If you're looking for what's cool and quirky in Melbourne, start your hunt with the tips we've collected from the roamers through, and the residents in, the City by the Bay. Find treasures near and far, like inner-city curio stores and karaoke bars, nature reserves and artists' hubs. Even the coffee scene - which Melbourne has done so well for so long - still holds secret spots waiting to be uncovered. So get out there and discover the next hidden gem.
Collingwood, Melbourne
Everything you need to relax and unwind is provided at this little slice of Japan in Melbourne. After a tension relieving soak, you can indulge in Shiatsu accupressure, drink a soothing tea and leave feeling like a new person.
Melbourne CBD, Melbourne
If you want to be in the know about Melbourne's eclectic art scene, look no further than TCB, an artist run gallery hidden in a laneway in the Chinatown district of the city. The gallery showcases emerging Australian artists and hosts a range of artists talks, interactive exhibitions and cultural events.
Melbourne CBD, Melbourne
Excellent bar/restaurant/live music joint found on Level 2 of the Toff in Town. Warning - it can get a little noisy, but that's part of the fun! If you're looking for a meal (tasty Thai), I recommend booking and asking to sit in one of the booths which are old train carriages.
Windsor, Melbourne
Very cool secret bar on Chapel St. This tiki bar is hidden behind a fake fridge at the back of a sandwich shop (Boston Sub). There can be a queue, but I suggest waiting it out as the line moves quick, and you can have a snack while you wait!
Newport, Melbourne
A nature reserve on what once was a bluestone quarry, this lake sanctuary is hope to beautiful wildlife including Spoonbills, turtles and Cygnets. You can walk the loop of the lake or get up close and personal with the water's residents on the bluestone pathway that crosses the lake itself. Theres a playground and picnic area and lots of information about the ecosystem of the reserve.
Mount Dandenong, Melbourne
When you enter William Ricketts Sanctuary, you immediately feel a connection with nature. Set among tall mountain ash trees and tree ferns, this nature retreat oozes tranquility. Ricketts' ceramic sculptures are dotted around the short walking trail and his old cottage and clay oven are part of the exhibits. He clearly took his inspiration from his time living with Aboriginals in the Australian Outback and the artworks are beautiful.
Footscray, Melbourne
This Italian coffee shop is a bit of a time capsule, with the family run business maintaining a classic Sicilian espresso bar vibe since it's establishment in the 1950's. Here you can find Melbourne's best home made ricotta Cannoli that goes perfectly with an espresso, Bellissimo!
Melbourne CBD, Melbourne
Theres no need to shy about your singing abilities at this Kareoke bar, you can serenade your friends in the privacy your own party room! Order drinks directly to your private room and belt out your favourite tunes all night long.
Abbotsford, Melbourne
Kids love meeting the residents of this lively child-oriented farm which lies on the banks of the beautiful Yarra River. Beyond the barnyard of animal friends, organic fruits and vegetables are grown here and you can purchase this fresh produce from the farmers market, or taste it at the outdoor cafe.
Abbotsford, Melbourne
This cultural hub is a Melbourne institution, using an innovative pay-as-you-feel business model for it's restaurant which supports the local community by employing migrants and refugees. The restaurant is in the historic Abbotsford convent building and is surrounded by spacious landscaped gardens.
Yarraville, Melbourne
Come for a movie and popcorn, stay for the architecture and atmosphere. This once abandoned and now independently run cinema is loved by locals for it's refurbished art deco style and cultural cachet. The famous choc top ice creams are made on site and there is a host of shops and cafe's in the cinemas vicinity.
Melbourne, Victoria
The Laneways are the back streets of Melbourne that surprise first-time visitors with their street art, bars and cafes. One of the best examples is Hosier Lane, which features constantly changing graffiti. Close to here is ACDC Lane, dedicated to the legendary rock band. Degraves Street has everything from a burger bar to a pizzeria and waffle house.
Melbourne CBD, Melbourne
High above Swanston street in the iconic Curtain House building sits this unique, independent bookshop that specialises in beautiful art and design books, as well as a curated selection of fiction, non fiction and children's books. Check it out to find that perfect gift or a literary treat for yourself.
Melbourne CBD, Melbourne
Any fan of DIY and underground culture can't miss a visit to Sticky, a non for profit, small scale book and magazine shop located in the subway of Flinderstreet Station. You can pick up a range of one of a kind publications, comics and magazines as well as unique postcards, pins and prints.
Melbourne CBD, Melbourne
This is more than just a comic book shop - it showcases local and emerging writers and artists, offers workshops, signings, and the opportunity to meet people working in the field of comic production. They also have some second hand toys available for sale, so prepare to have some 80s childhood flashbacks while you're there.
Fitzroy, Melbourne
Tucked away on Gertrude St in Fitzroy, The Everleigh will bring some serious vintage charm to your evening. Perfect for sipping champagne, nibbling on a cheese board, and savouring whiskeys, this bar takes you back in time to the Great Gatsby era.
