Melbourne holidays and package deals

Where to stay in Melbourne

Choosing where to stay in Melbourne depends on the kind of holiday you want. Stay in the CBD for easy access to major attractions and city sightseeing, choose St Kilda for a beachside stay, or head to South Yarra, Fitzroy, Docklands, Southbank, Richmond or Brunswick for distinctive neighbourhood experiences. Each area has its own character, so choosing the right base can make a big difference to your trip.

Melbourne CBD – for first-time visitors and city sightseeing

Stay in Melbourne CBD to be close to major attractions, dining, shopping, nightlife and famous laneways. Federation Square, Hosier Lane and Queen Victoria Market are all within easy reach, while the Free Tram Zone and major train stations make it a convenient base for exploring the city.

St Kilda – for a beachside Melbourne holiday

St Kilda combines its bayside setting with cafés, restaurants, bars, markets and entertainment. It's a good choice for families and couples who want a beachside atmosphere while remaining well connected to Melbourne CBD and other inner-city areas.

South Yarra – for dining, shopping and nightlife

South Yarra is an upscale inner-city precinct known for Chapel Street shopping, international dining, bars and boutique accommodation. It's also close to the Royal Botanic Gardens and sporting venues, making it a versatile base for a Melbourne holiday.

Fitzroy – for art, culture and a creative neighbourhood feel

Fitzroy is known for street art, vintage shopping, independent cafés, traditional pubs and its creative atmosphere. Choose Fitzroy for a more local-feeling stay where plenty of restaurants, bars and shops are within walking distance.

Docklands – for sports, dining and waterfront stays

Modern Docklands sits on the edge of Melbourne CBD and offers riverside dining, contemporary accommodation and easy access to Marvel Stadium. It's a convenient choice for sports fans, travellers attending events and anyone looking for a modern waterfront base with easy access to Southern Cross Station and the city.

Southbank – for culture, dining and the Yarra

Southbank is a riverside precinct just across the Yarra from Melbourne CBD, putting cultural attractions, dining and entertainment within easy reach. Stay here for convenient access to Arts Centre Melbourne, NGV International, Melbourne Skydeck and the Crown Entertainment Complex, as well as the city's major sporting and events precincts.

Richmond – for sport, live music and dining

Richmond is a strong choice for sports fans, with the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Rod Laver Arena and the wider Sports Precinct nearby. Away from the stadiums, the neighbourhood is known for its multicultural dining, pubs, live music and shopping, with trams, trains and buses making it easy to explore beyond Richmond.

Brunswick – for Melbourne's alternative side

Brunswick is known for its creative and alternative atmosphere, with independent cafés, bars, eclectic shops and a strong music scene. Stay here for a more neighbourhood-focused Melbourne experience, with easy access to the city's inner north and Melbourne CBD by tram and bus.

Read our guide to where to stay in Melbourne to find the area that best suits your holiday.

Things to do in Melbourne

Melbourne brings together laneways and street art, world-class galleries, sporting venues, historic landmarks, gardens and vibrant markets. Explore the CBD on foot, spend an afternoon discovering an inner-city neighbourhood or venture beyond Melbourne for a day trip to the coast or wine regions.

Explore Melbourne's laneways and street art

Melbourne's laneways are one of the city's defining experiences. Wander through the CBD to discover colourful street art, hidden bars, cafés, boutiques and restaurants tucked away from the main streets. Hosier Lane is one of the city's best-known laneways and an easy addition to a day exploring Federation Square and Flinders Street Station.

Discover Melbourne's arts and culture

Visit the National Gallery of Victoria, explore Melbourne Museum or catch a performance at Arts Centre Melbourne. Melbourne's cultural attractions range from major international exhibitions to Australian and Indigenous art, live theatre, music and dance.

Experience Melbourne's sporting culture

Melbourne is a sporting city, home to the Melbourne Cricket Ground and a packed calendar of major sporting events. Catch an AFL or cricket match, visit the Australian Sports Museum or take a guided tour of the MCG to experience one of Australia's most iconic sporting venues.

Visit Federation Square and the Royal Botanic Gardens

Federation Square sits at the heart of Melbourne beside Flinders Street Station and the Yarra River, with galleries, restaurants, events and exhibitions to explore. Nearby, the Royal Botanic Gardens provide a green escape from the city with landscaped gardens, lakes and walking trails.

