🗺 Tourism Information
Melbourne, is the capital of Victoria, the second largest city in Australia. When travelling to Melbourne, you will instantly feel an air of resemblance to Europe. This is the first thing that many travellers comment about the city. The city is divided into two parts by the Yarra River, creating predominantly working class areas in the North and West regions, and more affluent areas in the South and the East.
The main difference with Sydney is that Melbourne is by far much more artistic and classic looking. It's a city of culture, architecture and art. However it also has many modern features, new buildings and residential complexes being built in recent years. Organised tours are available within the city as well as day trips outside of Melbourne.
Very important being the Great Ocean Road tour which is highly recommended and one of the "Must Do" on anyone's list when visiting the city!
Great Ocean Road is the most popular tour to do in Melbourne! Melbourne is known for its changeable weather, the city has been described as having four seasons in one day! Generally good temperatures can still be enjoyed all year round. The best advice is to plan a little ahead and look at the forecasts ahead before you go to have an idea what to except. Taking an umbrella with you is a good tip! Melbourne warms up in summer (December till March) with temperatures between 14 - 25.3°C. In the Winter (June to September) the weather is frequently cold and cloudy with temperatures between 5 - 18°C, and nights can be accompanied by frosts. Rain is not uncommon to fall with frequent showers.
Best time to visit Melbourne therefore is from Spring (September) to the end of the Autumn. (June).
The majestic Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne, framed by bare trees on a Winters overcast day. 
Even in Winter the sun can still shine strong, reaching 20C. From the airports (Both the Main one and the one named Melbourne Avalon) you can take the SkyBus. From the main airport (MEL) the busses leave every 10 minutes to the centre of Melbourne (CBD). It arrives to the coach station Terminal/Spencer St.
It costs AU $20 one way and takes 40 min. Melbourne's grid layout makes it an easy city to navigate, with most attractions within walking distance.
In Melbourne, transport options include trains, trams and busses. The Night Network of trams, trains and busses also operates on weekends with after hours transport to many locations. (see the maps below).
Myki is Melbourne's ticket to travel on the city's trains, trams and buses. It's an e-card with stored value which can be topped up and re-used again. Purchase the card, at main train stations and retail outlets displaying the myki sign (including 7-Elevens). Alternatively, you can also use your contactless card and smartphone for the same prices than the card.
✔️Tip: Trams are FREE in the city centre, perhaps the best way of moving around the city. The only thing you will need is a Myki card if you plan to start or finish your journey outside of the central area of free travel. For more information on the area covered by the Free Tram Zone check the map links below.
Tram 35 (City Circle) is also a circular line which covers most places of interest. These trams are also old fashioned and are a tourist attraction within themselves, because they offer live audio commentary as you pass the sights. Be aware that they can be very busy at times and there is limited seating.
Tram 35 includes live Audio tourism commentary! 
Trams run every 5-10 min on most lines. 
Regional trains provide quick and comfortable journeys to the outskirts. For your convenience attached, are the transport maps in Melbourne:
A city packed with interesting sights and tourist attractions, Melbourne is certainly an appealing part of Australia and its without doubt a must see in any trip! Tourists first arriving in Melbourne are strongly advised to tour the city, either by walking around the Waterfront and Southbank or the CBD and discover its many sights and cultural buildings.
As a first destination, head to the city's centre or CBD, where you will find the modern Federation Square by the Yarra River. Next to it, you will the iconic Flinders Station with its classic entrance. You can use this as your main transportation reference. In the Southbank area, the Melbourne Arts Precinct is the site of Arts Centre Melbourne, a performing arts complex, and the National Gallery of Victoria, with Australian and indigenous art.
The Yarra River divides the CBD with the Southbank and South Wharf suburbs. There is a lot to see and do in this city! Below you will find more information of the highlights of Melbourne and its suburbs:
Federation Square and Flinders Street Station: It´s main square of the city. You will find the the Melbourne Visitor Centre. It's an information centre and shop for visitors offering free brochures, maps and event listings, along with souvenirs and a travel booking service. At the square there are numerous modern buildings dedicated to art and culture. With Galleries, exhibition centres doted around the plaza, with bars, and restaurants. The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is also located here. It displays the Australian collection of artworks. Next to the square, you will find the busy Flinders Street Station. Its a major landmark in the city and is also a particularly popular place to meet. With Victorian architecture and striking, large clock faces, Melbourne's Flinders Street Station was built in the late 19th century. It's a busy meeting point, as well as your point of reference for many trips as you can easily take many trains and trams from/to Flinders Street.
