Get to the Shrine via tram (from Flinders Street Station, a major transportation hub, head south along St Kilda Road via trams 3, 5, 8, 16, 64, or 67) or take the free tourist shuttle bus.

Though it may seem morose to begin a tour of a vibrant, artistic city like Melbourne on a sad note, this shrine is one of the city's most iconic la... Morendmarks and is also among its most visited.

Opened in 1934 to honor the men and women who served in the First World War, it continues to commemorate citizens who have served in successive wars.

This beautiful shrine (bring your camera, the architecture is awe-inspiring) also serves as an excellent opportunity for visitors to learn about Melbourne's and Australia's military history.

Hours:
10am - 5pm daily
Guided Tours:
11am and 2pm daily
closed Good Friday and Christmas Day

Admission:
Free

Address:
Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne

Phone:
613-9661-8100Less

After the somber experience of visiting the Shrine, lighten your spirit at the stunning Royal Botanical Gardens.

With its reputation as Australia's most artistically inclined city, and its lush, temperate clime, it should come as no surprise that Melbourne's RB Gardens are considered among the most beautiful public gardens in the world... More.

Take an hour or two to explore. There are wetlands, a children's garden, tropical and local flora and fauna, and even an Aboriginal Heritage Walk.

Hours:
Daily 7.30am-sunset

Admission:
Free

Address:
Birdwood Avenue
South Yarra, Melbourne

Phone:
613-9252-2300Less

From the Royal Botanical Gardens, you can take the tram (trams 3, 5, 8, 16, 64, or 67, but confirm with RBG in case of route change) or the free tourist bus back to the gorgeous Flinders Street Station across from Federation Square. The trip takes about 6 to 8 minutes.

Federation Square is the epicenter of action in Melbourne. Opened... More in 2002 (to both positive and negative reviews for its modern architectural design) it has since become one of the city's most popular tourist destinations. Covering an entire block, the square houses many restaurants, shops, and bars and also features an outdoor public space often featuring free performances. The square also is the biggest free wifi site in Australia.

Though there are numerous options for lunch in Fed Square, for something a little more historic, you may want to grab a bite across the street at Young and Jackson’s pub (diagonally across the Square on the corner of Flinders and Swanston). Opened in 1861, it's one of Melbourne's oldest pubs.

Hours:
Hours of shops and restaurants in Fed Square vary. Most are opened from 9am to 6pm, daily. The Melbourne Visitor Centre is located here and is a worthwhile stop for tourist info.

Address:
Fed Square
Corner Swanston & Flinders Streets,
Melbourne

Phone:
613-9655-1900Less

Directly across from Federation Square is St Paul’s Cathedral.

As Australia is part of the "New World," visitors don't usually expect many historical highlights from Melbourne. But this Gothic marvel proves them wrong.

This beauty with its stunning, majestic spires was designed by English architect, William Butterfield. Co... Morensecrated in 1891, this is another of Melbourne's best known landmarks.

Hours:
Mon-Fri 8am-6pm
Sat 9am-4pm
Sun 7:30am-7pm

Address:
Flinders Lane and Swanston Street, Melbourne

Phone:
613-9653-4333Less

To get to the Arcade, turn left onto Flinders Lane. Turn right onto Swanston street and walk north for about 120 meters then turn left onto Collins (at the corner of Swanston and Collins, look for the diminutive dog statue; it is one of the city's most well-known art installations.) Stay on Collins for about 150 meters and Block Arcade is on your ... Moreright.

With its gorgeous mosaic floors, elegant archways, wrought iron, and decorative stonework, this 19th century shopping arcade is the city's most beautiful (and some would say expensive) arcade.

Built in 1891, it was designed by architect David C. Askew to resemble the elegant and decorative arcades in Milan.

Be sure to stop in to premium Haighs Chocolates for some free samples, or grab a cup of tea at the original Hopetoun Tea Room, a Melbourne institution.

Address:
282 Collins Street

Hours:
Mon-Wed 10am-6pm
Thurs-Fri 10am-9pm
Weekends 10am-5pm

Phone:
613-9654-5244Less

Exit the Arcade at Block Place and head east (right) on Little Collins Street a short time until you reach The Causeway then turn left. At the end of the Causeway is Bourke Street.

This pedestrian and tram-only street is considered the heart of Melbourne's central shopping district. Not really a mall in the North American sense, it is... More rather an area rife with stores and boutiques. The Bourke Street Mall also houses two major department stores, the nine-floor Myer, and David Jones.

Once you are done exploring this hive of consumerism, for a great place to eat and to experience the charm and energy of Melbourne's lane ways, return to The Causeway to dine at one of the lane's many wonderful cafes.

Many of the stores here are open seven days a week from 9am-6pm. Some stores are open until 9pm on Thurs and Fri.Less