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Plan Your Trip to Melbourne: Best of Melbourne Tourism

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Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne’s earned its spot as one of the great big cities of the world. It’s got it all: parks and nature, colorful neighborhoods, a hip food scene, and plenty of history. Sip flat whites in cozy cafes, go thrift shopping on Brunswick Street, and spend your afternoons laying out in Fitzroy Gardens. There’s also endless art and culture to explore—take a stroll down Hosier Lane for the city’s most iconic street art, or check out the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Center in the Melbourne Museum to learn more about indigenous history. When you’re ready to skip town, you can hang with penguins on Phillip Island, sip chardonnay in the Yarra Valley, or cruise down the Great Ocean Road—it’s all right there. Find tours, traveler tips, and more below.

Travel Advice

How to do Melbourne in 3 days

Top-notch coffee culture, cutting-edge design, and buzzy boutiques
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My favorite Melbourne restaurants

Finding Melbourne’s most interesting food isn’t easy (although there is no shortage of it). The city is represented by 140 different cultures and each brings something new to the culinary mix. I’m always on the hunt for authentic dishes like Thai boat noodles, which I discovered in a parking garage, or tender pork belly, which I stumbled upon at a market sake bar. Here’s my hit list.
themaidastouch, Melbourne, Australia
  • Wasshoi
    13
    Wandering around Prahran Market, discovering this sake bar serving melt-in-your-mouth, slow-cooked, charcoal-grilled pork belly in a bowl of rice with lettuce, kimchi, and yuzu-chili mayonnaise was pure bliss. Grab a seat at the bar, order a sake or a citrusy yuzu shandy, and watch the Japanese chef fire up your order over the coals. Expect a long line at lunchtime. But seriously, the food, friendly service, and market ambiance make it all worth it.
  • Miss Mi Melbourne
    28
    If you’re missing the big, bold flavors of Southeast Asia, you can find them at Miss Mi Melbourne. A meal here starts with a big, fluffy roti served with a curry dipping sauce. You must try the spiced lamb ribs with an addictive chili-caramel glaze, the crispy pork belly, or the beef rendang. Save room for dessert—I love the fried sticky rice. Located across from Southern Cross Station, it’s easy to find.
  • Serai
    40
    Don’t expect to find your grandma’s traditional adobo or sinigang served here. Instead, you’ll discover reimagined Filipino dishes cooked over a wood-fired grill by Chef Ross Magnaye, a favorite contestant on MasterChef Australia. For example, his spin on kare-kare, a savory stew with peanut sauce, amps things up with caviar and salted duck egg. He’s gained the nod of Gordon Ramsay, Jamie Oliver, and others who frequent this hip and trendy restaurant.
  • Lulu's Char Koay Teow
    28
    When I’m craving the bold flavors of Malaysian cuisine, this Penang-inspired al-fresco eatery does the trick. As its name implies, this small space specializes in the stir-fried rice noodle dish known as char koay teow, serving it in seven different ways. I go for the version with blood cockles, shrimp, and Chinese sausage. Wash it all down with an ice-cold teh tarik (milk tea), just like you would back in Malaysia.
  • Asado
    222
    On the banks of the Yarra River, Asado has one of the best views of the city’s skyline. Serving up the authentic flavors of Argentina, this trendy bar and grill is a great place for date night. Definitely order the empanada humita with grilled corn, Manchego cheese, and smoked chilis. Carnivores can’t go wrong with any of the meat dishes, especially the cochinillo (slow cooked suckling pig) and the cordero (grilled lamb rump).
  • Soi 38
    55
    You won’t find more authentic Thai food than inside this parking garage at the heart of Melbourne’s Central Business District. Office workers queue up at lunch time for a cup of Thai iced tea and a bowl of boat noodles, the place’s signature dish. In the evening, it serves a larger selection of street food like fried chicken and grilled pork jowls. The plastic stools make it feel like you’re dining in Bangkok.
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Melbourne Travel Guide

Travelers' pro tips for experiencing Melbourne

ColingUnther

Vegetarian and Vegan are well catered for especially in Fitzroy Carlton for Italian, and Chinatown is several blocks. Down at Flinders Lane queuing is common but De Graves st and Hardware Lane are not to be missed.

bukbuk51

Prepare for variable weather; 4 seasons in one day is common and occasionally 4 seasons concurrently. But that is part of the charm. Any sporting event at the MCG = Melbourne Cricket Ground is full-on crowd engagement, whether that is cricket, football or any other event. Add a visit to the great museum.

