Melbourne Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Southbank featuring a high-rise building, a city and a bridge
Melbourne
Melbourne
Melbourne featuring a city, a sunset and a skyscraper
State Library of Victoria showing heritage architecture, an administrative building and interior views

Melbourne Travel Guide Video

This stylish city fuses contemporary design with an elegantly preserved past. Soak up the future and the past in this relaxed capital of style.

Melbourne is a wonderful destination for the cultured traveller, with its mix of architecture, its chic coffee culture, and its love for the best in art, fashion and food. It effortlessly combines a respect and reverence for the past with a dynamic aesthetic.The city's famous trams roll serenely down Bourke Street Mall, passing modern shops, gracefully housed in perfectly preserved buildings. Collins Street continues the melding of styles, with cutting-edge modern buildings mixed among the art deco hotels and the Victorian-era churches.Continuing through Federation Square, the charming Yarra River compliments St Paul's Cathedral and nearby Flinders Street Station, which contrast with the polished design of the newer additions to the streetscape. The popular Australian Centre for the Moving Image tells the history of Australia's relationship with television and film, through the use of the best in current technology.Southbank is to be found on the other side of the river, and has a rich selection of bars and restaurants. It’s also home to the Eureka Tower, where a trip up to Skydeck 88 will reward you with panoramic views across the rooftops and many parks of Melbourne. The excellent National Gallery of Victoria is also to be found in Southbank, along with the Royal Botanic Gardens.The suburbs also have a lot to offer, as a trip on a tram to the eateries and espresso bars of 'Little Italy' on Lygon Street in Carlton will prove. The Melbourne Museum also offers a cultural reason to see this part of the city.The glorious sunshine of Australia demands a trip to the beach, and seaside St Kilda is the place to go! When you've had your fill of sea and sand, take a walk through the tasteful vintage boutiques and cake shops, and follow that up with the hair-raising amusements at Luna Park. An overnight stay in the suburb, followed by an early-morning stroll along the coast to the colourful 'bathing boxes' of Brighton Beach, is recommended.The style and grace of Melbourne charms the visitor, and the relaxed atmosphere makes it a very easy place to fall in love with.

Where to stay in Melbourne

Melbourne CBD showing outdoor eating

Melbourne Central Business District

4.5/5(20,262 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Melbourne Central Business District. Check out top attractions like Melbourne Central and Collins Street, and jump on the metro at Melbourne Central Station or Flagstaff Station to see more of the city.

Melbourne Central Business District
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Southbank

Are you interested in stunning river views, first-class casinos and popular shops? A visit to Southbank might be the perfect thing. You can also explore top sights like Crown Casino and Melbourne Skydeck.

Southbank
Docklands which includes a bay or harbour, night scenes and a high-rise building

Docklands

Travellers come to Docklands for its waterfront views, and you can see top attractions like Marvel Stadium and Collins Street while you're in town.

Docklands
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Melbourne Airport

Melbourne Airport is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to URBNSURF Sports Park or Woodlands Historic Park.

Melbourne Airport
Sorrento featuring a sandy beach and water sports

Sorrento

Sorrento is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Sorrento Front Beach and Searoad Ferry Terminal.

Sorrento
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Rye

Beaches, spas and hot springs are just a few things travellers enjoy about Rye. Check out Rye Beach or The Dunes Golf Links while you're exploring the area.

Rye
Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Little Collins by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Little Collins by IHG

4 out of 5
589-599 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC
The price is NZ$211 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
NZ$211
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Melbourne. Enjoy free breakfast, a 24-hour fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,533 reviews)
"Amazing"

Reviewed on 12 Jul. 2025

Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Little Collins by IHG
Atlantis Hotel, Melbourne

Atlantis Hotel, Melbourne

4 out of 5
300 Spencer Street, Melbourne, VIC
The price is NZ$135 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
NZ$135
4 Aug - 5 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly motel in Melbourne. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,989 reviews)
"Parkhaus im Hotel"

Reviewed on 14 Jul. 2025

Atlantis Hotel, Melbourne
Great Southern Hotel Melbourne

Great Southern Hotel Melbourne

3.5 out of 5
44 Spencer Street, Melbourne, VIC
The price is NZ$103 per night from 20 July to 21 July
NZ$103
20 July - 21 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Melbourne. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,154 reviews)
"Parking was a challenge but our stay was great."

Reviewed on 13 Jul. 2025

Great Southern Hotel Melbourne
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Meriton Suites Melbourne

Meriton Suites Melbourne

5 out of 5
140 King St, Melbourne, VIC
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Melbourne. Enjoy free WiFi, a sauna, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (635 reviews)
"Central location. Easy access. Clean and well fitted out."

Reviewed on 12 Jul. 2025

Meriton Suites Melbourne
Pegasus Apart'Hotel

Pegasus Apart'Hotel

4 out of 5
206 A'Beckett Street, Melbourne, VIC
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Melbourne. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (7,956 reviews)
"Fantastic"

Reviewed on 11 Jul. 2025

Pegasus Apart'Hotel
Quest NewQuay

Quest NewQuay

4 out of 5
26 Caravel Lane, Docklands, VIC
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Melbourne. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (721 reviews)
"We as a family thoroughly enjoyed staying at this hotel when visiting for the AFL being played at Marvel."

Reviewed on 13 Jul. 2025

Quest NewQuay
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Melbourne

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
5724
5 - Excellent 55%
4 - Good
4063
4 - Good 39%
3 - Okay
588
3 - Okay 6%
2 - Disappointing
51
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
27
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Love the city shopping everyday

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

I love Melbourne, so diverse

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Melbournians are remaining patient and respectful of distancing during the virus.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Love Melbourne

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Nice and quiet for me during the coronavirus lockdown. Collins Street was surprisingly safe. Melbourne has always been a livable City.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

it would be an alright city if you got rid of Queen Victoria in the first place years ago.

Cities near Melbourne