Melbourne, the capital of Victoria, has regularly been voted one of the world’s most liveable cities. It is a city of 4.1 million people and is renowned for its sense of style and elegance. It boasts glamorous festivals, Australia’s best shopping, a lively passion for music, eating and drinking, and a flourishing interest in the arts. Melbourne is the place with something for everyone!
Shopping:
Get your retail therapy fix in chic fashion stores at the Melbourne Central complex or the bustling Queen Victoria Market. There are numerous grand arcades filled with boutique stores and unique quirky shops in the laneways – you will find Melbourne is a shopper’s paradise. Discover boutiques and more in Melbourne’s hidden laneways or visit Chadstone which is a mecca for luxury and indoor shopping.
Dining:
The Melbourne weather is conducive to hanging out in cafes or trendy bars, and enjoying a romantic dinner in one of Melbourne’s many restaurants. Discover alleys leading to opulent bars, exclusive restaurants hiding behind non-descript doors and cafes/clubs in Melbourne’s laneways.
Entertainment:
Melbourne is famous for catching a game at one of the big stadiums – typically Australian Rules Football/Cricket at the M.C.G or the Australian Open Tennis at Rod Laver Arena. Take time to shop and play at the Crown Casino complex or enjoy a walk in the Botanic Gardens. Visit a museum or see a theatre show.
Short Drives:
If that’s not enough, it also offers easy access to areas such as the Yarra Valley- wine, Phillip Island – penguins and the coastal scenery of the famous Great Ocean Road. All of these areas offer magnificent countryside and many nature based experiences to be enjoyed by all ages. Australia’s unique animals are heavily featured also! This is where you can see koalas, watch penguins in their hundreds waddle up the beach of an evening, learn to surf, swim with wild dolphins and seals, walk and be amazed by the wonderful ruggedness of the rock stacks and blowholes on the Great Ocean Road, hike in the Otways Rainforest and enjoy some magnificent wine from the Yarra Valley. Victoria is a small state and all these places are an easy 1-3 hour’s drive out of Melbourne.
Allow at least 2-3 nights for the city and consider an extra few nights to get out of the city. Melbourne and Victoria are definitely a must-see for any visit to Australia as the area delivers iconic and unique Australian experiences that make for an unforgettable holiday!
Facts:
- Melbourne weather can vary dramatically in a day. You can expect average daytime temperatures ranging from 14 degrees in winter to 28 degrees Celsius in summer. Perfect weather for all activities.
- Air China, Air Asia, China Eastern and China Southern are the international airlines that fly direct. Direct flight time is approx. 12 hours. Plenty more airlines fly into Melbourne via their own transit hub.
- Melbourne is +2 hours ahead of Shanghai time.
- Ask us to plan & book your exceptional Australia holiday!
Recommended Restaurants:
Izakaya Den, Cutler & Co Dining Room & Bar, Mamasita, Attica, Circa, The Prince Hotel, Spice Temple, Dandelion, Café Di Stasio St Kilda, Lau’s Family Kitchen St Kilda, Rockpool Bar & Grill, Flower Drum, Jacques Reymond, Ladro, Golden Fields St Kilda, Chin Chin CBD, Newmarket Hotel St Kilda, Vue De Monde CBD
Major Events:
Melbourne hosts some major events year round. Some of the best include:
- January – Australian Open Tennis
- March – Australian Motor Grand Prix
- March – Melbourne Food & Wine Festival
- April – Melbourne International Comedy Festival
- August – Melbourne International Film Festival
- October-November – Spring Racing Carnival
- December Historic Boxing Day Test Cricket Match
Recommended Activities/Tours: This is a short selection. There is so much you can do!
Take a walk through the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens and enjoy any number of their tours including Aboriginal Cultural Experience or Heritage Walk
Watch the Orang-utans face-to-face at the amazing Melbourne Zoo
Go diving with the sharks at Melbourne Aquarium
Enjoy a fun day out with family at the Melbourne Museum and IMAX theatre
Do the Gallery circuit including NGV International, Ian Potter Centre, State Library, The Australian Centre for contemporary art, Heide Museum of modern art
Shopping/Food:
Enjoy all the foodie delights & shopping at the Queen Victoria Markets (closed Monday & Wednesday):
Join a walking a shopping trip which will help you find all those fantastic places…
Stroll along the Yarra River and dine at one of the many restaurants at Southgate then stroll to the Crown Entertainment complex home to shops, cinemas and the Crown Casino
Visit Chadstone Shopping Centre which is home to 530 stores including the most significant collection of luxury brands under one roof boasting Australia’s first dedicated luxury precinct
Great Ocean Road:
Great Ocean Road Day Tours: Enjoy a full day tour with the aboriginal centre, twelve apostles and enjoy the beach
Drive the 250km stretch of road hugging the coast with amazing views
Visit the Twelve Apostles the giant rock stacks rising from the Southern Ocean. View at sunset & you may see penguins as well! Can also book helicopter flights to fly around these majestic rock stacks
Zip lining & tree-top walk at the Otway Fly in the Otways near Great Ocean Road is not to be missed
Learn to Surf near Bells Beach, which is part of the World Surfing Championships every Easter. Plenty of surf schools abound in this area:
Swim with wild dolphins & seals at Queenscliff
The small hamlet of Kennett River on the Great Ocean Road is one of the best places in Australia to see koalas in the wild. Turn into Grey River Road, off the Great Ocean Road, and between one and two kilometres along the road you will be guaranteed to spot koalas in the gum trees.
You can also do the Great Ocean Walk, a 91km walk which begins in Apollo Bay and ends at the Twelve Apostles
Phillip Island (2 hours south/east of Melbourne): Great for nature & wildlife lovers!
Phillip Island Day Tours: Enjoy a full day with wildlife, wineries and ending with the famous Penguin Parade
Must not miss is the nightly Penguin Parade
Experience wild koalas in their natural habitat
Step back in time… meet the farm animals, relax in the cafe, enjoy the water views, and stroll amongst heritage buildings and lovely gardens
