Melbourne has been voted the world's most liveable city seven times in a row and still ranks amongst the most liveable cities in the world today. Melbourne is one of the world's most cosmopolitan cities, renowned for its great cafes, high fashion and buzzing nightlife.
The City of Melbourne is home to one of the most diverse range of cultures of any major city in the world with a strong Mediterranean European influence. Melbourne is a hub for both tourists and business people alike, drawing many international visitors for events such as the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and the Australian Open.
Melbourne is the economic centre of the state of Victoria and tends to be more relaxed and open than Sydney. Melbourne has a population of 5.2 million people and is Australia's second largest city, behind Sydney.
The average yearly temperature range in Melbourne is between 10-20 degrees Celsius with the warmest months being January & February and the coldest month being July. Melbourne is often noted by residents of other states as capable of cycling through "four seasons in one day", due to its unpredictable rapid changes in the weather.
Getting in and around Melbourne
Melbourne Airport
Melbourne Airport is Australia's second busiest domestic airport and it is a short 90-minute flight from Sydney to Melbourne. Flights from Sydney to Melbourne on low-cost carriers can often be purchased for under $100.
Melbourne Transport
Commuting is simple with access to most of Melbourne via Public Transport Victoria (PTV) which includes buses, trams and trains. Trams are free around the Melbourne inner city circle, making getting around the city a breeze.
Melbourne Car Hire
If you require a rental car to travel in and around Melbourne, car rental is available from the Melbourne domestic airport and in the city.
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Melbourne accommodation
Luxury
Crown Towers is situated on the Yarra River and has luxurious suites, excellent service and all the facilities needed to pamper yourself.
Stamford Plaza is located in the art and fashion district and is renowned for its excellent service and beautiful rooms and suites.Are you looking for a holiday to remember or just a weekend a way with that special someone? What better way to really enjoy Melbourne then at
Crown Towers with its luxurious suites, excellent service and all the facilities to really pamper yourself!Want to live it up in luxury in the middle of Melbourne CBD then staying at the
Stamford Plaza should please you. Stamford Plaza is renowned for its excellent service and beautiful accommodation.
Mid Range
View Hotel is located alongside the iconic tree-lined St Kilda Road and offers fantastic city views.
Punthill Apartment Hotels has great serviced apartments and caters for those who wish to stay in the inner suburbs or further out with locations around Melbourne.For great serviced apartments right in the city centre
Punt Hill is the way to go, it also caters for those who wish to stay in the inner suburbs or futher out with locations around Melbourne.
If you are looking to stay on the hippest street in Melbourne look no further then
St Kilda Road Park View Hotel. This is agreat place to enjoy Melbourne and it's famous boulevard.
Budget
ibis Styles Kingsgate Hotel offers great accommodation at great prices, whether you're holidaying or just in Melbourne over-night.For great accommodation at great prices whether you are holidaying or just in Melbourne over night
Kingsgate Hotel offers you all that you need and it's close to the airport!
Backpackers
The Village Melbourne is a great hostel that caters for everything and even has a restaurant and underground nightclub.A great place to stay if you are backpacking through Melbourne or just want to try something different is
Hotel Discovery this great hostel caters for everything and it even has a cinema!
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Things to do in Melbourne
The best time to travel to Melbourne is from November through March, when the beaches are in full swing (with January and February being peak holiday season). There is much to see and do in Melbourne and the surrounding area, but the most important thing is to relax and enjoy all that Melbourne has to offer.
Melbourne is the social capital of Australia, home to Australia's most vibrant restaurants, cafes and bars. Host to many of Australia's largest sporting and entertainment events, Melbourne is used to catering for a wide range of audiences and has tastes and influences which are enough to wet anyone's appetite.
Southbank. When visiting Melbourne, be sure to take a stroll along Southbank. Grab a bite to eat in the eateries, shop in the boutiques, have some fun in the arcade or try mini golf and have a relaxing drink in one of the many bars on offer.
St Kilda. This bustling beachside hub of Melbourne is a great social scene. If you're holidaying in Melbourne, make sure you take a stroll down St Kilda for the shopping or visit Luna Park.
The Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria These gardens are right in the middle of the city and feature some 8,500 plant species. There are many guided tours on offer from guided wellbeing therapy, to discovering the secret life of birds, to a mini bus tour, to a climate watch walk.
Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Located in the Melbourne Museum, this permanent exhibition was co-curated by First Nations people and features artworks, performances and storytelling rituals.
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Day trips in and around Melbourne
The Yarra Valley Vineyards are a day trip you can't miss out on when you visit Melbourne. It also gives you a chance to see the beautiful countryside.
Great Ocean Road. Don't forget to take a drive down the Great Ocean Road on your visit to Melbourne to see the 12 Apostles or to take the drive to Ned Kelly country to see the old mining towns of Bendigo and Ballarat.
Melbourne Zoo, located just outside the city, is a great place to spend the day (and perhaps the night). See lions, elephants, reptiles, sea animals, gorillas and lemurs, as well as native Australian animals.
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