Discover Melbourne

Melbourne is a contemporary design city that appreciates food and wine, shopping, art and ideas and is renowned for its love of sport. Explore the city's elegant streetscapes, lavish parks and gardens and world-class attractions.

A Contemporary City

Recognised as one of the world's most 'liveable' cities, Melbourne is a dynamic, creative place with a firm vision of its place as a contemporary city of design.

Take the elevator up 88 levels to the Eureka Skydeck 88, the highest public vantage point in the Southern Hemisphere, to survey the impressive built environment that is Melbourne. Take in the sight of Port Phillip Bay, the Bolte and West Gate Bridges, the wave-like roof of Southern Cross Station, the Arts Centre spire, the gleaming Federation Square and a long inventory of well-preserved historic public buildings.

On the ground, discover historic arcades and pedestrian friendly laneways, parks and gardens, markets and shopping centres.

World-Class Attractions

Whatever the weather, there's always something to do in Melbourne. Our institutions and attractions open their doors and invite audiences to discover their collections and stories.

Australia's only Southern Ocean aquarium, the Melbourne Aquarium, preserves, showcases and investigates our immediate marine environment, regularly hosting special exhibits of chosen species or regions.

Visit the State Library to see temporary exhibitions about art, society and the written word and discover the majestic domed reading room built in 1913. See the preserved horse racing champion Phar Lap or a living rainforest and learn about local Aboriginal culture at Melbourne Museum, the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is housed in two city buildings. NGV International exhibits the big names in international art and the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia at Federation Square is the first museum to be devoted to Australian art.

The Best Things in Life

Known for its style, Melbourne is home to some of the best shopping and nightlife in Australia, a non-stop program of film and food festivals, edgy design and architecture, major art exhibitions and musical extravaganzas. Whether you're searching for local designers or haute couture, souvenirs or sparkling chardonnay, chic bars, clubs or jazz venues, Melbourne has it all.

Melbourne is always at the forefront of food fashion.

Head out in any direction for a meal and you will come across distinctive dining precincts and award-winning epicurean icons.

Navigating the City

Melbourne is a well-planned, grid-like city, with plentiful green spaces and distinctive architecture. Located on the Yarra River, it is easy to negotiate via a variety of means. A great walking city, Melbourne is also bike-friendly with dedicated lanes and a new bike share scheme. Renowned for its distinctive trams, it also has an integrated and comprehensive network of trains and buses. Jump on the free City Circle tram that circumnavigates the Central Business District (CBD).

For something different, take to the waters with Victorian Yacht Charters. They can accommodate your wish for a themed experience (jazz, romance), help organise a corporate event with a difference or a special occasion, or show you unique aspects and inhabitants of Port Phillip Bay, such as the resident Fairy Penguin colony.

Melbourne's Surrounds

Melbourne is also the gateway to Victoria's regional escapes. Travel less than two hours in almost any direction and you will soon be in one of the state's food and wine, scenic, adventure or relaxation regions. Plan your retreat to the tall forests, historic villages, vine filled valleys and rugged coastlines, all within a 90-minute drive of the city.