Melbourne Hotel & Travel Destination Guide

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Country Code: AU
Source: Fastcheck Arrival Guides

Population:
3.7 million

Currency:
1 Australian Dollar (AUD/A$) = 100 cents

Opening hours:
Most shops and businesses in Melbourne are open between 09.00-17.30 on weekdays and Saturdays. Sunday trading is also becoming more and more common in Melbourne with shops being open from 10.00 until 16.00 or 16.30
Tourist information:
Melbourne Visitor Information Centre
2 Swanston Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Open every day 09.00-18.00
Tel: +61 3 9658 9658

Melbourne

Melbourne is an arty powerhouse with a vibrant and multicultural soul. Nicknamed ‘Paris of the southern hemisphere’ Melbourne is not only known to be Australia’s cultural hot-spot but is also famous for its major sport events and its culinary delights from all across the world. With it’s high rising city centre and its far stretching suburbs, it is hard not to be dragged in by the life of the capital of Victoria – ‘the place to be’ – but daytrips to the wild nature of the state are also extremely attractive.

Melbourne City

Melbourne is the second-largest city in Australia and is known to be Australia’s most cultured city – although some Sydney-siders would contest this. The city’s main features are museums, galleries and theatres, large green areas and the Yarra River flowing across the urban centre.

Melbourne has seen wave after wave of immigrants, with Italians, Greeks, Chinese and Vietnamese all adding ingredients to the cultural and culinary mix. And there’s the sports-mad of course. Each year Melbourne lays host to some of the world’s major international sports events such as the Australian Open in tennis and the Formula 1.

The city developed during the height of the Victorian gold rush in the late 1800s, which is shown in the Victorian-era architecture in some neighbour hoods. However, developments over the years have also left their mark, recently with the new and modern Federation Square complex and the Docklands re-development. But probably the most famous characteristic of Melbourne is the television series ‘Neighbours’ recorded here and broadcasted across the world for more than 20 years.

If you fancy a trip out of the city, Melbourne is also a great base for 1-2 day tours to, for example, the Grampians national Park, the Great Ocean Road with the Twelve Apostles, local wineries, and to observe the masses of penguins on Phillip Island coming home from the day at sea. Enjoy your stay in what many claim is the hippest city in the southern hemisphere.

Things to See and Do in Melbourne

It is not without reason that Melbourne is often dubbed the world’s most liveable city as the vibrant metropolis has plenty of attractions to visit and landmarks to see. Here are some of the main attractions that will show you the parts of Melbourne, which the city is so famous for.

Federation Square
This futuristic plaza is one of the most complex and ambitious construction projects ever undertaken in Australia and serves as Melbourne’s civic centre with cafés, restaurants, an amphitheatre and several museums such as the Ian Potter centre with Australian art. There’s also a farmers market every Friday and a book market on Saturdays.
Address: Federation Sq,
Underground: Flinders Street Station
Phone: +61 3 9655 1900
Internet: www.federationsquare.com.au

St Kilda
It’s one of the liveliest and colourful areas of Melbourne right on the Hobson Bay. Acland and Fitzroy streets are the main roads with bars, restaurants and shops. The cake shops are just too tempting! In the late afternoon take a stroll along St Kilda Beach to watch the sunset.
Underground: Fitzroy Street tram stop
Internet: www.melbourne.com.au/stkilda

Royal Melbourne Zoo
The zoo in Melbourne is one of the world’s oldest zoos and famous for its large collection of native animals in a spacious bush setting.
Address: Elliot Avenue, Parkville 3052
Underground: Royal Park Station
Phone: +61 3 9285 9300
Internet: www.zoo.org.au

Melbourne Museum
This innovative museum houses an Aboriginal centre, a rain forest and a set of the world famous TV show ‘Neighbours’ and much more. For a couple of dollars extra you also get the entrance to the next-door IMAX theatre.
Address: 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton
Underground: Parliament Train Station
Phone: +61 3 8341 7777
Internet: melbourne.museum.vic.gov.au

Royal Botanic Gardens
It’s arguably one of most beautiful botanic gardens in the world and is the perfect place for a relaxing and picturesque picnic.
Address: Birdwood Avenue, South Yarra
Underground: Domain Road Interchange tram stop
Phone: +61 3 9252 2300
Internet: www.rbg.vic.gov.au

