Melbourne, Victoria

Jump down to find what to do and where to stay in Melbourne

The capital of Victoria and Australia’s second largest city is a Mecca for visitors with an ardent sense of adventure.

A stylish city overflowing with architecture, culture, fashion and food, Melbourne has a lively cosmopolitan vibe along with a diverse and passionate population. Take in the view from the Rialto Towers observation deck for a bird’s-eye introduction.

Melbourne really has something for everyone, including an excellent selection of restaurants, cafes and bistros complemented by an array of nightlife comprising stylish clubs and bars, theatres, cinemas and live music venues. There are ample shopping choices, ranging from locally designed originals to top international brands.

Home to major sporting events, including the annual Australian Formula One Grand Prix and the Australian Tennis Open, the city also plays host to an impressive selection of art and culture events and major exhibitions.

A number of outstanding National Trust homes and museums, along with historically significant parks and gardens can be admired today as a result of the fruitful period in the 1850s when gold was discovered in the surrounding hills. Inside the forbidding walls of Old Melbourne Gaol, Victoria’s oldest surviving prison, unravel the story of infamous bushranger Ned Kelly’s hanging in 1880. Admire picturesque Cook’s Cottage, reconstructed here after being originally erected in Yorkshire in 1755 by James and Grace Cook, the parents of Captain James Cook.

The Southbank precinct is home to Melbourne’s thriving art and culture scene with Federation Square’s expansive plaza the centrepiece of it all. Here you will find striking architecture and a multitude of arts attractions including the Victoria Arts Centre and galleries such as the National Gallery of Victoria.

Within walking distance of the city centre are beautiful leafy parks and gardens, including the Royal Botanic Gardens, home to over 12,000 different species of plants and flowers. During the summer months, these gardens host the Moonlight Cinema, an open-air cinema with twilight screenings of classic and cult films.

The award-winning Royal Melbourne Zoo in its 55-acre setting is home to more than 300 animal species from Australia and around the world. To the east of the city is St Kilda, one of the most fashionable suburbs of Melbourne. It’s renowned for its attractive beachside setting with panoramic views of Port Phillip Bay, café culture, restaurants and bars.

What to do and where to stay in Melbourne

	Melbourne Hotel - 5 Star | Langham Hotel Melbourne | Premier Plus Listing Situated in Southbank, with captivating views over the Yarra River, Langham Hotel Melbourne is one of the finest deluxe hotels in Melbourne. The classically designed hotel has elegant and spacious guest rooms... more For availability & the best price, book directly - The Langham Hotel Melbourne
	Melbourne Hotel - 4star+ | Mantra on the Park | Premier Listing Home comforts in a great location. The Mantra on the Park offers spacious apartments in an excellent location for exploring this cosmopolitan city. Enjoy the scenery of the city skyline and Carlton Gardens from your own balcony or take a well-earned break...
Where to stay Melbourne Hotel - 3star Hotel Ibis Melbourne Listing	Comfortable city views. Theatres, shops and the famous Queen Victoria Market are some of the local attractions within walking distance of the Hotel Ibis Melbourne, making this an ideal base for discovering the delights of this area...
Where to stay Melbourne Hotel - 4star The Swanston Hotel Listing	Dining with skyline views. Explore Melbourne’s sights, sounds, shops and sporting attractions from this hotel, in the heart of the vibrant city...
Where to stay Melbourne Hotel - 4star+ Clarion Suites Gateway Listing	Riverside apartment style. The Clarion Suites Gateway enjoys a great location within a short stroll of the theatre, cafe and nightlife precincts...