- Destinations
- Australasia
- Australia
- Victoria
- Melbourne
Melbourne
Australia's second-largest city, Melbourne, capital of Victoria,
is the most European in style with trams rattling through streets
past Victorian buildings, parks and outdoor cafes. The city centre
is laid out in a simple grid pattern, the long, wide north-south
streets gently sloping down to the Yarra River, crossed by a mix of
narrow lanes, and the main shopping streets such as Bourke and
Collins Streets. The CBD is easily navigable by foot, and if a rest
is needed after a session of sightseeing or shopping there are
numerous parks nearby, such as the Royal Botanical Gardens, Fitzroy
Gardens and Carlton Gardens. Alternatively, you can take one of
Melbourne's signature attractions, a tram. The burgundy-coloured
City Circle tram is free, and is a good way to get your bearings as
well as explore the inner city, while for those wanting to go
further afield the tram network extends about 10 miles (15km) into
the Melbourne suburbs.
Melbourne's population of over three million is made up of a
variety of cultures, including Chinese, Italian, Vietnamese,
Lebanese and Greek, who have all added their touch to this thriving
city. A fierce rivalry exists between the cities of Melbourne and
Sydney, but local residents bask in the satisfying knowledge that
Melbourne beats Sydney hands-down on the cultural front, noted for
its wide variety of high standard performing arts, as well as its
sport. The city plays host to world-renowned sporting events like
the Melbourne Cup, Australian Open Tennis and Qantas Australia
Grand Prix. Around the city, within an hour's drive, there are
numerous places worth visiting, including the Macedon Ranges, which
is Australia's spa capital with its world-renowned mineral springs,
as well as the spectacular Great Ocean Road along the coast, which
passes stunning rock formations such as the Twelve Apostles. One of
the most popular self-drive routes for tourists to follow is the
circular Great Southern Touring Route, which includes spectacular
scenery and takes in some of Victoria's most beautiful, scenic and
cultural attractions.
Information & Facts
Climate
Melbourne is best visited in the summer months (November to
March) when temperatures are warmer (about 77°F/25°C). Winter can
be fairly chilly with an average July temperature of 55°F (13°C).
Some rain can be expected throughout the year.
Eating Out
One if Australia's more cosmopolitan cities, Melbourne has a
diverse and exciting dining scene and eating out in this vibrant
city can be anything you want it to be! With just about all types
of cuisine on offer, the variety of cuisine in this city is
astonishing and will see visitors coming back for more.
Although based on traditional British food, Australian cuisine
has been strongly influenced by its Southeast Asian neighbours and
elements of this can be seen in many Australian dishes. Travellers
can enjoy sampling some of the most innovative and exciting fusion
food in the world as Melbourne offers many of Australia's top-class
restaurants. Korean, Japanese and Thai eateries abound here, while
in the city centre, William Street is the place to go for authentic
Indian fare.
Head to Chinatown in Little Bourke Street for some authentic
Chinese food, while Brunswick Street in Fitzroy boasts an eclectic
mix of eateries where visitors will have a hard time choosing where
to start. Downtown Melbourne is where the more low-key restaurants
can be found, and the chic St Kilda and Chapel Streets is where the
city's trendoids can be found dining on the latest nouveau
cuisine.
Getting Around
Melbourne's efficient public transport system, known as The Met,
is an integrated service utilising trams, trains and buses, with
standard fares. The best way to see the city and central suburbs is
by tram, a fast, cheap and convenient system that is one of the
largest and oldest in the world. City Circle trams, which provide a
commentary, are a very convenient way to tour the city centre,
providing a free round trip service that takes in many of the
city's main attractions. The suburban train network is extensive
and is the fastest way to reach outlying suburbs, and also has an
underground city loop. Buses cover the areas that trams and trains
don't reach, as well as those they do, but are little used by
visitors; on weekends there is a limited night bus service. Taxis,
highly visible in bright yellow, are numerous but expensive. Car
hire companies are available throughout the city, but if driving in
the city beware of the unusual hook turn where drivers must get
into the far left hand lane in order to turn right and vice
versa.
Kids Attractions
With miles of coastline, fascinating and unique attractions and
fabulous weather, Melbourne is a children's playground - literally.
With everything from exciting museums and gardens to beaches and
trails, Melbourne has a lot to offer in culture and its
outdoors.
