Australia’s second largest city is famous for great sporting events, food, shopping, fabulous arts and a host of regional attractions nearby.
While fairly compact in size, downtown Melbourne is split into distinct areas, each with its own fortes and flavors. Bourke Street Mall offers no-strings-attached retail therapy, Chinatown is all dumplings and heritage, Collins Street knows how to live the good life, Flinders quarter squeezes your creative juices, and the sports precinct's fever is contagious.
Outside Melbourne discover the diversity and beauty of regional Victoria. From world-class wineries to natural springs, the coastal villages of the peninsulas to alpine towns. Drive along one of the many scenic routes – including one of the world’s most scenic - the famous Great Ocean Road. Pull on your walking boots and follow tracks and trails, or wander the shops and local produce markets.
What's hot in Melbourne & Victoria right now...
The Icons Tour of Australia - 11 days Experience Sydney, the Great Barrier Reef, Hamilton Island, Tropical North, the Red Center and Melbourne. Australia's iconic cities, wildlife, and culture. Overview
Melbourne, Phillip Island, Cairns and Sydney - 13 days The adventure begins with a walking tour in Melbourne, dine on the Tramcar, see koalas in the wild, tour the Great Ocean Road, see the Little Penguins. In Cairns see the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation. In Sydney take an escorted bicycle tour of the city, tour the Sydney Opera House and cruise on Sydney Harbour. Overview
Melbourne, the Great Barrier Reef and Sydney - 12 days Hit all the iconic hotspots. See Melbourne, the Little Penguins, Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef and Sydney. Overview
Australia Uncovered - 11 days An independent tour is the Australia most tourists DON'T see. Go behind the scenes, discover a city the way no tour bus could show you, fly over the 12 Apostles, see wildlife in the wild outback, enjoy a day hike of the Blue Mountains. This is the ‘untouristy’ tour of Australia. Overview
Why Melbourne?
Australia’s most cosmopolitan city for fashion, shopping and the arts
Sporting events like the Australian Tennis Open, Melbourne Cup Horse Racing and Australian Formula One Grand Prix
Australia’s best scenic drive starts (or ends?) here: the stunning Great Ocean Road
The cutest penguins in the world live here: the Fairy Penguins
Find your zen in the natural mineral springs and spas of Daylesford
Melbourne’s Extraordinary Encounters
Add some of these truly outstanding local experiences to build your perfect visit
Go and see some Aussie football games with a guide who can explain the rules – yes, there are rules!
Eat distinctive Indigenous cuisine in the heart of Melbourne at Tjanabi. You can also combine your meal with a walking tour or cooking lesson.
See kangaroos and koalas in the wild and get involved in conservation programs
Explore the amazing untouched Croajingolong National Park’s rich scenery, wealth of wildlife and peaceful stillness with the passionate guides
Go wine tasting through the well known and boutique wineries of the Yarra with local wine experts
See a theater production at the Melbourne Art Center – include a back stage tour too
Eat a sumptuous dinner while seeing the sights aboard a tramcar restaurant
Hot air balloon right over the city center!
Tour into the outback by air and stay at a working sheep station
Melbourne is filled with so many great accommodation options it can be hard to choose what will suit you best. We can help put you in the right spot. Here are a few of our favorites and reasons why we like them…
Melbourne - Vibe Savoy Hotel Melbourne. A terrific blending the zest of the Vibe Hotel brand with the beautiful façade of a Heritage building, and close to the hub of Melbourne’s Collins St.
Melbourne - Lindrum Hotel Melbourne. We love this place… a historic building converted into funky loft style rooms loaded of character. Close to the MCG and Tennis Center for events.
Melbourne – Crown Hotel. Not just simply a grand hotel with impressive suites, stellar service and a luxurious spa – check out the view from the majestic Crystal Club. Worth every penny.
Melbourne – The Lyall. A true favorite because it is like living in a luxurious home. Located in one of Melbourne most prestigious suburbs with amazing shopping and restaurants close by.
Yarra Valley – Chateau Yering. Our favorite for it’s Victorian grandeur and elegance, amazing restaurants and beautiful relaxing gardens.
Daylesford – The Lake House. So many reasons to have this one on the list. Serene lake views, indulgent professional spa, local art exhibitions and some of the best food in Australia.
Outback – Walhalla Star Hotel. A top pick because this is just plain ol’ fun. Stay in a town with less than a dozen residents and a rich gold mining history and have a great time.