The station was built in the late 19th century 
Federation Square has multiple bars outside to enjoy a drink or two! 
After a big redevelopment, its now a big cultural and meeting point. Queen Victoria Market: is much more than the city’s fresh-food shopping mecca, it’s a historic landmark, and a tourist attraction. Shoppers can find everything from fruit and vegetables to local and imported gourmet foods, fashion and general merchandise. Explore the Market's historic sheds to grab a bargain or find a Melbourne-made treasure amongst clothing, jewellery, handcrafts, homewares and souvenirs.
The market is open five days a week, with Sunday taking on a carnival atmosphere as entertainers delight the crowds. Guided tours highlight the market’s food, heritage, culture, shopping and history are also available. To get there, take Tram 58, and get off at Queen Victoria Market/Peel St.
Visit the market for clothing, jewellery, handcrafts, homewares and souvenirs. 
Inside you will find local and imported gourmet foods. 
The market is a historic landmark, and a tourist attraction also! South Melbourne Market: This other covered food and general goods market located in South Melbourne, opened in 1867, it is the oldest continuously operating market in Melbourne. Although it only opens Wednesdays and weekends, its a good alternative to the bigger Victoria Market. It offers fresh produce sourced from local traders. A good place for for some seriously good coffee, specialty tea and a vibrant restaurant precinct for day and night time fun. There’s also an amazing array of merchandise and services with everything from clothing, homewares and second hand books to hairdressing and pet food. With a full calendar of live music, events and activities, during the weekend when it gets busier. To get there, take the 96 Tram to South Melbourne Station.
Enjoy seafood as well as good coffee, specialty tea and all types of sweets and salty treats! 
There’s also an amazing array of merchandise and foreign quality produce. 
Find fresh produce sourced from local traders at this market! Take a ride on Tram 35: The City Circle Tram number 35 provides a free and convenient way to get around central Melbourne. Ideal if you dont have much time, wanna save on budget or its a rainny day!
An audio commentary provides details of city landmarks and major attractions. The route is serviced by heritage class trams. It only operates in a clockwise direction, with the service taking approximately 60 minutes to complete a loop. You can enjoy this tram as a 'hop on - hop off' service, with the added bonus of travelling aboard traditional Melbourne transportation.
Information leaflets and map of the city are available on board each City Circle Tram.
The tram operates daily but offers a limited service from 9.30 am to 4pm.
Tram 35 provides a free service in Melbourne plus has audio commentary. St Paul’s Cathedral: is an Anglican church located on Melbourne's busiest intersection opposite Federation Square. Built between 1880 and 1931, the neo-Gothic building is a Melbourne landmark and Victoria’s most visited sacred place. Constructed in sandstone, the cathedral’s architecture is described as Gothic.
Music plays an integral part of worship at St Paul's, and the repertoire of Anglican church music can be heard during services. The church also holds a lunchtime concert series on Wednesdays at 1pm. These half-hour recitals provide fine music and space for contemplation. The cathedral gift shop stocks a wide range of gifts, handcrafts, devotional items and souvenirs. Access is free from 10am to 5pm everyday except Sundays.
Access to the Cathedral is free from 10am to 5pm everyday except Sundays. Melbourne Museum: Showcases Australian and Victorian social history, Aboriginal cultures, science and the environment. With exhibits to surprise and delight all ages, you can enjoy an inspiring and entertaining day while learning new things.
Visit their permanent collections year-round and join in for exciting programs and temporary exhibitions from near and far. Explore the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre, a space dedicated entirely to honouring First People’s history, knowledge and living culture, through exhibits, storytelling, performances and more.