Jeffry b

A car is not necessary in central Melbourne. You can catch a tram almost everywhere you want to go. The city is laid out on a very simple grid system. Get a simple map and you will soon find your way around.

snuff82Melbourne

Melbourne has so many things to offer; from the sporting scene, to the arts, to the nightlife and finally the food, there is something for everyone. I love to explore my city and to play tourist - there is always something new to experience and discover.

bukbuk51

… Older buildings blend with contemporary architecture to help define The World's Most Liveable City. Wide streets show off the major museums, theatres, galleries and major department stores but it is the lane-ways that lead to boutique shops, funky restaurants and Chinatown. Home to 4 million folk from most nations in the world, locals love to eat and enjoy some of the best cuisine in the world. Shopaholics have a feast of choices. Grand Theatres with great shows plus festivals galore. A garden city but Sport is King!

LeonieshorncliffeQLD

Originally coming from Melbourne, I love going back. Melbourne is the Paris of Australia with lots to see and do. You will never be bored, but more than that Melbourne is a vibrant, exciting city that inspires and fulfills.

What is the best way to get there?

flying

Melbourne is served by two major airports, Tullamarine (MEL) and Avalon (AVV), which is closest to the city of Geelong.

bus

Greyhound Australia offers service to Melbourne; the bus terminal is located next to Southern Cross station. Airport buses also arrive and depart from here.

driving

If you’re arriving in Melbourne by car, you’ll likely come via the Princes Highway.

Do I need a visa?

If you’re visiting from overseas, see if you need a visa.

When is the best time to visit?

The streets and parks of Melbourne lend themselves well to wandering, so visit March-May or September-November for weather that’s mild and dry and for the lowest concentration of crowds. Expect average daily temperatures those times of year to be highs of 24-17 C (76-63 F) and lows of 14-9 C (58-49 F).

During the summer months, the Royal Botanic Gardens hosts events such as concerts and an outdoor cinema, while spring sees an abundance of cultural events focused on comedy, fashion, and coffee.

Find more information on Melbourne’s weather and when to go.

Get around

trams

Trams service most of Melbourne CBD and its suburbs. The City Circle tram—which covers popular Melbourne attractions such as Docklands, State Library Victoria, and Federation Square—is free.

In addition to the route 35 City Circle, there are more than 20 other tram routes operating within Melbourne. To access routes outside of the CBD free zone with ease, purchase a rechargeable Myki card at tram stops, train stations, or 7-Eleven stores.

taxis

All of Melbourne’s taxis operate on a meter system and a prepaid system comes into effect after 10:30 p.m.

rideshare

Uber, Ola and Bolt rideshare services are also readily available.

trains

The City Loop light railway connects the five inner city stations of Southern Cross Station, Flagstaff, Melbourne Central, Parliament, and Flinders Street. Melbourne also has an overground train system that connects the city to the suburbs. Check timetables and routes.

On the ground

What is the timezone?

Australian Eastern Time (GMT+11)

What are the voltage/plug types?

The standard voltage in Melbourne is 230V and the standard frequency is 50Hz. Associated plugs are type I, which have two flat metal pins shaped like a V. For plug types, you can reference the international guide: https://www.iec.ch/worldplugs/

What is the currency?

Australian dollar (AUD)

Are ATMs readily accessible?

Yes.

Are credit cards widely accepted?

Yes.

Is it easy to find a bank?

Yes.

How much do I tip?

Tipping is not expected in Australia, however, a tip for exceptional service is always appreciated.

Are there local customs I should know?

