Travel Keyring

Melbourne travel guide

Australia

Basics

CountryAustralia

Time zoneAustralia/Melbourne

CurrencyAUD

Official language(s)English

Be sure to pack appropriate clothing for the weather, as Australia's summers can be very hot and winters are cool.

Places to visit

Carlton Gardens

A spacious park north of the CBD with mature trees, gardens, and pleasant walking paths. It is a relaxing stop that works well with the nearby museum precinct.

Location1-111 Carlton St, Carlton VIC 3053, Australia

Nearest stationParliament Station

HoursOpen 24 hours

AdmissionFree

Travel tipMorning visits are quieter and especially good for photos.

Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne

A large inner-city botanical garden with lakes, walking paths, and beautifully maintained themed collections. It is one of Melbourne’s best places for a relaxing stroll or picnic.

LocationBirdwood Ave, Melbourne VIC 3004, Australia

Nearest stationFlinders Street Station / Shrine of Remembrance stop

HoursDaily 7:30–sunset

AdmissionFree

Travel tipLate afternoon and sunset are especially pleasant, and it is easy to reach by tram or on foot from the CBD.

Shrine of Remembrance

Australia’s principal war memorial, with an observation terrace and exhibition spaces. It is both a landmark and an important place for learning about history.

LocationBirdwood Ave, Melbourne VIC 3004, Australia

Nearest stationFlinders Street Station / Shrine of Remembrance stop

HoursDaily 10:00–17:00

AdmissionFree

Travel tipThe outlook toward the city is excellent, and it pairs well with a visit to the nearby botanical gardens.

National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)

Australia’s oldest and largest public art museum, with a broad collection from classical to contemporary works.

Location180 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne VIC 3006

Nearest stationFlinders Street Station

HoursDaily 10:00–17:00

AdmissionFree (special exhibitions extra)

Travel tipCheck both the free displays and ticketed exhibitions for the best visit.

Royal Exhibition Building

A UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic building that showcases Melbourne’s architectural and exhibition heritage.

Location9 Nicholson St, Carlton VIC 3053

Nearest stationMelbourne Central Station / Parliament Station

HoursVaries by event/exhibition

AdmissionVaries by event/exhibition

Travel tipPair the visit with a walk through Carlton Gardens for the best experience.

ACMI - Australian Centre for the Moving Image

A museum covering the history of Australian film and TV with various exhibitions.

HoursDaily 09:00 - 21:00

AdmissionFree

Travel tipDon’t miss their current screenings!

Federation Square

A major public space for events and exhibitions in Melbourne.

HoursOpen 24 hours

AdmissionFree

Travel tipDon’t miss the weekend performances!

Food to try

Laksa King

One of Melbourne’s most famous Malaysian laksa specialists, known for its rich broth and generous portions. It is a classic noodle destination for locals as well as visitors.

Location6/6-8 Pin Oak Cres, Flemington VIC 3031, Australia

Nearest stationNewmarket Station

HoursDaily 11:00–21:00

AdmissionVaries by menu

Travel tipLunch hours can be very busy, so allow time for a wait.

Queen Victoria Market

Melbourne’s iconic market for fresh produce, seafood, desserts, and casual meals.

LocationQueen St, Melbourne VIC 3000

Nearest stationMelbourne Central Station / Flagstaff Station

HoursClosed Tue & Thu; Wed/Fri 06:00–15:00; Sat 06:00–15:00; Sun 09:00–16:00

AdmissionEntry free; food and goods extra

Travel tipThe Wednesday night market has a great atmosphere, but check the trading days and hours in advance.

Caffé e Torta

A long-loved Italian bakery-café in Melbourne’s CBD, known for panini and desserts.

Location158 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000

Nearest stationMelbourne Central Station

HoursMon–Fri 07:00–15:00, Sat 08:00–15:00, Sun closed

AdmissionAbout A$10–25 per item

Travel tipArrive a bit early at lunch time to avoid the queue.

Smith Street Cafe

A popular local cafe known for its brunch and coffee.

HoursDaily 10:00 - 21:00

Admission$

Travel tipGet there early to secure your seat!

Events

Melbourne Fringe Festival

A major arts festival centered on independent artists, experimental performance, visual art, and live events. It is ideal for travelers looking for more unconventional works than mainstream commercial festivals.

WhenUsually around February to March each year

HoursDuring the festival period

AdmissionPaid (varies by program)

Travel tipVenues are spread across the city, so it helps to leave plenty of time between events.

Melbourne Food and Wine Festival

A signature food event with restaurant events, winery programs, and chef collaborations. It is a great way to experience Melbourne’s food scene alongside Australian wine.

WhenUsually around March to April each year

HoursDuring the festival period

AdmissionPaid (varies by program)

Travel tipPopular sessions sell out quickly, so booking ahead is recommended.

Melbourne International Comedy Festival

A world-famous major comedy festival featuring stand-up, shows, and live performances across the city.

WhenAround March to April each year

LocationVarious venues across Melbourne CBD

Nearest stationFlinders Street Station

HoursVaries by show during the festival

AdmissionPaid; varies by show

Travel tipPopular shows sell out quickly, so book early once your trip dates are set.

Royal Melbourne Show

A major fair-style event with agriculture, animals, rides, and food that’s popular with all ages.

WhenAround September each year

LocationMelbourne Showgrounds, Epsom Rd, Ascot Vale VIC 3032

Nearest stationShowgrounds Station

HoursUsually from morning until evening during the event

AdmissionPaid; varies by date and ticket type

Travel tipIt’s very popular with families, so weekdays are often less crowded than weekends.

Melbourne Fashion Festival

A style-focused event featuring runway shows, talks, and exhibitions around Australian fashion and design.

WhenAround March each year

LocationVarious fashion venues across Melbourne CBD

Nearest stationFlinders Street Station / Parliament Station

HoursVaries by program during the festival

AdmissionMixed free and paid programs

Travel tipSome programs book out quickly, so it’s worth checking schedules in advance.

Basic travel phrases (English)

Hello

Hello · Greeting

Thank you

Thank you · Thanks

Nice to meet you

Nice to meet you · Nice to meet you

Have a great day

Have a great day · Wishing a good day

Welcome

Welcome · Welcome

See all travel guides