Australia · City Guide
Melbourne
Melbourne is Australia's cultural capital and most cosmopolitan city, a destination of world class art, architecture, coffee culture, outstanding restaurants across every cuisine, a passionate sporting culture centred on Australian Rules Football and a network of beautiful laneways, rooftop bars and neighbourhood experiences that reward extended exploration. From Federation Square and the NGV to the Melbourne Cricket Ground and the Dandenong Ranges, Melbourne delivers an Australian city experience of remarkable depth.
Elect's take
"Melbourne is the Australian city I find most consistently engaging. The food and coffee culture here is genuinely among the world's finest, the arts scene is outstanding and the combination of beautiful urban spaces and easy access to extraordinary nature creates a destination I return to with genuine pleasure."
The National Gallery of Victoria is the oldest and most visited art museum in Australia housing outstanding international collections including an extraordinary Impressionist gallery. The Melbourne Cricket Ground is one of the world's great sporting cathedrals, capable of holding 100000 people and the home of Australian cricket and AFL football. The laneway culture of Melbourne's CBD — Hosier Lane, Centre Place, Degraves Street — creates an extraordinary urban environment of street art, coffee and small bars. The coffee culture here is seriously excellent, arguably the finest in the world. The Queen Victoria Market is outstanding. The Great Ocean Road, one of the world's great coastal drives beginning approximately 90 minutes southwest, is an essential Melbourne excursion.
Best time to visit
How to get there
What to expect
National Gallery of Victoria
Australia's oldest and most visited art museum with outstanding international collections.
Melbourne Cricket Ground
One of the world's great sporting venues, home of Australian cricket and AFL football.
Melbourne Coffee Culture
Arguably the finest coffee culture in the world, expressed through outstanding independent cafés.
Laneway Culture
A remarkable network of laneways of street art, bars, cafés and restaurants.
Queen Victoria Market
Melbourne's most beloved market with outstanding food and produce halls.
Great Ocean Road
One of the world's most spectacular coastal drives beginning 90 minutes southwest.
