Melbourne is the coastal capital of the southeastern Australian state of Victoria. At the city's centre is the modern Federation Square development, with plazas, bars, and restaurants by the Yarra River. In the Southbank area, the Melbourne Arts Precinct is the site of Arts Centre Melbourne – a performing arts complex – and the National Gallery of Victoria, with Australian and indigenous art.
Melbourne Museum and the Royal Exhibition Building explore city history and culture. The Immigration Museum and the Chinese Museum provide differing cultural perspectives on local settlement, while Old Melbourne Gaol offers insight into 19th-century prison life.
A major shopping destination is Queen Victoria Market, a Victorian-era building with food stalls. The city’s 19th-century "laneways" and shopping arcades are lined with cafes, galleries and boutiques. The riverside Royal Botanic Gardens shelter 10,000-plus plant species, and Yarra Park is home to the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The centre of Melbourne is threaded with cobbled laneways, which have become a mecca for coffee shops, cafés and unique shopping boutiques. Start at Flinders Street station, wander down Degraves Street, and explore the city’s beautiful arcades and street art around every corner - including works from England-based graffiti artist Banksy.
Head down Collins Street to visit the exquisite Block Arcade then get your caffeine hit at pocket-sized Brother Baba Budan or Patricia, both on Little Bourke Street.
Book well in advance for Attica, one of the world’s 50 best restaurants, and tuck into Ben Shewry’s unique tasting menu. Melbourne’s city laneways are home to popular restaurants, such as Tonka, hidden down the graffiti-covered Duckboard Place, and elegant Flower Drum on Market Lane.
Nearby, TV chef George Colombaris plates up modern Greek food at his flagship restaurant The Press Club and souvas at his string of casual restaurants Jimmy Grants. For the tastiest cheap eats, don't miss Hannoi Hannah's delicious Vietnamese street food or Fonda Mexican for tacos and burritos. Both pack out quickly.
• Yarra River
• Yarra Valley
• Federation Square
• Queen Victoria Market
• Royal Botanic gardens Victoria – Melbourne Gardens
Below is a small selection of the Melbourne holidays on offer. If you would like us to create a Melbourne holiday based on your ideas, please give us a call.
14 Nights from £4900pp
14 Nights from £6170pp
14 Nights from £4500pp
16 Nights from £5995pp
22 Nights from £6760pp
21 Nights from £6900pp
Below is a small selection of the Melbourne hotels we offer on our Australia holidays. If you don't see the hotel that you want to stay in, just give us a call.
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Q) When is the best time to visit Melbourne?
A) The best time to visit Melbourne is during spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May), when the weather is mild and ideal for exploring the city, nearby wineries, and coastal drives. Summer is popular for events and outdoor dining, while winter offers cosy cafes, sporting events, and fewer tourists.
Q) What is the time difference between the UK and Melbourne?
A) The time difference between the UK and Melbourne is 9 hours.
Q) What are the must do activities when in Melbourne?
A) When visiting Melbourne exploring the cities laneways and arcades is a highlight, filled with colourful street art and local boutiques. Hang out at Federation Square, this is Melbourne’s main hub here you can enjoy local music and events. Check out Melbourne’s sporting calendar with events all year round including bigger events including Melbourne Open and the Grand Prix. Looking to relax, chill at Melbourne’s beaches.
Q) Best places to eat in Melbourne?
A) Melbourne is full of amazing places to eat, this is just a small selection of some of the great places to eat during your stay.
Attica – This menu has been crafted by acclaimed Australian chef Ben Shewry and is often voted in the top 50 restaurants in the world. Each course is designed to reflect the stories and landscapes of the local region.
Miss Katie's Crab Shack – Perfect spot for enjoying local seafood with a southern comfort. Including prawns, fried chicken and waffles, fish tacos and a build-your-own Louisiana-style boil in Old Bay seasoning.
Miznon – Melbourne is home to Australia’s largest Greek population. This restaurant is serving up delicious Greek and Mediterranean flavours perfect for a quick stop for a bite to eat.
Two Birds One Stone – Is the perfect Brunch spot to relax in the morning while enjoying your breakfast favourites and Aussie famous flat whites.
Q) Best places to stay in Melbourne?
A) Melbourne has a fantastic selection of hotels suited to every guests. From luxury stays to family-friendly accommodation. This is our selection of our expert’s favourite hotels in the city.
At Stewart Travel there are a number of ways you can contact us meaning that all you have to do is choose the option which is most convenient to you.
0800 270 0069
Request a Callback
Enquire
At Stewart Travel there are a number of ways you can contact us meaning that all you have to do is choose the option which is most convenient to you.
0800 270 0069
Make An Enquiry
Request A Callback
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