About Melbourne

Located in the south-eastern part of Mainland Australia, Melbourne is the capital of Victoria and the second largest city in Australia. Melbourne sits on the northern end of Port Phillip Bay. The city is built on the ancestral land of the Kulin Nation. For the Aboriginal people who have occupied the land for at least 40,000 years, Melbourne has always been an important gathering place for any significant event.  

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

Lunch Cruises

2 Cruises

From $125

Sightseeing Cruises

6 Cruises

From $38

Featured Cruises

8 Cruises

Melbourne 2.5-hr Brunch Cruise with Seafood & Sparkling

Enjoy your weekend onboard Melbourne Showboat Brunch Cruise with a sumptuous seafood and carvery menu and sparkling welcome drink

Duration 3hr

From $129

Phillip Island Seal Cruise

Enjoy watching an average of 5000+ seals up close from the deck of a purpose-built vessel with educational commentary and complimentary tea.

Duration 2hr

From $102

2Hr City To Williamstown Cruise With Return Trip

Cruise from Melbourne City to the charming seaport town of Williamstown and back. See the city’s iconic attractions across Port Phillip Bay.

Duration 2hr

From $48

1Hr Ports & Docklands Sightseeing Cruise

This scenic cruise down Yarra River is the best way to discover the incredible history and vibrant culture of Melbourne’s famous port & docklands.

Duration 1hr

From $38

2Hr Sightseeing Cruise Up & Down Yarra River

Best of two cruises combined to showcase the best of Melbourne’s scenic riverside precincts – the Docklands & River Gardens. Commentary included.

Duration 2hr

From $62

1Hr Yarra River Gardens Sightseeing Cruise

Sightseeing with commentary to admire Melbourne’s stunning cityscape along the Yarra River – Federation Square, Herring Island, Olympic Parks & more.

From $38

2Hr Yarra River Lunch Cruise

Enjoy Victoria's local flavours on this scenic lunch cruise on Yarra River offering a 3-course banquet menu with drinks & stunning waterfront views.

Duration 2hr

From $125

3Hr Yarra River Dinner Cruise

All-inclusive dinner cruise on the Yarra River with 4-course menu, drinks & great views of major Melbourne landmarks. Perfect for couples & families.

Duration 3hr

From $185

See All Cruises

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

Public Conveniences

The city of Melbourne tries to make your visit as hassle-free as possible. Head to the Melbourne Visitor Centres to get personalised advice on what to see and where to go in the city. Tourists from other nations can download guides in their own language. They are available in around 14 languages such as Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, etc.

You can also download the handy national public toilet map to find the nearest restroom. There are kiosks conveniently placed at key locations to make your time in the city comfortable.

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.