Welcome to Melbourne
Stylish, arty and cosmopolitan Melbourne is proud of its place as Australias cultural capital. Stately gold-rush-era architecture and a multicultural make-up reflect the citys recent history, while edgy street art and sticky-carpeted band venues point to its present-day personality. It's also a top sporting city, playing host to Grand Slam tennis, Formula One and it's main obsession Aussie Rules footy.
Centre Place DAVID HILL / GETTY IMAGES
MelbourneTop Sights
Federation Square
Geographically and socially, Melbourne's striking Fed Sq is the city's epicentre. Its a place to hang out, have a drink, people-watch and enjoy world-class galleries such as Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia and ACMI.
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Melbourne Top Sights
St Kilda Foreshore
Come to St Kilda for its sea breezes, seedy history, fascinating mix of people and lively nightlife. On hot summer days its the place to hit the beach.
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Melbourne Top Sights
Birrarung Marr
A slice of tranquility in the heart of the city, Birrarung Marr is a tribute to the Indigenous Wurundjeri people. It's great for a stroll along the Yarra accompanied by fantastic city views.
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Melbourne Top Sights
Melbourne Museum
Delve into the story of Melbourne, marvel at dinosaur fossils and learn about Indigenous Australia. At this museum you'll cover a broad sweep of Victoria's natural and cultural histories.
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Melbourne Top Sights
Melbourne Cricket Ground
In one of the world's sporting capitals, the MCG takes centre stage with 60,000-plus roaring footy or cricket fans attending match days. The museum is a must for sports fans.
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Melbourne Top Sights
Queen Victoria Market
Melbourne's historical central market is a great spot to shop for gourmet produce, and to take in the atmosphere of booming green grocers spruiking their goods. Lively summer evening markets are a highlight.
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Melbourne Top Sights
NGV International
NGV is home to a collection of artwork that spans the globe and includes master painters Rembrandt, Monet and Picasso, plus exquisite Asian and African pieces. The gallery's blockbuster shows are a huge attraction.
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Melbourne Top Sights
Abbotsford Convent & Around
This former 19th-century nuns' convent is a hub of artistic activity, host to galleries, theatres, flea markets and cool cafes. Surrounding the convent is the Collingwood Children's Farm and attractive parkland.
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Melbourne Top Sights
Royal Botanic Gardens
Regarded as one of the finest botanic gardens in the world, this sprawling green space combines both native and non-native plant species. Picnic on its grassy slopes around the duck ponds.
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Melbourne Top Sights
Royal Exhibition Building
Melbourne's only World Heritage Site, this beautiful art nouveau building was built in 1880 for the International Exhibition. Booking a tour to see inside, or just stand in awe of its grand facade.
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MelbourneLocal Life
Insider tips to help you find the real Melbourne
After checking out Melbournes top sights, heres how you can experience what makes the city tick trendy city laneways, a thriving rock 'n' roll scene, hip inner-city suburbs, local designers, and an obsession with single-origin coffee and craft breweries.
Arcades & Laneways
Street art
Laneway bars
Once a no-go area of toppled rubbish bins, rotten cabbage, rats and X-rated theatres, Melbourne's laneways have undergone a dramatic transformation to become one of the most celebrated parts of the city. These days they're all about street art, Parisian-style cafes, hip restaurants and boutiques in 19th-century arcades.