Melbourne

What You Should Know More About Melbourne

• Travel Advice

  • There are umpteen options for transportation once you reach the Melbourne airport. To commute within the city take trams and public transportation instead of taxis. Trams, trains, and buses are well connected to most of the areas in the city.

  • Pronounce the names of all the places as they are so you don’t offend the local citizens and do not sound touristy.

  • Keep your passport, and all travel documents in a safe deposit once you reach this city.

  • When in Melbourne, always drive on the left.

  • Melbourne weather is variable, so do not dress as per the weather. This city experiences four seasons in a single day.

  • Melbourne is fashion centric; carry black garments to blend into the fashion taste of the locals, especially, if you are visiting art galleries, and theatres.

  • When driving, always follow the traffic rules. Melbourne has strict laws for driving on the road. Follow all the rules by the book, if you are driving on the road. Make sure you have an international travelling license before you start driving.

  • Do not ask locals about their profession or climb into the front seat in the taxi. Melbourne does not follow class difference, and you can follow the same as a tourist.

  • Australians are foodies, and fusion food is trending in most of the restaurants. Always try new cuisines when in Melbourne.

  • Explore the cities laneways and archades.

• Drinking Laws

  Anyone under the age of 18 is not permitted to drink or supply alcohol even in licensed places. Even if they are accompanied by parents or guardian, it is illegal to drink or serve alcohol below the age of 18.

  
  

• Our Recommendations: What you can’t afford to miss?

  Sightseeing, museums, art galleries, parks

  Though the city is sprawled with authentic and fusion foods, you can take a visit at the art galleries and museums and get a peek into the history and culture of Australia. The Ian Potter Museum of Art presents art exhibitions in historical and contemporary art. The Melbourne museum is a natural museum and has a collection and exhibits from the pre historic era. You can find exhibits of mummies of Egypt and dinosaurs in this museum. The Birrarung Marr Park near the Yarra river, offers many tours and activities for family and backpackers. The Luna Park has many roll coaster rides and activities for children and adults. The Polly Woodside provides many guided tours within this area.

  The Royal Botanic Garden has a variety of rare plants and much landscape view that are breathtaking. Melbourne Park hosts many sports like tennis tournaments. You can also visit The Dandenong Ranges National Park that is spread across 35000 acre of land. You can take walking trails in the forest range of this park. You can also visit this park for picnics and enjoy the nature and its scenic beauty. You can also visit the Yarra Bend Park that is rich in vegetation.

  
  

  Shopping, eatery, clubs, and nightlife

  You can shop in various markets, malls, and streets in Melbourne for fashion items and souvenirs. There are umpteen places to eat ethnic and fusion foods of your choice. You can relish on Asian, Turkish, European, and American platters at these restaurants, and also try out their experimental and fusion foods. You can take day tours for sightseeing the buildings and monuments in the city. You can visit the swankiest clubs in Melbourne and get the best of nightlife. The Queen Victotia Market, South Melbourne Market?, and The Esplanade Market, St. Kilda are the most popular for shopping.

  
  

  Beaches and outdoor activities

  You can visit the St Kilda beach for basking in the sun and taking a swim. There are no water sports available at this beach. At the Elwood Beach you can take walking and cycling by the coast line. This beach has clear water and is ideal for swimming. You can go fishing and boating on the Half Moon Bay beach. The Brighton Beach has iconic bathing houses that are placed on the beach. You can enjoy eating and shopping at this beach.

  You can take a jet boat or charter a yatch on the Port Phillip Bay. Melbourne is not for avid surfers. You can still find some surfing activities on the Bells Beach and Great Road Ocean. You can also go scuba diving at the Mornington Peninsula. Gippsland offers many water sports activities like surfing, wind surfing, boating, and sailing.

• What will like you like there?

  Food, culture, sightseeing, and nightlife

  You will simply love the food that Melbourne offers at most of the restaurants. You will also love to get a taste of their coffee culture. If you want to club and party, this is the city to be visited in Australia. You can also go on sightseeing tours and complete the tour in a day. You can shop for rare souvenirs and artifacts from the markets of Melbourne.

  
  

  Outdoor activities

  There are zoos, sanctuaries, water aquariums, and places near Melbourne that can be visited and offer umpteen options of learning water sports activities. You can have the best of holidays by visiting Melbourne. Beaches in Melbourne are clean and are ideal for swimming and taking beach walking. Kayaking, canoeing, sailing, boating, surfing, and jet skiing are the water sports activities that you can take in Melbourne.