Drinking

The federal legal age for buying and drinking alcohol is 18 years old.

Public transport

Allow others to disembark before boarding, don’t take up more than one seat, and stand to offer seating to pregnant women or someone with a disability.

Walking

Walk to the right of the sidewalk and step off to the side of the sidewalk if you want to stop to check your phone, look up directions, or want to take in a view.

Melbourne travel advice

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These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travelers ask in the forums.

Recommended Tours

Some travelers recommended The Little Penguin Bus for an evening tour to see the Penguin Parade on Phillip Island, highlighting its timely arrival and departure that maximizes time spent at the event. Additionally, the Melbourne Men's Shed group offers weekly walking tours led by an experienced guide, covering hidden local gems.

Private Tour Preferences

For a more personalized experience, a couple of users favored Posh Penguins for a private tour to Phillip Island and the Penguin Parade. This tour is noted for its convenience of pick-up and drop-off in downtown Melbourne and the option for an upgraded viewing experience, though it comes at a higher cost.

Self-Guided Options

For those preferring self-guided tours, some users suggested using a ranger-guided tour directly from the official Penguin Parade website, which offers detailed access and information about the parade. Another self-directed option is exploring Melbourne's laneways, with downloadable maps available from the local information center, providing a flexible way to enjoy the city's famous street art and cultural spots.

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Overview

According to forum posts, Melbourne offers a variety of public transportation options, including trams, buses, and trains. The city features an extensive network facilitated by the Myki card system, which is used across different modes of transport.

Tram and Train Services

Some travelers mentioned the tram as a convenient way to travel around the city, with specific trams like the 86 tram providing direct routes to key destinations like La Trobe University. Additionally, train services connect Melbourne to suburban areas and other cities, with lines such as the Upfield line leading to the Melbourne Zoo.

Bus Services

The city also has comprehensive bus services, including the 250 bus route, which goes directly into La Trobe University campus. Other buses like the 220 and 906 provide connections from certain campgrounds to the CBD, making them useful for tourists staying outside the central area.

Myki Card System

Travelers have called out the necessity of the Myki card, a reloadable ticket that allows travel across trams, buses, and trains. This card can be purchased at various locations around the city and needs to be topped up with funds to be used.

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Hotel Recommendations

According to forum posts, the Intercontinental Melbourne, The Westin, and The Grand Hyatt are highly recommended for their proximity to shops, restaurants, and transportation. The Rydges is also praised for its comfortable rooms and excellent location close to Chinatown and Carlton.

Apartment and Aparthotel Options

Some travelers have suggested serviced apartments like those offered by Quest and Adina for longer stays, as they are furnished and often come with amenities like kitchens and laundry facilities. The Mantra and Quest have a good range of apartments in and around the Melbourne CBD, which are convenient for families or longer stays.

Alternative Accommodation

For budget-conscious travelers, forum posts have recommended looking at Airbnb for options like private rooms or apartments. Some users have pointed out that accommodations like the Space Hotel offer budget-friendly private rooms and are located close to the CBD, making them a viable alternative to traditional hotels.

Specialty Accommodation

For unique stays, websites like trustedhousesitters.com have been mentioned, where users can stay for free in exchange for pet sitting, which can be a cost-effective option for longer visits.

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Itinerary Duration and Accommodation

Some travelers recommend splitting the Great Ocean Road (GOR) trip over three days to include two overnight stays, suggesting Apollo Bay for the first night and either Port Campbell or Warrnambool for the second. This allows for a comfortable journey back to the city via the inland route on the third day.

Driving Route Recommendations

According to forum posts, a common approach is to drive from Melbourne to the GOR, beginning at Torquay and progressing westward to Apollo Bay and Port Campbell. This east-to-west direction is preferred because scenic spots and carparks are more accessible from this side of the road.

Attractions and Activities

Travelers have called out specific attractions along the GOR, including the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and various scenic lookouts. Some users suggest dedicating time to explore beaches and rainforests along the route. A recommended stop is the Otway Fly area for a different experience on the return journey.

