Melbourne Travel Guide | Top 16 Things to do | Every Things You Should Know

8 min readAug 23, 2023

Melbourne is the capital city of the Australian state of Victoria and is known for its vibrant culture, diverse population, and numerous attractions. It is often considered one of the most livable cities in the world due to its high quality of life, excellent healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

Melbourne City, Aus — credit -aeccglobal.com

Know About Melbourne:

Cultural Diversity: Melbourne is a melting pot of cultures, with a rich mix of ethnicities, languages, and traditions. This diversity is reflected in its neighborhoods, food, festivals, and cultural events.
Arts and Entertainment: The city is renowned for its thriving arts scene. It’s home to a variety of galleries, theaters, and music venues. The Arts Centre Melbourne and the National Gallery of Victoria are notable cultural landmarks.
Sports: Melbourne is often referred to as the “Sports Capital of Australia.” It hosts major sporting events such as the Australian Open (tennis), the Melbourne Cup (horse racing), and the Australian Grand Prix (Formula One racing).
Café Culture: Melbourne is famous for its coffee culture. The city is dotted with numerous cafes offering a wide range of coffee options, and laneways are filled with hidden coffee shops and eateries.
Laneways and Street Art: Melbourne’s laneways are renowned for their vibrant street art. Graffiti and murals adorn many walls, creating an ever-changing urban art gallery.
Gardens and Parks: The Royal Botanic Gardens, Fitzroy Gardens, and Yarra Park are some of the green spaces where residents and visitors can relax and enjoy nature.
Shopping: Melbourne is a shopper’s paradise, with everything from high-end boutiques to vintage stores and bustling markets. Queen Victoria Market is a popular destination for fresh produce, clothing, and crafts.
Education and Research: The city is home to several prestigious universities, including the University of Melbourne and Monash University, known for their research and academic excellence.
Transport: Melbourne has an extensive public transportation system, including trams, buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate the city.
Climate: Melbourne has a temperate climate, with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm to hot, while winters are mild and can be accompanied by rain.
Landmarks: Iconic landmarks include Flinders Street Station, Federation Square, and the Eureka Tower, which offers panoramic views of the city.
Economy: Melbourne has a diverse economy, with strong sectors in finance, manufacturing, education, healthcare, and technology.

Here are some of the Top Places to visit in Melbourne:

Melbourne is a vibrant and diverse city that offers a wide range of attractions and experiences for visitors.

Federation Square: This iconic public space hosts cultural events, exhibitions, and houses a variety of bars, restaurants, and galleries. It’s often considered the heart of the city.
Royal Botanic Gardens: A lush and beautifully landscaped oasis in the heart of Melbourne, perfect for leisurely walks, picnics, and enjoying the diverse plant life.
National Gallery of Victoria (NGV): Australia’s oldest and most prestigious art museum, featuring an extensive collection of international and Australian artworks.
Melbourne Museum: A dynamic museum with interactive exhibits covering topics like natural history, cultural heritage, and science.
St. Kilda Beach: A popular beachside suburb with a lively atmosphere, home to beautiful beaches, a historic pier, and Luna Park amusement park.
Queen Victoria Market: A historic market offering a vast array of fresh produce, gourmet foods, clothing, crafts, and more. It’s a great place to experience the local culture.
Yarra River: Enjoy a scenic walk along the Yarra River or take a cruise to see Melbourne’s skyline from the water.
Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens: A UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, these gardens offer a relaxing escape from the city bustle.
Chinatown: Explore this bustling area with its vibrant street art, delicious Asian cuisine, and unique shops.
Southbank Promenade: Lined with restaurants, bars, and shops, this riverside area is perfect for a leisurely stroll and offers stunning views of the city skyline.
Eureka Skydeck: Experience breathtaking panoramic views of Melbourne from the Southern Hemisphere’s highest viewing platform.
Melbourne Zoo: Home to a diverse range of animals, the zoo is committed to conservation and education.
National Sports Museum: Located at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), this museum showcases Australia’s rich sporting history.
Crown Entertainment Complex: A hub of entertainment, featuring a casino, theaters, restaurants, and high-end shopping.
Great Ocean Road: While not within the city itself, the Great Ocean Road is a must-do day trip from Melbourne, known for its stunning coastal scenery and iconic rock formations like the Twelve Apostles.
Street Art and Graffiti: Melbourne is renowned for its vibrant street art scene, with famous laneways like Hosier Lane showcasing a constantly evolving canvas of urban art.