Melbourne Observation Deck
It offers breathtaking 360-degree views of Melbourne with a café if you want to enjoy the sight for a while. It’s the perfect place to relax after a long walk around town.
Address: 525 Collins Street
Underground: King Street tram stop,
Phone: +61 3 9629 8222
Internet: www.melbournedeck.com.au

Old Melbourne Gaol
The Old Melbourne Gaol was established in 1841 and remains a fabulous insight into Melbourne’s historical past. The night tours are spookily good.
Address: Russell Street
Underground: Melbourne Central Station
Phone: +61 3 9663 7228
Internet: www.melbourne.com.au/gaol

Melbourne Aquarium
Highlights include a 360-degree fish-bowl viewing area or why not dive with the sharks, if you dare!
Address: on the corner of Flinders and King streets
Underground: Flinders Street or South Cross stations
Phone: +61 3 9620 0999
Internet: www.melbourneaquarium.com.au

Immigration Museum
This museum gives an excellent account of Melbourne’s immigrants over the last 200 years, using audio and visual displays.
Address: 400 Flinders Street
Underground: Flinders Street station
Phone: +61 3 9927 2700
Internet: immigration.museum.vic.gov.au

Phillip Island
This nature reserve offers plenty to entertain the visitors, but the highlight is the nightly parade of penguins – which return ashore and head for their sand dune homes at sunset after spending the day fishing. Expect anything from a couple of hundred to a couple of thousand penguins!
Underground: Rent a car or contact the tourist office for special
bus tours to Phillip Island.
Internet: www.penguins.org.au

Eating in Melbourne

Melbourne’s ethnic diversity is reflected in its culinary world and as gastronomic outings are a bit of a local obsession, there are a vast variety of restaurants to choose from. It’s no surprise that Melbourne is dubbed the eating capital of Australia. Many of Melbourne’s areas have a culinary character all of their own, from the Greek atmosphere of Lonsdale Street or Carlton’s ‘Little Italy’, to the wide choice of Chinatown around Little Bourke Street.

At the Southgate complex near the Yarra River you can enjoy striking views of the city and spectacular waterfront while you dine. You’ll find something for every palate and price range, from fine dining to fast noodles, focaccia to fish of the day. It is said that to truly discover Melbourne is to embark on an adventure for the taste buds.

The Isthmus Of Kra
Award winning Isthmus of Kra is renowned in Melbourne for serving creative and traditional Thai dishes in a beautifully tranquil setting.
Address: 50 Park Street, South Melbourne
Phone: +61 3 9690 3688
Internet: www.isthmusofkra.com.au

Red Orange
Red Orange offers a mix of modern Australian and international cuisine located just opposite the famous Prahran Market. The Porterhouse steak is mouth-watering.
Address: 194 Commercial Road, South Yarra
Phone: +61 3 9510 3654
Internet: www.redorangemelbourne.com.au

Becco
Becco is a lively restaurant and one of the centre’s most popular Italian eateries. It’s speciality is seafood and if you’re a fish lower then try the ‘whole fish of the day’. There is also an adjoining bar.
Address: 11-25 Crossley Street, City
Underground: Parliament Station
Phone: +61 3 9663 3000
Internet: www.becco.com.au

Robarta And The Nest
This restaurant, bar and late night lounge embodies the atmosphere of St Kilda and is temptingly close to the pastry shops of Acland Street if you fancy a sweet dessert. Asian inspired.
Address: 109-111 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda
Phone: +61 3 9534 9041
Internet: www.robarta.com.au

Shark Fin Inn
Located in Chinatown, this restaurant serves some of the finest Cantonese food in town. It’s a favourite for dim sum.
Address: 50 Little Bourke Street, City
Underground: Parliament Station
Phone: +61 3 9662 2681
Internet: www.sharkfin.com.au

The Vegie Bar
The Vegie Bar is a fun hip place to grab a bite or sit down and enjoy a good meal – a great and healthy alternative to traditional fast food.
Address: 378 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
Phone: +61 3 9417 6935
Internet: www.vegiebar.com.au

Ezard
This sleek and fine restaurant serves Australian freestyle cuisine with a twist of Asia – it is a truly delicious gastronomic experience.
Address: 187 Flinders Lane, City
Underground: Flinders Street Station
Phone: +61 3 9639 8611
Internet: www.ezard.com.au

