Capital of the state of Victoria in southeastern Australia, dynamic, cosmopolitan and cultural Melbourne is as creative as it is gourmet. The striking contrast between the region's natural treasures and the city's towering metal towers creates an eclectic atmosphere and a constant sense of wonder. Multicultural and lively, Melbourne showcases its diversity through numerous events. It's not for nothing that it's one of the world's most livable cities .
1- Stroll through the CBD
Melbourne' s Central Business District (CBD) is renowned for its eclecticism. Visit its various neighborhoods, such as Chinatown and its restaurants, which are well worth a visit. Take the opportunity to visit the State Library of Victoria, one of the most beautiful in the world. To the north, the Carlton residential district is predominantly Italian. Here you can admire some well-preserved 19th and early 20th century buildings. Then cross the Yarra River to walk along and admire the skyscrapers.
Discover the nooks and crannies of downtown Melbourne by booking a guided tour.
2- Queen Victoria Market
A veritable institution, the Queen Victoria Market is much more than just an ordinary market. Open since 1878, the market is now a historic landmark and tourist attraction, as well as a mecca for the city's gastronomic culture . You'll find many local specialties, in addition to those of the most represented communities: Italian, Greek and Indian. Every Wednesday evening, the market opens its doors to numerous visitors, who come to enjoy a bite to eat and taste Yarra Valley wines while listening to the live music on the program.
3- Hunt for street art
Street art lovers can count on Melbourne to spoil you. Head to the highly cultural Fitzroy district. Home to many artists, you'll find a multitude of designer boutiques dotted here and there withstreet art. Brunswick Street is one of the city's liveliest streets. For a tour of the local street-art scene, turn to Melbourne Street Art Tours, the only guided tours conducted by artists.
4- Visit Federation Square
The city's cultural landmark. The Federation Square esplanade lies right next to Saint Paul's Cathedral and is surrounded by museums, restaurants and cafés. These include the Ian Potter Centre, the first art gallery dedicated to Australian art, theTourist Office andACMI, a center dedicated to the moving image in all its forms. If there's a big event in town, be sure it's in Federation Square.
5- Take the Great Ocean Road
Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful roads in the world, the Great Ocean Road is a national heritage site. Just 1h15 from Melbourne, this road follows the coast for almost 250km between the towns of Torquay and Allansford. A must-see when visiting Australia, a road trip along the Great Ocean Road offers breathtaking scenery, from tropical rainforests to rugged cliffs and deserted beaches. The highlight of the trip: the Twelve Apostles, the stone sentinels that watch over the shoreline.
To discover the magnificent landscapes of the Great Ocean Road, we recommend you book this excursion from Melbourne.
6- Visit the Immigration Museum
Discover Melbourne 's history through immigration. Facing the Yarra River in the heart of the city, theImmigration Museum is an interactive museum housed in a superb historic building, the Old Customs House. A land of asylum for over two centuries, Victoria 's Immigration Museum traces the journeys and conditions of the many immigrants who have shaped its history and culture.
7- The National Gallery of Victoria
Art and culture lovers won't want to miss a visit to the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV),Australia's oldest museum. Founded in 1861, the museum is home to a significant number of international and local artists in a wide range of fields. The NGV exhibits over 75,000 works of art, from contemporary to historical. Fashion, architecture, photography and performance intermingle with the classics of painting and sculpture. Highlights include Pablo Picasso's La Femme en Pleurs, andAndy Warhol 's L'Autoportrait .
8- The Royal Botanical Garden
Internationally renowned for its magnificent gardens, the Royal Botanical Garden is a must-see tourist attraction. Just a stone's throw from the city center, south of the River Yarra, it extends over 38 hectares. Ideal for family walks, the park features numerous preserved mini-ecosystems and extraordinary wildlife. Cockatoos and possums are just some of the animals you'll come across. To take full advantage of the park's richness, spend at least half a day here , as there are numerous cafés nestling in the gardens where you can take a break.
After this brief overview of the country's floral wealth, discover our 21 most beautiful places in Australia.
