Stories on the street
Art lover? Then you are in for a treat in this city. Begin your Melbourne exploration at Federation Square, the city’s most popular meeting point that provides an accessible gateway to local art and culture events and exhibitions both outdoors and at the fabulous National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) Australia. With excellent facilities, clean washrooms, clearly labelled exhibits and elevators between the floors, browsing the nation’s largest art collection has never been easier and more engaging.
Not too far off is the excellent cluster of museums managed by Museums Victoria, the Australia's largest public museum organisation. The immigration museum offers an insight into this country’s complex social fabric, while the Melbourne Museum showcases human history on a much larger scale.
Melbourne is renowned for its street art, but the good stuff is hidden in the city’s nooks and corners. Meyer's Place is home to a glorious green Mike Makatron mural, as is Gallagher's Lane. Duckboard Place boasts Melbourne's last surviving Banksy mural (although the authenticity is severely debated – but hey, it’s still greatart), Drewery Alley offers up a floating apparition that glows at night. Also take a leisurely stroll through Hosier Lane, where the walls come alive with ever-changing street art. And just pop into one of the many friendly neighbourhood cafés from time to time if you need a reviving cuppa.
Tip: You can go on a self-guided walk, or take a guided street art tour through these places.
Calm corners
Melbourne is every nature lover’s dream come true, with parks and gardens scattered through the city. Begin with the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, a vast green sanctuary with wide pathways and shaded lawns, and with highlights like the desert cacti garden and the fern gully. Go punting on the lake, join a therapeutic ‘forest bathing’, sign up for a guided walk or simply hop on to the open-air minibus for a comfortable tour of this green haven.
Another peaceful retreat is Flagstaff Gardens, which was originally Melbourne’s first colonial burial ground. Established as a public garden in 1862, this garden allows for gentle strolls or just precious moments of peace and quiet on a bench with views of ancient trees and manicured gardens.
Even if you’re not a cricket fan, the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground is worth a visit. One of the world’s most famous stadiums, it offers guided tours and a fascinating look into Australia’s vibrant sporting culture. And for splendid city views without much effort (long walks in Australian summers can be exhausting), the Yarra River cruise is a relaxed way to see the city from a different perspective.
Cultural capers
Melbourne is one of the world’s truly multicultural cities. And to get a glimpse of that, start with the golden gates on Little Bourke Street which lead into Melbourne’s historic Chinatown with its signature red lanterns, an area where dumpling houses and hidden bars are aplenty. Nearby, Healeys Lane has officially become the city’s Koreatown, serving up a lively slice of the Asian country whose pop-culture has taken the world by storm in recent years. Meanwhile, On Lonsdale Street, Melbourne’s Greek Precinct hums day and night with Mediterranean flavours.
Plus, there is always something musical going on in Melbourne, from open-air concerts to world class theatre performances. Programmes like Morning Melodies at Hamer Hall offer a series of late morning and matinee concerts that are ideal for quick midday breaks. You can even go on a music walk in this city that just adores live music.
Tip: Check local event calendars for music, theatre and comedy shows or art workshops.
Food with a soul
Melbourne’s multicultural heritage shines through its food and for many travellers, sampling local cuisine becomes an adventure in itself. Cafés here are almost an institution; a long brunch with freshly roasted coffee and a classic avocado toast is a perfect start to any day.
For a livelier experience, head to Queen Victoria Market, one of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest open-air markets, bursting with fresh produce, local cheeses, bakery treats and souvenirs, all set within a heritage-listed space that invites leisurely browsing – ask nicely, and vendors will often extend generous samples.
Tip: Melbourne is famous for its coffee culture, so don’t miss a chance to sit back with a local brew.
Shopping as therapy
Sleek and contemporary, the The District Docklands blends breezy waterfront views with striking public art and a lively mix of dining, retail and entertainment. In the CBD too, there are plenty of shopping options, like the Bourke Street Mall, Emporium Melbourne, Melbourne Central, and the heritage-rich Royal Arcade and Block Arcade — perfect for everything from glitzy global brands to charming specialty stores.