Baraki Upo Mezethes
The restaurant offers a mouth-watering selection of distinctive Mediterranean mezethes to share. Don’t miss out on the signature dish! And feel free to ‘ask for lots of bread and feel free to make a mess’ as a note on the menu reads.
Address: 168 Lonsdale Street, City
Phone: +61 3 9663 9971
Internet: www.yourrestaurants.com.au

Mecca
Mecca has a great location and serves deliciously creative Middle-Eastern dishes.
Address: MR3 Mid-level Southgate, Southbank
Underground: Flinders Street Station
Phone: +61 3 9682 2999
Internet: www.mecca.net.au

Jimmy Watson’s Wine Bar & Restaurant
This third generation Australian wine family offers a memorable dining experience. Besides the delicious food the restaurants also offers a good selection of wines.
Address: 333 Lygon Street, Carlton
Phone: +61 3 9347 3985

Melbourne Cafes

Melbourne has heaps of cafés, so whether you fancy a long and relaxing brunch, a quick coffee or an afternoon drink – it is all here situated on the street corners or in the small alleyways.

Blue Train Café
Blue Train has a vide range of coffee on the menu as well as delicious brunch dishes. Or if you fancy something to satisfy you hunger, the stone pizzas are very nice.
Address: MR5 Mid-level Southgate, Southbank
Underground: Flinders Street Station
Phone: +61 3 9696 0440
Internet: www.bluetrain.com.au

Illia Café
This centrally located café serves yummy breakfasts and lunches at reasonable prices. You cannot miss out on the Eggs Florentines they make here – absolutely yummy!
Address: 180 William Street, City
Underground: The Supreme Court
Phone: +61 3 9640 0422

Caffe Trubi
A great escape from a busy morning of shopping or sightseeing. The coffee here invigorates any tired soul. There’s a happy hour every Friday afternoon.
Address: 391 Little Lonsdale Street, City
Phone: +61 3 9600 348
Internet: www.caffetrubi.com.au

Degraves Espresso Bar
This coffee bar with a character serves a delicious morning fry-up and a great espresso. The decor is a blend between Paris and Melbourne, and in true Degraves Street style, it’s very al fresco cafe.
Address: 23-25 Degraves Street, City
Underground: Flinders Street Station
Phone: +61 3 9654 1245

Retro Café
Retro Café embodies the whole atmosphere of Brunswick Street, which is a must-see when visiting Melbourne.
Address: 413 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
Phone: +61 3 9419 9103
Internet: www.retro.net.au

Bonus Box
One must-do-activity in Melbourne is to head north to Brunswick Street in Fitzroy for dinner and then spend the night there to enjoy some of the many great bands playing in the area. There’s live music every night in Brunswick Street and popular venues include The Rob Roy Hotel, Bar Open, Cue Bar, Evelyn, Cape Lounge and The First Floor.

Melbourne Bars and Nightlife

Melbourne is awash with bars of all kinds of themes and clientele imaginable. Although widely spread, they are mainly concentrated in central Melbourne and in the Fitzroy and St Kilda areas.

Watermark Bar
This stylish and contemporary bar is one of Melbourne’s most recently developed waterfront establishments perched right by the water at Victoria Harbour.
Address: 800 Bourke Street, Docklands
Underground: The Promenade
Phone: +61 3 9642 1880
Internet: www.watermarkbar.com.au

Golden Monkey
It’s a trendy and tucked away bar that gives you the feeling of an Opium Den with a promise of mystery and decadence - it’s like entering another world.
Address: 389 Lonsdale Street, City, (Enter via Hardware Lane)
Phone: +61 3 9602 2055
Internet: www.goldenmonkey.com.au

Hairy Canary
The Hairy Canary is perfect for a pre-whatever-drink serving mixed drinks in big glasses. It’s recommended for its impressive cocktails and cosy, small bar atmosphere.
Address: 212 Little Collins Street, City
Phone: +61 3 9654 2471

La La Land
It’s the ultimate comfortable lounge place with a long drinks list. This is an ideal venue for pre-dinner drinks, after-dinner drinks, a quiet mid-week drink, or a Friday/Saturday boogie.
Address: 125 Hardware Lane, City
Internet: www.lalaland.com.au

Madame Brussels
This third floor bar is an inside beer garden with an exceptionally friendly staff. The decor is half the attraction.
Address: 59 Bourke Street, City
Internet: www.madamebrussels.com