9- Block Arcade and Royal Arcade
Discover the city's architectural treasures while strolling through the boutiques. Block Arcade and Royal Arcade are typical shopping arcades from the late 19th century. Well-preserved, they transport you to another era. Built in 1892, Block Arcade features mosaic floors, stained-glass windows and elegant boutiques. Royal Arcade dates back to 1869 and is the oldest arcade in the country. Be sure to admire its impressive Victorian facades.
10- Melbourne Skydeck
There's no better way to admire the view of the city than from the skydeck. Climb to the top of the 88-storey Melbourne Skydeck, the city's tallest tower. At 297m , it is one of the world's tallest residential towers. After a 40-second elevator ride, you'll reach the top of the tower and enjoy an impressive 360-degree view of the city.
11- Go to Saint Kilda
To the south of the city, Saint Kilda is Victoria's best-known seaside resort. Its wide, sandy beach is popular with tourists looking to relax, and offers lovely views of the harbor and CBD. After a moment's rest by the water, take a stroll along the Saint-Kilda jetty. If you go there at sunset, you may even come across penguins returning from their day at sea. The area is also frequented by the many families who visit Luna Park, the area's iconic funfair, created in 1912. The world's oldest roller coaster is still in operation.
12- Visit the Old Melbourne Gaol
Another of the city's historic buildings, the Old Melbourne Gaol is a former prison built in 1741. Used until 1929, the prison is now a tourist attraction, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves within its dark walls and a number of guided tours, some of them at night. It was here that Ned Kelly, a legendary Australian outlaw, was executed. A sort of Australian Robin Hood, the man has become a popular icon. To learn more about his story, a 2003 film is dedicated to him.
13- Take a trip to Phillip Island
Less than two hours' drive from Melbourne, Phillip Island is a haven of peace in the heart of nature. On this island of unspoilt coastal landscapes, you can observe a wealth of wildlife typical ofAustralia. Kangaroos, wallabies and koalas live side by side with the many penguins that populate the island. Many admirers of these animals flock to see thePenguins Parade every evening, when hundreds of little pygmy penguins head for their shelters after fishing.
To discover the natural beauty of Phillip Island, we recommend booking this tour from Melbourne.
Where to stay in Melbourne?
Here are a few suggestions for accommodation in Melbourne, according to your preferences:
- The most sociable: the Melbourne Central YHA youth hostel. In a lively neighborhood a stone's throw from Federation Square, this good-value hostel offers a large rooftop terrace, a swimming pool and some female-only dormitories. Ideal for getting to know other travelers, don't hesitate to book your stay here.
- The most central: theIbis Melbourne Hotel & Apartments, which you can book here. Close to the city center and Queen Victoria Market, this establishment offers modern, spacious rooms, some with kitchenettes. Good value for money.
- Closest to the beach: Nomads St Kilda. This modern youth hostel, 5 minutes from the beach, offers dormitories and en-suite rooms in a pleasant environment. Women also have access to dedicated dormitories. Book your stay now.
What's the best way to visit Melbourne in 3 days?
- Day one : start with a visit to Federation Square, the cultural heart of the city, before taking a trip to the Queen Victoria Market to sample local produce. Then discover the Immigration Museum.
- Then stroll the streets of the CBD and admire the street art. Visit the Block Arcade and Royal Arcade, before heading to the city's Royal Botanical Garden.
- On yourlast day, take a nature excursion to Phillip Island and enjoy its incredible scenery.
When is the best time to visit Melbourne?
Australia's Victoria region offers a temperate climate with distinct seasons. Depending on what you're looking for, you can visit Melbourne:
- march to May and September to November for pleasant temperatures, between 15°C and 25°C. These months are less frequented by tourists, ideal for avoiding the crowds.
- december to February to enjoy the Australian summer, festivals and outdoor activities. Beware, however, that temperatures can reach over 30°C.
What to do around Melbourne
Want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city? Here are a few points of interest to visit around Melbourne:
- Take the Great Ocean Road, a spectacular coastal road with views of the ocean and the famous Twelve Apostles.
- Head for the vineyards of the Yarra Valley, famous for its Chardonnay, sparkling wines and Pinot Noir.
- Hike in the Dandenong Ranges, a mountain range with lush flora.
- The Mornington Peninsula is perfect for beach and water sports enthusiasts.
- Visit the charming town of Daylesford, famous for its hot springs and relaxing spas.