Melbourne Museum is located adjacent to the World Heritage listed Royal Exhibition Building. The museum also includes a special gallery just for children. To access the museum there is AUD$18 charge. (Discounts available online). To get there, take Tram 30/35 to Victoria St/La Trobe St stop. Its a 10 minute walk via the Royal Exhibition Building.
To access the museum is a 10 min walk from the CBD tram stop. 
The Museum showcases Australian and Victorian social history together with Aboriginal cultures. 
The natural history section is very impressive with large dinosaur examples. 
A strikingly illuminated dinosaur skeleton on display at the Melbourne Museum showcases the fascinating prehistoric history. ✅Tip: Before you reach the Museum, you will notice a majestic building, this is the Royal Exhibition Building. It was built in Melbourne's Carlton Gardens to host the 1880 Melbourne International Exhibition. The building is the oldest surving of its kind from that era. The dome was influenced by Brunelleschi’s cathedral dome in Florence.
Today, dozens of trade fairs, public expos, and cultural events are still held at annually at this Melbourne landmark. Check what is on currently at their website!
The Royal Exhibition Building, was built in Melbourne's Carlton Gardens to host the 1880 Melbourne International Exhibition. Eureka Skydeck Tower: You will find an observation platform for a complete 360 degree, floor-to-ceiling views encompassing Melbourne's CBD, sports precinct, Southbank, Docklands and everything in between. You can access the tower, both day and night. Your ticket gives you access to the observation deck, Melbourne 3-D interactive model and Bar 88. Prices start from AUD $33 for general admission.
Located in the Southbank, The Skydeck Tower is easy to access from the CBD 
The views from the Skydeck offer a 360 degree view! 
Panoramic views to the Yarra River from the Eureka Skydeck Tower on a clear day. Graffiti art: Melbourne's street art is internationally renowned and offers a feast of colour, ideas and energy. It has become an attraction for local and overseas visitors experiencing Melbourne’s creative ambience. Some places to find the art are AC/DC Lane and Duckboard Place, Hosier Ln and Rutledge lanes, and many more.
Also discover Centre Place, which is full of quaint cafes, eateries and shops in the day time but after they close you can also discover the street is full of graffiti artwork.
Hosier Ln is one of the main sites to admire the graffiti art. 
AC/DC lane is another place not to miss impressive graffiti. 
Centre Place, is full of quaint cafes, eateries and shops. Cook's Cottage: Built in 1755, Cooks' Cottage is the oldest building in Australia and a popular Melbourne tourist attraction. Originally located in Yorkshire, England, and built by the parents of Captain James Cook, the cottage was brought to Melbourne by Sir Russell Grimwade in 1934. Astonishingly, each brick was individually numbered, packed into barrels and then shipped to Australia. Entry to the cottage includes a comprehensive fact sheet for a self-guided tour for AUD$8. More info at Gov.au/book-cooks-cottage To get there, head to the Fitzroy Gardens by taking the 48/75 Tram and get off at Jolimont Rd/Wellington Pde.
Entry to Cook's Cottage is $8 
Cook's Cottage is surrounded by lush greenery and classic architecture located in Fitzroy Gardens. Melbourne Star Observation Wheel: Every night from dusk, the Star lights up the Melbourne skyline with a spectacular lighting display. Three and half kilometres of LED lighting engineered into the structure of the wheel generate more than 15 million different light combinations. The cabins gives you a 360-degree view of the city.
Get a 360-degree view of the city at the Observation Wheel! Try Melbourne's best coffee: They say this city offers one of the best coffee in the world! To enjoy the complete experience, visit for breakfast or brunch. Combine your coffee with a tasty fresh made pastry or with a savoury snack to get your day going with good energy! There are many independent cafes running along Melbourne so the list is infinite. However, a few recommended places can be found at the next link: Melbourne best café places.
Coffees and snacks can be enjoyed anytime of the day! 
Combine your coffee with a healthy soup! Fitzroy Suburb: Fitzroy's curious and cool bars, independent retailers, traditional pubs, restaurants, cafes and live music are scattered all over the neighbourhood grid.