  
  

• Recommended reads for destination

  Website

  Visit Melbourne

  
  

  Books

  Lonely Planet Melbourne & Victoria (Travel Guide) by Lonely Planet, Kate Morgan, Anthony Ham, Trent Holden

  
  

• When is the best time to visit Melbourne?

  Melbourne is an enjoyable destination spot and can be traveled around the year. Summers are fun in Melbourne that spans between the months of December to March. During this season, the weather is warm, pleasurable and delightful – very much felicitous for sight viewing and other outdoor activities. However, depending on your holiday mood and choice of season selection, here is a vivid monthly break down of the climatic state of Melbourne:

  • December to March: This is the period of summer in Melbourne – considerably the best time period to relish the beauty and attractions of the city. At this time, most of the essential events are held like the Australian Grand Prix, Australian Grand Slam Open, and Boxing Day Test Cricket Match. However, there are few tips to follow while you decide to juggle out in the daylight during the summer – wear cotton clothes, carry shades, apply sunscreen and drink sufficient water throughout the day. Since the summer time is considered the peak season in Melbourne, therefore it is most pricey.
  • March to May & September to November: Between September to November spring falls while between the months of March to May, it is the autumn time. During both the seasons, it is enjoyable and good to visit Melbourne. This time is perfect to explore the place in totality on bike or foot. Also, remember to relish good times, barbeques, picnics and parks on your visit to Melbourne at this time.
  • June to August: June to August is considered to be the coldest months in the city of Melbourne. This time is considered to be an offseason as the prices for hotel and airways fall down. Sometimes at this time, it also snows outside the city making nights cold, freezy and chilly. If you visit at this time, remember to relish skiing in ski fields, explore indoor sights and attractions and relish the wonderful dining experience that the city offers.

• How to reach Melbourne?

  You can reach Melbourne by Air. Melbourne Airport is conferred to be a well maintained and modern international airport that is well affixed to all the main cities of the globe. On reaching the Melbourne Airport, you can take a taxi to reach your destined location in Melbourne. Alternatively, if you want, then you can travel by Skybus which is available every fifteen minutes from the Melbourne Airport. Skybus will drop you to Spencer street station and from there, you will have to select your own travel mode like trains, buses, taxis, and trams to reach your ultimate destination.

• Which are the major tourist attractions in Melbourne?

  Major tourist attractions in Melbourne are:

  • Queen Victoria Market
  • ACMI
  • Melbourne Star Observation Wheel
  • Werribee Open Range Zoo
  • Scienceworks
  • SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
  • Melbourne Zoo
  • Old Melbourne Gaol
  • NGV International
  • Melbourne Museum
  • Botanic Gardens
  • Koorie Heritage Trust
  • Eureka Skydeck 88
  • Werribee Park and Mansion
  • Cricket Ground of Melbourne

• What are the things to do in Melbourne?

  The following are the things which you can do in Melbourne:

  • Gondola ride from Dromana to Arthurs Seat Summit
  • Walk your way through the historic Nicholas Building
  • Guzzle Ethiopian food in Footscray
  • Experience the Rally drive in Melbourne
  • View the Miss Wing Penguin bird at the Melbourne Zoo
  • Experience the Lamborghini ride ex-St Kilda
  • Swindle through Melbourne Fitzroy Icebar
  • Trike through the adventure tours in Melbourne
  • Experience the tranquil sea life in Melbourne Aquarium
  • Play and drink milkshake at the Red Triangle
  • Step up and jiggle up with a mic at Charlton Karaoke
  • Make a solid attempt to make an entry into the Flinders Street Ballroom
  • Follow up with a show at Forum
  • Take a deep dip and swing out and repeat the same at the Yarra at Pound Bend
  • Move swift and dwindle through the hidden rooms of the State Library of Victoria
  • Be a volunteer at the Sacred Heart
  • Guzzle a cocktail, mocktail, and everything which is drinkable at the hidden bar
  • Gaze at the dangerous and scary creatures through the glass at the Melbourne Museum
  • Remember to find peace at the Japanese bath house
  • Drive into the Tuck Shop Take Away and order minor burger for snack and relish it to the fullest
  • Act like a spy and dig through the adventurous Lost and Found Market to find the lost treasure.

• What is the local food of Melbourne? Which are the best places to taste this food?