6 Links
This is a designer bar with a difference and this hidden gem is the talk of town. 6 Links has comfortable seating, a great selection of beers as well as a free pool table and free wireless.
Address: 228 Flinders Lane,
Underground: Flinders Street Station,
Phone: +61 3 9650 2977
Internet: www.6links.com.au

Bar Altitude
This is a classic and well-known club where Friday and Saturday nights offer a great party vibe with DJ’s spinning tunes to the wee hours!
Address: 163 Russell Street, City
Internet: www.baraltitude.com.au

Metro
It has 8 bars on three different floors and is perfect if you like big clubs.
Address: 20 Bourke Street, City
Internet: www.metronightclub.com

Revolver Upstairs
This club has a packed program with live music and DJs and is always busy. This is where Melbournians go to continue the party when other clubs have turned off the lights.
Address: 229 Chapel Street, Prahran
Internet: www.revolverupstairs.com.au

The Apartment
This groovy lounge club that makes you feel like you’re at a private party – Saturday nights are best.
Address: 401 Little Bourke Street, City
Internet: www.theapartment.com

Inflation
If you want to dance all night long, then this is the place to go. Dress to impress!
Address: 60 King Street, City
Internet: www.inflation.com.au

Onesixone
The vibe here is intimate and exclusive on Friday and Saturdays. The bouncers are a challenge!
Address: 161 Highstreet, Prahran
Internet: www.onesixone.com.au

Aura The Lounge
This sexy spot is decked out in super-smooth caramel and is one of the hottest clubs in the city centre.
Address: 12 Bourke Street, City
Internet: www.aurathelounge.com.au

Shopping in Melbourne

Melbourne has become a centre for art, music and theatre as well as designer shopping. Its neighbourhoods have evolved into distinctive identities, from fashion-conscious South Yarra to retro Fitzroy, funky St. Kilda by the bay to the bargain-shopping inner hub of Richmond. The markets in Melbourne are an attraction of themselves. The Queen Victoria Market is the largest open-air market in the southern hemisphere selling everything there is to find under the sun. It’s on the corner of Victoria and Peel streets and is open every day.

The Prahran Market is the city’s best food market and is a great place to grab some delicious lunch. It’s open Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sunday and can be found on 163-185 Commercial Road, Prahran. The South Melbourne Market is a general market with mainly food products and is situated on the corner of Cecil and Coventry streets, South Melbourne. It’s open on Wednesdays and Friday-Sundays.

At Docklands, Melbourne’s first harbour-side market is open from 11.00 to 17.00 every Saturday. Visitors will be able to stroll along the harbour-side promenade and stock up on organic produce, beautiful handcrafts and other treasures. Melbourne’s two main department stores – David Jones and Meyer – are housed in the Bourke Street Mall in the centre of the city. The department stores stock typically Australian products and the best goods to look out for are woollen garments, bush gear, handcrafted jewellery (particularly opals), woodwork design and ceramics.

There are also scores of other shops in and around the area on Lonsdale and Swanston streets. Melbourne Central – another shopping paradise - can be found on the corner of LaTrobe and Swanston streets offering young and funky labels. Little Bourke Street is famous for its hub of outdoor gear shops. Elizabeth Street is a great choice for cameras, computers and Hi-Fi equipment. Watch out for the numerous laneways branching off Little Collins Street for some of the best-hidden treats. Retro fashion, exclusive one-off boutiques and heaps of cafés to satisfy your thirst are to be found on Flinders Lane.

Brunswick Street is also a popular place to do a bit of shopping with plenty of specialty boutiques and vintage clothing stores mixed in between funky record shops and retro furniture stores. It’s your best bet for Melbourne-specific designs and artistic creations. Last but not least, no Melbourne shopping trip would be complete without a visit to the infamous Chapel Street where young and independent designers have their outlets. The exclusive shops along Toorak Road offer the latest designer labels where, in between star spotting, you can pick up the latest fashions.

