Things to See and Do

Things to See and Do

Things to See and Do in Melbourne

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Today Melbourne is the second-largest city in Australia and the capital of the state of Victoria. Melbourne is built on a coastal plain at the top of the giant horseshoe shaped Port Phillip Bay, which also serves as the mouth of the mighty Yarra River.

Melbourne is a style-setter with some of the best shopping and nightlife in Australia. Whether you are searching for haute couture or vintage clothing, sparkling chardonnay, chic bars, clubs or jazz venues, Melbourne has it all.

Melbourne prides itself on being a great city. It's hardly surprising, with its spectacular combination of old and new architecture, elegant streets capes, harmonious ethnic communities and lavish parks & gardens. Include Australia's best dining; an efficient transit system and a packed events calendar and you have all the ingredients for one of the most enlightened and liveable cities in the world. With all these characteristics you are sure to have a great escape in Melbourne.

Attractions and Entertainment

Melbourne has an amazing range of attractions and activities to keep you entertained all year ‘round. Enjoy a cruise along the Yarra River, re-live some great sporting memories on a tour of the MCG or see some spectacular 360-degree views from the Melbourne Observation Deck.

Enjoy the international art on offer at NGV International and Australian art at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia or visit the home of Captain James Cook’s parents, which was originally built in 1755 in Yorkshire, England, and was later transported to Australia in 1933. It is the only 18th century building in Melbourne.

There are many attractions for young and old to enjoy - explore the animal kingdom at the Melbourne Zoo, dive with the sharks at the Melbourne Aquarium, visit the Galactic Circus, visit Old Melbourne Gaol or play some Kingpin Bowling.

Melbourne has a wealth of museums such as the Melbourne Museum, the Australian Racing Museum and Hall of Fame, City Museum, Chinese Museum, the Immigration Museum and the Post Master Gallery. All offering a multitude of different attractions to cater for different interests.

Shopping Precincts

If it’s fashion you’re seeking then Melbourne has it covered. The city’s funky laneways and tree-lined streets are a haven for small boutiques specialising in Australian designers, jewellery, accessories and international fashion.

Those seeking out leading international fashion labels can stroll down Collins Street, home to Chanel, Hermes, Gucci, Bvlgari, Louis Vuitton and the list goes on.

All fashion tastes are catered for by flagship department stores, David Jones and Myer, both in Bourke Street Mall. For a wide range of designers and retailers under the one roof you can’t go past retail centres such as GPO Melbourne, Melbourne Central, QV, Collinstwo3four, Australia on Collins and Collins Place.

Transport options

Melbourne's public transport system is called the “Met” offering tram, train and bus transport all on the one ticket. The system is divided into three zones, zone one being the inner city area. The city and inner suburbs are best viewed by tram, a unique Melbourne way to travel. The train network is extensive and includes lengthy suburban routes and an underground city loop. The bus network generally fills in the gaps left between the tram and train services. Taxis are numerous as to are the car-rental operators.

Melbourne's generally flat terrain renders cycling as a popular option for getting around, watch out for those tram tracks.

Dining out

Melbourne will delight the connoisseur, for the culinary traveller Melbourne is one of the best destinations in the world. Melbourne caters to all palates and bestows a smorgasbord of choices upon diners. There is an abundance of affordable, high quality restaurants representing every known cuisine. Delight in Melbourne’s local fare always cooked and served with both flair and panache. A thriving café society exists, from early morning; join the locals for brekkie, a gossip or to debate world affairs.