  The local food of Melbourne along with the best places to taste the food are as follows:

  • Tagliolini al Nero at Tippo 00
  • Fish Mackerel Dumplings at Shandong MaMa
  • Cucumber, Lamb at Heston for dinner
  • Ricotta Hotcakes at Top Paddock
  • Black Sesame Desserts and Mango Sorbet at Din Tai Fung
  • Margherita Pizza at 400 Gradi
  • Peking Duck at Flower Drum
  • Baller bucket at Belle's Hot Chicken
  • White chocolate mini cookies with Tiramisu & at Merricks Creek Winery
  • Tumeric pancakes and delightful drinks at Little Sunflower Café
  • One Piece Double Chilli Burger with Eggs at One Plus Piece
  • Lasagne at Bossy Boots Café
  • Son in Law Eggs at Son in Law
  • Pasta at La Cucina Di Sandra Cooking School
  • Duck Sausage Benedict at Mammoth Café
  • Baked Eggs at Hardware Societe
  • Meataxe Burger at Cafe 51
  • The Bully Burger at Tuck Shop Takeaway
  • Dish Franky Roti at One Plus Piece
  • Marron with Sweet and Sour Pumpkin Seeds at Attica

• What is the best public transport to commute around Melbourne?

  Generally, most of the travelers in the center of the city alongside the buzzing of the commercially stricken hearts envision to swaddle every corner and nook of the city including the theatres, museums, bars, restaurants, and shops. The grid layout of Melbourne makes it considerably easy and simple for the city to steer and map read most of the attractive sights located in and around Melbourne. The transport options in Melbourne include buses, bikes, trams, and trains. A special network known as the Night Network in Melbourne operates during the weekends.

  Following are the mode of travel to commute around Melbourne:

  • Metro Trains
  • Trams
  • Buses
  • Rideshare and Taxis
  • Regional Victoria – Victoria’s Regional provider of train and bus that runs across the city.

• Which are the best shopping places in Melbourne and what are they famous for?

  The best shopping places along with its specialty in Melbourne are as follows:

  • Bourke Street Mall – Thrilling fashion jumbos like the Myer and David Jones have splendid stores delineating both clothes and eateries for the visitors. For instance, if you are bored of shopping then you can take a break from shopping and treat yourself with delectable food on leaving the store.
  • The Block Arcade – The Block Arcade is a place famous for a number of alluring boutique retailer stores like Crabtree and Evelyn, Australian By Design, Haigh’s Chocolates and Wittner Shoes.
  • Melbourne Central –  Melbourne Central is a place offering accessories and fashion stores that include Colette, Country Road, Converse, Foot Locker, Rebel Sports, Nike, RM Williams, Gap and Mimco. Beauty stores are Sephora, Napoleon Perdis, Priceline, MAC and Mecca Maxima.
  • Queen Victoria Village – Queen Victoria Village exhibits a range of retail stores and specialty like Big W, Officeworks, Dan Murphy’s, Woolworths and more.
  • Target Centre – Target Centre includes a number of shops like Novo Shoes, Vintage Cellars, Mister Minit, City Chic and Vintage Cellars.
  • Emporium Melbourne – If you are on a search for some designer brands portraying elite outlook, then this is a place for you. At Emporium Melbourne, you will find Calvin Klein, Armani Exchange, White Suede, Rodd and Gunn, Dion Lee, Kate Spade, Camilla and Marc, Michael Kors, Lacoste and Scanlan Theodore.  
  • Collins 234 Boutique Place – At Collins Street, you will find small cluster and collection of shops or boutiques having relation with beauty, fashion, and specialty stores.
  • The Strand – The Strand is the shopping complex which caters a number of beauty brands, eateries, and salons.
  • Queen Victoria Markets – Here at Queen Victoria Market, you will find vegetables, fruits, fresh seafood, poultry, wine, leather products, shoes, leather goods, toys, jewelry, and clothing.
  • Chadstone Shopping Centre – At Chadstone Shopping Centre, you will find famous brands & Australian people who are in love with shopping. You will find brands like Pandora, Adidas, Nike, Lorna Jane, RM Williams, EB Games, Target, Victoria's Secret, JB Hi-Fi, Tiffany & Co., Dymocks, David Jones, and Myer.

• What are the famous places for sightseeing in Melbourne?

  The famous places for sightseeing are as follows:

  • Federation Square
  • Royal Botanic Gardens
  • Melbourne Cricket Ground
  • Southbank & Arts Centre of Melbourne
  • Victoria Gallery
  • Eureka Tower
  • Arcades &Laneways
  • Melbourne Museum and Royal Exhibition Building
  • Melbourne Zoo
  • Captain Cook's Cottage
  • Yarra River Cruise
  • Docklands
  • Queen Victoria Market
  • Phillip Island
  • Ramsay Street houses.
  • Great Otway National Park
  • Port Campbell National Park
  • Parliament House
  • Flinders Street Station
  • Chinatown
  • Immigration Museum

• Which are the best cycling routes to ride in Melbourne?

