Melbourne travel guide & information
As any Melbournian will tell you, Sydney has the looks, but Melbourne's got the personality. Australia's second biggest city and cultural capital is the kind of place where you'll stumble upon your next adventure rather than read about it in a guide book.
It is full of hidden laneways, bars, an exciting music scene, great coffee and a peculiar local fascination with sport. Read our tips and you'll have the time of your life.
THINGS TO DO
Get lost (looking for a bar) - Tiny bars are tucked away everywhere. Try finding Croft Institute - a chemistry-lab inspired bar on a laneway, off another laneway in Chinatown.
Get a local fix - Coffee is a religion in Melbourne and making it is treated as an artform. Try any local café or track down the latest winner of the annual Barista Championships.
Do your own graffiti tour - Melbourne, along with London and New York, is renowned for its graffiti and stencil artwork. Check out Hosier Lane and Duckboard Place and try to find a Banksy there.
Get into music - Melbourne claims to have the best live music scene in Oz. Check out niche venues like the Espy in St Kilda, The Corner in Richmond or Pony in the CBD. Or if you're a serious jazz buff, try Bennett's Lane in the city.
Get into sport - Melbourne is obsessed with sport. Try and get along to the Australian Open Tennis Championships (January), Formula 1™ Australian Grand Prix (March) or the Spring Racing Carnival (November).
Take the Neighbours tour - If you've always wanted to see the real Ramsay Street, this is for you. Call 0871 230 0040 or pop into your nearest branch to pre-book now.
Discover Victoria
Victoria is the smallest mainland state in Australia which means the infamous Aussie stories of driving for 10 hours to get anywhere don't apply here. The Yarra Valley is just an hour or so north east of Melbourne. It's one of the country's premier wine regions and the perfect place to go cellar door tasting or indulge in an all-day lunch. Ninety minutes south east is Phillip Island, famous for its daily penguin parade, wildlife and surf beaches. A bit further afield are the Grampians, one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world and Wilson's Promontory (or just 'the Prom' to locals) which is a favourite spot for more adventurous activities and great camping. And don't forget the Great Ocean Road, a stunning coastal route which winds its way through the beachside towns of Lorne and Apollo Bay and past landmarks such as The Twelve Apostles.
See what other travellers have to say about Melbourne
- Video 1
- Video 2
Straight from the horse's mouth! Read traveller's blogs on Melbourne.
AROUND MELBOURNE
Talk to your STA Travel adviser about everything you need to know about Melbourne and Victoria - including booking accommodation, day trips and adventure tours.
Get lost (looking for a bar) - Tiny bars are tucked away everywhere. Try finding Croft Institute - a chemistry-lab inspired bar on a laneway, off another laneway in Chinatown.
Get a local fix - Coffee is a religion in Melbourne and making it is treated as an artform. Try any local café or track down the latest winner of the annual Barista Championships.
Do your own graffiti tour - Melbourne, along with London and New York, is renowned for its graffiti and stencil artwork. Check out Hosier Lane and Duckboard Place and try to find a Banksy there.
Get into music - Melbourne claims to have the best live music scene in Oz. Check out niche venues like the Espy in St Kilda, The Corner in Richmond or Pony in the CBD. Or if you're a serious jazz buff, try Bennett's Lane in the city.
Get into sport - Melbourne is obsessed with sport. Try and get along to the Australian Open Tennis Championships (January), Formula 1™ Australian Grand Prix (March) or the Spring Racing Carnival (November).
Take the Neighbours tour - If you've always wanted to see the real Ramsay Street, this is for you. Call 0871 230 0040 or pop into your nearest branch to pre-book now.
Discover Victoria
Victoria is the smallest mainland state in Australia which means the infamous Aussie stories of driving for 10 hours to get anywhere don't apply here. The Yarra Valley is just an hour or so north east of Melbourne. It's one of the country's premier wine regions and the perfect place to go cellar door tasting or indulge in an all-day lunch. Ninety minutes south east is Phillip Island, famous for its daily penguin parade, wildlife and surf beaches. A bit further afield are the Grampians, one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world and Wilson's Promontory (or just 'the Prom' to locals) which is a favourite spot for more adventurous activities and great camping. And don't forget the Great Ocean Road, a stunning coastal route which winds its way through the beachside towns of Lorne and Apollo Bay and past landmarks such as The Twelve Apostles.
See what other travellers have to say about Melbourne
- Video 1
- Video 2
Straight from the horse's mouth! Read traveller's blogs on Melbourne.
AROUND MELBOURNE
| Experience | Price from | |
|---|---|---|
| The Great Ocean Road Experience Experience this stunning coasting journey. |
Full day £57 |
More info |
| The Yarra Valley Explore this world class wine region. |
Full day £53 |
More info |
| Phillip Island Penguin Parade and Koala Highlights |
Full day £60 |
More info |
| Grampians Great Escape One of the oldest mountain ranges in the world and rich in the history of the Gariwerd Aboriginal people. |
Full day £55 |
More info |
Talk to your STA Travel adviser about everything you need to know about Melbourne and Victoria - including booking accommodation, day trips and adventure tours.
Call 0871 230 0040
to enquire
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