$135
Leave the hustle and bustle of Melbourne behind, and breathe in the fresh country air as you trek through the mountains. Travel from the Western Victorian
$22
Cruise along the shores of Melbourne to the maritime seaport of Williamstown. Cruise past Melbourne’s shipping channels and some of the city’s most iconic
$135
Explore Australia's most spectacular coastal route, the Great Ocean Road on this full day trip. Bear witness to an amazing array of stunning attractions as
$274
Spend 2 days exploring the natural wonders around Melbourne. Ride up the Great Ocean Road, which hugs dramatic sea cliffs and curves through hinterland
$17
Enjoy a scenic sightseeing cruise on the Yarra River and discover the routes of the early settlers of the Melbourne region. Take in stunning views of the city
$36
Towering 120 meters or equivalent to 40 stories high over the Docklands, the Melbourne Star, the only giant observation wheel in the Southern Hemisphere,
$150
Escape from the busy city life and immerse yourself within the Dandenong Ranges. Ride on Australia's oldest steam railway, feed colorful birds in the
$163
Embark on this express evening tour to Phillip Island and witness the natural phenomenon of the penguin parade. With reserved priority forward seating at the
$34
Experience Melbourne from the Eureka Skydeck 88 and catch a bird's-eye view of the city skyline and beyond. Upgrade to the Edge experience for a unique chance
$39
If you still miss your first goldfish Flounder, you need to grab this chance to check-in on his entire extended family. Featuring more than 10,000 colorful
$95
Escape from the busy city life into a lush haven of hidden delights within the Dandenong Ranges during a ride along Australia's oldest steam railway. On this
$119
Miles of rugged beaches, wave-carved rock formations, and dense rainforest await on this full-day adventure along Australia's most famous scenic highway.
$130
Escape to the picturesque Yarra Valley on this small-group day tour from Melbourne and visit 4 of the regions top wineries. Indulge yourself with a delicious
$172
Travel along one of the world's most spectacular routes, the Great Ocean Road. Take in stunning coastal scenery, journey through the lush rain forest in Otway
$37
Step onto the African savannah without ever leaving Australia at the Werribee Open Range Zoo. This 500-acre (200-ha) park is home to iconic grasslands animals
$129
Escape to the beautiful Mornington Peninsula on this coastal wine day tour. Visit boutique cellar doors, sample the region’s best wine, cheese and
$55
Experience 2 of Melbourne's most popular ticket items, the SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium and Eureka Skydeck 88 or Melbourne Zoo and Melbourne Star Observation
$145
It doesn't get cuter than the nighttime spectacle of hundreds of little penguins scurrying up the beach on Phillip Island. When the sun sets, these adorable
$158
Get acquainted with the charm of Melbourne on this comprehensive guided tour. Enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Yarra River, see the city's famous sites, and
The best time to visit Victoria's capital is up to you. If you go during the winter months, prepare for icy winds, but you can still have a good time anywhere with heaters! During summer, people-watch from the comfort of a rooftop bar, scope out the tennis, or check out the Brighton Beach bathing boxes.
Here's what we think will make your trip more comfortable:
Lucky for you, Melbourne has an extensive transport system. You can board one of the metro trains at Southern Cross Station and take it pretty much anywhere in and around the city, or ride one of the iconic city trams-the City Circle trams are free and perfect for exploring the major attractions. And then you've got your standard buses and taxis, which are always solid picks.
Want to cruise around with your own set of wheels? Hire a car and be on your way - Yarra Valley is about 60km east of the CBD, or you could head south to the Great Ocean Road. Be sure to snap some pics of the Twelve Apostles.
Located in Melbourne Central Business District, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Marvel Stadium, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, and DFO South Wharf. Crown Casino and Entertainment Complex and Festival Hall are also within 15 minutes. Southern Cross Station is 5 minutes by foot and North Melbourne Station is 21 minutes.
Located in Melbourne Central Business District, this motel is within a 15-minute walk of Marvel Stadium, Melbourne Central, and Queen Victoria Market. Crown Casino and Entertainment Complex and Bourke Street Mall are also within 1 mi (2 km). Flagstaff Station is 6 minutes by foot and Southern Cross Station is 7 minutes.
Located in Melbourne Central Business District, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Crown Casino and Entertainment Complex, Melbourne Central, and Melbourne Cricket Ground. Royal Botanic Gardens and Marvel Stadium are also within 2 mi (3 km). Flinders Street Station is 7 minutes by foot and Melbourne Central Station is 17 minutes.
This family-friendly Melbourne hotel is located on the riverwalk, just steps from Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and DFO South Wharf. Crown Casino and Entertainment Complex and SEA LIFE Melbourne are also within 15 minutes. Southern Cross Station is 16 minutes by foot and Flinders Street Station is 22 minutes.
This family-friendly Melbourne aparthotel is located in the entertainment district, within a 10-minute walk of Her Majesty's Theatre, Parliament House of Victoria, and Bourke Street Mall. Hosier Lane and Forum Theatre are also within 10 minutes. Parliament Station is only a 4-minute walk and Melbourne Central Station is 11 minutes.