Sample life like a local on a wander from Brunswick Street to Gertrude, along to Smith, and up to Johnston Street. Fitzroy was first established in 1839 as Melbourne's first suburb. Since then, it has transformed itself from an industrial working-class suburb into a highly sought after area with many apartment buildings and extensive shopping and dining precincts. Despite the change, Fitzroy features many examples of fine Victorian era architecture including the Fitzroy Town Hall in Napier Street which dates back to 1873.
The proximity of Fitzroy to Melbourne's CBD and its good public transport facilities have made it a popular suburb for both residents and visitors.
Fitzroy is known for its large number of pubs. A number of Fitzroy's traditional hotels can be found tucked away down back streets in residential areas, giving the sense of a village atmosphere away from the bustling shopping strips.
Fitzroy is also home to a number of galleries and art studios. It also has a thriving and creative street art community with large scale murals on the walls of some buildings. Tours are available of the more notable sites.
Along Fitzroy you can find shops, galleries and restaurants! 
Fitzroy features many examples of older Victorian era architecture. 
Many places around Fitzroy are transformed into bars and pubs. The Shrine of Remembrance: is Victoria’s national war memorial, built in 1934 to honour First World War veterans and now commemorating all Australians who have served. The Shrine offers a moving and immersive visitor experience.
Step inside to explore the Galleries of Remembrance, home to over 800 artefacts including an original Gallipoli landing boat and personal stories of Australians in war and peacekeeping. Discover the Sanctuary's classical interior, where Ray of Light demonstrations occur every half hour. From the Balcony, take in breath-taking views of Melbourne and the surrounding memorial gardens.
Experience the Last Post Service every Sunday at 4.45pm, featuring buglers, bagpipers, and the Shrine Guard in historic uniform. Guided tours run hourly (except 1pm). The access is FREE from 10am to 5pm everyday.
The Shrine of Remembrance: is Victoria’s national war memorial, built in 1934 
Inside, its home to over 800 artefacts including personal stories of Australians in war and peacekeeping. 
Ray of Light demonstrations occur every half hour. 
Access from the Balcony for breath-taking views of Melbourne! Melbourne Botanical Gardens: Not far from the Shrine of Remembrance, you will find this beautiful place to relax, wonder and take a moment to disconnect from the bustling city. One of Melbourne's most beautiful green spaces, the Royal Botanic Gardens has surprises hidden in every leafy corner. Discover the best natural wonders, events and cafes, the gardens have to offer. More info at Melbourne Botanical Gardens.
Discover a beautiful space in Melbourne at the gardens. 
Entrance to the Botanical Gardens in Aboriginal Language. 
The gardens are a relaxing free space for everyone! Brighton Beach: is the perfect half day trip to explore some of its beaches and discover calm waters, colourful huts and historic sea baths, which make this suburban beach a relaxing and stylish escape from Melbourne's inner-city.
Brighton Beach refers to three different sections of beach along Port Phillip Bay: Upper Brighton Beach, Middle Brighton Beach and Dendy Street Beach. Middle Brighton features historic sea baths and the Middle Brighton Pier. The most famous spot is undoubtedly Dendy Street Beach, which is home to a line of more than 80 colourful beach huts, Brighton’s famous “bathing boxes.”
The iconic, heritage-protected bathing boxes are nearly identical in their design and building materials. But all of them are painted in a range of bold, beautiful and flamboyant designs that form a spectacular wall of colour along the beach. Don’t forget your camera! The bathing boxes are a remembrance from the modest Victorian times when they provided a place for bathers to change clothing in privacy. Nowadays, people can buy an annual license for a bathing box. On weekends many licensees will have their huts open, for having BBQ, gather around friends and family and enjoy the weather and food/drink!
The beaches of Brighton generally have very calm water and are patrolled by lifeguards, which make them safe to swim. There are also separate walking and cycling paths which run the length of Port Phillip Bay and provide great vistas of the bay and city skyline. Be sure to bring a hat, sunscreen and to drink plenty of water when in the sun.
Brighton Beach is easily accessible via bus or the Sandringham train that runs along the suburbs of Port Phillip Bay into downtown Melbourne.
Don't forget your camera to take pics of the Australian Flag Hut, the most popular one! 
There are over 80 huts, all of them different in colours! 
