Experience, taste and feel more in Melbourne

With its fusion of culture, adventure, and oasis, Melbourne’s not your run-of-the-mill urban escape.

Labyrinthian laneways, world-class coffee culture and a distinctive energy that vibrates past every street corner, Melbourne’s not your run-of-the-mill urban escape.

The sounds, ever-evolving culinary scene and cultural experiences capture the heart of the city, blending its historical and contemporary diversity. Meanwhile, not far from the urban centre lie luxury retreats and vistas that renew the soul.

Whether you’re a first-time or returning visitor, there’s a plethora of unique experiences to enjoy in Melbourne and Victoria.

A taste of innovation: Gastronomic adventures

Foodies are utterly spoiled for choice in Melbourne where the variety of culinary experiences on offer is matched only by the innovative approaches taken by restaurateurs. Reinvigorate your palate and add these options to your dining itinerary:

Big Esso by Mabu Mabu: Australian native ingredients take centre-stage at this contemporary indigenous food experience from Torres Strait Islander chef Nornie Bero.

Tippy Tay: You don’t need to fly to Europe to get a taste of an Italian summer; this garden-themed eatery feels like a family dinner party with your friends.

Hawker Hall: Bustling, rowdy and pulsing with energy, this place is everything we love about Malaysian and Singaporean street food.

Fossey's Distillery: Taste the highest quality gin and whiskey at this award-winning boutique distillery in a historic setting.

Lygon Street and beyond: The origin of Melbourne’s world-famous cafe culture and heart of Italian cuisine, Lygon Street is where to go to get your taste of la dolce vita. Handmade pasta, espresso and gelato mingle with Texan BBQ and Manhattan cocktail bars in this vibrant neighbourhood.

Big Esso.

Sonic waves: Get lost in the sounds of Melbourne

If there’s anything that could possibly rival Melbourne’s food and coffee culture, it’s the live music scene. The bars and entertainment venues here have hosted Australia’s and the world’s biggest performers and continue to bring visitors and locals alike a range of sounds from different genres.

Cherry Bar: This late-night rock ‘n’ roll bar and live music venue launched the careers of Aussie bands Jet and Airbourne and continues to be a favourite among rock aficionados.

The Tote: A punk rock institution with a palpable social history that has to be experienced to be understood.

The Espy: With its quirky vintage furniture, five floors and array of bars and restaurants contained within a 144 year-old seafront venue, you could visit The Espy again and again and have a totally unique experience each time.

The Forum: One of Melbourne’s most iconic venues, The Forum’s architectural splendour lends a sense of grandeur to the local and international music, theatrical and comedic performances that grace its stage.

The Forum.

Authentically Australian: First Nation culture and shopping

Authentic cultural experiences take you to the heart of Narrm (Melbourne), while unique boutiques emerging showcasing Indigenous creativity are adding new dimensions to an already vibrant shopping culture:

Haus of Dizzy: Bold, expressive fashion statements meticulously imbued with the Aboriginal heritage of founder Kristy Dickinson, who is on a mission to empower and address the lack of indigenous representation in the fashion industry.

Koorie Heritage Trust: Learn about and connect with the rich living culture of Aboriginal Victoria on the banks of the Birrarung Marr (Yarra River). Explore on foot, browse Koorie art and artefacts, immerse yourself in local Aboriginal artworks and purchase handcrafted locally made gifts.

Kinya Lerrk: The meaningful stationery and homewares at this Aboriginal owned and operated store make unique souvenirs to commemorate your visit to Melbourne.

The ultimate bathing oases: Forget what day of the week it is

R&R is a cornerstone of Victorian travel experience. Rest and de-stress, leaving the worries of daily life behind. Find your bliss in the heart of the city or a short drive away with these wellness experiences:

Alba Thermal Springs & Spa: World class luxury wellness in the heart of Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, experience therapeutic bliss in rain, botanical and forest pools, rituals, self-care treatments, and a locally sourced, seasonal menu.

Sense of Self Bathhouse: You don’t need to leave the city to experience wellness – this bathhouse in a converted brick warehouse on the border of Collingwood and Fitzroy offers a Finnish sauna, mineral bath, cold plunge, hammam, a day spa and massage treatments.

Deep Blue Hot Springs: Feel the stress melt away in mineral-rich waters gathered from 850 metres beneath the ground at this geothermal bathing sanctuary.

Metung Hot Springs: Geothermal bathing with spectacular views, Metung Hot Springs has a newly-opened floating sauna, bathing barrels, hot spring pools, various rejuvenating walks and even luxury glamping tents so you can stay a while (and you’ll want to).

Peninsula Hot Springs: Located just 90 minutes from Melbourne on the Mornington Peninsula, is an award-winning natural hot springs and day spa. It offers guests the chance to relax and rejuvenate in natural thermal mineral waters across various settings. The Bath House offers social bathing with over 70 experiences, including a cave pool and Turkish hammam, while the Spa Dreaming Centre provides a tranquil sanctuary for guests 16 and older, featuring thermal pools, a Moroccan hammam, and more, all designed for ultimate relaxation.

Metung Hot Springs.

Nature’s masterpieces on Melbourne's doorstep

Within a couple of hours’ drive from the centre of Melbourne lie astonishing natural landscapes that will do wonders for recharging the batteries. Breathtaking coastlines, majestic mountain vistas and much more await:

The Great Ocean Road: Renowned as one of the world’s best coastal drives, the Great Ocean Road takes you on a journey through native wildlife, stunning surf breaks, pristine rainforests and misty waterfalls. For the outdoor adventurer, it offers the perfect spots for bushwalking, surfing and mountain biking.

Twelve Apostles: One of the highlights of the Great Ocean Road are the Twelve Apostles, the best-known attraction in Port Campbell National Park. These spectacular limestone stacks are well worth a visit, but for the adventurous an extraordinary collection of other wave-sculpted rock formations, shipwrecks, and coastal walks abound and are waiting to be explored.

The Grampians: In West Victoria lie the Grampians, a majestic mountain range home to a rich Aboriginal culture, outdoor adventures in rugged wilderness, and 150 years of winemaking history. At lookout points, marvel at stunning panoramic views and magnificent waterfalls. The Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park is also home to native wildlife such as kangaroos, koalas, emus, and wedge-tailed eagles.