Myer
Myer is a city institution established over 80 years ago and the biggest single department store in Australia.
Address: 314-336 Bourke Street, City
Underground: Bourke Street tram stop
Phone: +61 3 9661 1111
Internet: www.myer.com.au

David Jones
This department store is noted for its tempting food hall.
Address: 310 Bourke Street, City
Underground: Bourke Street tram stop
Phone: +61 3 9643 2222
Internet: www.davisjones.com.au

Melbourne Central
This urban inner-city arcade is a style-laden destination for shopping, eating & entertainment with over 300 stores to explore.
Address: 211 LaTrobe Street, City,
Underground: Melbourne Central Station
Phone: +61 3 9922 1100
Internet: www.melbournecentral.com.au

Qv
This is one of Melbourne’s latest and most exciting retail developments, which boasts of a mix of fashion, home wares and
furniture. Address: Corner of Lonsdale and Swanston streets, City
Underground: Melbourne Central Station
Phone: +61 3 9658 0100
Internet: www.qv.com.au

The Walk Arcade
Inside The Walk Arcade you will find a variety of fashion and accessories suitable for various ages, shapes and sizes.
Address: 309-325 Bourke Street, City
Underground: Bourke Street tram stop
Phone: +61 3 9654 6744

The Block Arcade
This arcade on Collins Street, Melbourne’s main shopping street is a grand Victorian building, which is reflected in the shops
selling elegant leatherwear, glassware and couture.
Address: 280-286 Collins Street, City
Underground: Collins Street tram stop
Phone: +61 3 9654 5244

Royal Arcade
The Royal Arcade, connecting Bourke and Little Collins Streets is at the heart of Melbourne’s shopping district and is lined up with souvenirs, travel, food and jewellery shops.
Address: 335 Bourke Street Mall
Underground: Bourke Street tram stop
Phone: +61 3 9670 7777
Internet: www.royalarcade.com.

Melbourne Hotels

Adelphi
Located in a converted old building, the post-modern Adelphi Hotel has a glass-bottomed saltwater pool overhanging the street.
Address: 187 Flinders Lane, City
Underground: Flinders Street Station

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Lindrum Hotel
Stylishly decorated suited to make you feel at your best - you’ll find it hard to leave your room - especially if you make the right choice from the pillow menu!
Address: 26 Flinders Street, City
Underground: Flinders Street Station

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The Victoria Hotel
This hotel has almost 500 basic rooms at reasonable prices as well as a pool, sauna and spa. Very central.
Address: 215 Little Collins Street, City

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Atlantis Best Western Hotel
This is a new and modern hotel with many rooms overlooking Melbourne City.
Address: 300 Spencer Street, City
Underground: Spencer Street Coach Terminal

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Luxury Melbourne Hotels

The Windsor
It is a clear example of Melbourne’s gold-rush days and is one of Australia’s grand Victorian hotels, which is famous for its afternoon teas and murder-mystery weekends.
Address: 103-115 Spring Street, City
Underground: Parliament Station

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Crown Casino Promenade Hotel Melbourne
Crown Promenade Hotel offers 465 guestrooms in a variety of configurations and includes 18 studios and 3 suites. Along with spacious rooms, fantastic bay and city views the hotel includes, the purpose-built Crown Conference Centre, Mesh Restaurant, Tonic Bar and the deck leisure centre with 25-metre infinity indoor pool and two sun decks. Crown Promenade Hotel is located in the heart of the action - Melbourne’s vibrant southbank entertainment precinct. Directly linked to the exciting crown entertainment complex by an air bridge, Crown Promenade Hotel is close to Melbourne’s CBD, the Melbourne Exhibition Centre, major tourist attractions, sporting venues and many of the city’s most famous arts and sporting facilities. The Crown Entertainment Complex includes a 24-hour casino, over 40 restaurants and bars, international brand-shopping arcade, cinema complex, international showroom and multimedia entertainment arcade.
Address: 8 Whiteman St, Southbank, Melbourne 3006

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Good Value Melbourne Hotels

Hotel Causeway Melbourne
Situated in the vibrant heart of Melbourne. Hotel Causeway provides guests with a touch of style and warmth. Suitable for leisure and business travellers alike. and surrounded by Melbourne’s lively fashion and cafe circle. Located close to the CBD provides easy access to Melbourne’s entertainment, cultural and sporting venues. Being a boutique hotel, Hotel Causeway offers an array of distinctive room-types all with the accent of comfort.
Address: 275 Little Collins Street

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Cheap Melbourne Hotels

The Nunnery
Just on the fringe of the city opposite the Carlton Gardens with good facilities and a friendly atmosphere.
Address: 116 Nicholson St, Fitzroy
Underground: Carlton Gardens

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