Every hut is different in painting with some really artistic ones worth seeing! 
There is walking and cycling paths which run the length of Port Phillip Bay. ✅Tip: Join a Free walking tour in Melbourne, organised by locals or students living in the city. These walking tours are completely free and give you good in depth knowledge from the city, history facts and curiosities about Melbourne. At the end you can leave a tip if you liked the tour. The tours starts from the statue of Sir Redmond Barry in front of the State Library of Victoria. The walk is about 2 hours long. For more info check Free Walking Tour.
Arthur's Seat Chairlift, a little further away from Melbourne, in the Mornington Peninsula, is one of the most popular attractions for both tourists and locals in this part of Victoria. Built in 1960, this exciting chairlift transports visitors 300 metres up to Arthur's Seat State Park, which has excellent picnic and barbecue facilities, walking trails, a car museum and a restaurant. During the journey, Arthur's Seat Chairlift offers some truly superb views of Port Phillip Bay and the surrounding countryside. To get there, you will need to take the train to Frankston and then continue by bus 887 and get off at the Visitor Information/ Point Nepean Rd.
The Great Ocean Road is the number one trip out of Melbourne! Drive a car or join a tour which takes you this famous road, which winds alongside the wild and windswept Southern Ocean. It's home to the world-class surf at Bells Beach and the limestone spires of the 12 Apostles, this diverse and dramatic region is best explored over the course of a few days due to its length. The Great Ocean Road begins a 90 minute drive from Melbourne's city centre. It spans 400 kilometres (249 miles) from the town of Torquay to Nelson on the South Australian border. It's best to hire a car and drive along the road comfortably yourself for the best experience. But it's also possible to do it by tour from Melbourne costing about AU $50 per person. However, if you want a unique experience and not coincide so much with big tour groups we advice you take a Premium tour with a max of 13 pax going by Mini bus. You can check Getyourguide.com/ for more information on tours and prices. During the drive, its very probable that the weather will change constantly, often it can be wet, cloudy in some areas and later completely clear in others. Take raincoats, umbrellas and in the summer sun cream and protective sunglasses.
The Great Ocean Road Photo Gallery
Phillip Island and Penguin Parade: Phillip Island is a small off shore island located 90 min drive from central Melbourne. Its growing in popularity thanks to one key feature, its little penguins. But there is actually much more to see on this 100 square/km of amazing experiences mixed into one easy-going island sanctuary.
You will also find idyllic beaches, captivating coastlines, unique wildlife to spot along the ride. Suitable for all the family.
Often tours will combine the Penguins 🐧 activities with other sights and beauty spots along the island to give you a general taste of the island. Tours start later in the day around 10 or 11 am and return back to Melbourne around 7.30pm. Prices for the tour cost AUD＄120. Phillip Island is home to the largest little penguin colony in the world. You can experience the magic of watching these amazing seabirds arrive home from the ocean to their burrows any night of the year from the viewing platforms and boardwalks.
When arriving at the Penguin Parade Visitor Centre, main entrance you can collect your pre-booked ticket from the counter or the guides will handout the tickets, if you are going as part of a tour. General Viewing ticket holders must go to the east and west stands via the boardwalk. Generally the penguins will arrive just after sunset so keep an eye on the time and arrive to the visitor centre well in advance to get a good spot!
⚠️Attention! Pre-Bookings are essential to view the penguins due to high demand. The only tickets on the day are the more expensive premium packages which allow closer access to the penguins via underground viewing locations.
Another thing to note, NO PHOTOGRAPHY or VIDEO of any sort is allowed during the arrival of the Penguins because the light reflection can cause discomfort to their sensitive eyes. Staff at all times will control this rule.
Phillip Island and Penguin Parade Photo Gallery
Peninsula Hot Springs: is a natural geothermal mineral springs and day spa less than 90 minute drive from Melbourne. Explore over 50 globally inspired bathing and wellness experiences in a natural landscape.
The highlight is the hilltop pool, offering 360-degree views of the Mornington Peninsula.
