Melbourne holidays

What to do in Melbourne

Seafront strolls, picnics in parks, evenings spent listening to local bands or at the theatre – Melbourne is positively jam-packed with all sorts of things to see and do. Even the coffee is an experience.

St Kilda Pier

To capture a stunning view of Melbourne’s city skyline, head to St Kilda Pier. This 1950s breakwater juts out into Port Phillip Bay and is a popular spot for local joggers. There’s also an Edwardian-style kiosk at the end of the pier where you can grab an ice cream.

The real draw for visitors, however, is the cute colony of penguins that have made St Kilda Pier their home. Around sunset is the best time to see them.

The National Gallery of Victoria

Split across two locations – the modernist building on the Southbank, and the Ian Potter Centre in Federation Square – the National Gallery of Victoria is a cultural highlight. The former has an enormous collection of works by the likes of Turner, Picasso and Rembrandt. The latter is more local, housing the best of Australian, Aboriginal, and Torres Strait Islander artists.

Daily tours give a good introduction – they’re themed around the collections and are free of charge.

Queen Victoria Market

On a summer’s day in Melbourne, there’s no better place to buy a picnic than Queen Victoria Market. Dating back more than 130 years, this historic marketplace is buzzing with hawkers selling their wares.

Head to the deli-hall to stock up on freshly baked bread, cheeses, cured meats and fruit. Like many places in Melbourne, the food stalls here reflect the diversity of the city so you can expect to fill your basket (and stomach) with treats from around the world.

Royal Botanic Gardens

Blooming with more than 8,500 plant species spread over 94 acres, Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens is the city’s most impressive green space. The Victorian-style park is home to both native and international flora – think kookaburras hanging out while you explore the herb garden.

The Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden is great for families too.

Artisan coffee

Forget high-street chains for a caffeine fix. When drinking coffee in Melbourne, it has to be in one of the city’s famous coffee shops. Baristas here are like artists, and independent cafes tend to source their own beans – roasting and grinding them to their own standard of perfection.

Don’t expect any old coffee. Many cafes serve coffee and milk combos that are unique to Melbourne – a recent trend being to ban milk altogether. Head to Degraves Street for the quintessential Melbourne experience or seek out a coffee tasting event to really get your nose into the city’s full-bodied coffee culture.

Where to stay in Melbourne

For families

Staying in the city centre is not necessarily the cheapest option, but it does get you close to key kid-friendly attractions. Here, you’ll have a choice of restaurants and be near to the SEA LIFE Aquarium, the Melbourne Museum and the Royal Botanical Gardens.

Central Melbourne can get noisy at night though, so you may prefer heading to one of the quieter suburbs. North Melbourne is a bit further out but has excellent access to the zoo. From here, it’s easy to get to Federation Square using the city’s comprehensive tram system.

For travellers on a budget

There’s plenty of free things to do in Melbourne, so a budget holiday is easier than you may think. Hostels are a good bet if you’re looking to save money on accommodation. The city has quite a selection dotted about the centre and surrounding suburbs, many with both dorm beds and private rooms.

Smaller, cheaper hotels can also found throughout the Central Business District. You’ll be quite central here, so it’s easy to get around on foot. You can hop on a free tram too.

For food and drink

Each district in Melbourne has its own character when it comes to food. Between South Yarra and Windsor, Prahran Market is a local favourite for tasty bites on the go. For high-end dining, stay close to the Southbank where several chic restaurants are perched along the river. Hotels in this area are suitably luxurious, as well.

As a hipster hub, Fitzroy has plenty of unique independent bars and restaurants. Expect concept cafes and unique takes on coffee and croissants. St Kilda also has some affordable accommodation and fun areas for eating and drinking.

For nightlife

Melbourne’s lively city centre is the place for late-night parties, with everything from cocktail and gin bars to jazz bars and all-night dance floors. It’s also packed with hotels and hostels, so you’ll have a good choice of places to stay. Carlton is another option just outside the city centre, with bars, live music, and plenty of mid-range hotels too.

For something that feels a little more local, head to Fitzroy or Collingwood. Located just east of the centre, you’ll find trendy bars and independent eateries. There are fewer hotel options here though, so be sure to book in advance.

For culture

Staying in central Melbourne, the CBD or around Southbank is the best way to be near the top sights. You’ll also be ideally placed for the International Arts Festival and the Melbourne Fringe. Luxury hotels, apartments and hostels are all up for grabs here – so you’ll find a range of deals throughout the year.

Or choose artsy Fitzroy for pop-up exhibitions, installations and street art. Stay near Brunswick Street – where you’ll find the jolly statue of local poet, Adrian Rawlins – to also be close to the tram.