sport in Melbourne, with significant following for both international and domestic matches, especially during the summer months.
Soccer has seen rapid growth in popularity in Melbourne, with many local clubs and passionate fans supporting teams in the A-League.
Melbourne hosts the annual Australian Open, one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments, attracting global attention and top athletes.
Basketball is popular in Melbourne with a strong local league and support for the NBL (National Basketball League), as well as community participation at various levels.
Both Rugby League and Rugby Union have a following in Melbourne, with local teams competing at various levels and the state representing at national competitions.
Netball is popular among women and girls in Melbourne, with many local clubs and representation at both domestic and international levels.
Melbourne is known for its cycling culture, with many residents commuting via bike and a strong community of competitive cyclists participating in races and events.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Melbourne caters well to vegetarians and vegans, with many restaurants and cafes offering dedicated plant-based menus. Look out for 'Smith & Daughters' and 'Transformer' for exceptional vegan dining experiences.
Visitors with gluten intolerance can explore numerous eateries providing gluten-free alternatives, such as 'Serotonin Eatery' and 'Red Robyn' focusing on wholesome, gluten-free dishes.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Melbourne with these cultural adventures.