Located in Melbourne Central Business District, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of SEA LIFE Melbourne, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, and Crown Casino and Entertainment Complex. Marvel Stadium and Melbourne Central are also within 1 mi (2 km). Southern Cross Station is only a 2-minute walk and Flagstaff Station is 12 minutes.
Located in Melbourne Central Business District, this aparthotel is within a 10-minute walk of Flagstaff Gardens, Queen Victoria Market, and Melbourne Central. Emporium Melbourne and Bourke Street Mall are also within 15 minutes. Flagstaff Station is only a 3-minute walk and Melbourne Central Station is 7 minutes.
Located in Melbourne Central Business District, this luxury hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Federation Square, National Gallery of Victoria, and Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Melbourne Central and Crown Casino and Entertainment Complex are also within 15 minutes. Flinders Street Station is only a 4-minute walk and Melbourne Central Station is 13 minutes.
Located in Melbourne Central Business District, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Degraves Street and Federation Square. Bourke Street Mall and SEA LIFE Melbourne are also within 10 minutes. Flinders Street Station is only a 3-minute walk and Melbourne Central Station is 13 minutes.
Located in Melbourne Central Business District, this hotel is steps from Melbourne Town Hall and Collins Street. Melbourne Central and Princess Theatre are also within 10 minutes. Parliament Station is 8 minutes by foot and Melbourne Central Station is 9 minutes.
Located in Melbourne Central Business District, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of SEA LIFE Melbourne, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, and Crown Casino and Entertainment Complex. Marvel Stadium and Melbourne Central are also within 1 mi (2 km). Southern Cross Station is only a 5-minute walk and Flagstaff Station is 15 minutes.
Located in Melbourne Central Business District, this luxury hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Regent Theatre, Princess Theatre, and Bourke Street Mall. Melbourne Central and Melbourne Cricket Ground are also within 1 mi (2 km). Parliament Station is 5 minutes by foot and Flinders Street Station is 10 minutes.
Located in Attwood, this hotel is within 12 mi (20 km) of Royal Melbourne Showgrounds, Highpoint Shopping Centre, and Flemington Racecourse. La Trobe University and Royal Children's Hospital are also within 12 mi (20 km).
Located in Melbourne Central Business District, this aparthotel is within a 15-minute walk of Collins Street and Melbourne Central. Queen Victoria Market and Princess Theatre are also within 1 mi (2 km). Flagstaff Station is 9 minutes by foot and Southern Cross Station is 7 minutes.
This family-friendly Melbourne hotel is located in the entertainment district, just steps from Degraves Street and Collins Street. Melbourne Central and Princess Theatre are also within 15 minutes. Flinders Street Station is 6 minutes by foot and Melbourne Central Station is 10 minutes.
This family-friendly Melbourne aparthotel is located in the entertainment district, just steps from Flinders Lane and Collins Street. Crown Casino and Entertainment Complex and Melbourne Central are also within 15 minutes. Flinders Street Station is 9 minutes by foot and Flagstaff Station is 11 minutes.
Located near the airport, this family-friendly hotel is within 12 mi (20 km) of Highpoint Shopping Centre, Flemington Racecourse, and Queen Victoria Market. Marvel Stadium and Her Majesty's Theatre are also within 12 mi (20 km).
Located in Melbourne Central Business District, this aparthotel is within a 10-minute walk of Hardware Lane, Queen Victoria Market, and Melbourne Central. Collins Street and Carlton Gardens are also within 1 mi (2 km). Flagstaff Station is only a 4-minute walk and Melbourne Central Station is 5 minutes.
Located in Melbourne Central Business District, this eco-friendly hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Melbourne Central and Princess Theatre. Queen Victoria Market and SEA LIFE Melbourne are also within 1 mi (2 km). Melbourne Central Station is 6 minutes by foot and Flinders Street Station is 9 minutes.
Located in Melbourne Central Business District, this luxury hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Queen Victoria Market and Melbourne Central. SEA LIFE Melbourne and Marvel Stadium are also within 1 mi (2 km). Flagstaff Station is only a 2-minute walk and Melbourne Central Station is 9 minutes.
Located in Chinatown, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Her Majesty's Theatre, Collins Street, and Princess Theatre. Carlton Gardens and Melbourne Central are also within 15 minutes. Parliament Station is only a 4-minute walk and Melbourne Central Station is 12 minutes.
Located in Melbourne Central Business District, this eco-friendly hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Queen Victoria Market and Melbourne Central. Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens are also within 15 minutes. Melbourne Central Station is 7 minutes by foot and Flagstaff Station is 12 minutes.
Located in Melbourne, this family-friendly hotel is 1.9 mi (3 km) from URBNSURF Sports Park, and within 12 mi (20 km) of DFO Essendon and Highpoint Shopping Centre. Flemington Racecourse and Moonee Valley Racecourse are also within 12 mi (20 km).
Located in Melbourne Central Business District, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of SEA LIFE Melbourne, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, and Bourke Street Mall. Crown Casino and Entertainment Complex and Marvel Stadium are also within 1 mi (2 km). Southern Cross Station is only a 4-minute walk and Flagstaff Station is 9 minutes.
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