Melbourne trips and vacations

Melburnians are passionate about sports and Aussie Rules football is the main game. In fact, nine out of 18 pro teams call Melbourne home. In summer, it’s all about cricket and test matches at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (the MCG). Time your vacation to Melbourne for the Grand Prix at Albert Park or grand slam tennis at the Australian Open in January. 

Thanks to the gold rush in the 1850s, Melbourne transformed from a settlement into a city. And you can see the results in elegant Victorian-era landmarks like the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton Gardens and the Old Treasury Building. Modeled after Milan’s famed Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the Block Arcade in the city center is a perfect spot to admire architecture and fashion during your Melbourne vacation.

Melbourne is the artistic center of Australia. Explore international collections at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) and be inspired by the sculptures at the Heide Museum of Modern Art. The creative scene can be a part of cheap vacations to Melbourne. It doesn’t cost a cent to take photos in street-art alleys, like Hosier Lane, and support artist-run galleries in Federation Square. 

The city center is where to stay in Melbourne for convenience. You’ll be close to the National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne Museum and the riverside restaurants of Southbank. Tours in the city center cover anything from street art to the haunts of infamous gangsters and the best places to buy chocolate. 

Good for: Shopping, convenience, street art

Just a short tram ride from the city center, Fitzroy is the place to find vintage clothes on Brunswick Street and local creatives at the Rose Street Artists’ Market on weekends. This is one of the best areas to stay in Melbourne for dining. Sample everything from fried chicken at Belles Hot Chicken to sophisticated dishes at Cutler & Co.

Good for: Restaurants, vintage clothing, local art

The best neighborhood to stay in Melbourne for the beach, St Kilda has much more to offer than surf and sand. Ride the roller coaster at Luna Park, relax at casual beach bars and enjoy a stand-up act or concert at the historic Palais Theatre. Acland Street is a must-visit, but go on an empty stomach because this shopping strip is famous for its bakeries. If you’re overwhelmed by the choices, try the chocolate Kooglhoupf at Monarch Cakes. 

Good for: Beach, nightlife, family activities

The Melbourne Zoo heads the list of things to do with family in Melbourne. Meet lowland gorillas and Asian elephants. Then plunge into the world of stingrays and sea turtles at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium. Inspire little athletes in the family with a visit to the Australian Sports Museum inside the MCG. Spark the interest of curious kids with the interactive exhibits at Scienceworks.

The Queen Victoria Market is the headline attraction for shopping in Melbourne. Move beyond this massive outdoor market to find galleries and craft shops in Federation Square. Discover original fashion in Emporium Melbourne and hunt for souvenirs at the Bourke Street Mall. If you are a thrifty shopper, join locals looking for bargains at Spencer Outlet Centre. 

Reach the beaches in Melbourne by train or rental car. The following suggestions are within a 30-minute drive of the city center. At St Kilda enjoy sand, surf and amusement park rides. There’s plenty of room to spread out and have a picnic on the wide, sandy shore at Williamstown Beach. For great photo ops, head to Brighton Beach, famous for its colorful bathing boxes.

Experience Australia's 24-hour city through the nightlife in Melbourne. Sip cocktails with trendsetters in Fitzroy or the city center, and find a new favorite band at the concert venues in St. Kilda. Clubs like Revolver Upstairs and Brown Alley are open late. Choose spots like Angel Music Bar if you prefer to relax with jazz in the background. 

Restaurants in Melbourne serve everything from creative contemporary cuisine to street food. Brunswick Street is great for international favorites like Vietnamese ‘banh mi’, while Lygon Street is the city’s Little Italy. Start the day experiencing Melbourne’s famous coffee scene in Federation Square or Fitzroy. For a special night out, Collins Street has fantastic fine dining venues such as Society and Reine, set in the former Stock Exchange building.

Avoid admission fees at highlight attractions like the Royal Botanic Gardens and the free collections at NGV International. Other free things to do in Melbourne include exploring the worlds of film and video games in ACMI (free except for special film screenings). The Motley Bauhaus hosts free jazz concerts on Saturdays, and street performers take the stage on the Bourke Street Mall almost every day.