The normal price is AUD$80 which can be bought online via a tour operator and gives you a general admission access, anytime of the day. If you buy this online directly on their website is AUD$100. Peninsulahotsprings.com/ The general admission includes the geothermal bathing with over 50 different inspired bathing experiences from cold pools to hot pools, all with great scenery and surroundings. There is also a nice café and lunch restaurant where to take a nice break and recharge energy.
Peninsula Hot Springs Photo Gallery
Geelong: is Victoria's second largest city, located on Corio Bay, and within a short drive from popular beach-front communities on the Bellarine Peninsula as well as being the gateway to the famous Great Ocean Road.
The city itself boasts a large commercial centre which extends down to the foreshore, offering visitors the chance to explore popular beach-front attractions such as Eastern Beach with its swimming enclosure, the Steampacket Gardens, the dining options available on Cunningham Pier, and several coastal walks, dotted with collections of bollards depicting historic characters. Elegant architecture, colourful gardens and parks, and the backdrop of Corio Bay are all symbolic of why Geelong can be a nice escape from Melbourne.
Locations of interest for visitors include the National Wool Museum, the Old Geelong Gaol, the Botanic Gardens at Eastern Park, and a number of other museums, galleries and historical buildings. The multicultural heart of Geelong can be found along Pakington Street in Geelong West.
Getting to Geelong is very easy with frequent train services from Southern Cross Station in Melbourne to Geelong. Take the V/Line to Warrnambool stopping at Geelong.
You can also take the Ferry services, which operate between Queenscliff on the Bellarine Peninsula and Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula, as well as Portarlington on the Bellarine Peninsula or Geelong Central and Docklands in Melbourne.
Geelong Photo Gallery
Torquay Town and Beaches: If you are travelling in Melbourne during the hotter months, taking a trip to the beach is a must! Having some extra time and explore further is a great idea and dose up on surf culture at Torquay! It's home of Bells Beach and birthplace of iconic brands Rip Curl and Quicksilver. It's also the official start point of the Great Ocean Road, Torquay is Victoria's surfing and beach worship capital.
Torquay, offers a great paradise for surf lovers where you can enjoy swimming or just relaxing on one of the protected beaches. If you prefer the action of the surging surf, nearby Jan Juc is a little wilder, and experienced surfers can tackle the big swells of Bells Beach. This world-famous beach is the venue for the Rip Curl Pro, one of the most sought after titles on the World Championship Tour.
Some of the biggest names in surfwear and accessories had their start in Torquay and their influence is on show at Surf City Plaza, a shopping precinct devoted to the sport. Stock up on the latest from the likes of Rip Curl, Quiksilver, Strapper, Gash and Rojo.
While at its busiest in the hot summer months, Torquay is a year-round destination offering more than just amazing surf. Capture the spirit of surf culture with a visit to the Australian National Surfing Museum with pictures and hands-on displays. Stroll along sandy beaches beneath towering cliffs or take fine views of the coast from vantage points along the Surf Coast Walk.
Getting to Torquay from Melbourne can only be done by combining a trip to Geelong by train and then taking bus 52/53 from Geelong Station to Torquay which takes 45 minutes.
Melbourne has a vibrant nightlife, where you can find cocktail lounges, pubs, underground dance clubs and international theatre productions. There is no one distinct party area; instead, various entertainment pockets can be found around Melbourne.
Melbourne's Central Business District was once very quiet after dark but the last few years there has been a rebirth of nightlife in the CBD which is now home to plenty of bars and nightclubs. Hotspots in the CBD include King Street and Swanston Street.
The most famous nightlife districts are the Collingwood and Fitzroy neighbourhoods in north-eastern Melbourne, where night-time entertainment venues centre on streets including Brunswick, Johnson, Smith and Fitzroy.
🌈An established and enticing gay scene can be expected in the city of Melbourne and there are a number of themed LGBT bars and clubs, as well as gay friendly hotels and one of the world's biggest LGBT celebrations - the hugely popular Midsumma Festival, celebrated in January or February each year.
Melbourne has a thriving gay community based in and around the Collingwood area of Melbourne, Chapel Street, Brunswick Street, Fitzroy and Prahran. In St. Kilda, the Greyhound Hotel on Brighton Road is known for its fun drag queen shows, while in South Yarra, Priscilla's on Commercial Road offers a traditional style bar with live gay themed entertainment.
