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About Melbourne
With dynamic cultures, diverse population, and stunning architecture, Melbourne is a global hub for street art, live music, and theatre. Iconic landmarks such as the National Gallery of Victoria, the World Heritage-listed Royal Exhibition Building, and the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground are some of the major attractions of the city. Renowned for its rich cultural heritage, Melbourne has been instrumental in the birth of Australian rules football, Australian impressionism, and Australian cinema.
When it comes to architecture, the city has the best of both worlds. In the city’s streets, you will find Victorian-style buildings with that good ol’ charm as well as sleek modern structures with contemporary designs. Melbourne has gorgeous street art that lines the city’s famous laneways. The city is sometimes referred to as ‘Australia’s garden city’, thanks to its numerous manmade gardens and parks you can find in the city.
Melbourne is also a birdwatcher’s paradise. The city is home to over 350 species of birdlife, including lyrebirds, kookaburra, and vibrant parrots. To see native wildlife, visit the Melbourne Zoo. The Melbourne Aquarium that houses thousands of creatures from the Southern Ocean is a perfect stop for marine enthusiasts.
This bustling city has lots to offer to its inhabitants as well as visitors. Come, see and experience the unique blend of culture, nature, and creativity that is uniquely Melbourne.
Melbourne Cruise Experiences
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Know Before You Go
Best Time To Visit
Even though Melbourne has four distinct seasons, the city is notorious for being unpredictable. The best time to visit is during spring and summer that begins from November and goes on till February. Winter is from June to August. It can be a bit chilly, but it is also a great time to experience the city's cultural offerings such as indoor exhibitions, theatre performances, and cosy cafes.
Public Holidays
National Public Holidays:
Sunday, 1 January: New Year's Day
Monday, 2 January: Additional public holiday for New Year's Day
Thursday, 26 January: Australia Day
Friday, 7 April: Good Friday
Saturday, 8 April: Day following Good Friday
Sunday, 9 April: Easter Sunday
Monday, 10 April: Easter Monday
Tuesday, 25 April: Anzac Day
Monday, 25 December: Christmas Day
Tuesday, 26 December: Boxing Day
Other public holidays declared by the state and territory governments:
Monday, 13 March: Labour Day
Saturday, 8 April: Saturday before Easter Sunday
Monday, 12 June: King's Birthday
TBA: AFL Grand Final Friday
Tuesday, 7 November: Melbourne Cup Day
Events & Festivals
Melbourne International Comedy Festival (April)
The Melbourne International Comedy Festival that began in 1987 is one of the biggest comedy festivals in the world. Attracting thousands of comedians to Melbourne, the festival is the biggest ticketed event in Australia. Catch national and international acts performed by well-established entertainers, as well as new-comers.
Melbourne Cup Carnival (October- November)
This horse racing event takes place over four days, attracting punters from all over the world. There are many exciting horse races to watch during the Melbourne Cup Carnival, but the four main ones are the Victoria Derby ('Derby Day'), the VRC Oaks ('Oaks Day'), the Mackinnon Stakes ('Stakes Day'), and the prestigious Melbourne Cup, also known as the 'Race That Stops The Nation'. In Victoria, Melbourne Cup Day is a state public holiday.
School Holidays
TERM 1 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2023
Victoria: 7 April to 23 April
TERM 2 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2023
Victoria: 24 June to 9 July
TERM 3 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2023
Victoria: 16 September to 1 October
TERM 4 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2023 - 2024
Victoria: 21 December 2023 to 28 January 2024
Accommodation
Melbourne has plenty of accommodation options – something to fit all budgets. From fancy hotels with in-house restaurants or rooftop bars to charming ones along the city’s vibrant laneways, find something that suits your taste. You can also find cosy Airbnbs all over the city.
Dining
Melbourne is truly international when it comes to dining. The rich migrant population of the city makes sure that cuisines from all nooks and corners of the world are available here at all times. Being a coastal city, fresh seafood is plenty and is done the traditional Aussie way - thrown on the barbeque. Melbourne’s famous Queen Victoria Market is known for delicious gourmet snacks. The city also has a thriving coffee scene brewing.
Accompanied with some local beer or wine, you just may have found heaven!
Transport
Melbourne provides free tram rides within the centre of the city. To travel comfortably outside of the free-tram zone using public transport, use trains, trams, and buses. Rideshare, hire cars, and taxi services and shuttles are the other options available.
As Melbourne is mostly flat and has an extensive network of bike paths, it is easy to get around the city by bicycle. One can always explore the city on foot too.
Melbourne Tourist Information
Shopping & Market Hours
Melbourne is a hotspot for antique memorabilia. Bid goodbye to the city, carrying more than just memories.Find souvenirs of all shapes and sizes such as vinyl records, local art, etc. Shops are usually open by 9am and close by 6/7pm throughout the week. Most shops will be closed on public holidays.
Prints, homeware and accessories are a dime-a-dozen, and you can score some sweet deals at the local markets. Music enthusiasts will be especially pleased with the treasure trove of record stores that the city has.
Medical Services
Dial 000 for all emergencies while in Melbourne. The sun is something to look out for here and it takes just 15 minutes for your skin to burn. Arm yourself with all things anti-sun - sunscreen, sun-hat and sunglasses, before venturing out!
Emergency medical services can be availed in Melbourne at Royal Melbourne Hospital, Royal Children’s Hospital, etc.