Pack a picnic and head to the Royal Botanic Gardens or enjoy a
leisurely stroll with the kids if they need to be tired out! Older
kids will love walking the Bay Trail from St Kilda to the seaside
town of Brighton which encompasses all kinds of scenery past parks,
cafes, yachts in the bay and marinas. A trip to the Children's
Animal Farm is a must for little ones where a picnic can be enjoyed
while the children pet the animals, while the Melbourne Aquarium
showcases animals of a different nature. Children looking for a bit
of excitement should visit Luna Park to enjoy exhilarating rides
and games.
The Fox Classic Car Collection Museum makes a great outing for
dads and their sons, as does the Geelong Naval and Maritime Museum,
while a trip aboard the Puffing Billy Steam Train through the
Dandenong Ranges makes an ideal excursion for the day and a great
way to see Melbourne's surrounding areas.
Language
English is the official language of Australia.
Money
The Australian Dollar (AUD) is divided into 100 cents. Banks and
bureaux de change exchange most foreign currencies. Travellers
cheques are also welcome everywhere, but banks take a small
commission and it is better to take cheques in major currencies
(e.g. US dollars or Euros) to avoid additional charges. Credit
cards are widely accepted and ATMs are freely available throughout
the country. Banking hours are generally 9.30am to 4pm Monday to
Thursday, and 9.30am to 5pm on Friday, but some banks offer
extended hours and some are open on Saturday mornings.
Night Life
Melbourne has a vibrant nightlife encompassing cocktail lounges,
pubs, underground dance clubs and international theatre
productions. There is no distinct party area, with various venues
and attractions dispersed throughout the city.
The Young & Jackson pub is famous for its central location
and renowned nude portrait of
Chloe, while Portland Hotel brews its own selection of
beers. In the west-end, Mitre Tavern is one of the oldest pubs in
the city. Meyers Place bar is unsigned but very popular, as is the
Kitten Club, a favoured Melbourne cocktail lounge. Gin Palace
offers celebrated Martini tasting to patrons.
Ffour combines club, cocktail bar and multi-media gallery, and
the Melbourne Supper Club is also a trendy spot. Other popular
venues include the Croft Institute, Misty Place and Double O. Shows
like
We Will Rock Youand
Phantom of the Operacan be enjoyed at places such as the
Princess and Regent theatres. The Art Centre hosts orchestral
music, the EQ Café bar and the Alfred Brash Sound House, while the
Looney Bin has a bar and comedy cabaret.
Shopping
Shopping in Melbourne is great as the city is home to many
different shops, from department stores to small side street
boutiques. From various shopping precincts, malls and markets,
there are purchases available to suit all tastes, budgets and
needs. Most stores are open all week from 10am; many stay open till
9pm on Fridays.
The main shopping strip is on Bourke Street with Bourke Street
Mall at its heart, while the east end of the street has mainly
fashion boutiques and bookshops. There are bargains galore to be
found at Queen Victoria Market, while Melbourne Central is the
place to find leading Australian and international labels. There
are laneways and arcades throughout the city offering everything
from magic spells and antique books to eclectic fashions and
household goods.
Chinatown, encompassing Little Bourke Street and the
neighbouring lanes, has Asian grocery stores, Chinese medicine,
music and jewellery. The Sunday's Market at the Art Centre is good
for unique jewellery, ceramics and glassware. A goods and services
tax refund is available to tourists.
Sightseeing
The second largest city in Australia, Melbourne is brimming with
a wide variety of attractions to enthral just about every kind of
traveller. Whatever your taste or interest, there is bound to be
something in Melbourne for you.
Art lovers will enjoy the National Gallery of Victoria, history
buffs will enjoy touring through the Old Melbourne Gaol and culture
vultures will go love exploring the Chinese and Melbourne Museums.
Those with a fear of heights should steer clear of the Eureka
Tower, Melbourne's tallest building offering panoramic views of the
city from the 88th floor - a sight to behold!
Children of all ages will love the Melbourne Zoo which boasts
over 350 different species of animals and a day in the Royal
Botanical Gardens is not to be missed.
Visitors keen on sightseeing will do well to purchase a
Melbourne and Beyond Smartvisit card, which enables the bearer to
gain free admission to over 60 of Melbourne's top attractions as
well as a full-colour travel guide. Free public transport is also
available and is valid for the duration of the pass. The pass is
available in 1, 2, 3 and 7 day durations starting at A$69 for
adults and A$49 for children.