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Guide to Melbourne

Aboriginal name: Narrm (pronounced Narr-m)

Welcome
Aboriginal
Getting to Melbourne
When to visit
Accessibility

Melbourne is Australia's mecca for all things trendy and tasty. With exquisite dining, exhilarating sport and abundant art experiences, there are plenty of brilliant things to do in Melbourne.

A perfect blend of rich cultural history and new age trends is waiting for you in Melbourne. As the sun goes down, the city comes to life with a vibrant dining scene as well as events and exhibitions. Explore its bustling laneways, trendy neighbourhoods and sophisticated foodie scene to get a taste of what Melbourne is all about.

Melbourne stands on the ancient grounds of the Kulin Nation of the Wurundjeri people. For the Kulin Nation, Melbourne has always been an important meeting place for events of social, educational, sporting and cultural significance. Experience the culture through a range of heritage walks, cultural tours and galleries.

Traditional name of Central Melbourne: Narrm (pronounced Narr-m)
Indigenous Peoples of Central Melbourne: Wurundjeri people
Traditional lands of Greater Melbourne: Kulin Nation
Traditional languages: There are four traditional languages in Narrm. Bunurong (Bun-wurrung), Taungurung (Tung-ger-rung), Wathaurong (Wadha-wurrung) and Dja Dja Wurrung (Jar-Jar-Wur-rung).
How to say g’day in Wathaurong: Wominjeka

Getting to Melbourne is easy with flights arriving direct to two airports.

Melbourne Airport at Tullamarine (MEL) is 22km (14mi) from the city and services international and domestic arrivals
Avalon Airport (AVV) is 55km (34mi) from the city and services international and domestic flights
Hire cars, taxis, rideshares and a shuttle service are available from both airports

Getting around is just as easy as finding a great cup of coffee in Melbourne. The city offers clean, reliable and affordable public transport services. There is even a free City Circle tram line with historical commentary.

Despite having four distinct seasons, Melbourne's weather is known for being a bit unpredictable. Summers are generally warm and winters cold, but just ask a local and they’ll tell you that it’s not uncommon to experience all four seasons in a single day. So whenever you decide to visit, be sure to pack layers and carry an umbrella in your day bag.

High season: Spring and summer (November to February)
Low season: Winter (June to August)
Don’t miss: Melbourne’s world-class festivals and events

Melbourne is a dynamic city with plenty of accessible options for accommodation, attractions, restaurants, cafés and shopping.

Arrival: Disability assistance is available at Melbourne Airport, including for those with hidden disabilities.
Getting around: Most Melbourne buses and trains have accessible options – check the Public Transport Victoria website for information on using public transport.
Accessible experience highlights: Several cultural institutions cater to travellers with accessibility and sensory needs, including the National Gallery of Victoria and Scienceworks.
Helpful resources: Travellers Aid Australia provides mobility equipment hire and recharge points, while the City of Melbourne’s mobility map makes it easy to locate accessible facilities.

Top things to do in Melbourne

Street art in Hosier Lane in Melbourne © Visit Victoria

Wander through Melbourne’s laneways

Lose yourself in a wonderland of colourful street art, al fresco cafes, intimate wine bars, and quirky boutiques – you never know what you’ll find just around the corner. Discover all the hidden secrets of Melbourne’s laneways.

National Gallery of Victoria © Cultural Attractions of Australia

Explore a vibrant arts and culture scene

Melbourne’s arts and culture scene is jam-packed with international and local exhibitions and shows. Visit Australia’s oldest gallery and catch a musical at one of the many theatres. Find out why Melbourne is the culture capital of Australia.

Block Arcade in Melbourne © Visit Victoria

Shop the markets

From emerging local designers and international brands to boutique-lined shopping strips and vintage markets, Melbourne is a shopper’s mecca. Find out where to shop for eclectic Melbourne style, one-of-a-kind creations and bargain finds.

Aboriginal Heritage Walk in the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne © Visit Victoria

Discover the city’s Aboriginal culture

Melbourne is a melting pot of cultures and characters. Hear the stories of the local Aboriginal community, the Kulin nation, and learn about their history and culture through guided tours and taste native ingredients.

Melbourne Central Shopping Centre, Victoria © Ashlea Wheeler

Seek out Melbourne’s secret spots

There’s always something new to discover in Melbourne. Laneway haunts, bustling markets and Aboriginal art installations all contribute to Melbourne’s dynamic vibe. These hidden gems will show you a different side of Melbourne.

Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre at Melbourne Museum, Melbourne, VIC © Visit Victoria

Find fun for all ages

Melbourne is bursting with attractions for all ages. Head to a buzzing sports match, visit an open range zoo and visit museum exhibitions made for young minds. Here are the best places to eat, stay and play on a family holiday in Melbourne.

Crowd at Cherry Bar in Melbourne © Visit Victoria

Tune into the live music scene

Melbourne’s live music scene is always thriving with a vibrant mix of genres and talent. From concert halls and jazz basements across the city, to pubs and warehouses in neighbourhoods, there’s a gig on almost every corner.

Sunset at Mornington Beach in the Mornington Peninsula © ewenbell.com

Take a day trip

Within an hour or two from inner Melbourne, you can be exploring renowned wineries, charming seaside towns, natural hot springs, unique wildlife and much more. Leave the city behind and hit the wide-open road.

Visitors in Federation Square in Melbourne © Visit Victoria

See what’s on in Federation Square

As the city’s main culture and entertainment hub, Federation Square is where it all happens. Explore galleries, pop-up, bars, special events, cultural exhibitions and a plethora of shopping and dining, all at Fed Square.

Spectators at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne © Tourism Victoria

Be a fan at a sporting match

From high-speed car races and high-energy footy games, to the Australian Open tennis and the glamorous Melbourne Cup, Melbourne’s sports calendar is brimming with activity all year long. Find out where the action is and get amongst it.

Bathing boxes at Brighton Beach in Melbourne © Mitchell Luo/Unsplash

Seek out the sand

Dotted around Port Philip Bay, Melbourne’s beaches are calm and sheltered, making them ideal for swimming. Each bay and beach has its own unique quirk – from colourful bathing boxes to resident penguins. It's the perfect way to escape the city.