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Melbourne offers an abundance of classy bistros, stunning beaches and colorful street art that exude culture – but don’t overlook its natural wonders!
St Kilda Beach stands out for its historic bathing boxes and long pier that stretches far into the bay, while Luna Park, one of Melbourne’s acclaimed amusement parks, can also be found there. Manchester to Melbourne flights are available now from Cathay Pacific.
Yarra River
The Yarra River is at the core of Melbourne, an irresistibly picturesque combination of natural beauty and cultural attractions. Enjoy strolling along its riverside promenade in Southbank Promenade or dining out at any one of many restaurants along its length, visiting Crown Casino or taking in a show at Arts Centre Melbourne – or explore its natural splendour on kayaking trips – rental outlets offer guided tours for both beginners and seasoned watersports enthusiasts!
Yarra River Cruises offer the ideal way to enjoy recreational and leisure activities on Melbourne’s river, providing a relaxing way to learn about its history and highlights while floating past towering skyscrapers and lovely urban gardens. Offering unique insights into Melbourne cityscape day or night.
Birrarung Marr, or the Yarra River, played an essential spiritual and cultural function among Wurundjeri people for thousands of years before becoming one of Melbourne’s iconic features and an ideal setting for many festivals and events.
Visit the Royal Botanic Garden when in the area for an oasis of calm within the hustle and bustle of city life. Be amazed by its impressive collections of plants and flowers; take time out for picnicking with family or simply relaxing alone in one of its scenic spots.
Explore the lush riverbanks and discover lush parks and gardens along the Yarra River by strolling its riverbanks. Yarra Parklands span 123 hectares and are renowned for containing iconic attractions like Shrine of Remembrance and Sidney Myer Music Bowl; whil Domain Parklands provide riverfront cafes and bars. Healesville Sanctuary provides an ideal opportunity to meet Australian animals while Valhalla by Callum Morton was originally featured at 52nd Venice Biennale.
Are you craving an adrenaline rush? Take the Eureka Tower up for unparalleled views of Melbourne’s cityscape and Yarra River from its glass cube on the 88th floor observation deck, offering 360 degree panoramic views with the river appearing like an endless blue haze.
Laneways
Melbourne’s laneways (or alleyways) provide a lively gathering place where locals and visitors meet over coffee, food, beer, wine and street art. Melbourne’s alleyways also serve an important cultural function and history narrative in their own right.
These pedestrian walkways offer memorable experiences, from cobblers who will custom make shoes for customers to Indian food vendors serving delicious cuisine. Discover many laneway attractions on your own or join a guided laneways tour for an insider perspective into the city’s cafe and dining culture.
Tattersalls Lane offers an abundance of eccentric finds, located west of Chinatown Archway on Little Bourke Street. Budget eateries such as Shanghai Dumpling House can be found here as well as renowned grunge bar Section 8 is home here as well.
Degraves Street is an incredible laneway for foodies to discover and savor, boasting vibrant cafes and restaurants lined with delicious aromas that emanate out onto its pavements – it’s like Paris meets Florence with some unique artisan shops thrown in!
At the other end of the scale is Royal Arcade, built in 1915 as an indoor shopping arcade that originally housed warehouses before later transforming to become Centre Place after one of the buildings located on its southern end. Today it’s famed as a tourist promotion site and home to some of the city’s tiniest cafes and alternative clothing shops.
The Block Arcade is an architectural gem inspired by Victorian-era streets and arcades, offering visitors an experience steeped in Melbourne history. Here you’ll find many notable pieces like its wrought-iron ceilings, pressed tin flooring with mosaic tiled designs, as well as its majestic glass canopy to behold.
Nightlife
Melbourne nightlife is an electrifying experience, bursting into life at dusk with bars, pubs, clubs and cruises that bring its vibrant energy. There are many laneway cocktail bars, historic pubs with long histories behind them, rooftop bars with breathtaking city views and even karaoke rooms to keep visitors busy all night long!
If you’re in Melbourne at night and looking for something memorable to do, try visiting a music venue or one of Melbourne’s many underground cellar bars – like The Black Pearl in Carlton area which has been offering cocktails since 1996 and won numerous accolades including Best International Bar from World Bar Awards. Their menu changes constantly based on seasons and moods.
The Garnet Den in Fitzroy offers another fantastic experience, featuring an Narnia-esque wardrobe concealed by velvet curtains that opens to reveal an underground cellar bar featuring plush lounges and candlelit tables. Their menu offers hearty dishes like burgers and mac and cheese alongside lighter fare such as charcuterie plates and ploughman’s platters for snacking pleasure.
Visit Siglo Bar for stunning panoramic city views in the city center, offering drinks and tapas, as well as hosting private dinners or cocktail parties. Their menu fuses American and Australian cuisine, featuring dishes such as “hot dawgs,” macaroni and cheese, grilled sammies and burgers alongside Australian staples like potato cakes and dim sum.
One of the more unique and unusual night activities in Melbourne is visiting Brighton Beach Bathing Boxes, originally built to protect women’s modesty while they bathed. Today, these popular tourist spots are protected by national park.
Melbourne offers some truly spectacular experiences for visitors. At St Kilda Pier and Breakwater you will discover a colony of 1,400 Eudyptula minor penguins (commonly referred to as fairy penguins). Watch as these miniature creatures arrive just before dusk to feed on shellfish that has washed ashore rocky shores; an unforgettable activity.
Shopping
Shopping is one of the city’s top attractions and draws millions of visitors each year. From high-end luxury boutiques to mid-range fashion stores, Melbourne provides shoppers with plenty of choices that cater to all budgets.
Melbourne boasts numerous one-stop undercover shopping complexes offering everything from large international chains to locally owned businesses, making it easy to spend all your money in Melbourne. Popular shopping destinations include Bourke Street Mall, Melbourne Central & Emporium, DFO South Wharf and Spencer Street Outlet.
Bourke Street Mall is an ideal shopping location for both domestic and international brands, including iconic department store David Jones as well as numerous top fashion boutiques with excellent food and beverage offerings scattered around. Additionally, Melbourne CBD features boutique and independent jewellery and accessory shops along with excellent art galleries as well as its famed Queen Victoria Market.
St Collins Lane is a charming arcade that connects Little Collins Street to Bourke Street Mall. This small arcade provides an ideal opportunity for searching out unique Australian souvenirs like iconic opals while shopping from jewellery, shoe and stationery stores as well. However, this arcade will soon undergo major redevelopment – make sure you visit while you still can!
Westfield Doncaster is located in the affluent eastern suburbs, making it the city’s second-largest shopping centre with over 400 stores – including major department store Myer. Additionally, premium services such as valet parking and personal stylists are offered here.
Westfield Southland is an iconic Melbourne shopping destination, boasting an assortment of stores, eateries and entertainment options like its Westfield Cinemas as well as a supermarket to meet all your grocery needs.
Melbourne attractions are conveniently located close together, making it easy to experience both its cultural and natural wonders. From Federation Square and Arts Centre to Royal Exhibition Building and stunning Yarra River as well as endless dining and entertainment offerings on Bourke and Collins Streets; Melbourne truly has something to offer all visitors.