Explore Queen Victoria Market

Queen Victoria Market has been part of Melbourne since 1878 and remains one of the city's major landmarks. Browse fresh produce, specialty food, clothing, souvenirs, arts and crafts, and check what seasonal markets and events are taking place during your visit.

Explore beyond Melbourne

Melbourne is also a convenient base for exploring Victoria. Take a day trip to the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula or Phillip Island, drive along the Great Ocean Road, or head into Victoria's High Country for outdoor adventures.

Discover more things to do in Melbourne and top Melbourne attractions.

When is the best time to visit Melbourne?

Melbourne is a year-round destination, but September to November and March to May are generally the best times to visit for comfortable weather, fewer crowds and plenty happening across the city. The best time for your holiday will also depend on what you want to do, from summer beach days and major sporting events to winter culture and quieter city breaks.

Spring – September to November

Spring brings mild temperatures and is a great time to explore Melbourne's gardens, outdoor attractions and surrounding destinations. It's also a popular time for horse racing, with the Spring Racing Carnival taking centre stage in October and November.

Summer – December to February

Summer is a popular time for beaches, water sports, outdoor dining and day trips to places such as Mornington Peninsula and Phillip Island. Melbourne can also experience very warm or hot days, so pack for changing conditions.

Autumn – March to May

Autumn brings comfortable temperatures and is one of the best times to explore Melbourne on foot. It's a good season for outdoor activities and major events, including the Australian Grand Prix in March.

Winter – June to August

Winter is Melbourne's coldest season, but it can be a quieter time to visit and is well suited to museums, galleries, restaurants and indoor attractions. Winter is also a good time to explore Victoria's High Country if skiing or snow activities are on your itinerary.

Melbourne is known for changing weather, so packing layers is useful whatever time of year you visit.

Read our guides to the best time to visit Melbourne and Melbourne climate and weather for more information.

Where to eat and drink in Melbourne

Melbourne's food and coffee culture is one of the city's biggest draws. From laneway cafés and multicultural neighbourhoods to food markets, wine bars and fine dining, eating your way around Melbourne is a holiday experience in itself.

Discover Melbourne's coffee culture

Melbourne takes its coffee seriously, with independent cafés spread throughout the CBD and inner suburbs. Fitzroy, Richmond, South Yarra, Brunswick and the CBD are all known for their café culture, making it easy to find a good coffee wherever you're staying.

Eat your way around Melbourne's neighbourhoods

Melbourne's multicultural communities have shaped its food scene. Explore Italian dining in Carlton, Vietnamese food in Richmond, Asian flavours in Chinatown, Middle Eastern food in Brunswick and a mix of global cuisines throughout Footscray.

Explore Queen Victoria Market

Queen Victoria Market is one of Melbourne's best-known food destinations, with fresh produce, seafood, specialty foods, multicultural delicacies and prepared food alongside arts, crafts and other market stalls.

Make an occasion of dinner

Melbourne has a strong restaurant, wine bar and nightlife scene, from the CBD and Southbank to the inner suburbs. Choose a neighbourhood such as Fitzroy, Richmond or South Yarra for an evening that combines dining with bars, live music and other entertainment.

Wherever you stay, Melbourne's food and drink scene is an easy way to experience the character of its different neighbourhoods.

Getting around Melbourne

Melbourne is easy to explore without a car, particularly if you're staying in the CBD or inner city. Trams, trains and buses connect Melbourne's suburbs, while walking is often the best way to discover the city's laneways, arcades and central attractions.

Trams

Trams are one of the easiest ways to get around Melbourne and an iconic part of the city. The Free Tram Zone covers much of central Melbourne, making it particularly convenient for sightseeing within the CBD.

Trains and buses

Melbourne's train and bus networks complement the tram system and connect the CBD with inner and outer suburbs. They are useful when travelling beyond the central areas or to neighbourhoods that are further from the tram network.

myki and public transport

You'll need a myki card to use Melbourne's public transport network. Physical myki cards are available from selected retailers and stations, and eligible Android users can add a digital myki to Google Wallet.

Check the current Transport Victoria information before travelling for the latest fares, zones and payment options.

Walking

Melbourne's CBD is compact and highly walkable, making it easy to combine several attractions in a single day. Walking is also one of the best ways to discover the city's laneways, arcades, cafés and street art.

Car hire

You generally won't need a car to explore central Melbourne. A hire car becomes more useful if you're planning to travel beyond the city, such as visiting the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula, Phillip Island or the Great Ocean Road.

Read our getting around Melbourne guide for more information on public transport and exploring the city.