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Sip cocktails high above the city with our round-up of the best elevated bars in Melbourne. Read about 'The 11 best rooftop bars in Melbourne'.
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Melbourne is Australia’s cultural and entertainment hub. Known for its eateries, endless shopping, international sporting events and world-class galleries.
Whether this is your first time venturing to this bay-side capital or you've worn the soles of your bespoke leather shoes on its cobblestone laneways many times before, Melbourne will almost always have something fresh and new instore.
It's a city of diversity, secret pockets and hidden laneways. It's easy to explore away the hours uncovering hidden restaurant gems, or laneways filled with shops that stock the kind of unique, sophisticated, one-of-a-kind wares you will only find in this southern city.
Whether you're a newcomer or you've visited many times before you're almost always guaranteed to see a different side to this city.
What's your entertainment or cultural fancy? Chances are you can find it in Melbourne.
- Experience the spectacular Great Ocean Road on a full-day tour from Melbourne.
- Fancy a tipple at its source with a group of your closest friends? Hit the Yarra Valley Wine trail on a small-group wine tour
- It's fair to say you may have never thought of dining on a colonial tramcar but now you have, why not give it a try?
- Experience sunrise over Melbourne city, viewed from a hot air balloon
- Is super shopping more your thing? Try one of Melbourne's outlet shopping tours and be ferried from outlet strip to pop-up store by in-the-know locals.
Melbourne CBD
Melbourne's CBD is laid out in a neat grid which makes it easy to explore on foot or by jumping on and off one of the city's famous trams. Whether your preference is a bustling bar or a quiet spot to relax over a coffee and a good book, Melbourne's CBD is able to accommodate.
If you're a bit of a foodie the iconic Queen Victoria Markets are worth a visit. The largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, the market is known for its local produce and gourmet foods, emerging-and-established designer wares, artisan products and souvenirs. If you're planning a visit in summer try the night markets.
If you're partial to easy on-foot exploration you'll never be short of a destination to stumble upon in the CBD, it's a big part of the city's enduring charm. The abundance of great places to see and do means you can almost rely on the fact that happenstance will help you uncover you next favourite destination.
Like a little less accidental and a bit more planned intent? Try Centre Place for some of the best hole-in-the-wall bars and cafes (Hell's Kitchen scores an honourable mention). Hosier Lane will give you your required art fix, AC/DC Lane for live music (Cherry Bar is a must visit) and Meyers Place and Tattersalls Lane for the best in bars.
Melbourne is a hive of bustling, creative laneways offering covert boutiques, famed restaurants, hole-in-the-wall cafes and hidden bars.
Carlton, Fitzroy and Collingwood
Elegant terraces, the Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne Museum and the picturesque Carlton Gardens are all at the northern edge of the city. Experience la dolce vita in 'Little Italy' - Lygon Street - and enjoy the bookshops, boutiques and bars that line a university neighbourhood.
Just 10 minutes tram ride from the CBD is Fitzroy, Melbourne's hippest bohemian enclave with galleries, fine dining, hidden bars and vintage shopping. Brunch all day and sip cocktails at the rooftop bars on Brunswick Street or shop for local fashion and specialist book and vinyl retailers on ultra-cool Gertrude Street.
From Fitzroy turn the corner to Smith Street, Collingwood, known for its art and home ware retailers, galleries and studios and happening late night scene. Dine at some of Melbourne's trendiest bars and restaurants and discover the neighbourhood's quirky creativity and effortless charm.
Richmond, South Yarra and Prahran
Richmond is where the factory outlets are located, so dedicated bargain-hunters beat a path here. The big suburb is home to a large Vietnamese community, excellent grocers and Victoria Street's numerous restaurants specialising in pho. The fact that it's within walking distance to Melbourne's sporting precinct makes it a great destination to enjoy a pre-match drink at one of the many renovated hotels.
South Yarra and Prahran are a short tram-ride or train from the CBD. The two main shopping streets are Chapel Street and Toorak Road. Toorak Road
offers a wealth of stylish boutiques, jewellers, tailors and exclusive home ware outlets, while eclectic Chapel Street is a vibrant and irresistible temptation for the fashion conscious.
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St Kilda
This bay-side suburb is diverse at its heart. Explore the array of alfresco cafes, bars and restaurants, the palm tree-lined esplanade, beaches, eclectic retail, outdoor activities, festivals and entertainment for all ages in this beachside suburb. The eclectic St Kilda community offers a selection of creative and quirky experiences for those who enjoy a cultural experience.
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Melbourne enjoys cold winters, warm-to-hot summers and mild springs and autumns. Expect the unexpected, Melbourne has a reputation for changeable weather. It's best to prepare for all seasons before you leave the hotel. Take an umbrella and wear layers that can be taken off easily if needed.
From the airport
Melbourne Airport contains a domestic (T1) and international terminal (T2) and is located 23km from the city centre. A taxi can be pricey, but there is an excellent integrated public transport service comprising trains, buses and trams which allow travel on any form of transport on the one daily ticket. You can also book transfers to and from the airport and around the city for a reasonable price.
In and around the city
Trams are part of the allure of visiting Melbourne, so don't miss your chance to rattle around the city on one of the old ones. The City Circle Tram is a free service and it's a great way to see the CBD. Taxis and trains are also a reliable option.
If you are staying in a hotel with parking or want to get out and around the larger city, you might want to consider car hire in Melbourne so you can visit places like the Great Ocean Road, Mornington Peninsula, Yarra Valley or Phillip Island.
Your flight with Qantas
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Important Information
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