Remember that this is just a snapshot of what Melbourne has to offer. The city’s diverse neighborhoods, cultural events, and culinary scene mean that there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Interesting Things about Melbourne:

Certainly, Melbourne is a city filled with interesting and unique aspects that contribute to its character. Here are some more intriguing things about Melbourne:

Hidden Bars and Cafés: Melbourne is known for its hidden and themed bars and cafés. Some of these establishments are tucked away in laneways, requiring a bit of exploration to find. This adds an element of surprise and adventure to the city’s nightlife.
Melbourne Trams: Melbourne has one of the largest tram networks in the world. The iconic trams are not just a mode of transportation; they are an integral part of the city’s identity and a symbol of its urban culture.
Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI): ACMI is a museum dedicated to film, television, video games, and digital culture. It offers interactive exhibits, screenings, and special events, making it a hub for media enthusiasts.
Multicultural Festivals: Melbourne hosts a wide range of cultural festivals celebrating different ethnicities and traditions. Festivals like the Chinese New Year, Diwali, and the Greek Festival showcase the city’s diverse population.
St. Kilda Beach and Penguins: St. Kilda Beach is a popular seaside destination. What makes it even more unique is the nearby St. Kilda Pier, where visitors can see a colony of little penguins returning to their nests at sunset.
Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG): The MCG is not only a world-renowned sports stadium but also a historical and cultural icon. It has hosted significant sporting events and concerts and is an integral part of the city’s sporting heritage.
Haunted Melbourne: The city has its share of ghost stories and reportedly haunted places. Ghost tours take visitors through alleys and historic buildings while sharing chilling tales from Melbourne’s past.
The Block Arcade: This stunning Victorian-era shopping arcade is known for its intricate architecture, upscale boutiques, and delightful tea rooms. It’s a step back in time to the elegance of the 19th century.
Royal Arcade’s Gog and Magog: Another arcade worth mentioning is the Royal Arcade, famous for its statues of Gog and Magog. These larger-than-life mythical figures strike the hour on the Gaunt’s Clock, an attraction in itself.
Luna Park: A historic amusement park with a distinctive entrance featuring a giant smiling face, Luna Park offers classic rides, games, and an old-fashioned carnival atmosphere.

Top Routes of Melbourne:

Melbourne is served by two main airports. Both airports provide connections to various domestic and international destinations, with Melbourne Airport being the major gateway for international travelers. Depending on your travel plans and airline choices, you may use either of these airports when flying to or from Melbourne.

Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine Airport):

IATA Code: MEL
Location: Melbourne Airport is located about 23 kilometers (14 miles) northwest of the city center.
Description: Melbourne Airport is the primary international and domestic airport serving the city. It is the busiest airport in Australia for international passenger traffic and the second busiest overall.
Facilities: The airport has multiple terminals, including Terminal 1 (International), Terminal 2 (Domestic), and Terminal 4 (Domestic). Each terminal offers various amenities, shops, restaurants, lounges, and transportation options.

2. Avalon Airport:

IATA Code: AVV
Location: Avalon Airport is situated about 15 kilometers (9 miles) northeast of Geelong and about 50 kilometers (31 miles) southwest of Melbourne’s city center.
Description: Avalon Airport primarily serves as a domestic airport and handles a smaller volume of passengers compared to Melbourne Airport. It also hosts some international flights, particularly charter and seasonal services.
Facilities: The airport has one passenger terminal offering basic amenities, parking, and transportation options.

Best Season to Go to Melbourne

The best time to visit Melbourne largely depends on your preferences and what activities you’re interested in. Melbourne experiences four distinct seasons, each offering its own advantages and considerations:

Spring (September to November):

Spring is a popular time to visit Melbourne, as the weather starts to warm up and the city comes to life with colorful blooms.
Average temperatures range from 11°C (52°F) to 20°C (68°F).
This season is ideal for outdoor activities, exploring gardens, and enjoying festivals and events.

2. Summer (December to February):

Summer is a peak tourist season in Melbourne, with warmer temperatures and plenty of outdoor events and festivals.
Average temperatures range from 14°C (57°F) to 25°C (77°F), but occasional heatwaves can push temperatures higher.
It’s a great time for beach outings, outdoor dining, and enjoying the city’s vibrant cultural scene.

3. Autumn (March to May):

Autumn is another pleasant time to visit, as the weather cools down, and the city’s parks and gardens showcase beautiful autumn foliage.
Average temperatures range from 11°C (52°F) to 20°C (68°F).
This season is suitable for exploring the city’s attractions, enjoying outdoor activities, and attending various events.

4. Winter (June to August):

Winter is the off-peak season in Melbourne, but it still offers its own unique charm and attractions.
Average temperatures range from 6°C (43°F) to 14°C (57°F).
Winter is a good time for indoor activities, exploring museums, galleries, and cozy cafes. It’s also a great opportunity to experience the city’s food and wine scene.

Keep in mind that Melbourne’s weather can be changeable, so it’s a good idea to pack layers and be prepared for varying conditions. Additionally, major events and festivals, as well as accommodation prices, can influence your travel plans. If you’re interested in specific events or activities, it’s worth checking the city’s event calendar and considering factors such as crowds and availability when planning your trip.

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