Destination Guide

Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne has been voted the world's most livable city three times in the past five years. Melbourne is one of the world's most cosmopolitan cities, renowned for its great cafes, high fashion and buzzing nightlife.

Melbourne is situated around Port Phillip Bay in south eastern Australia, the Port of Melbourne is a major port for commercial and economic activity in Australia. The City of Melbourne is home to one of the most diverse range of cultures of any major city in the world with a strong mediterranean European influence. Melbourne is a hub for both tourists and business people alike, drawing many international visitors for events such as the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and the Australian Open tennis.

Melbourne is the economic centre of the state of Victoria and tends to be more relaxed and open than Sydney. Melbourne has a population of 3.8 million people and is Australia's second largest city behind Sydney.

The average yearly temperature range in Melbourne is between 10-20 degrees celius with the warmest months being January & February and the coldest month being July. Melbourne is often noted by residents of other states as capable of cycling through "four seasons in one day", due to its ability to exhibit rapid changes in the weather.

Getting in and around Melbourne

Melbourne Airport

Tullamarine Airport is Australia's second busiest domestic airport and it is a short 90 minute flight from Sydney to Melbourne. Flights from Sydney to Melbourne on low cost carriers can often be purchased for under $100.

Melbourne Transport

Commuting around Melbourne is simple with the access to most of Melbourne via the Melbourne public transport, Metlink system which includes buses, trams and trains. Trams are free around the Melbourne inner city circle making getting around the city a breeze.

Melbourne Car Hire

If you require a rental car to travel in and around Melbourne, car rental is available from the Melbourne domestic airport.

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Melbourne accommodation

Luxury
  • Are you looking for a holiday to remember or just a weekend a way with that special someone? What better way to really enjoy Melbourne then at Crown Towers with its luxurious suites, excellent service and all the facilities to really pamper yourself!
  • Want to live it up in luxury in the middle of Melbourne CBD then staying at the Stamford Plaza should please you. Stamford Plaza is renowned for its excellent service and beautiful accommodation.
Mid Range
  • For great serviced apartments right in the city centre Punt Hill is the way to go, it also caters for those who wish to stay in the inner suburbs or futher out with locations around Melbourne.
  • If you are looking to stay on the hippest street in Melbourne look no further then St Kilda Road Park View Hotel. This is agreat place to enjoy Melbourne and it's famous boulevard.
Budget
  • For great accommodation at great prices whether you are holidaying or just in Melbourne over night Kingsgate Hotel offers you all that you need and it's close to the airport!
Backpackers
  • A great place to stay if you are backpacking through Melbourne or just want to try something different is Hotel Discovery this great hostel caters for everything and it even has a cinema!

* Prices listed were correct at the time of publishing and are included for indicative purposes only.

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Things to do in Melbourne

The best time to travel to Melbourne is from November through March when the beaches are in full swing with January, February being peak holiday season. There is much to see and do in Melbourne and the surrounding area but the most important thing is to relax and enjoy all that Melbourne has to offer. Travelers can travel to Melbourne from interstate by bus, train or plane via Avalon or Tullamarine Airports.

Melbourne is the social capital of Australia, home to Australia's most vibrant restaurants, cafes and bars. Host to many of Australia's largest sporting and entertainment events Melbourne is used to catering for a wide range of audiences and has tastes and influences which are enough to wet everyones appetite.

  • Southbank. When visiting Melbourne be sure to take a stroll along South Bank, grab a bite to eat in Chapel Street and a quiet drink in Saint Kilda.
  • Saint Kilda, this bustling hub of Melbourne is a great social scene. If you are holidaying in Melbourne make sure you take a stroll down St Kilda for the shopping too!
  • Great Ocean Road. Don't forget to take a drive down the Great Ocean road on your visit to Melbourne, to see the 12 Apostles or to take the drive to Ned Kelly country to see the old mining towns of Bendigo and Ballarat.
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    Day trips in and around Melbourne

  • Yarra Valley vineyards. The Yarra Valley Vineyards are a day trip you can't miss out on when you visit Melbourne, it also gives you a chance to see the beautiful countryside!
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