Melbourne Travel Guide: Things to Do & Best Time to Visit

Top things to do in Melbourne

Melbourne’s city centre is laid out on a neat grid beside the Yarra River, and its free central tram zone makes it easy to explore before heading out to the bayside suburbs and beyond.

• Laneways and arcades — Explore the narrow lanes and ornate Victorian arcades of the city centre, packed with cafés, small bars and colourful street art, especially in Hosier Lane.
• Federation Square — A striking public square opposite Flinders Street Station, home to galleries, events and a major screen museum.
• Royal Botanic Gardens — Beautifully landscaped gardens beside the Yarra, with lakes, lawns and plant collections from around the world.
• Queen Victoria Market — A historic open-air market selling fresh produce, deli goods, souvenirs and street food.
• Melbourne Cricket Ground — One of the world’s largest stadiums and the spiritual home of Australian sport, hosting cricket and Australian rules football.
• National Gallery of Victoria — Australia’s oldest public art museum, with international and Australian collections across two sites.
• Great Ocean Road — A spectacular coastal drive south-west of the city, famous for the Twelve Apostles limestone stacks, surf beaches and rainforest.

Best time to visit Melbourne

Autumn, from March to May, and spring, from September to November, are the most comfortable seasons, with mild temperatures that suit walking, outdoor dining and day trips. Melbourne’s weather is famously changeable, and locals joke about having four seasons in one day, so pack layers at any time of year.

Summer, from December to February, is warm and sunny, with occasional very hot days. January brings the Australian Open tennis tournament, and the summer months are ideal for beaches and rooftop bars. Winter, from June to August, is cool and damp but rarely freezing, and it is the peak of the Australian rules football season, which culminates in the Grand Final, usually in late September.

Major events draw large crowds, including the Formula 1 Grand Prix at Albert Park in autumn and the Melbourne Cup horse race on the first Tuesday of November, a public holiday in the city. Book accommodation early if your trip coincides with these dates. The city also hosts food and wine, comedy and arts festivals throughout the year.

Getting from the airport

Melbourne Airport, often called Tullamarine after the suburb where it is located, lies around 23 kilometres north-west of the city centre. There is no direct train, but road connections are good.

• Airport express bus — Frequent express coaches run around the clock between the terminals and Southern Cross Station in the city centre, taking around 20 to 30 minutes, longer in heavy traffic.
• Taxi and rideshare — Taxi ranks and rideshare pick-up areas are located outside the terminals. The drive to the centre usually takes 25 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Public bus — Local buses connect the airport with nearby suburban railway stations, from where trains run into the city; this is slower but useful if you are staying in the northern suburbs.
• Car hire — Several rental companies operate at the airport, which is convenient for trips along the Great Ocean Road or to the wine regions.

Where to stay

Melbourne is a sprawling city, but trams and trains connect its inner neighbourhoods with the centre, and each area has its own distinct character.

• City centre (CBD) — Ideal for first-time visitors who want to explore the laneways, arcades and major sights on foot and within the free tram zone.
• Southbank — A riverside area across the Yarra, close to the arts precinct and the Botanic Gardens, suited to couples and those who want city views.
• St Kilda — A seaside suburb with a beach, pier and promenade, popular with families and travellers who enjoy a relaxed bayside atmosphere.
• Fitzroy and Collingwood — Bohemian inner-city areas known for independent shops, street art, live music and cafés, ideal for younger travellers.
• South Yarra — A stylish district with upmarket shopping, restaurants and easy access to the Botanic Gardens.

Travel tips

• Getting around — Melbourne has one of the world’s largest tram networks, and travel within the central free tram zone costs nothing. Outside it, trams, trains and buses use a reloadable smart card, so check how to pay before you travel.
• Weather — Conditions can change quickly, even within a single day. Carry a light jacket and an umbrella, and pack layers whatever the season.
• Sun protection — The Australian sun is strong, even on cool or cloudy days. Wear sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses, particularly between spring and autumn.
• Tipping and payment — Tipping is not expected, although rounding up or leaving around 10 percent for excellent service in restaurants is appreciated. Cards and contactless payment are accepted almost everywhere.
• Driving — Australians drive on the left. In the city centre, look out for hook turns, where cars turn right from the left-hand lane to keep tram lines clear.
• Entry requirements — Visa and entry rules depend on your nationality, and Australia has strict biosecurity rules on food and plant products. Check the latest requirements with official sources before you travel.