MELBOURNE: DIVERSE | CULTURAL | TEMPERATE
 STAY: LANGHAM MELBOURNEA five star luxury hotel, located on the Southbank Promenade, with rooms that tastefully combine timeless elegance and contemporary indulgences, enhanced with views of the Melbourne skyline or the Yarra River. |  SEE & DO: 12 APOSTLESTake in the rugged splendor of the 12 Apostles, a magnificent collection of limestone stacks off the shore of the Port Campbell National Park, by the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia. |  SEE & DO: ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENSLocated on the south bank of the Yarra River, discover rare plants, stunning landscapes, and iconic buildings at the gardens. |
|---|---|---|
 SEE & DO: ST. PATRICK'S CATHEDRALSituated on the fringe of the city grid, this cathedral is built from bluestone and sandstone, and has the distinction of being both the tallest and largest church building in Australia. |  SEE & DO: CAPTAIN COOK'S COTTAGEBuilt in 1755, and situated in the exquisite heritage-listed Fitzroy Gardens, this historic landmark is the oldest building in Australia. |  SEE & DO: ST. KILDA'S BEACHMelbourne’s seaside playground is renowned for its sandy beach, palm-lined boardwalk, great restaurants, bars and cafés. |
 STAY: CROWN TOWERSLocated in Melbourne's picturesque Southbank precinct, this hotel offers stunning views, luxurious world-class accommodation, restaurants, shopping, gaming and entertainment. |  STAY: ADELPHI HOTELA step away from bustling city streets, discover an extraordinary palette of temptations, from swinging couches, signature desserts, cocktails, candles and a pillow fragrance menu. |  STAY: SOFITEL MELBOURNE ON COLLINSLocated at the prestigious ‘Paris end’ of Collins Street and surrounded by galleries, gardens, architectural masterpieces, and the city’s finest attractions. The hotel immediately impresses through subtle luxuries, sophisticated elegance and a distinction for the finest service. |
 STAY: THE OLSENA boutique hotel located on famed Chapel Street, offering signature amenities and most notably, the works of landscape artist, Dr. John Olsen. |  SPA: ISIKA DAY SPAA peaceful retreat providing inspiration for a lifestyle change and a haven for contemplation and discovery. |  SPA: PENINSULA HOT SPRINGS90 minutes from Melbourne, thermal mineral waters flow into pools and private baths at this award-winning coastal oasis, providing the idyllic setting for relaxation and rejuvenation. |
 DRINKS: TARRAWARRABest known as a producer of exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, several other single block heritage varietals and estate blends are available at this internationally renowned wine tasting and restaurant experience in the Yarra Valley. |  DRINKS: YERING STATIONAn impressive winery, restaurant, and wine bar set on the site of Yarra Valley's first vineyard, offering great views, delicious food and exceptional service. |  DRINKS: LE BON TONA New Orleans-themed oyster saloon, smokehouse, cocktail bar and absinthe den all rolled into one. |
 DRINKS: ROOFTOP CINEMAAn ingenious combination of movie screenings and cocktails perched on a hip rooftop. |  DRINKS: BOMBACelebrate all things Barcelona at this rooftop venue serving up tasty cocktails, beer, wine, tapas, and summer parties. |  EAT: ST. CRISPIN COLLINGWOODLocated in the heart of Collingwood, chefs Joe Grbac and Scott Pickett, prepare a contemporary menu that is dictated by nature’s bounty. The dining room bar serves equally mulled over cocktails, wines, ales and champagnes. |
 EAT: CODAA global approach to food designed with a passion for balanced flavors and seasonality. A professional and informed staff ensures a memorable dining experience. |  EAT: MOVIDAA tapas bar located on a graffiti covered cobbled lane with a laid-back, high-ceilinged dining area serving up small plates. Hip music completes the ambience. |  EAT: VUE DE MONDEAn elegant fine dining restaurant located on the 55th floor of Melbourne’s iconic Rialto building. Their tasting menus boast of self-grown heirloom and organic vegetables and fruits, while the dining room enchants with sweeping city views and a serious art collection. |
 EAT: THE STABLES AT STONESLocated on one of the most picturesque and historic properties in the Yarra Valley are two superb restaurants – The Barn and The Stables – with a stunning rough-rendered Chapel and Dairy nestled under century-old oak trees. |  EAT: LAMINGTONSThe locals take squares of moist sponge cake, dip it in chocolate and then cover it with desiccated coconut. |  EAT: MEAT PIESDevour hand-crimped golden puff pastries generously filled with chunks of beef, stewed tender in a savory gravy. |
 SHOP: BLOCK ARCADEBoutiques and cafes are housed in a 19th century shopping arcade, renowned for its impressive etched glass roof, decorative wrought iron and the largest mosaic floor area in Australia. |
Melbourne, the capital of Victoria, is divided into two parts by the Yarra River. The city center comprises of chic laneway eateries and rooftop bars in former industrial buildings. Often hailed as the cultural capital of Australia, museums here feature historic and contemporary works of aboriginal art and more. Avenues are lined with Victorian-era buildings and decorated with edgy street art. Both locals and visitors alike enjoy the outdoor activities, boutiques, restaurants, cafés, and nightlife. Outside the city, wineries, mountain hikes and ocean drives promise to delight and thrill.
Links take you directly to the establishment's site. For point-to-point directions, check out our custom Google Map.
BEFORE YOU GO
GETTING AROUND
Most visitors base themselves in the city center. Melbourne's grid layout makes it an easy city to navigate, with most attractions located within walking distance. Transport options include train, tram, bus or shuttle.
STAY
From boutiques to chains, Melbourne offers a fine array of accommodations. The list below outlines some of the more luxurious hotels with amenities and features that appeal to the discerning.
EAT
Iconic treats include the meat pie, fish and chips, lamingtons, Vegemite sandwiches, and fairy bread - buttered toast covered with tiny colorful balls made with sugar and starch. More refined dining options include restaurants that serve up seasonal culinary delights made with locally grown produce. Many establishments exhibit art collections by celebrated artists, offer mesmerizing city views and impress with impeccable service.
DRINKS
Melbourne has many bars located outdoors and on rooftops with spectacular views. In the revitalized and street art covered laneways, are pubs hidden in plain sight. To enjoy some of the best pinot noirs and chardonnay, head to the picturesque countryside of the Yarra Valley.
SEE & DO
Melbourne offers a fantastic combination of historical, cultural, and urban sights and sounds. Enjoy the city, with its gardens and architectural delights, before heading out to the mountains, beaches and more.
12 Apostles – Day Trip
Dandenong Ranges – Day Trip
Flinders Street Railway Station
SPA
Almost every luxury hotel has a signature spa offering a vast number of eclectic treatments from exotic lands. There are numerous day spas conveniently located throughout the city and a hot springs experience situated outside of Melbourne in a picturesque setting.
SHOP
Shoppers can idle the afternoon away browsing through locally made crafts, gifts, jewelry, aboriginal art, hand painted pottery, oils, herbs and spices as well as artisan made chocolates and ‘Melbourne City Rooftop Honey’ at quaint boutiques, markets and malls.
Haigh's Chocolates Collins Street