Melbourne central CBD is now also raising as a place to hang at night! 
Collingwood suburb is popular for LGBT+ 
Fitzroy area gets busy at weekends, as its a popular night bar destination! Even during the day, anytime is good to come to sample Melbourne more cosy districts and take a laid back drink at a bar. Melbourne offers a good array of shopping opportunities from both enormous malls and department stores to small quirky side-street boutiques and speciality shops.
The main shopping strip is on Bourke Street with Bourke Street Mall at its heart, while the east end of the street has mainly fashion boutiques and bookshops. There are bargains to be found at Queen Victoria Market as well as fresh produce, souvenirs, clothes and gift ideas!
Queen Victoria Market offer a wide range of gift ideas and local market stands! There are laneways and arcades throughout the city offering everything from magic spells and antique books to eclectic fashions and household goods.
Melbourne arcades offers local exclusive high end shopping plus cafes and artistic shops. Also it's worth to check out South Melbourne Market which offers a wide variety of local and foreign produce, fresh and meat together with many snack places, cafes and small restaurants where to enjoy all the delicious treats!
South Melbourne Market definitely should not be missed! If you are looking for high end shopping, Melbourne Central is the place to find leading Australian and international labels.
Chinatown, encompassing Little Bourke Street and the neighbouring lanes, offers Asian grocery stores, Chinese medicine, music and jewellery. The Sunday's Market at the Art Centre is good for unique jewellery, ceramics and glassware.
Compared to Sydney, you will notice that in Melbourne accommodation is much more affordable and cheaper to stay closer to the city. Saying that, new development areas in South Wharf, the Docklands and the Waterfront, have brought many designer hotels and well known hotel chains to establish their businesses here, which make the areas quite popular to stay at with great views over Melbourne, but prices are much higher, naturally.
High end accommodation is located in the CBD, South Wharf and the Docklands areas. Melbourne offers very reasonably priced accommodation and even some of the city's luxury hotels are becoming affordable. There is also plenty of budget lodging to be found within Melbourne, suiting both backpackers and holiday makers looking to save on the budget. You can find 2 to 3 star hotels in the city centre along King Street which offer double rooms and private bathroom for around AUD$70 a night.
Various youth hostels reside within central Melbourne, on roads such as Flinders Lane and King Street, while for longer stays during student holidays, decent accommodation is often available at colleges around the city, such as the university's Medley Hall and Ormond College.
In general, choosing Hotels and accommodation within East Melbourne, its more peaceful and quiet, yet being affordable and easy to get into the CBD. For coastal views and beach attractions, St. Kilda is well worth considering. Other appealing suburbs include Fitzroy, Queens Road, Richmond and South Yarra. Prices tend to hover around AUD$100 a night. Booking early is essential in getting the best deals!
Checking accommodations in Fitzroy and other suburbs will offer better prices than in the CBD. Melbourne's hotels are often filled to capacity and reservations may be necessary several weeks in advance during peak seasons and major events. Accommodation soon becomes scarce during the Australian Open tennis championship in January, the St. Kilda Festival in February, and the Australian Formula One Grand Prix in March, all of which attract literally hundreds of thousands of visitors to the city each year.
The busiest tourist season is during the Australian summer months, between December to February, and many hotels tend to rise their rates at this time.
Other accommodation is available on the outskirts of Melbourne, in scenic areas such as the Yarra Valley and the Mornington Peninsula, where you will find many boutique-style hotels and guest houses.
Visiting Melbourne for a first time, there are a few must do's, which requires a day trip at least to see the Great Ocean Road. The city centre is not that big, but you will spend a bit longer travelling to some of the sights around the city or the beaches. Combining day trips with leisure city activities, museums, galleries or museums consider staying for at least 4 to 5 nights for a first visit to see as much as possible and take a good look at the beautiful scenery which is not too far from the city.
If you are only staying within the city, a 3 night stay in Melbourne CBD is good enough to enjoy all the city has to offer and take some walks along the Waterfront or Southbank.
The CBD is not big so walking can cover a lot of sights, enjoying when the weather is good!
