In and Around Melbourne
Visitors to Melbourne will find the weather fine and mild and if you're planning to stay and explore, there is plenty to fill in your time in a city famous for its exceptional food and wine, great shopping and thriving arts scene.
Get Your Bearings The heart of the city is Federation Square, with its bars, galleries and public spaces. Linking the city to the Yarra River, Federation Square houses the Melbourne Visitor Centre, the Australian Centre for the Moving Image and the Ian Potter Centre, home to the NGV Australia, with its magnificent collection of Australian art. For breathtaking views over the city, check out the Melbourne Observation Deck on Level 50 of the Rialto Towers Building in Collins Street. At 253m, it's the tallest office building in the Southern Hemisphere. The City Explorer Bus is a great way to visit most of Melbourne's key attractions, or experience the evening ambience of a City Lights Tour. The Melbourne Greeter Service offers a free half-day walking tour of the city – it needs to be booked three days in advance (phone 03 9658 9658). One of the city's most beautiful places to take a wander is the Royal Botanic Garden on the Yarra River. The gardens hold many fascinating birds and animals and if you take the guided tour, you can finish up with a complimentary coffee, tea or hot chocolate at the Terrace Tearooms.
Visitor Information Melbourne Visitor CentreCorner Flinders and Swanston Streets
Phone 03 9658 9658
If you want to book a tour, or just need some advice, swing by the Melbourne Visitor Centre in Federation Square with its distinctive yellow 'i' on the blue sign. The centre is open daily from 9am to 6pm and offers internet access, and an accommodation and tour booking service.
About in Victoria The environs of Melbourne offer visitors to the Games the chance to explore some of Australia's most popular playgrounds. Within a two-hour drive of the Games action, there are a host of visitor attractions, including natural wonders, vineyards, beaches, wildlife and historic towns.
Check out:
Great Ocean RoadWinding along the western coast of Victoria the Great Ocean Road is famous for its stunning ocean views, natural rock formations, maritime villages and the historic Shipwreck Coast.
Mornington PeninsulaEast of Melbourne, you can head out to the peninsula's beaches and vineyard restaurants, or play a round of golf on some of the seaside links.
Phillip IslandJust under two hours from Melbourne, Phillip Island is known for its spectacular scenery and wildlife including seals and koalas. Don't miss the famous nightly parade of little blue penguins.
Yarra ValleyAn hour's drive from Melbourne, Yarra Valley is a day tripper's delight with more than 50 world-class wineries and restaurants. Foodies can also sample the region's fresh produce on the Yarra Valley Regional Food Trail.
The GoldfieldsThis heritage goldmining region is known for its historic towns, gardens and galleries. A favourite attraction here is Sovereign Hill, a replica 1850s town recreating life during the gold rush era.
Handy sites
- Melbourne Travel Guide, including maps, hot accommodation deals, events, attractions and activities.
- Tourism Australia
- www.visitvictoria.com – Information on Victoria, including culture, arts, events, activities and touring maps.
- www.visitmelbourne.com – Information on Melbourne, including the Games, food, shopping, attractions and events
- www.thatsmelbourne.com.au - More on what you will find in the city.