DESTINATION MELBOURNE

With Melbourne's combination of world-class dining, art galleries, homegrown fashion and a packed sports calendar, it's no surprise Victoria's capital is regarded the world’s most livable city. Follow this guide to discover its hidden charms.

Don't miss:

• Discover Melbourne’s hidden laneways and rooftops
  
• Cheer with the fans at sporting events
  
• Dine at culinary hotspots 
  

How to get there

Getting to Melbourne is easy with international and domestic flights arriving direct to Melbourne Airport from many major hubs. From the airport it’s a quick 30 minute taxi or shuttle bus ride to the central business district.

Dine at famous eateries

With so many restaurants in Melbourne you will be spoiled for choice. Sample Ben Shewry’s unique tasting menu. Melbourne’s city laneways are home to popular restaurants, such as Tonka, hidden down the graffiti-covered Duckboard Place, and elegant Flower Drum on Market Lane. Nearby, TV chef George Colombaris plates up modern Greek food at his flagship restaurant The Press Club and souvas at his string of casual restaurants Jimmy Grants. For the tastiest cheap eats, don't miss Hannoi Hannas delicious Vietnamese street food or Fonda Mexican for tacos and burritos. 

Wander through Melbourne's laneways

The centre of Melbourne is threaded with cobbled laneways, which have become a mecca for coffee shops, cafés and unique shopping boutiques. Start at Flinders Street station, wander down Degraves Street, and explore the city’s beautiful arcades and street art around every corner - including from England-based graffiti artist Banksy. Head down Collins Street to visit the exquisite Block Arcade then get your caffeine hit at any of the numerous cafes

Sip cocktails at a rooftop bar

Enjoy a cocktail or two from on of Melbourne's many rooftop bars. All across the city and neighbouring suburbs these high altitude bars will allow you to enjoy a drink whilst watching the sunset. Local favourites include Naked in the Sky, Rooftop Bar at Curtin House and nearby the unique Madame Brussels

Explore Melbourne's vibrant arts and culture

The  National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is Australia’s oldest gallery (founded in 1861) and hosts an exciting range of international and local exhibitions and events, and a collection of more than 70,000 works. Visit the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) to immerse yourself in the world of film, television and digital culture or take a taxi to the Heide Museum of Modern Art at Bulleen for an insight into Australian artists. In the evening, catch a performance at one of Melbourne's many theatres, which host everything from musicals to comedy and cabaret. Or if you're in the mood for jazz, swing past Bird's Basement jazz club in the centre of Melbourne for gigs from local and international musicians.