Considerations for Viewing

It's suggested to plan for a sunset view at the 12 Apostles to capture the stunning scenery in the evening light, enhancing the experience of the visit.

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Public Transport Payment

According to forum posts, Melbourne's public transportation system primarily uses the Myki card, which can be topped up at stations, convenience stores, and online. Travelers have noted that while debit or credit cards cannot be directly used for tapping on and off on public transport, Android users can add a Myki card to Google Wallet for convenience.

Market Transactions

Some travelers mentioned that most stalls at Melbourne's markets, including the Victoria Market, accept card payments. However, it has been suggested that carrying some cash might be advantageous for smaller purchases or where minimum card payments apply.

Accommodation and Other Services

For accommodation and other services like taxis or car rentals, credit and debit cards are widely accepted. Forum users have shared that taxis in Melbourne accept EFTPOS, and most hotels and rental services prefer payment through credit or debit cards, though a surcharge may apply in taxis.

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Location-Based Options

Some travelers mentioned that affordable parking can be found at shopping centers like Melbourne Central and South Wharf DFO, which offer reduced fees on Sundays and additional discounts if you purchase items. Another option discussed was the Golden Square parking near Quality Apartments Melbourne Central, offering a discounted rate of $30 per 24-hour period with a single exit.

Street Parking Insight

According to forum posts, street parking in Melbourne CBD is limited on weekends between 8 am and 5 pm, with a 2-hour parking limit during these hours. It was mentioned that outside of these times, parking on many streets is free, which could be a cost-effective option if timed correctly.

Alternative Suggestions

Travelers have called out that prebooking a parking spot through companies like Kings or Secure Parking might provide cheaper options. Additionally, some users suggested considering locations just outside the CBD, where parking might be cheaper, though this could mean a slightly longer commute to the city center.

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Popular Attractions

According to forum posts, Melbourne offers several child-friendly attractions including the Melbourne Zoo, Collingwood Children's Farm, and the Melbourne Museum, which features a dedicated area for kids under 5. Sea Life Aquarium and various playgrounds across the city, such as those in Fitzroy Gardens and along the Yarra River, are also popular among young visitors.

Interactive and Educational Experiences

Some travelers have highlighted specific sites for interactive and educational experiences for children. These include the Children’s Gallery at the museum, the Children’s Garden at the Royal Botanic Gardens, and Scienceworks, which provides engaging scientific displays and activities.

Outdoor and Unique Activities

For outdoor lovers, posts suggest visiting Healesville Sanctuary for animal watching or enjoying the beaches from St Kilda to Brighton. Additionally, unique experiences like miniature train rides available on Sundays and visiting Phillip Island for penguin watching are recommended for families.

Events and Seasonal Activities

During specific times, Melbourne hosts child-friendly events such as White Night with its free activities, and various seasonal festivities that can be particularly magical for children, adding a special element to their visit.

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Myki Card Purchase and Top-Up

According to forum posts, Myki cards can be purchased at various locations in Melbourne, including the airport, Southern Cross Station, and convenience stores. The card costs $6, and it can be topped up at Myki machines, convenience stores, or online. Travelers mentioned that the minimum top-up amount at machines is generally $1, but using Google Pay with a Myki requires a minimum of $10.

Usage and Fare Caps

Travelers have called out that the Myki card is required for all public transport in Melbourne, including trams, buses, and trains. It operates on a pay-as-you-go basis with fare capping. Daily fare caps are mentioned, with a typical cap being $10.60 for full fare, which can be lower on weekends and public holidays.

Free Tram Zone

For many users, an important feature of the Myki system is the Free Tram Zone in Melbourne’s CBD. Within this zone, passengers do not need to tap their Myki card, allowing free travel on trams in the central area. This is particularly beneficial for tourists exploring the city center.

Refunds and Registration

Some travelers noted that unused balances on Myki cards can be refunded, but this typically requires the card to be registered, which can also help protect the balance if the card is lost. However, the initial $6 cost of the card is non-refundable.

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