Explore Melbourne

A packed agenda of food, wine, sports and arts is your introduction to the best of Melbourne – from its creative, exciting city centre, to its buzzing neighbourhood hubs. It's the gateway to Victoria's world-class wineries, natural springs, peninsulas, spectacular coastline and alpine villages, making it the ideal destination for easy access to pre and post Conference touring.

Visitors will find Melbourne an exciting city to explore. Modern architecture and design are juxtaposed with heritage buildings reflecting Australia’s cultural history. But beneath the city’s impressive façade, lies the true heart and soul of the city; laneways which snake the city grid to reveal cafes and bars, fashion houses, boutiques, innovative cuisine, galleries, theatres and museums.

Melbourne has a lively passion for social eating and drinking, which is reflected in the thousands of restaurants serving up gastronomic experiences from around the world. Everywhere you will uncover a vast array of fashionable cafes, where you can enjoy Melbourne's existential coffee and cafe culture to the fullest.

Tick some items off your Melbourne bucket list

Queen Victoria Market

The ‘Vic Market’ has been the heart and soul of Melbourne for more than a century. It’s a vibrant and bustling inner-city market where you can shop at over 600 small businesses for everything from Australian fruit and vegetables, local and imported gourmet foods, clothing and souvenirs.

Hosier Lane

Walk down the famous bluestone laneway and admire the street art that has made the Melbourne urban art scene known across the globe. Take in the dizzying array of colours, characters and shapes created by local and international artists alike.

Eureka Skydeck 88

Nothing you have ever experienced will prepare you for the awe-inspiring views from the highest viewing platform in the Southern Hemisphere at Melbourne's Eureka Skydeck 88.

Old Melbourne Gaol

Shrouded in secrets, wander the same cells and halls as some of history’s most notorious criminals, from Ned Kelly to Squizzy Taylor, and discover the stories that never left.

St Kilda

Prepare to play in St Kilda, where you can kick up your heels by the seashore. Experience live music in open spaces and heritage venues, or get dizzy on the whirligigs at Luna Park.

NGV International

NGV International houses a whole world of international art, displaying the National Gallery of Victoria's collections of European, Asian, Oceanic and American art.