Melbourne

Find out what to do in Melbourne here! Don't miss out on Australia's coffee capital, Melbourne - a city of culture, art and great food with unique and memorable things to do for visitors and locals alike. Venture outside your Melbourne hotel whether it's sunny or a rainy day - or even on Australia Day for an experience you will never forget around Victoria's capital.

The city is alive with fantastic restaurants, quirky cafes and charming little side streets in the CBD that will keep you busy exploring for days or take a Melbourne tour with a local if your time is short!. For the cultural minded you are in for a treat when looking for what to do in Melbourne with award winning theatre productions, shows and festivals, and be sure to take time to discover the great shopping destinations and markets.

Animal lovers will feel right at home at Melbourne zoo and be in for a treat watching the fairy penguins race up the beach at Phillip Island. Venture away from the city to find world-class vineyards at Yarra Valley and breathtaking scenery along the Great Ocean Road with the twelve apostles. Tour the major sporting venues, dive with sharks at Melbourne Aquarium, see unusual sea life on kayak, Scuba and snorkelling adventures, and take an extreme view of Melbourne from the Eureka Skydeck. Also, don't forget to check out all the great things to do in our other major regions such as Brisbane, Sydney, the Gold Coast attractions, and much more! In addition, for an overview of things to do in Victoria or an itinerary for Melbourne sightseeing, be sure to visit our Melbourne city guide pages.

Need help?

Call 1300 935 532

Useful Information Melbourne

Useful information for visiting Melbourne

Phone Numbers

Emergency- Police, Fire & Ambulance dial 000

International dialing code +61

What to do in Melbourne by Month:

Weather

The weather in Melbourne is known to be unpredictable and the locals joke about days when they experience all four seasons in one day.

Spring (September to November)- cool and crisp, the weather ranges between 22C/72F to 7C/45F

Summer (December to February)- warm dry days, the weather ranges between 27C/81F to 12C/54F although there may be a few days where the weather goes up to 40C/104F

Autumn (March to May)- the time of colourful nature, the weather ranges between 24C/75F to 8C/46F

Winter (June to August)- cool and crisp, the weather ranges between 13C/55F to 5C/41F

Sun/Surf safety

Australia has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world so it can be tempting to throw caution to the wind. Always play it safe by swimming between the red and yellow flags in beaches that are patrolled by lifeguards. Protect your skin from sun damage by following the simple Slip, Slop and Slap rule- Slip on a shirt, Slop on some sunscreen and Slap on a hat.

Money

ATMs and banks are easily found in the city of Melbourne. Most places accept the major credit cards, American Express, MasterCard, Diners Club and Visa. Currency converters can be found throughout the city as well.

National Australian Bank

800 Bourke Street, Docklands 13 2265

Commonwealth Bank

Lvl 5, 385 Bourke, Melbourne 13 22 21

Bankwest

62 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne (08) 9449 2840

GST

A 10% Goods and Services Tax is added to most items that you purchase and is included in the display price. For visitors to Australia, the GST of goods over $300 purchased within 30 days of leaving Australia and packed into your hand luggage is refundable at the airport. 1300 363 263

Tipping

Tipping is not expected in Australia. However, if you experience really good service and want to show your appreciation, 10% of the bill is an acceptable amount for a tip.

Melbourne Accommodation

Finding cheap accommodation in Melbourne, one of Australia's busiest cities can sometimes be difficult. That's why the team at Quickbeds, Mantra and Breakfree all work to get you the best deals available. Check out Quickbeds' cheap deals on Melbourne hotels, or visit the property groups of Mantra and Breakfree.

Time Zone

The Standard time zone in Melbourne is GMT +10

Bars

The minimum age for the purchase and consumption of alcohol is 18. Minors will not be permitted to enter a bar if not accompanied by an adult.

Smoking

Smoking is prohibited at indoor public places and cigarettes will not be sold to minors

Medical Services

Alfred Hospital Commercial Road, Prahran (03) 9276 2000

Royal Melbourne Hospital (03) 9342 7000

My Chemist Shops 3B & 3C, 48 Elizabeth St, Melbourne (03) 9639 7541

Pulse Pharmacy 253 Flinders Lane, Melbourne (03) 9650 2200

Visitor Centre

Melbourne Visitor Centre 2 Swanston St, Federation Square 03 9658 9658

Melbourne Visitor Booth Bourke Street Mall, Between Swanston and Elizabeth Streets

Information Victoria 05 Lt Collins Street, Melbourne 1300 366 356