  The following are the best cycling routes to ride in Melbourne:

  • Postrea Return
  • Yarra Glen
  • 1/20 +The Wall
  • Kinglake
  • Beach Road
  • Mornington
  • Yarra Boulevard
  • Mount Hotham
  • Baw Baw
  • Bonna Buang & Lake Mountain Double
  • Westgate Park
  • Lysterfield
  • Mount Macedon
  • Albert Park
  • Arthur’s Seat
  • Panton Hill
  • Toue de Burbs
  • Dandenong Ranges
  • Amy’s Gran Fondo

• How is Melbourne for Honeymoon Couples?

  Melbourne is world’s most amazing destination that captivates the honeymooners from all around. The newly married couples can soak up in the enthralling landscapes and feast in the luxurious hospitality of the country. The honeymooners must swaddle through the beautiful locations and beaches and must explore the rich culture of Melbourne in entirety to fare up their happy trip.

  Following are the must-visit locations for couples:

  • Climb up the Rock Stacks at the 12 Apostles
  • Witness the Mesmerizingly beautiful Yarra Valley
  • Get swayed into the Magical talisman Of the Otways
  • Relish the mind-blowing Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium
  • Enjoy the activity of Skyscraping at the Eureka Tower

• Which are the famous beaches in Melbourne?

  The famous beaches to visit in Melbourne are:

  • St. Kilda Beach
  • Williamstown Beach
  • Brighton beach
  • South Melbourne Beach
  • Elwood Beach
  • Altona Beach
  • Hampton Beach
  • Mentone Beach
  • Dendy Street Beach
  • Mordialloc Beach
  • St Kilda Foreshore
  • Sandringham Beach
  • Edithvale Beach
  • Port Melbourne Beach
  • Half Moon Bay, Black Rock
  • Mothers Beach
  • Sorrento
  • Altona Beach

• Which are the best places to enjoy a wine tour in Melbourne?

  The best places to enjoy a wine tour in Melbourne are:

  • Yarra Valley Wineries Tour from Melbourne
  • Sticks
  • Maddens Rise
  • Domaine Chandon
  • Wild Cattle Creek

• Where can I enjoy adventure activities in Melbourne?

  The places where you can enjoy the adventure activities are as follows:

  • Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour
  • Great Ocean Road Small-Group Eco-Tour
  • Grampians National Park Small-Group Eco Tour
  • Phillip Island Nature Park and Wildlife Seals Cruise
  • 2-Day Phillip Island and Wilsons Promontory Tour
  • Healesville Sanctuary with Winery Lunch Day Tour
  • Tandem Skydive on the Beach
  • Phillip Island Private Tour
  • Wilsons Promontory Day Trip
  • Phillip Island Penguin Small Group Eco Tour
  • Explore Adventure Park

• Which are the best places for snorkeling and swimming in Melbourne?

  The best places for snorkeling and swimming in Melbourne are as follows:

  • Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre
  • St Kilda Sea Baths
  • The Pillars at Mount Martha
  • Sorrento
  • Laughing Waters Swimming Hole
  • Billabong at Turpin Falls
  • The Adelphi rooftop pool
  • The Langham pool
  • Fitzroy Swimming Pool
  • Tubing in Warburton
  • Pound Bend in Warrandyte
  • Peninsula Hot Springs
  • Jebbs Pool on the Great Ocean Road
  • Sorrento Ocean Rock Pools
  • Polly McQuinns
  • Expedition Pass Reservoir
  • Lerderderg State Park
  • Onsen Ma Japanese Bathhouse

• Which is the best wildlife experience to have in Melbourne?

  The best wildlife experiences to have in Melbourne are as follows:

  • Healesville Sanctuary
  • Melbourne Zoo
  • Werribee Open Range Zoo
  • Phillip Island
  • Moonlit Sanctuary
  • Maru Koala and Animal Park
  • Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium
  • Myuna Farm

• How is the nightlife in Melbourne?

  There has been a drastic change in Melbourne’s after-hours overall nightlife. On visiting Melbourne at present times, you must choose or pick any great hotel or restaurant, view the night gigs and move & dance until morning around 4, then you must catch up a local transport like a public bus or tram and swindle your way to home. Therefore, the nightlife of Melbourne is refreshing, mesmerizing, jolly and happening.